What is the difference between a Driver and a Chauffeur?
There are some commonalities between drivers and chauffeurs, and in many cases the two terms are incorrectly interchanged. In our opinion there are some very clear distinctions that set chauffeurs apart from drivers.
Similarities between drivers and chauffeurs
Both provide transportation services, to safely getting their passengers from one location to another. A driver’s main responsibilities are to ensure your journey is safe, comfortable, and you arrive on time, at your destination.
Highland chauffeur’s offer much more than ensuring their passengers arrive safely at their destination.
History
The term "chauffeur" comes from the French term for “stoker” because the earliest automobiles, like their railroad and sea vessel counterparts, were steam-powered and required the driver to stoke the engine. This historical link helps to define what it means to be a chauffeur. In the days of early motor vehicles only the rich could afford to buy a car and generally employed a chauffeur to drive. Man servants and household staff were common, and it was usual for the chauffeur to take on these roles whilst traveling with their employer.
The traditional chauffeur would drive for their employer, ensure their safety, provide complete discretion, be prepared for emergencies, ensure comfort of their passengers, and generally take on any tasks a personal servant would be expected to carry out.
What it means to be a Highland Chauffeur
The Highland Chauffeurs follow these principles, by combining the traditional high levels of personal service and applying them to the modern day needs. As a driver, body guard, confidant, personal servant and more your chauffeur can be relied upon to take care of you during your journey.
Highland Chauffeurs are smartly dressed in full livery, which includes a suit, gloves, dress shoes and chauffeurs hat once fully qualified. They are fully trained in advanced driving techniques, prepared for all driving conditions and personal protection. Your chauffeur can be fully trusted to operate with complete discretion at all times. There are occasions when privacy is required and a chauffeur is trained to recognize and honour these requirements.
Your chauffeur is polite, responsive, willing to serve, yet unobtrusive, humble in nature, and ready to protect if necessary. Your chauffeur will always attend to luggage, guide you to the vehicle and politely offer assistance in entering and exiting the vehicle. Considerate of their guests comfort, they will be prepared with various travel essentials during the journey. From supplying a handkerchief for emotional moments, adjusting the bridegrooms tie before photographs to offering an arm to help you to your door, you can be assured your chauffeur is a dependable presence there to assist.
