Do you love, love, love to drive? If so, you may be interested in a career as a professional driver. The
list includes quite a few opportunities and as long as you meet the requirements, e.g., have an excellent driving record,
current license and pass any required testing, you'd be a good candidate. And in a lot the instances, you can actually
start your own service company and be your own boss.
Limo Driver Limo drivers are an especially good option
for people who like people. They usually make a standard rate and when allowed, can also receive gratuities. Keep in mind
that most limo drivers need to be 'on-call' and ready to roll at a moment's notice and all are required to hold
a special license. In addition to the usual prom, airport, wedding and events fares, there are also opportunities for 'personal'
drivers who work specifically for one individual or firm. And if you ever decide to purchase you own limo, you obviously aren't
obligated to any one other than yourself, your customers and Uncle Sam.
Taxi-Cab Drivers Because you never
know who you're going to get as a passenger, another driving profession that would probably be more pleasing to a 'people
person' is a taxi cab driver. Taxi driving can be quite lucrative if you're in a well populated area, and even more
so if you own your own cab. Just know that the hours can tend to be very long and erratic. Also, a special license and registration
is required for this type of driving.
Truck Drivers The amount of opportunities for professional truck drivers
has gone through the roof over the past few years - and they are pretty diversified as well. If you have the opportunity to
drive a delivery or service industry truck, and especially if you're considering the prospect of driving the 'big rigs', you will need to take a CDL certification
test (different classes/levels depending on the job) obtain the required class of license and be willing to submit to period
testing. Long-haul semi drivers usually benefit from a higher income than short-haul or delivery/service truck drivers, but
have to be the type of person who is willing to be away from home for extended amounts of time, and on a regular basis.
Valet Valet opportunities are mainly part-time as compared full-time. But if you are in the right place, you
can make quite a pretty penny considering base pay and tips. A lot of younger valets sometimes think that this type of work
is a free-for-all, but know that you will be completely responsible for the owner's car when in your possession. In addition
to the prospect of a good salary, you may also enjoy the diversity involved in the opportunity to drive different types of
vehicles on a regular basis.
Auto-Auctions and Car Dealerships A professional driving career can also be obtained by working through an auto auction or car dealership. The cars on these lots need to be moved around on a consistent basis and can provide the opportunity for diversity in the
driving experience as well.
Race Car Driver Now this is obviously a career that requires extensive training and outstanding skill. But if you've got the 'right
stuff', you can do very well for yourself financially in addition to possibly obtaining a claim to fame. In addition to
the high level of ability required, obtaining sponsorship is the other important aspect to moving forward in this career.
Once a sponsor agrees to subsidize you, the driver will be required to represent that company or individual and of course
be given the privilege of driving that corresponding race car.
Becoming a limo driver is a choice made
by numerous drivers every year. Being a limo driver is a career commitment that involves extensive training and experience.
The first part of the
training involves understanding the customer and industry expectations. This means knowing the different events and people
limo companies cater for and the service expectations on the chauffers.
Limo drivers also need to know how to complete an inspection of their vehicle and fill
out the necessary paper work, report an accident and calculate billing. They will also need a basic understanding of the mechanical
aspects of their limo to carry out any minor repairs required, know how to change the tyre and establish the safety of the
vehicle. This includes knowing where the first aid kit and the fire extinguisher are.
Undertaking chauffeur training also includes mastering the communications
systems in the vehicles, manoeuvring parking, reading maps and becoming familiar with places around town that will be regular
pick up and drop off points.
Limo
drivers also need to be able to help passengers in and out of the limo and take care of their luggage. Also, to ensure the
comfort of their passengers, limo drivers will need to properly prepare their limo before pick up, this includes cleaning
the vehicle and stocking it with alcohol, soft drinks and ice.
Before receiving their chauffer licence, limo drivers will participate in a monitored
drive. A representative from the licensing office will accompany the limo driver on either an actual pick up, with the consent
of the passenger, or on a dummy run. Also in the presence of an instructor, the limo driver will be tested on their open road
driving, city driving, reversing and manoeuvring in tight spaces and through obstacle courses.
Once all of the theory and practical work has been
done, the limo driver is set to look for work, at which stage, the company which hires them will instruct them in the intricacies
of their business and clientele.
Trainee
scheduled for ride-along with Field Supervisor or Senior Chauffeur *
Trainee completes ride-along; performs all duties of the chauffeur.
Trainee, Field Supervisor/Trainer and General Manager
have lunch together.
Trainee
scheduled for first trip & advised
Trainee completes first trip with Field Supervisor/Trainer as a ride-along.
Driver scheduled for first solo run & entered into system with availability
info.
Driver continues
thru company certification program during tenure.
