Here we will explore Australian chauffeurs and private drivers and their similarities and differences. Then we visit the concept of a personal chauffeur, who is a better male or female chauffeur. Nothing is complete without covering the training that chauffeurs receive in Australia.
And finally, the most important thing is some of the essential government requirements for chauffeurs. Here we will also look at whether chauffeurs follow any dress code in Australia.
So, let’s explore together.
You must have heard the terms chauffeur and private driver and might think there are any similarities or differences between the two terms. Some people also believe that chauffeur is a professional or fancy name for any professional-looking driver. However, it turns out that the word chauffeur has a particular meaning.
Anyone can drive a vehicle, and we can call them drivers, but it is also true that not all drivers can perform the duties of a chauffeur. If you ask any luxury car service owner, they will tell you that every chauffeur is a good driver, but not every driver can be a chauffeur.
Before moving further, we must understand the definition of a chauffeur and a private driver. Let’s define them first…
What Is A Chauffeur?
A person who is professionally trained to and accredited to drive a passenger motor vehicle is a chauffeur.
They primarily drive luxury cars like Luxury Sedans and SUVs, limousines, and brands like Lexuss, BMWs, etc.
In simple words, we can also say that chauffeurs are those trained professionals that will serve you and drop you at your destination in a safe and sophisticated safer manner.
When chauffeurs interact with clients courteously, they value their customers. The other things are discretion and timeliness, which are also the unique characteristics of professional chauffeurs. They do not keep their clients waiting, and neither do they intrude on their clients’ privacy.
Apart from that, they give utmost importance to their customers and provide all passengers with a personalised experience. Thus, they may offer them drinks, music, and other amenities. Chauffeur does not only drive a car, but they are professionally trained drivers.
A chauffeur ensures that their passengers arrive safely and comfortably at their designated destinations on time. To do that by knowing the speed limits, live traffic conditions and traffic laws. One can hire a chauffeur for the whole family or business purposes.
In addition, they offer other professional services which a driver cannot provide. For example, dedicated assistance during the following events.
- Celebrations
- Weddings
- Business meetings
- PR events
- Corporate hospitality
- Chauffeur tours
- Roadshows, etc.
Who Is A Private Driver?
A private driver drives customers where they need to go. Personal drivers are the best option if you are looking for a dedicated transport experience without much expectations from the driver other than driving for you, from A to B, and B to A.
Private drivers primarily work for individuals, corporations, or for agencies.
There are many reasons to hire a private driver. For instance, you can hire them for weddings, school pick up and drop off, staff transfers and formals, etc. Private drivers are expected to keep their cars clean, spotless, and, most importantly, free from germs.
Similarities Of Chauffeurs And Private Drivers
Have you ever thought that are chauffeurs and private drivers same? The answer to this question is simply a ‘No’.
A chauffeur is a person who drives luxury vehicles, at least most likely. The tasks and responsibilities of chauffeurs are pretty different from those of private drivers.
Private driver primarily works for high-earning individuals and companies. However, regardless, there are also some similarities between chauffeurs and private drivers.
- Private drivers and chauffeurs both drive cars. In other words, they transport their passengers from point A to point B comfortably.
- Communication is one of the essential characteristics common for both chauffeurs and private drivers.
- Chauffeurs and drivers both respect their clients or customers.
- They both know the geographical area well and can choose a shorter route to the destination to drop off their customers.
- Both of them undergo general driver training. However, the chauffeurs must undergo accreditation and licensing requirements depending on their location.
- And most importantly, like anyone else, both require a driving license to drive a vehicle to make sure they are not disqualified from driving due to demerit points.
Differences Between Chauffeurs And Private Drivers
In the transportation world, the words interchangeably used are chauffeurs and private drivers, but there are some fundamental differences between them.
Below are some significant differences between a chauffeur and a driver…
1. Vehicles
The most important difference between a private driver and a chauffeur is the vehicle that they drive. Chauffeurs likely drive expensive luxury cars, while private drivers drive standard cars or vans.
Some of the vehicles that chauffeurs drive are luxury or prestige cars such as G-wagons, limousines, executive vans, etc. However, the car also could depend on their client’s requirements. The cars are expected to be in good working condition.
On the contrary, private drivers operate regular vehicles for commuting.
2. Dressing
One can easily differentiate between chauffeurs and private drivers, as chauffeurs wear neat and clean uniforms. Most likely, that is a suit. Moreover, they dress in a well-groomed and pressed dark suit, tuxedo, dress shirt, tie, gloves, and dress shoes. Apart from that, they also wear an overcoat with a hat during colder months.
Unlike that, drivers don’t need to be dressed up formally and corporate in their dressing. Thus, they typically wear standard clothing, such as denim and a shirt.
3. Expertise
In every profession, a degree of expertise is necessary to excel. This is also true in the job of chauffeurs and drivers.
The field of chauffeur requires comprehensive training. There must be extensive background checks, including health checks, police checks and working with children checks, and experience in an etiquette course.
On the contrary, private drivers need very little specialised knowledge. They are not scrutinised through different governmental checks to guarantee safety around your family and kids.
4. Comfort
Passenger comfort is the most important thing, especially when you drive on a trip. That’s another area of main difference between a chauffeur and a private driver.
Private drivers’ sole focus is to take their passengers to their destination as quickly as possible. However, if we talk about chauffeurs, they always try their best to make the experience for their customers of the highest quality. Not only that, they also plan alternative routes and come up with interesting attractions to give you a reasonable brake while you are on a highway for hours.
In addition, their primary concern is to make their customers feel welcome and comfortable.
5. Services
Private drivers only drive cars and drop their customers at their required destination. However, chauffeurs, on the other hand, are not only professional drivers, but they provide additional services to their customers.
For instance, they can also make booking reservations on your behalf, do school runs and errands, source restaurants, etc. A full-time chauffeur is more likely ‘literate’ than a full-time driver.
Now let’s turn on to private chauffeurs, a role which is an extension of a chauffeur on demand.
Who Is A Private Chauffeur?
A driver who is excellent and highly skilled is a private chauffeur. They are the best option if you have professional and regular commutes and would like to stick with one chauffeur to drive a chosen car for the long term.
A private chauffeur can drive the car smoothly so that you can take important calls and can also use your laptop to get things going. You know more about them, so now you can trust them more, as he is not a stranger anymore.
Apart from that, you can also hire a private chauffeur top complete everyday tasks such as pick up and drop your children at their schools. The private chauffeurs can arrive well-prepared without delays and know about the traffic rules and heavy traffic areas.
As chauffeurs receive specialised training, they know how to treat their clients professionally. Similarly, they know how to handle everything. They also keep the vehicles clean and in a well-functioning order, regardless it’s your car, his car or rent-a-car with a chauffeur.
Don’t get me wrong; chauffeurs can be both male and female. The sex of the chauffeur can come with some advantages and disadvantages too…
Let’s dig into that now…
Male Chauffeurs vs Female Chauffeurs – Who Is The Best?
Most driving experts say that there are differences between male and female chauffeurs. Although driving is a skill-based activity, the vehicle does not know whose foot is on the gas pedal.
The word chauffeur is a masculine French word. Its feminine equivalent is a chauffeuse. However, now it has become a gender-neutral term that is the ‘chauffeur’.
Men drive more cars than women. No question! But just like male chauffeurs, female chauffeurs’ popularity is increasing daily.
There are some circumstances in which it is better to hire female chauffeurs. For instance, all the staff ideally be female if somebody runs an all-female business or a business catering to your kids. Therefore, a female chauffeur is a perfect fit in this situation.
Many female chauffeurs in Australia are more competent and excellent than male chauffeurs. This is a fact! They got experience as well as the skill to compete with men. Similarly, female chauffeurs can bring an extra edge to any household with children. They have backgrounds and qualifications in childcare so they can advise on the most suitable childcare.
Both male and female chauffeurs have the expectation to know the best route to avoid traffic, just like Google Maps and Apple Maps. Moreover, they both keep safety in mind first, and their politeness and good etiquette make the journey enjoyable and relaxing.
In short, male and female chauffeurs aim to maximise passengers’ comfort and safety. It’s your choice to devise which sex fit best for your job.
As noted earlier, chauffeur accreditation involve some training. Let’s dig into that now…
What Sort Of Training Do Chauffeurs Receive?
Chauffeurs transport everyone, whether they are business professionals, politicians, celebrities, vacationers, etc. Although driving a car is relatively easy, chauffeurs need to attend different pieces of training so that they become experts.
In addition, they need to learn how to drive and expertly manoeuvre. Similarly, they must know how to safely escort their passengers and control different vehicles.
First, to become a chauffeur, you need good driving skills. Secondly, you must have the ability to communicate well with your clients. And last but not least, know-how and map-reading knowledge also help chauffeurs a lot.
In Australia, candidates can quickly develop their skills by attending professional schools and local colleges for chauffeurs. Likewise, they can also go to professional associations from where they can get the training to become specialised chauffeurs.
Many formal training programs are available to learn defensive driving, mechanic skills, language enhancement, local geography, etc.
Below are some essential points related to the chauffeur’s training.
1. Different Types Of Training
Different chauffeur training courses have program lengths and structures according to the need of the training.
For example, some professional institutes in Australia deliver training courses within one, three, or five days. Similarly, some courses focus more on essential chauffeur responsibilities while others teach specific driver techniques.
2. Curriculum
The chauffeur’s curriculum includes training on interpersonal communication, defensive driving strategies, customer service, etc. People can also learn about Australian traffic laws and chauffeur rules and regulations. Moreover, they also become aware of driver etiquette, security awareness, etc.
Other than that, some technical training includes an overview of vehicle dynamics, emergency steering, effective braking techniques, changing tyres and skid avoidance skills.
3. Potential For Chauffeurs
Some of the promotional opportunities for trained chauffeur include trainer as well as supervisory positions. Nevertheless, some can become dispatchers and managers to start their own companies.
One of the primary objectives of chauffeur training is to teach them how to deal with clients politely, especially under difficult circumstances, and drop them to their respective destinations safely.
What Sort Of Government Requirements For Chauffeurs In Australia?
To be a chauffeur, you must be able to drive a car professionally. Most importantly, it also requires the chauffeur to be legally accredited as per Australian government laws.
The chauffeur usually drives private cars, vans, and other luxurious vehicles on a fee-for-service basis. There are some government requirements for chauffeurs in Australia.
All chauffeurs and drivers must hold driver accreditation. Thus, this accreditation’s primary purpose is that the standards of competency, safety, and efficiency must meet the rules and regulations. The driver’s accreditation usually expires after three years.
All Australian-accredited drivers and chauffeurs need to meet the following criteria.
- The chauffeurs need to have a driving license. Hence, it is for a minimum of six months.
- They must have a child-related employment screening clearance. Therefore, it includes a proper national criminal history check.
- The drivers and chauffeurs must have Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or a valid working visa.
- All drivers and chauffeurs must be physically and mentally fit with their eyesight tested by a medical practitioner.
Do Australian Chauffeurs Follow A Dress Code?
Yes, whether male or female, Australian chauffeurs generally follow a dress code. All the male chauffeurs wear a proper dress, including a shirt, complete suit, and tie or bow.
Similarly, all females wear a white long-sleeved shirt, a black or dark grey single-coloured trouser suit, and leather court shoes.
In cold conditions, chauffeurs likely wear long overcoats, which can be in black, navy blue, or dark grey.
The footwear for both genders requires to be clean and polished.
Additionally, all chauffeurs need to follow a high standard of grooming.
Male Chauffeurs
- Black business suits.
- Long sleeve white business shirts.
- Approved tie or bow.
- Business shoes that are black with leather upper and lower soles.
Female Chauffeurs
- Business suits that are black with tailored pants.
- White business shirts that have long sleeves.
- Black court and approved tie.
- And business shoes with leather upper and lower soles.
Conclusion
You are incorrect if you think drivers and chauffeurs are practically the same.
The chauffeur receives specialised training and gets a license and accreditation.
On the other hand, drivers offer impersonal service, drop their passengers at their destination, and nothing more. They have no training or specialised licensing and only hold a state driver’s license.
Chauffeurs and drivers differ in many ways. One of the ways that chauffeurs differ from drivers is that you can book chauffeurs ahead of time if you are on business travel.
The dress code and appearance of private drivers and chauffeurs are also different. Driver’s uniforms are pretty informal, but chauffeurs follow a dress code and look very polished and well-groomed by definition.
Anyone can be a driver, but to become a chauffeur, one must have expert training and meet several other criteria too.
It would be best if you take a timely decision on your subsequent transportation depending on your needs and requirements. If your trip is short, you could take a taxi or rideshare, but if the journey is long, hire a private driver or chauffeur.
After all, you are responsible for making the right decisions and making your journey as smooth and pleasant as possible!