It’s an evocative word, chauffeur. For one thing, it’s French word. And it didn’t even originally mean what it does now, a driver. Originally it meant a stoker, the person who keep the coal fire going on a train or a ship.
Somehow it made its way into the English language, and perhaps what people liked about it was the fact that it sounded suave.
Be that as it may, chauffeurs in London are increasingly being referred to as drivers by the people who employ them, but whatever you call them, they can make life a lot more pleasant.
What about the skills involved in being a chauffeur in London? Technical competence, obviously, is a given – or a demanded, should we say. We expect a chauffeur to deliver a smooth, uneventful ride, and while they are not responsible for other people’s driving, the best can read a situation on the road and anticipate danger. A chauffeur understands the particular car they are in charge of. They accelerate smoothly and brake as undramatically as possible in the circumstances.
Then there is knowledge of the route. London is a big place and much has been made over the years of the demanding test imposed on drivers of London taxis. The Knowledge, they call it. While minicab and Uber drivers can rely exclusively on satnav, the black-cab driver is expected to know the best way from A on one side of the city to B on the other, possibly via C in the centre. Chauffeurs, too, are expected to have The Knowledge.
Experienced chauffeurs in London will have preferred routes around the city and they will vary according to the time of day and even the time of year. They will know when the Chelsea Flower Show is on and therefore avoid the area, although for the other 51 weeks it is not a problem. Major sporting events, demonstrations, official ceremonies: any of these can disrupt travel and a chauffeur must be aware of what is going on.
Companionship is another attribute, and a good chauffeur will give his passenger as much or as little as they wish. Some people like to chat, others want to watch the world go by, and still others have work to do. The chauffeur is there to give information if asked or to just get the journey done with minimal interaction.
A good chauffeur will be well turned-out in a sober uniform or a smart but understated suit and will make sure that car is spotless inside and out. It is a matter of professional pride in the same way as their driving performance. Just so you may see a bar tender in a top hotel polishing glasses that don’t really need it, so a good chauffeur can be seen brandishing a cloth rather than just lounging as they wait for their customer.
Ultimately a chauffeur’s job is to make the travelling as smooth and uneventful as possible. The best inspire loyalty among their regular customers, because mutual respect is a wonderful thing and it makes us all happy to see someone doing their job professionally, efficiently and courteously.
That’s why having a chauffeur in London makes such a difference. It’s all about making people feel good.
