Question 1

What does a chauffeur driver do?

Accepted Answer

A chauffeur driver provides professional passenger transportation services, typically in luxury vehicles. They are responsible for safe, punctual and courteous transport of clients to various destinations while maintaining the highest standards of service and vehicle presentation.

Question 2

What award covers chauffeur drivers in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Chauffeur drivers are typically covered by the Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award 2020 (MA000063). This award applies to employees engaged in the transportation of passengers by road, including limousine and chauffeur services. Some corporate drivers may be covered by different awards depending on the employer.

Question 3

What classification level should I use for a chauffeur driver?

Accepted Answer

Under the Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award, chauffeur drivers are typically classified based on their licence class, vehicle type and responsibilities. Drivers of luxury vehicles with corporate accounts may be classified at higher levels. See our Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award pay rates guide for current rates.

Question 4

Should I include pay rates in a chauffeur driver's job description?

Accepted Answer

While not legally required, including indicative pay rates helps attract qualified drivers. You can reference the applicable award rate or use phrases like 'Above award rates' or 'Competitive hourly rate based on experience and licence class.' Check the current Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award rates for guidance.

Question 5

What licence do chauffeur drivers need?

Accepted Answer

Chauffeur drivers must hold a current, unrestricted driver's licence appropriate for the vehicle class they will operate. In most states, driving a limousine or chauffeur vehicle for hire requires a taxi driver authority, hire car licence or equivalent passenger transport authorisation issued by the relevant state transport authority. Use HR software to track licence expiry dates and authorisations.

Question 6

What other qualifications should chauffeur drivers have?

Accepted Answer

Chauffeur drivers should have a clean driving record with no major infringements, defensive driving training, and thorough knowledge of local roads and traffic patterns. Additional valuable qualifications include first aid certification, customer service training and advanced driving courses.

Question 7

What experience should I look for in a chauffeur driver?

Accepted Answer

Look for proven experience in passenger transportation, corporate driving or luxury vehicle operation. Experience with high-net-worth individuals, VIP transport, airport transfers or event transportation is valuable. Professional presentation, discretion and reliability are essential traits.

Question 8

Do chauffeur drivers need security clearances?

Accepted Answer

For corporate or government contracts, security clearances or background checks may be required. This typically includes a national police check and verification of driving history. Some high-security clients may require additional clearances.

Question 9

Should I hire casual or permanent chauffeur drivers?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your service demand patterns. Permanent drivers provide consistency and build relationships with regular clients, while casuals offer flexibility for events and peak periods. Many chauffeur services use a core permanent team supplemented by reliable casuals. See our guide on casual vs permanent employment trends.

Question 10

What penalty rates apply to chauffeur drivers?

Accepted Answer

Under the Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award, penalty rates apply for: Saturdays (150%), Sundays (200%), public holidays (250%), and overtime beyond ordinary hours. Casual employees receive a 25% loading. Use award interpretation software to calculate rates accurately.

Question 11

What are the minimum shift lengths for chauffeur drivers?

Accepted Answer

Under the Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award, minimum engagement periods apply. The specific minimum may vary based on the type of work and employment arrangement. Check the award provisions for your service type.

Question 12

What should I include in a chauffeur driver employment contract?

Accepted Answer

Key elements include: position title and classification level, employment type, hourly rate, applicable award, licence requirements, main duties, work location, shift patterns, vehicle care expectations, uniform/presentation standards and confidentiality requirements. Use our digital employment contracts to simplify this process.

Question 13

How far in advance must I provide rosters to chauffeur drivers?

Accepted Answer

Under the Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award, rosters should be provided with reasonable notice. Many chauffeur services operate on a booking basis, requiring flexible rostering systems. Using rostering software helps manage bookings and gives drivers visibility of upcoming assignments.

Question 14

Can I require chauffeur drivers to work evening and weekend shifts?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but these requirements should be clearly communicated in the job description. Chauffeur services often operate during evenings, weekends and public holidays for events, airport transfers and corporate functions. Under the award, employees are entitled to penalty rates for these shifts.

Question 15

What breaks are chauffeur drivers entitled to?

Accepted Answer

Under the Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award, employees working extended shifts are entitled to meal breaks and rest periods. The specific entitlements depend on shift length and work patterns. Breaks must be scheduled to ensure driver safety and fatigue management. Use break planning tools to manage compliance.

Question 16

How do I manage on-call chauffeur drivers?

Accepted Answer

On-call arrangements must comply with the award provisions regarding availability requirements and payment for on-call periods. Clearly communicate expectations about response times, availability windows and how bookings will be allocated. Use rostering software to manage on-call schedules fairly.

Chauffeur driver job description