by michael769 » Thu Jun 20, 2013 4:30 pm
For my sins I did spend a few months driving limos as a student.
Firstly remember to get the door for them. Make sure that you pull up on the same side of the road from which you picked them up (so they do not have to clamber inside the car or exit into traffic).
You are expected to be at the passengers beck and call so personal activities (eating drinking, phone use, etc) should not be carried out within sight of the passenger (even when not driving). if sunglasses are required they should not be worn outside the car, where the client should be able to make eye contact with their driver.
Practice closing the door gently without slamming.
When carrying a male and a female the female should be guided to board on the pavement side. On both boarding and alighting the female should be attended to before the male.
The pros do not initiate conversation with their client, unless necessary to give them safety advice (eg to ask someone on the offside of the car to remain seated until the door is opened), or to ask for instructions, but will respond politely if their client initiates one. It is considered rude to greet colleagues (other drivers) when the client is present as your attention should be devoted to them. It is not normal practice to shake a clients hand, but again one should respond if the client initiates. Overall you should allow the client to choose whatever level of interaction that they wish to have with you. You should refrain from watching them in the mirror, brief eye contact whilst talking to them when the vehicle is stationary in traffic is acceptable, but consider turning around if parked up.
Music or the radio should be turned off unless the client requests it be put on.
A tip should not be expected (nor any impression given to the client that this is the case), however tips should not be refused to avoid offence.
In terms of driving back seat passengers feel the vehicle's G forces more than do front passengers so the more progressive style of AD may not be appropriate. The idea is to prioritize smoothness over progress, and at all times the passengers safety is to be placed before your own. Traffic laws should be seen to be being obeyed, and reacting in any way to the actions of other drivers is a major no-no. Where you have to go over severe speed humps and unavoidable potholes you should apologies to your passengers.
Wherever practicable try to find out the clients destination before picking them up so that you can ensure that you are aware of the route.
In the event of a collision your first priority, after ensuring your passenger is safe and unharmed, is to arrange a taxi for them to continue their journey.
Minds are like parachutes - they only function when open
Thomas Robert Dewar(1864-1930)