What to look for when hiring a chauffeur?

Clean driving record – A chauffeur is responsible for ensuring the safety of all passengers, and it starts with a clean driving record. Sometimes accidents are unavoidable, so don't automatically discount someone with one or two behind them, but make sure to ask about the details, who's fault the incident was and keep in mind extenuating circumstances. However, make sure to avoid drivers with speeding tickets and other serious infractions in their past.
Reputation for safety – In addition to a clean driving record, make sure to look into your potential driver's past employment, discussing their safety habits with previous employers. Employing someone who has a reputation for safety will make sure you're putting your life into capable hands.
Security background – Another important factor for a chauffeur is someone with a background in security or bodyguard work. A chauffeur can double as personal security at any time, so hiring someone with military experience, or a job history that includes security work, can be highly beneficial.
Appropriate chauffeur's license - Depending on the state or municipality, a chauffeur may be required to hold a special class of license. So make sure that he or she has the right one.
Adequate training - The right license and a perfect driving record are a good start, but a great chauffeur will also be fully trained. Ask if he or she has completed a defensive driving course.
Punctuality - A chauffeur should arrive 15-20 minutes early at the pickup location. To make sure that happens, a great chauffeur will map out all routes ahead of time, taking into account any road- or weather-related delays and planning alternate routes if necessary.
Ability to stay calm under pressure - A chauffeur who can remain calm in a crisis is essential. A chauffeur might be dealing with unexpected traffic, terrible accidents or stressed executives. If the chauffeur is working on prom night, or for a bachelor event, passengers will be excited and talking loudly over each other (possibly inebriated). A great private driver will have nerves of steel and the ability to handle any situation calmly.
Discretion - A private driver is privy to all sorts of moments in people’s personal and professional life. An excellent chauffeur practices discretion, decorum, and confidentiality at all times.
People skills - A private driver should enjoy interacting with passengers and providing them with great customer service. Chauffeur should be pleasant, polite, and know when to make conversation with passengers and when to let them ride in peace.
Firsthand knowledge of the area – Hiring a driver who knows the areas you frequently travel in or has a good sense of direction is also a major plus. GPS devices are widely available these days but nothing replaces a good sense of direction or local experience. Someone who grew up in the area, or previously worked there, will know the streets better than someone who comes from outside the area.
Professional attire and meticulous personal grooming – Your chauffeur is an extension of yourself, and as such should convey the same etiquette and standards you hold yourself to. You can state this expectation to them early on, but you will also want to focus on hiring someone who already fits your demands before they are stated, who shows up to the interview impeccably dressed and groomed with trimmed fingernails, neat hair, and clean teeth. This will be someone who will be tidy from day to day as well.
Bonded employment status - An excellent chauffeur will be a bonded employee of the company, indicating that he or she is a valued, permanent, and professional member of the team.
Thoughtfulness & attention to detail - A great chauffeur will predict passengers’ needs and plan accordingly. For instance, a thoughtful chauffeur will have umbrellas, shoe-shine cloths, and tissues ready in case passengers need them. A private driver should also make sure the climate control systems are always in good conditions so that passengers will never be too hot or too cold when they’re in the car.