chauffeur

A chauffeur in Japan

A chauffeur is one who drives an automobile as a job. While the term may refer to anybody who drives for a living, it usually implies a driver of a luxury sedan, especially a limousine; those who drive non-luxury cars are simply called "drivers" (as in bus drivers). In some countries, particularly developing nations where a ready supply of labor ensures that even the middle classes can afford domestic staff and among the wealthy who avoid affectation[1], the chauffeur may simply be called the "driver."

People sometimes employ chauffeurs full time to drive them in their own cars, or there are occasional services offering limousines including chauffeurs for rent. This is very similar to but more luxurious than taking a taxicab.

The requirements to be a chauffeur vary depending on location. Most of the requirements are established on a state or municipality level. In addition to a regular driver's license, some areas require a chauffeur to obtain an additional license, and to meet certain minimum age and driving experience requirements, and only with a clean driving history.

Chauffeur is the French word for driver. It comes from the verb "chauffer" (to heat) and also means "he who heats". Early steam-powered cars required the driver to keep the engine hot, and the French term for stoker was adapted from steam railroads and ships .

Most limousine companies in the United States and the EU require their chauffeurs to undergo extensive training courses ^{[citation needed]}. These courses involve evasive or defensive driving techniques. These courses also teach the proper methods to ensure safety in the most extreme conditions like a flat tire at high speeds, loss of control of the vehicle, etc. Most companies will also have their own courses of what they expect from their chauffeurs. The chauffeurs may be taught the proper etiquette when they are in the presence of the client. All companies require random drug screening to maintain only the utmost professionals to represent their companies.^{[citation needed]}

In many places (or at times in the past), proper attire is worn by the chauffeur at all times. This usually includes a cleaned and pressed black or dark suit and jacket, a pressed, crisp dress shirt and appropriate tie, as well as polished black shoes and even gloves. Some companies have uniforms for their chauffeurs, and some require that hats are worn in addition to the uniform. Some companies do not keep strictly to this standard, and there is wide variation throughout the transportation industry.

See also

• Limousine

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