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Being a chauffeured car driver, you are earning on your own timeline and also get the opportunity to keep a large part of the earnings to yourself (if you are not driving your own vehicle). However, the hard truth is that chauffeur services in Singapore need more experienced drivers than additional manpower. Guests depend on the chauffeurs with their lives, even if a drive lasts just about 10 minutes. Consequently, the Land Transportation Authority (LTA) has framed a list of rules to meet when acquiring manpower for chauffeur services, prioritising the expectations and interests of commuters.
The basic thing about eligibility is having a valid 3/3A Class driving licence for a minimum period of two years. You will have to send in an application costing $40, and this can be used even by self-employed drivers, but only if you are a citizen. Non-Singaporeans first need to be employees of a chauffeur service in Singapore.
After this, all chauffeurs must pass a medical test. Applicants are further checked for past convictions for offences such as kidnapping, murder or rape. Such individuals are barred from getting a licence for the rest of their lives. Less serious criminals involved in cheating, burglary or theft are considered after they have been judged “reformed” by the state court.
Other requirements include:
- Ability to read, speak and write simple English
- A copy of your Certificate of Conduct along with your Employment Letter for the Work Pass
The application process:
All applications must be handed out in person at the LTA office. The application form should be accompanied by:
- A recent passport-sized photograph
- A non-refundable cheque of $40
- Duplicates of the Class 3 licence (both the front and the back page) and your NRIC
- If you are a permanent resident of Singapore, you should submit a copy of your employment letter as a Chauffeured Services Driver.
- If you are a holder of a Work Pass, the application should be enclosed with an Employment Letter, Certificate of Conduct, and a duplicate of the Work Pass.
Characteristics of Chauffeurs
Along with these eligibility requirements, a chauffeur should have specific characteristics when providing services.
- Knowledge
Before you start working in the field as a chauffeur, you will need to complete specialised training and certification programmes. Such training often includes courses such as vehicle maintenance, customer service, defensive driving and more.
- Attention to Detail
You will receive training that enables you to offer personalised assistance in addition to transporting clients. These services include opening doors, providing refreshments, handling luggage and anything else associated with customer service to ensure the comfort and satisfaction of passengers. In essence, you will have to go above and beyond to offer a premium experience for your customers.
- Safety
As a chauffeur, you should prioritise safety. You need to have excellent driving skills as well as follow traffic rules and regulations diligently.
- Professionalism
You are expected to behave in a professional manner and maintain high standards when it comes to your appearance. Therefore, you will often be in uniform when interacting with passengers and demonstrate exemplary conduct.
- Customer Service
As a chauffeur, you will be responsible for driving, route planning and vehicle maintenance, among others, all of which ensure that customers feel safe and comfortable throughout the journey.
Car rentals in Singapore are a minimum of $50 per day, and this is a great opportunity to get yourself self-employed and drive people around your city. You would easily be making a good profit out of the business. If you drive for a chauffeured service, you already know the returns. At the end of the day, being a chauffeur can be profitable. You just need to fit the profile.
