How To Become a Chauffeur: UK Guide

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ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS

• Becoming a UK chauffeur requires specific licensing and training.
• Chauffeurs offer bespoke services, differing from standard taxi drivers.
• Formal attire, confidentiality, and customer service skills are essential.

If you enjoy driving luxurious cars, interacting with the rich and famous, and visiting prestigious destinations, becoming a chauffeur could be your calling.

Of course, it's not all glamour and glitz; it demands dedication and specific know-how. With the right knowledge, training, and tips, you could be navigating this exclusive career path successfully.

This guide, based on insights from our side hustling community, is your first step to understanding what it takes to become a chauffeur in the UK. It offers essential insights into securing the necessary documents and connecting with top private hire operators.

Equip yourself for a successful journey into the world of high-end chauffeuring.

At the most basic level, a chauffeur and a private hire driver provide the same kind of service. However, most private hire drivers only offer the bare minimum: transporting a passenger from Point A to Point B. 

A chauffeur offers a more bespoke, high-level service. When you work as one, you will attend to your passenger’s needs, from carrying their luggage to ensuring their safety. Some chauffeurs will even need to sign confidentiality agreements to ensure that they maintain discretion for their clients. It will take training, experience, and focus to become a successful chauffeur.

Whether you’ll be based in London or one of the cities near the coast, you’ll follow similar procedures to becoming a chauffeur. Training and onboarding will differ based on the private hire operator, but the initial steps are usually the following. 

1. Secure a private hire driver’s licence and private hire vehicle licence from the local city council. In the case of London, that would be the Transport for London (TfL). 
2. Submit the requirements to your chosen operator. 
3. If your application is successful, you’ll undergo the initial onboarding training before you can begin working as a chauffeur. 

The first and most essential document you need to secure is your private hire driver’s licence. This is called a Public Carriage Office (PCO) licence in London, and other city councils may have another name for it. Wherever you’re located, the private hire driver’s licence will be proof that you’re approved to take in passengers and receive compensation for your service.

The requirements for obtaining this licence will differ from city council to city council. Let’s use TfL’s requirements to give you an idea of what other cities may ask.

• At least 21 years of age
• DVLA driver’s licence
• Proof of right to work in the UK
• Proof of good character/Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• Medical declaration as proof that you’re fit to work
• Pass these three assessments:
• Topographical Skills
• Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding (SERU)
• English Speaking and Listening Test

The other essential document you need to have before applying is a private hire vehicle (PHV) licence. This licence will serve as proof that your car can be used for private hire driving.

A PHV licence may not always be necessary since some chauffeur operators will have their own fleet. However, most will require you to own the car you’ll drive, so it’s best to secure this licence before starting the application process. 

Here are the general requirements for securing a PHV licence in London. Visit your local council’s website if you’re located in another city. 

• V5C DVLA vehicle registration document
• Hire and reward insurance documents
• MOT certificate (must be issued within the past 14 days)
• Documents for vehicle modifications
• Other documents as required (Certificate of Conformity, Existing TfL Licences, etc.)
  

Once you have the right documents, you’ll need to secure the following since most chauffeur operators require them.

• Character reference to ensure that you’re trustworthy, honest, and professional.
• Single-colour suit, tie, and white, long-sleeved shirt. Most chauffeur operators will require their drivers to dress in a classic long suit as formal attire.
• Some experience in hospitality, first aid, and customer service. While these are not hard requirements, these skills will help you stand out in the application process.

find a private hire operator

Once you’ve fulfilled these requirements, it’s time to find a private hire operator. You may already have one in mind. If not, here are our top recommendations.

• iChauffeur: This company is one of the more popular operators specialising in London chauffeur services. During your application, you may need to drive their chairman so they can assess your skills. 

• SIXT: SIXT is an established car rental and chauffeur company providing first-class experiences to passengers. The company operates throughout the UK and other countries all over the world.

• Uber: While Uber mainly serves the general public, it does offer a service called Uber Exec. This is the company’s equivalent to chauffeur services, with premium rides and drivers in formal wear. 
  

In 2024, the average salary for a chauffeur in the UK is approximately £32,283, with the possibility of earning between £24,000 and £51,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the level of service provided. Bonuses and additional incentives can also contribute to total pay, further enhancing earning potential in this field.

Yes. If you become an independent chauffeur, you’ll be classed as a self-employed sole trader. As soon as you reach £1,000 in taxable income, you will need to register with HMRC for self-assessment.

We'd recommend speaking to a Chartered Accountant if you require tax or business advice about becoming self-employed.

Working as a chauffeur has many perks, like high pay and flexible hours. To become one, you’ll need to secure documents like PHV and private hire driver’s licences. Operators will likely also ask you to wear a suit, sign confidentiality agreements, and comply with other requirements. So follow the primer we shared to help you set expectations and get started with your application. 

For more information about becoming a private hire driver, browse our other delivery and driving articles.

BEFORE YOU GO...

Before you go, remember that becoming a chauffeur is only one of the avenues to explore within the realm of driving side hustles. If you're intrigued by the idea of steering your way through London's streets while earning, why not consider another promising opportunity? Delve into our next article, "ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BECOMING AN OLA DRIVER IN LONDON 2024", to discover how you can maximise your earning potential with Ola. Ensure you're well-prepared to navigate this dynamic and rewarding path.

> ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BECOMING AN OLA DRIVER IN LONDON 2024

ARTICLE SOURCES

https://tfl.gov.uk/ 

https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/taxis-and-private-hire/licensing/private-hire-driver-licence 

https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/taxis-and-private-hire/licensing/private-hire-vehicle-licence 

https://www.sixt.co.uk/ 

https://www.rivierainsurance.co.uk/what-is-hire-and-reward-insurance/