Private chauffeur as a second job: is it really possible?

Being a private chauffeur is becoming increasingly popular among those who enjoy driving and managing passenger transport. The growing popularity of this profession has led to the spread of private chauffeuring as a second job among drivers and aspiring drivers. 

In fact, there are people who already have another main job and would like to gradually dedicate themselves exclusively to driving. Or there are professionals who, for personal reasons (studies, family commitments), work part-time as private drivers. 

But is it really possible to reconcile being a private driver with another type of employment? Let us look together at how to manage the job of a private driver, what the entry requirements are and how to find work as a driver.

Who is a chauffeur and what do they do?

Before analyzing the possibilities of a second job as a chauffeur, let us take a look at who this professional is and what he or she does. 

A chauffeur’s job is to drive one or more passengers to their destination, manage their itinerary and ensure their comfort and safety on board. 

Specifically, a driver performs several tasks:

• Transporting passengers, using a variety of vehicles ranging from cars to minivans. The vehicles in the chauffeur-driven hire fleet are comfortable and luxurious, suitable for those seeking an exclusive, high quality service;
• Route management, which involves studying and planning the route to be driven. This requires the driver to be familiar with the Highway Code and traffic regulations;
• The care of the vehicle. A driver must always check the condition of his service vehicle and ensure that it is safe, clean and comfortable.

As you can see, this is a multifaceted job that requires study and dedication. This is all the more true when we consider that a chauffeur’s clientele is often made up of VIPs, celebrities, politicians and top managers.

Is it possible to be a private driver as a second job?

Yes, it is possible to be a driver as a second job, provided that a number of factors are taken into account:

• The time at your disposal
• The requirements to become a private driver in your country
• The conflict of interest
• The tax aspects

Here is how these elements affect the decision to become a part-time driver.

Time at your disposal

Time management is a key skill for a driver. If you’re thinking of getting into the Hire With Driver market, you should be aware that a driver’s working hours can vary greatly from day to day and may require a commitment in the evenings, at weekends and at times of high demand.

The first factor to consider is time management, both to avoid stress and overload and to ensure an efficient service to your customers.

The requirements to become a private driver

In order to become a driver and obtain a license, you have to go through a series of steps and meet certain conditions that are required by law.

This is why it is not so easy to work as a private driver to “supplement your income”: you need to make sure that you meet the basic requirements to enter the profession.

Generally the most common requirements are:

• Owning a driving license for at least three years;
• Having turned twenty one;
• Having an established toponymic knowledge;
• Having a legitimate permit;
• Having the physical requirements to enter the profession. For example, in London you have to meet the standards of DVLA Group 2;
• Not having a criminal record.

The absence of even one of these requirements will prevent an aspiring driver from entering the profession. So if you want to get started, make sure you have each of these elements.

The conflict of interest

Another issue to consider when talking about a second job as a professional driver is potential conflicts of interest with the first job.

Conflicts of interest can arise when you have more than one job at the same time, especially if the jobs are in some way related or could influence each other. 

In this particular case, conflicts could arise because your first job is related to the world of transport and services, or because of contractual requirements that prevent you from doing other jobs. Again, your first job could be in direct competition with the chauffeur-hire sector.

Tax aspects

Finally, another important issue to consider is taxation. The income you earn as a chauffeur will affect your tax position and it is therefore important to consult an accountant to manage your accounts correctly.

What we can tell you is this:

• Income earned as a chauffeur must be declared as income in your tax return, even if it is your second job;
• If you want to become self-employed in the chauffeur hire world, there may be some differences compared to income from employment. In particular, you may have to manage additional social security contributions or professional insurance;
• A standard VAT number or company will give you the right to deduct certain business expenses related to your private chauffeuring activities, such as fuel, vehicle maintenance, insurance and other related costs.

If you have another job as an employee, carefully consider the tax regime that applies and any changes to the tax rate you pay each year.

Is it worth being a private driver?

The short answer is yes: it can be very satisfying, especially if you do it full time.

Speaking of chauffeurs and benefits, there are certainly many opportunities that come with the job:

• Flexibility. Working as a chauffeur allows you to have a flexible schedule, especially if you have your own company or are self-employed. Drivers can often choose when they want to work and organise their work around their own needs;
• Earnings. Drivers can earn interesting amounts of money, especially as they gain experience. You can also increase your income by working at busy times or on special occasions such as holidays and celebrations;
• Control. Many drivers work on a self-employed basis or run their own chauffeur-driven transport company. This offers a high level of control and autonomy over the management of the business, including the choice of customers, rates and marketing strategies;
• Relationships. Working as a chauffeur allows you to meet important people and grow professionally. Not only that, but by joining the LiMO community you can build relationships with other drivers like you and make new connections.

Why can LiMO help you become a successful driver?

If you want to become a professional driver, the LiMO community can help you enter the market and develop your skills. 

LiMO is the largest community for private drivers in the world. By choosing LiMO, you can build relationships with over 5000 drivers worldwide, sell your surplus services and increase your earnings.

And that’s not all: with LiMO you can count on excellent training, thanks to driver classes run by the top experts in the field. The driver’s toolbox is completed by management software that allows you to better manage your customers, plan your work and schedule your trips.

To find out more, start here.