—Bert
Response: Limousine drivers work for limousine companies, private businesses, government agencies, and wealthy individuals. Most trips, either local or long distance, are prearranged. Destinations may include business events, entertainment venues, and social events.
Some limousine drivers may work as airport, chauffeur messengers, van drivers and may even drive a hearse for funeral ceremonies. At the start of the workday, limousine drivers ready their automobiles for use and inspect the vehicle for cleanliness, and when needed, vacuum the interior and clean the exterior.
Limousine drivers may perform routine maintenance and make minor repairs, such as changing tires or adding oil and other fluids when needed. Drivers are required to help carry luggage and packages, as well as run errands.
Any necessary training is usually provided on the job. Limousine drivers are usually considered part-time employees and are on call and paid by the job. If drivers develop good relationships with their passengers, they will most likely be specifically requested by those passengers when ordering transportation and, therefore, will increase their working hours and income, including gratuities.
Drivers must provide their own "uniform," usually a professional dark suit and white shirt. Limousine drivers usually require a minimum of 2 years driving experience and a satisfactory driving record.
Licensing:
A regular Class C California Drivers License is all that is needed for drivers who drive fewer than ten passengers at a time.
For those limousine drivers who drive ten passengers or more, require a Class B License (commercial vehicle driver's license which is regulated by the Public Utilities Commission, pursuant to California DMV Code 1808.1. This license is considered an upgrade from a regular CA driver's license.
The process involves a written, road, and eye test. The Class B license fee is $64.
Drivers of any vehicle specified in subdivision (l) (commercial vehicles) will have a copy of their current public driving record as recorded by the DMV pulled for inspection to be reviewed, signed, and dated by the employer and maintained at the employer's place of business. These reports must be presented upon request to any authorized representative of the Department of the California Highway Patrol during regular business hours.
As used in this section, participation in the pull notice system means obtaining a requester code and enrolling all employed drivers who drive any vehicle specified in subdivision (l) under that requester code. The employer of a driver of any vehicle specified in subdivision (l) shall, additionally, obtain a periodic report from the department at least every six months.
The employer shall verify that each employee's driver's license has not been suspended or revoked, the employee's traffic violation point count, and whether the employee has been convicted of a violation of Section 23152 or 23153. The report shall be signed and dated by the employer and maintained at the employer's principal place of business.
Family members and volunteer drivers who drive vehicles described in subdivision (l) shall also be enrolled as if they were employees.
- For further information contact:
- California Highway Patrol
- Los Angeles field office
- 3615 S. Hope Street
- Los Angeles, CA 90007
- (800) 777-0133
- 3615 S. Hope Street
In California, above average growth is projected through 2008.
Salary Range:
Most drivers receive gratuities in addition to their hourly rate. Earnings for independent contractors are approximately $25 per hour. Employed drivers usually earn a beginning hourly of $7.00 plus 20% gratuities.
Full-time drivers work from 40 to 60 hours per week. According to a representative of Diva Limousine, LTD, initially a driver may work part-time but after demonstrating good work habits like proper attire and professionalism, the driver may become a full-time driver for the company.
| CHAUFFEURS AND LIMOUSINE DRIVERS projected 2002 annual salaries in the Los Angeles area according to Economic Research Institute: |
|||
| YEARS EXPERIENCE | 10th PERCENTILE | TIME SERIES MEDIAN | 90th PERCENTILE |
| 8 | $ 27,162 | $ 31,955 | $ 39,624 |
| 4 | $ 23,681 | $ 27,860 | $ 34,547 |
| 1 | $ 20,666 | $ 24,313 | $ 30,148 |
Job Resources:
According to Yahoo.com Yellow Pages, there are approximately 77 limousine companies in the Los Angeles area. For example:
- Diva Limousine, LTD
- 400 S. Beverly Drive, Suite 214
- Beverly Hills, CA 90212
- (800) 427-3482
- E-mail: info@DivaLimo.com
- Contact: Lawrence Thomas, Chauffeur Supervisor
- (323) 762-3024
- Fax: (323) 962-3803
- Beverly Hills, CA 90212
According to Mr. Thomas, Diva employs 68 chauffeurs in Los Angeles and is always interested in new applicants. They require their drivers to be at least 23 years old, have six months of experience with a limousine company, and have a clean DMV driving record.
Diva tests their applicants for common sense and their training includes a video-training program put out by the National Transportation and Safety Board. Random drug testing is also a requirement of all drivers. New drivers earn $7 per hour, two- or three-hour plus gratuities from their passengers, as well as 20% of the fee charged to clients. Chauffeurs driving clients to the airport average approximately $18 to $24 per hour.
Diva requires a 90-day probation period. After six months, they offers step raises and pay 50% to 75% of medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as contributions to a $401K. After three years, Diva pays 100%. There are also opportunities to upgrade to a different class of vehicle, for which the driver gets 20% of the fee charged, with a four-hour minimum.
Interested candidates can forward their resume to the company via email or fax it to (323) 962-9684. Currently positions are available for permanent, full-time drivers.
You may e-mail questions to swmcareer@aol.com.
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