What is the Difference Between a Chauffeur and a Driver?

You must have heard the terms 'driver' and 'chauffeur' and wonder if there are any differences between chauffeurs and drivers. Or, you have believed that a chauffeur is a fancy or a more professional name for a driver. It turns out the term “Chauffeur" has a very specific meaning.

Drivers and chauffeurs are two different terms that a lot of people have used interchangeably. Although both professionals are hired to drive a passenger vehicle, there are noticeable differences between them.

Anyone can drive a car and be called a driver, but not every driver can effectively perform the job of a chauffeur. Thus, you can conclude that all chauffeurs are drivers, but not all drivers are chauffeurs.

What Is a Chauffeur?

Chauffeurs are not just people who get you to your destination; they are people whose utmost priority is to make sure you are satisfied, convenient, and relaxed all through your journey. Their job isn't limited to driving; they serve you and ensure that your needs are satisfied.

From carrying your luggage to getting your reservations, running errands, picking up your dry cleaned clothes, and ensuring you are secured, a chauffeur is trained to fulfill your requests, provided they are legal.

Chauffeurs are trained to exhibit certain personality traits. While interacting with the clients, they are usually polite, courteous, calm, and respectful. Discretion and timeliness are also some of the unique characteristics peculiar to professional chauffeurs. They do not keep their clients waiting, neither do they intrude into their clients' privacy.

If you are worried about receiving an important call or about anyone knowing your whereabouts while you are having a ride, then you should hire a chauffeur. A chauffeur will never divulge any information about you or your business. They are trained to be discreet and respectful of your private life.

Chauffeurs are usually quiet, and they don't question you unnecessarily. Unless they are spoken to, they won't bug you or bother you with unnecessary talks.

They are also adequately trained to provide top-notch transportation services all over the world. They have a driver's license, and they also undergo special training to get a chauffeur license.

During this extensive training to become a professional chauffeur, they are taught customer service and how to relate well with their clients. They take professional and advanced training courses to improve their service quality to their clients.

The term Personal Driver and Chauffeur CAN be used interchangeably.  A personal driver isn't just any driver. They are special drivers that drive their clients in a safe, comfortable, and professional way. They do this while maintaining the vehicle, keeping track of time, and traffic and navigating safely to the desired destination. Besides driving, they also offer delivery services to different locations.

An excellent personal driver will have extensive knowledge of different roads, locations, and places like restaurants, hotels, etc. They also dress nicely, communicate respectfully and have professional navigation skills.

What Is a Hired Driver?

A driver is anyone who owns a driver's license and can drive a vehicle. When you hire a driver, they merely convey you from a destination to another without bothering about your welfare or giving you any special treatment.

Regardless of who you are or how much you pay them, they consider their job as just transporting you to your desired destination.

Unlike a chauffeur who focuses on offering you the best transportation service, a driver isn't bothered. They do not undergo any special training, so they don't understand or practice customer service.

A chauffeur might be concerned about the kind of music you want to listen to during your ride or might get you a coffee after you've just had a tiring day, but a typical driver won't. They don't consider these services a part of their job.

Examples of hired drivers are ride share drivers, taxi drivers, and bus operators.  While these professionals can get you from point A to point B, there should be few expectations outside of the scope of just driving the vehicle.

Differences Between Chauffeurs and Drivers

Drivers and Chauffeurs are not interchangeable terms, although some of their driving services are pretty similar. The mode of their services, their dressing, what each profession entails, and the training they undergo are the features that distinguish them.

If you have ever hired either of them, you would be able to tell the differences between a chauffeur and a driver.

Here are five key differences between a chauffeur and a driver.

Services Provided

While a driver is hired to drive you from one location to another, a chauffeur's job is much more than that. Chauffeurs are trained to serve their clients and help them achieve their needs.

They run errands like booking reservations and driving you to business meetings, celebrations, tours, etc. Despite being trained to serve you, a chauffeur offers only professional services and will not take casual jobs. For instance, a chauffeur might be able to deliver your groceries and supplies, while a driver will likely not be available for extra tasks.

Chauffeurs can also be hired on a part-time or full-time basis, unlike a typical hired drivers. If you need an urgent transportation or your car develops a sudden mechanical fault and you need to rent a car for a short while, you can hire a part-time chauffeur. They will provide alternate means of transportation and ensure that you arrive at your desired location conveniently.

If you also need a full-time chauffeur to drive you daily or for an extended period, they are available as well. You can pay them at an hourly, weekly, or monthly rate. But, a driver is usually hired as needed. When you require their services, you contact them, and they drive you to your destination till their services are needed again.

Training and Experience

The required experience and training of a driver and a chauffeur differ a lot. Depending on your local regulations, you are only required to be older than 18 or 21 years, have a driver's license, a vehicle's insurance, and be able to drive before you can apply for a driving job. Thus, anyone who satisfies these requirements can be a driver.

On the other hand, a chauffeur needs to meet all the requirements to be a driver, have a clean record, and obtain a driver's and chauffeur license. They also have to undergo training on etiquette, driving, traffic rules, security awareness, positive manner of approach, etc.

Dress Code

Another critical difference between a driver and a chauffeur is in their mode of dressing. While a driver can dress casually, a chauffeur cannot.

Chauffeurs are always required to dress professionally. Their dressing must be elegant, classy, and clean. They are often dressed in a neat and well-pressed dress shirt, black tuxedo, alongside matching ties and shoes, as they are always expected to have an impeccable appearance.

Vehicles

Chauffeurs are usually hired to drive their clients in high-quality and luxurious cars like limousines, executive vans, etc. They often offer their clients the privilege to select the vehicle they desire to be transported in from a fleet of luxurious and quality cars.

Chauffeurs are accountable for the regular maintenance of the cars. Drivers are usually not tagged responsible for maintaining the cars, and they don't offer fleets of high-quality vehicles to their clients.

Customer Service:

Chauffeurs are usually 'extra' in delivering their services to their clients. They are concerned about the clients' well-being, and they make extra effort to ensure they are satisfied, safe, and comfortable.

Drivers, unlike chauffeurs, are focused on getting money from driving a passenger from a place to another. So, they are usually not concerned about the customer's welfare.

Chauffeurs vs. Drivers - Conclusion:

Depending on your needs, think through your next transportation decision.  Being aware that there is a level of service completely beyond the scope of taxis and rideshare can help you have a great experience next time you’re out.  If you’re taking a short trip, rideshare and taxi may be the best bet, but if you’re going on a more substantial journey, hire a chauffeur or a personal driver. Life is about the journey, not the destination, so make your journey as pleasant as possible!