Being a professional chauffeur can be a fun and exciting career. It pays well, you get to go to glamorous events, and you may even get to meet somebody famous. Being a chauffeur is not an easy job. You must have a special driver’s license and excellent people skills. You must also have the utmost respect for the privacy of others.

Limousine companies around the country are looking for trained drivers. You can work directly for a company or work as an independent contractor. Different states have different requirements for licensure. 

Requirements in Florida

The state of Florida requires a professional chauffeur to be a resident of the state. You will need a commercial driver’s license to operate a limousine. You must provide proof of residency and proof of identification to get one of these licenses.

You must be 18 years old or older and be able to pass a written knowledge test and an on-the-road driving test. If you’re going to cross state lines, you must be over 21. The written test is just 30 questions long. The on-the-road driving test will include a pre-driving inspection requiring you to give the limo a thorough once-over. You’ll have to make sure that you can drive the limo forward and back, and you will have to prove that you can drive it in traffic.

Interviewing With a Limousine Company

When you interview with a limousine company, they’ll want to know about your previous work experience and your driving record. They must check to ensure that your driver’s license is valid and that you don’t have a suspended license in any state. They must also check your employment history.

When you are a professional limousine driver, you’ll have many different types of passengers. You will take 17-year-olds to their prom. You’ll also drive business people from the airport to important meetings and take vacationers to fancy restaurants. You may drive people to their wedding or the funeral of a loved one. 

You’ll be expected to be polite and respectful to people from all walks of life. The person interviewing you will likely ask you how well you deal with stress and how you feel about dealing with people from various cultures.

A limousine driver will also come in contact with celebrities. You’ll not only drive them to events, but you may also drive them to their home and the homes of other prominent people. You’re expected to respect their privacy no matter what. 

The press and paparazzi organizations may offer you money to tell them where someone is. You will have to sign a non-disclosure agreement with the limousine company stating that you will never talk to one of these organizations.

Although you may not feel sorry for a celebrity having their picture taken, you must remember that a celebrity has many people dependent on them. If you secretly disclose the whereabouts of a celebrity, you’ll not only hurt them, but someone who works for them may be blamed for it.

When you’re interviewed for a limousine company, you should always tell them you understand the importance of privacy for every client, no matter who they are.

Dress for Success

You should always look your best when you go to any job interview. It’s crucial when you’re interviewing for a limo driver position. You’re likely to be given a uniform to wear if you are hired. You should wear a conservative dark suit to an interview and cover up any tattoos. You should remove earrings, nose rings, or facial rings for the interview. Make sure your hair is neatly trimmed. It’s also a good idea to have a manicure. 

If you’re hired by the company, remember to keep your car clean and well-stocked. Always arrive early and never drive away from an event until it’s over. You never know when your client may want to leave.

What to look for in a Limousine Company

The company you work for should be well established. They should be willing to answer questions about pay and the number of hours you’ll be expected to work per week. It’s best to find a company whose owners have worked as professional drivers.

There is nothing quite like riding down the street in a limousine. It’s even better when you’re in the driver’s seat.