Houston limousine driver requirements

Regardless of the situation, you're expected to behave professionally and strive for customer service excellence. Some jobs require limo drivers to maintain a sheet with information about their passengers and their likes or dislikes.

In this role, it's essential to have a customer-oriented mindset and strong interpersonal skills. As a limousine driver, you need to be able to deal with difficult passengers while showing courtesy and respect. Your day-to-day duties may include:. The Bureau of Labor Statistics BLS notes that limo drivers must be alert at all times and prioritize passenger safety, especially in bad weather and high-traffic conditions.

Choosing the most efficient routes is just as important. Depending on the employer, they may also need to run errands, make deliveries or perform administrative tasks.

If you're self-employed or working for celebrities, you may earn more money. Your income potential also depends on your location, experience, skills and job duties. Limousine drivers are not required to have formal education, but they must hold a valid driver's license and job-specific licenses, such as a chauffeur license or commercial driver's license CDL. Those who are self-employed may also need a general business license and state-issued permits.

The exact requirements depend on your location and services provided. The State of Indiana , for example, issues a for-hire endorsement for limousine drivers.

Each state has their own rules and regulations for limo licensing. Here in Texas, the state allows cities and counties to establish their own guidelines on how licenses are issued. A limo license, also known as a vehicle-for-hire, is different in every city but a few things are relatively the same.

Most areas require the following:. These are just the basics that are required nearly everywhere. In some cities like El Paso, there are even appearance standards that must be met. Drivers should have a general knowledge of automotive mechanics, which will allow them to operate the vehicle safely and identify potential mechanical problems before they become severe. A limo driver also needs strong interpersonal skills to interact with passengers, as well as an understanding of how to read maps and navigate unfamiliar places.

Limo drivers must have a professional demeanor that fits with the formal events and wealthy clients they will often come into contact with.

Each state sets its own laws for the legal requirements of limousine drivers through its department of motor vehicles. Every state requires a limousine driver to hold a standard driver's license, and some states also require a special chauffeur's license that is only awarded to drivers who complete additional driver testing.

In other cases, states require criminal background checks of all prospective limousine drivers. The federal government requires drivers who transport 16 or more passengers to have a commercial driver's license, which may be necessary for driving some of the largest limousines or limo buses at full capacity.

Legal and skills requirements for limo drivers ensure safe, accommodating service. Drivers who get their passengers to the destination on time and without incident help enhance the company's brand image.