A chauffeur is one who drives an automobile as a job. While the term may refer to anybody who drives for a living, it usually implies a driver of a luxury sedan, especially a limousine; those who drive non-luxury cars are simply called "drivers" (as in bus drivers). In some countries, particularly developing nations where a ready supply of labor ensures that even the middle classes can afford domestic staff, the chauffeur is simply called the "driver."

Very wealthy people sometimes employ chauffeurs to drive them in their own cars, and there are services offering limousines including chauffeurs for rent. This is very similar to but more luxurious than taking a taxicab.

The requirements to be a chauffeur vary depending on location. Most of the requirements are established on a state or municipality level. In addition to a regular driver's license, some areas require a chauffeur to obtain an additional license, and to meet certain minimum age and driving experience requirements.

Chauffeur is the French word for driver. It comes from the verb "chauffer" (to heat) and also means "he who heats". In the early years of railroads, the driver had to keep the engine hot, hence the noun.

References

• Chauffeur Job Outlook

External Links

• UK Chauffeur Service Information

Personal care and service occupations | Transportation occupations

Chauffør | Chauffeur | Chauffeur de poids-lourd | Chauffeur | 運転手 | Chaufför