Training New Chauffeur Hires for Your Livery Business

Finding and keeping good chauffeurs is an ongoing challenge for companies in our industry. When you have a new hire, getting them on the road as soon as possible can be tempting, but if you train these chauffeurs well, it will benefit them, your company, and your clients. Set your new chauffeurs up for success with a thorough training program.  

In-House Training 

Be sure to cover these topics in your initial training.  

Company Policies 

It's much easier to address important company policies ahead of time before you run into problems. Most of the information you present to your new chauffeurs should be part of your employee handbook. Have new hires sign an acknowledgment that they received company policies in writing.  

• Smoking policy 
• Drug/alcohol policy 
• Accident policy 
• Refueling policy 
• Parking policy 

Position Training 

How you deliver this training depends on your preferences. You can invest in online videos or use classroom or table training. Consider ride-alongs and behind-the-wheel training—great ways to involve your seasoned chauffeurs.  

• Defensive driving 

Consider requiring all chauffeurs to take and pass a defensive driving class, which is a great selling point for your marketing. 

• Code of conduct and confidentiality 
• Customer service 
• Dress code 
• Vehicle presentation 
• Safety programs 
• Handling problems and complaints 
• Mobile device usage 
• Anti-harassment training 
• ADA compliant vehicles, if applicable 
• Contract work  
• Vehicle-specific training 
• COVID-19 guideline

Tech Training 

Tailor your technology training to your new chauffeurs' abilities and comfort level. Be sure they understand how to use company-provided devices such as tablets or mobile phones. Train them on the relevant elements of your dispatch software. If you use Limo Anywhere, you can give your chauffeurs access to our industry-leading Driver App, which enables them to receive, manage, and close out their trips in real-time.  

Ongoing Training 

Hold refresher training sessions for both new and seasoned chauffeurs regularly. You can also use online training modules to help their skills sharpen.  

Styles of Training 

Consider presenting the same information in multiple formats. Research shows that people who are taught this way will learn and retain information more comprehensively, and varying your style will benefit different learners. For example, show a video about a particular defensive driving maneuver. Provide chauffeurs with a written description of the maneuver. Finally, ask them to demonstrate the maneuver behind the wheel.  

In a tight labor market, you will have better success retaining your employees if they are thoroughly trained. Just as important, your clients will benefit from top-notch chauffeurs behind the wheel.