This article is dedicated to those looking to hire a personal driver.
Retaining the services of a professional driver is a smart move for busy people who have multiple appointments and business meetings to attend each day. This is especially the case in London where life is known to be fast-paced.
A London personal driver will help you take your foot off the accelerator slightly so you can get more work done when travelling to and from meetings around the city and to your home. Yet, interviewing and shortlisting a personal chauffer is not as straightforward as it may seem.
Personal drivers must possess a specific set of skills outside of the car, as well as behind the wheel. They must be discreet, approachable, and be a seamless fit with your personal life.
To help you assess potential candidates, here are ten key considerations when thinking about hiring a chauffeur in London.
But Before You Start Scrolling…
To save you time and the need to read the key considerations below, you should know that there is an easier way to assess and shortlist chauffeurs in London or the rest of the UK.
Many executives and business people choose to outsource the responsibility to a company specialising in finding the world’s best chauffeurs that have worked for VIPs and celebrities.
Using one of these companies means you do not have to go through a lengthy recruitment process, navigate legal obligations or waste precious time carrying out reference/background checks.
This is why so many London-based CEOs and managers are using HazeltonClive to find a reliable, punctual and professional chauffeur. You can contact us here to discuss how we can find you your next London chauffeur, whatever your specific requirements.
#1: Clean Record
A clean driving record is probably the number one priority for those seeking to hire a chauffeur. However, you should not discount someone who has a mark on their record instantly. This is because an accident may not be their fault or there may have been circumstances leading to an incident that a record doesn’t explain. It is much better to ask the candidate about any incidents directly.
That being said, some driving offences should not be given a second chance, such as speeding tickets and DUI offences.
#2: No Criminal Record
A criminal record is another red flag that should stop a candidate from being considered. A personal driver holds your safety and even your life in their hands every day. For that reason, a convicted criminal should not be given this responsibility.
Moreover, these people are likely to come into contact with the rest of your family and you will want to protect them from potentially dangerous individuals.
To do your checks, you will need to obtain the applicant’s DBS record to see if they have any past convictions. Using a recruitment agency makes this step less stressful because they can take care of the DBS on your behalf, as well as other confusing steps in the process.
#3: Local Knowledge and Experience
If you need to find a chauffeur who can jump straight in the driving seat and be in control, you need someone with local knowledge. Candidates with experience of London roads or those that grew up in London will be best suited for London-based employers.
If you are willing to allow a learning curve at the start of the job and let the driver get to know London, then this may not be an issue for you.
#4: Professional Appearance and Groomed
Your chauffeur will be accompanying you on every important business meeting or personal appointment. By that token, they are representing you at all these appointments.
To give your business and yourself a professional image, you need your chauffeur to also adopt that appearance. You need a punctual personal driver who is well-groomed, smart, able to converse with VIPs if spoken to and approachable.
#5: Discreetness
Many of your appointments or the things your driver overhears in the vehicle may be confidential or be sensitive information. Consider this when looking for a personal driver and prioritise discretion.
Discretion can be a difficult thing to prove in an interview. Thankfully for anyone choosing HazeltonClive, we have a wealth of candidates based in London that has worked for high-profile people with 100% discretion.
#6: Security Experience Is a Huge Plus
You may also desire your personal chauffeur to have a background in the military or high-end security positions. This is not uncommon as some drivers also operate as security staff and even bodyguards.
However, finding these types of professionals on your own will take a lot of digging and time. Using the services afforded by HazeltonClive enables you to employ them effortlessly as we already have a database of these individuals with a sophisticated security background.
#7: Exceptional Punctuality
Punctuality is one of the most essential skills for drivers. When you have business meetings to attend or an airport to get to, being on time is the bare necessity. Sometimes traffic can spring from nowhere and even your driver cannot be to blame.
However, the best drivers plan using technologies and their local knowledge to avoid traffic and being held up. This is why punctuality is so crucial when you are considering hiring a chauffeur in London. It should also be one of your first questions when speaking to a candidate’s references.
#8: Reliable Temperament
One person’s mood can quickly transfer to you. If your driver is positive and relaxed, so are you. But if your driver is easily stressed by traffic or nearby dangerous drivers, it can also affect how you feel.
When you are trying to make calls or concentrate on your work during a journey, this can have a serious negative effect; not to forget that increasing driver stress could risk your safety.
Getting to understand a chauffeur’s temperament is going to be near impossible in an interview and it will involve getting in the car. This is why it is strongly recommended that your chosen driver should only be given a trial period before a fixed contract.
#9: Legal Working Rights
The legalities of working in the UK and what you need to do as an employer can be worrying and confusing. You will be required to seek identification from your new driver and proof of rights to work in the UK. What they need to provide you with will depend on the individual.
This is just one more reason why people prefer to use HazeltonClive to source them a first-class chauffeur. We take care of the administration for you, so you can remain headache-free.
#10: Safety Minded
To get a more detailed idea of the drivers’ safety, it is best to speak with their previous employers. They will be the best people to tell you how safe they felt when being driven around by them. Reassure them that their comments are confidential so you can get the most accurate information.
A Reminder that HazeltonClive Is Here for You!
Remember that you can forget all these considerations and just tell HazeltonClive what you want from your chauffeur. Outsourcing the recruitment process to our specialists means you end up with a more competent employee and a better fit for your lifestyle.
Get in touch to start recruiting, now!
