In past blogs I have given some of you helpful hints on how to rent a limousine for just about any occasion, including weddings, proms, office parties etc. However, as I look back over my advice I noticed that even though it is mentioned, I have not given much detail on one of the most important components of renting a limousine. The Chauffeur.

In all of my past writings I have made the suggestion that you ask about the driver in order to establish that they are a professional and that they have experience and know the city. These questions are for obvious reasons. Having a driver that is slovenly or lacks knowledge of the city can definitely make for an inferior experience. What I thought I would talk about today though, was what you should look for in a professional driver.

First and foremost a good chauffeur dresses the part. They are professionally uniformed in a crisp black suit and tie. They must be the consummate service person, with all of their focus on your satisfaction. They should have the utmost knowledge of the city and they should have studied the route they were going to take the night before. A really good chauffeur has anticipated any problems and solved them long before you ever arrived. The gas tank is full, the glassware is spotless, the ice bins are full, the refreshments are stocked, the interior of the vehicle is spotless, the exterior of the vehicle gleams.

A professional chauffeur not only knows the city, but also knows the quirks of traffic patterns at all times of the day. They will know all of the city short cuts in order to save time.  They will also know where the local Starbucks or Subway is located. A professional chauffeur’s greatest attribute though is his ability to drive. When I say drive, I don’t mean pass a drivers license test, I mean really know how to drive. A great chauffeur guides a vehicle like it is an extension of themselves. It is a seamless integration of driver and machine. A great chauffeur does not accelerate to fast, stop to quickly, change lanes aggressively or turn corners to fast. No in truth a great chauffeur’s ability to drive seamlessly leaves the passenger with no sense of being in an automobile at all.

Trust me you will know the difference if you have ever had an inexperience hack behind the wheel. You are thrown about the back of the limousine like the little silver ball in a pinball machine. So the next time you are out and have the luxury of utilizing a limousine or sedan service, pay attention to the little nuances of a professional chauffeur. Once you realize that you have had the privilege of experiencing a professional, you will never be satisfied with just any run of the mill driver. Remember, just about anyone can drive a car; it takes a true professional to make it an experience.