Minimum Standards

As an independent operator in the limousine industry, you have the power to set the standard of service higher than the minimum performance standard established by National Black Car.  You are encouraged to do just that! Chauffeurs that consistently exceed our service standards will be rewarded with higher earnings.  Exceptions to the Minimum Performance Standards is at the sole discretion of National Black Car management.

General requirements as follows:

Personal appearance: Well groomed in proper attire. Chauffeur must adhere to dress code, as required by National Black Car. Dress code to be black or blue dress pants, white collared shirt and matching tie.

Driver’s license: Appropriate class for the origin of employment. CDL training recommended may be more than required but contains exceptional skills.

Driver Training: Drivers education, defensive driving course, additional driver training in safety.

Security driving course understanding alert status and action required. Driver has ability to work seamlessly with in chain of command and properly trained with motorcade techniques. (maybe required for certain government assignments or at the request of certain corporate accounts).

Chauffeur Training: All Chauffeurs must be accredited by a Certified Professional Chauffeur Training Program.  Platinum chauffeur will seek Master Chauffeur status.  We can refer interested candidates to quality schools for all your training needs. Exceptions to the accreditation  requirement is a the sole discretion of National Black Car management. All Chauffeurs will maintain status in good measure with any applicable municipal, city or state stature or requirement.

Education: College minimum two years or relevant job experience. Possess excellent communication skills. Well versed in proper etiquette.

Military: Preferred in most cases. Military training contains certain disciplines, which make great chauffeurs.

Life Experience: Personal life experience can be beneficial in serving client needs.

Professional Experience: Has driven as professional chauffeur for two years or more – Platinum chauffeur most have at least 5 years of experience. All chauffeurs must have extensive experience in airport transfers; private, commercial and international, corporate travel, motorcade, tours, weddings, and other services are requested by our customers. Familiar with and obtaining secured entrances at venues employer may visit. The chauffeur must be confident to take any assignment and does not require instruction to perform duties.

Resources: Proficient in map reading and modern technology, such as smart phones, GPS, laptops, so on.  Modern technology is a resource but should never be depended on. Resources should always be verified. When in doubt get out, go ahead of time to unfamiliar areas when possible. Study maps of areas you will be driving in, make note of alternate routes.

References: Include resume, proof of education, proof of chauffeur training, proof of driver training, all references from employers or clients served with contact information, full name, date of birth, copy of drivers license, social security number for back ground check. Include current photos. Copies of any city or state mandated certifications or accreditations.

Objective: Personal valet offering extensive customer service. Looking for long-term employment willing to serve and protect customers at all times.  The Chauffeur must strive to exceed the customer’s expectations each and every time regardless of what that expectation is for the customer.

Vehicle: Provided by Independent Operators, Vehicle registration, state inspection, and insurance provided by Independent Operator. Vehicle must be in perfect working order and must be approved for fleet by National Black Car.  The approval process will include make/model target numbers or limits established by National Black Car.

Detailing:  Chauffeur is responsible for vehicles to be detailed at all times.  Make no mistake -  it is the chauffeur’s responsibility that it is done. You will be subjected to spot checks and secret shoppers.  Make sure your vehicle is clean and detail in accordance with company standards at all times. Your vehicle will be inspected at least 1 time a week by a member of National Black Car. Failure to maintain the company standard can result in termination of your independent operator agreement.

Maintenance: Private chauffeur is responsible for vehicle maintenance and repair. Your vehicle will be inspected by a representative of National Black Car at least once a month for maintenance. Maintenance inspections may include a review of your service log, visual under hood and under car inspections as well as a test drive.  All aspects of your vehicle must be in complete working order.  If a vehicle is found be in less than 100% working order than the vehicle will be placed out of service for orders until the required repairs are complete.

As an independent operator in the limousine industry, you have the power to set the standard of service higher than the minimum performance standard established by National Black Car.  You are encouraged to do just that! Chauffeurs that consistently exceed our service standards will be rewarded with higher earnings.

Newsletter: Once a month you will receive a company news letter. The news letter is a great platform to communicate company policy as well as information about new and existing accounts. We will point out positives about chauffeur performance. The news letter will include tips on how to satisfy customers. We invite you to email back ideas and if the idea or comment is in compliance with the service standards of National Black Car it will be included in the next newsletter. Our mission is to always seek higher standards. Our mission is Complete Customer Care.

Safety and Customer Service: National Black Car will have regular safety and customer service meetings. Please review the news letter prior to the meeting and listen to the most current topic.  The topic will be the basis of our conversation.

General Standards

A National Black Car Chauffeur is an individual whom is contracted to perform chauffeured services in compliance with the minimum service expectations of National Black Car as well as the customer. The customer may be an individual, family, corporation, government organization. This is an elite chauffeur position, shared by few. The main reason to hire a chauffeur is to staff a professional to take care of travel needs safely and confidentially.

Confidential is a critical element for a chauffeur. The rich and famous are often burdened by their status. Curious people are willing to stop at nothing to get information about them. They have a right to privacy and need to be assured their entire staff is loyal.

Make no mistake this job is rated difficult. YOU, the independent operator/chauffeur is entrusted with servicing the customers of National Black Car. YOU must possess training and experience to take care of any request. In accordance with the LAW and the criteria of being an independent contractor vs an employee, National Black must be confident this can be handled without instruction or training on their part. That being said, YOU CAN ALWAYS ASK FOR HELP, GUIDANCE AND DIRECTION.  You are not alone out there.  National Black Car will afford any and all assistance requested by a chauffeur in keeping with our contractual obligation to the customer to provide premium service.

As an independent operator in the limousine industry, you have the power to set the standard of service higher than the minimum performance standard established by National Black Car.  You are encouraged to do just that!

Chauffeurs that consistently exceed our service standards will be rewarded with higher earnings.  How can you exceed National Black Car’s Chauffeur Service Standards?  Read the following:

3 Steps to SUCCESS

Step 1

What does National Black Car have that the competitor's don’t? After all a limo is a limo. Service is what makes the difference. National Black Car has two competitive advantages:

1. You – a top chauffeur who always goes the extra mile to exceed the customers expectation
2. The Greeterless greet process which affords the single most efficient way to pick-up a customer at the airport or office.

Step 2

Customer service and your impact on good service: Always get the order and get it right. Instill client confidence in you and in National Black Car by always providing professional service. Customer service in part is collecting all the information necessary to do the job right. Customer orders need to be set up for success, this is the beginning. Look at your orders; do they make sense to you? Do the pickup and drop off address make sense?  Can you perform the service without questions? Do you have time between your orders? When the chauffeur is assigned we send chauffeur contact info with copy of chauffeur credentials to the customer – do we have your correct contract info?  If you change your phone let us know.

Step 3

A Certified Professional Chauffeur not a limo driver. The chauffeur provides great service and creates customer retention. Customer retention means repeat business. In addition, the best chauffeurs gets referrals by providing great service. A chauffeur is a profit associate that grows our business. The limo driver provides less than acceptable service. The limo driver creates customer complaints and customer refunds. A limo driver is a loss associate that puts you out of business. Notice the difference between being a chauffeur and a driver?  Be a chauffeur and be a business partner of National Black Car.

After you verify the order and get your directions, it’s time to execute the job properly. A certified chauffeur is a professional that cares enough to seek education in his trade. A true professional looks for ways to improve upon their skills. There are plenty of chauffeur training programs available, just search the internet under chauffeur training. www.limoschool.com offers a very affordable owner operator program with company and chauffeur certification. We recommend LimoSchool.com but there are other good programs as well. To be part of the National Black Car team you MUST have certified chauffeur training. You must take a defensive driving course.  All new hires must be certified before they start. A limousine company provides safe, reliable transportation and customer service.  Having a valid “Hard Card” satisfies all the above requirements.  Exceptions to the Hard Card requirement is at the sole discretion of the National Black Car management.

Always remember, the chauffeur/independent operator is the face of National Black Car. The chauffeur makes or breaks our reputation. The chauffeur meets the customer and delivers the service. Chauffeurs either deliver good or bad service. Good service drives repeat business. Good service gets referrals from the customer and their guests. Good service gets better tips.  We know what bad service does. Really bad service sometimes can haunt a limousine service for years. Especially now that anyone can post reviews on the internet!

The Difference Between Limo driver and Chauffeur

There is a world of difference between drivers and chauffeurs. Limo drivers are often just limo drivers – independent operators are happy to get the customer from pickup to drop off. Limo drivers are usually pleasant individuals, but they focus more on the limousine than the service.  The Chauffeur embraces the concept of Complete Customer Care and we exceed the customers expectation each and every time…no matter what that expectation is as it relates to their limousine transportation.

Think back to your last restaurant visit. How was the service? Was your water glass ever empty? Did you have an unreasonable waiter?  Was your meal cold?

If you had good or even adequate service you will recall your meal as a pleasant or ok experience. You will certainly remember Bad service – cold food or forgotten appetizers will be talked about. Great wait staff can create truly memorable dining experiences. Friendly, attentive and one step ahead of your needs - they allow you to relax and enjoy the company of your dining companions without the worry of needing service.

A limousine is a limousine. It’s the service that makes all the difference. In selling a job, our competitors often sell the limousine as the sparkling feature. However, isn’t the limousine just a stage where a great chauffeur performs? As an independent operator in the limousine industry, you have the power to set the standard of service higher than the minimum performance standard established by National Black Car.  You are encouraged to do just that! Chauffeurs that consistently exceed our service standards will be rewarded with higher earnings.

Independent operators keep in mind, you may spend a lot of money on your limousine but you can still get a bad review for poor service. Meeting the performance standards of National Black Car will ensure you leave an adequate memory in the minds of your customers.  Exceeding the service standards will ensure you will become a heavily requested chauffeur and drive your earning to new heights.

Great chauffeurs have advanced etiquette necessary to handle special occasions. A client expects a special occasion service to be perfect the first time and every time. Great chauffeurs perform these services confidently. They take great pride in being personal valets during the service and always think one step ahead in difficult situations. Great chauffeurs realize a Special Occasion Service starts with the letters S.O.S – a cry for help. The client is saying, “Please help me achieve my expectations by enhancing this occasion to be a truly spectacular experience I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”

Great chauffeurs are the ones getting the most requests and the biggest tips. The clients you service well will remember and they will call again and specifically request YOU. Great chauffeurs don’t just drive limousines. In fact, they may take offense to being called limo drivers. They use limousines as accessories to consistently provide superior service to go above and beyond the call of duty.

Drivers must be alert to conditions on the road, especially in heavy and congested traffic or in bad weather. They must take precautions to prevent accidents and avoid sudden stops, turns, and other driving maneuvers that would jar passengers.

Chauffeurs operate limousines, vans, and private cars for limousine companies, private businesses, government agencies, and wealthy individuals. Chauffeur service differs from taxi service in that all trips are prearranged. Many chauffeurs transport customers in large vans between hotels and airports, bus terminals, or train stations. Others drive luxury automobiles, such as limousines, to business events, entertainment venues, and social events. Still others provide full-time personal transportation for wealthy families and private companies.

At the beginning of the workday, you are expected to prepare your automobiles or vans for use. Inspect the vehicle for cleanliness and, when needed, clean the interior and wash the exterior body, windows, and mirrors (minimum once per day). They check fuel and oil levels and make sure the lights, tires, brakes, and windshield wipers work. Chauffeurs may perform routine maintenance and make minor repairs, such as changing tires or adding oil and other fluids. If a vehicle requires a more complicated repair the chauffeur should take the vehicle to professional/certified mechanic.

Chauffeurs cater to passengers by providing attentive customer service and paying attention to detail. They help riders into the car by holding open doors, holding umbrellas when it is raining, and loading packages and luggage into the trunk of the car. Chauffeurs may perform errands for their employers such as delivering packages or picking up clients arriving at airports. To ensure a pleasurable ride in their limousines, many chauffeurs offer conveniences and luxuries such as newspapers, magazines, music, drinks, televisions, and telephones. Increasingly, chauffeurs work as full-service executive assistants, simultaneously acting as driver, secretary, and itinerary planner. If a vehicle is in need of cleaning, the good chauffeur vacuums the interior and washes the exterior as needed. They verify proper fuel and oil levels, as well as the working condition of windshield wipers, tires, lights and brakes. Routine maintenance and minor repairs—including tire, oil and fluid changes—are often made by chauffeurs, while major repairs are usually referred to professional mechanics.

Chauffeurs must provide conscientious customer service and possess an awareness of details. Chauffeurs hold car doors open for their passengers—managing umbrellas in the rain—and load luggage and packages into the vehicle’s trunk. Employers may request that chauffeurs run specific errands, such as picking up clients at airports or delivering packages. Chauffeurs often equip their limousines with conveniences and luxuries that cater passenger comfort; such items may include magazines, newspapers, televisions, music, telephones and drinks. These extra items are left to your discretion – just remember you are trying to create a favorable member for your customer so they will ask for you again. You are encouraged to go the extra mile. Chauffeurs occasionally have to load and unload heavy luggage and packages. Driving for long periods can be tiring and uncomfortable, especially in densely populated urban areas. Drivers must be alert to conditions on the road, especially in heavy and congested traffic or in bad weather. They must take precautions to prevent accidents and avoid sudden stops, turns, and other driving maneuvers that would jar passengers. If you are tired let dispatch know.  Taking yourself off the road is the right course of action if you do not feel fully attentive to your surroundings.

What makes a chauffeur great? Here’s a perfect example:

As an independent operator in the limousine industry, you have the power to set the standard of service higher than the minimum performance standard established by National Black Car. You are encouraged to do just that! Chauffeurs that consistently exceed our service standards will be rewarded with higher earnings.

A great chauffeur knows how to read the customer. Does the customer want to talk or does the customer want to work quietly in the back seat. The great chauffeur asks “What can I do for the traveler to help make this the perfect limo trip?” The answer could be as simple as asking what type of music they want to hear or turning the radio off all together. Great chauffeurs are not just born. They are created. The great Chauffeur starts with your mind set. As the operator of a limousine company, you alone have the power to set the vision and set the service standard you are willing to provide to our clients. The great chauffeur always introduces themselves. The great chauffeur always opens the door and loads the luggage. The great chauffeur always addresses the customer by Mr. or Mrs and says thank you. The great chauffeur is always well dressed and smells clean. The great chauffeur always has a helping hand ready.

As an independent operator in the limousine industry, you have the power to set the standard of service higher than the minimum performance standard established by National Black Car.  You are encouraged to do just that! Chauffeurs that consistently exceed our service standards will be rewarded with higher earnings.

All National Black Car Chauffeurs must have a City of Chicago Chauffeur License - Hard Card, or local equivalent for out of state LSP's unless expressly approved by National Black Car.

License Information

A Public Chauffeur License is required to drive a public passenger vehicle (taxicabs, liveries, medicar, charter buses) for the transportation of passengers for hire. Also available is a Restricted Chauffeur License which enables individuals to drive liveries, medicars, or charter buses. A valid drivers license and successful completion of an approved public chauffeur class and exam required.

PUBLIC CHAUFFEUR’S LICENSE APPLICATION INSTRUCTION GUIDE:

Important information on how to get a license

REQUIREMENTS

• You must be at least 21 years of age.
• You must possess a valid driver’s license from any U.S. state, district, or territory for at least three years which has not been suspended or revoked for any time within the past five years. OR if you have not had a valid driver’s license for at least three years, you must complete a two-hour driver-training course at a commercial driver training school licensed by the State of Illinois.
• If you have been convicted, are on supervision, and/or are in the administrative adjudication process for one traffic offense, you must complete a four hour safe driving class. And if you have more than one such offense, you must complete an eight-hour safe driving class and a two-hour driver-training course.
• You must not be indebted to the City nor have outstanding parking citations.
• Contact the Department's Child Support Division (phone: 312 -744-4006) if you owe child support. You must do this before enrolling in the Harold Washington College Public Chauffeur Training Institute.
• You must be examined by an Illinois-licensed medical doctor and have the doctor sign and date the Physical Examination Certification form (available at 2350 W. Ogden), attesting to your fitness to drive a taxicab.
• You must also pass a vision examination with a corrected minimum of 20/40 visual acuity in each eye.

PUBLIC CHAUFFEUR TRAINING

All applicants must satisfy the Public Chauffeur Training requirement unless they meet the criteria for an exemption.

• You are required to successfully complete an English Proficiency Exam prior to registration for chauffeur courses.
• Public chauffeur training (Taxi course) is twelve days in duration and must be completed in two consecutive weeks. The course includes six hours of classroom time for ten days and two bus tours both four hours each.
• Courses are held every week there is no state, city, or college holiday.

A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the course. The certificate is valid for one year from the issue date.

For more information, contact: Harold Washington College, Public Chauffeur Training Institute

To follow here are the Chicago of Chicago Chauffeur licensing requirements AKA "Hard Card"

PREREQUISITES

21 years of age or older.
Meet the Driver’s License Requirement, or meet the Driving Course Requirement.
Pay all debts to the City of Chicago with the Department of Revenue.
Contact the Department's Child Support Division at 312-744-4006 if child support payments are owed.

STEP 1: HAROLD WASHINGTON COLLEGE – Public Chauffeur Training Institute
*This step is required unless you meet the Training Course Exemption criteria*

Pass English Proficiency Exam.
Register for Taxi Course.
Complete Taxi Course and Bus Tours.
Receive Certificate of Completion.

STEP 2: 2350 WEST OGDEN

Fill out application.
Submit photograph, driver’s license, and Harold Washington College certificate.
Get fingerprinted.
Pass written examination.
Pay License Fee.
Receive Authorization Card (for drug testing) and an information packet (includes a chauffeur number)

STEP 3: MEET PHYSICAL EXAM AND DRUG TESTING REQUIREMENTS

- Pay the license application fee at 2350 W. Ogden, and within 24 hours, go for drug test.
- Bring Authorization Card, driver’s license, and another form of identification to testing facility.
- Give clinic personnel your Authorization Card before you are tested and sign consent form for release of results.
- Have licensed physician fill out Physical Examination Certification (if you have not done so already).
(NOT REQUIRED, BUT SUGGESTED) Get fingerprinted by an outside source to expedite process.

STEP 4: LICENSE PICK UP at PUBLIC VEHICLE OFFICES, 2350 WEST OGDEN

Bring an Illinois driver’s license, “court purpose” driving record dated within the past 30 days, and physical examination form. Receive your Public Chauffeur’s License.

Public Vehicle Courses Offered by Harold Washington College

Information Courtesy of:
Harold Washington College
Public Chauffeur Training Program
30 East Lake Street Chicago, Illinois 60601

(312) 553-5949, x3157, x5939, or fax (312) 553-5909

Communication at its Best (CAB):
Offered on Monday & Wednesday from 8:30a.m. to 3:30p.m. in Room 1052.
Students are required to register for a Communication at its Best (CAB) course if they fail the English Proficiency Entrance Exam. They may register for this course in room 102 during the following days and times: Monday-Thursday:
9:00a.m. to 6:00p.m.
Friday: 9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.

Saturday: 9:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. This is a two-day course

Attitudinal Defensive Driving (ADD):
Offered on Monday & Wednesday from 5:00p.m. to 9:30p.m. in Room 1048.
Students may register for this course in room 102 during the following days and
times: Monday-Thursday: 9:00a.m. to 6:00p.m.
Friday: 9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.

Saturday: 9:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. This is a two-day course.

Limousine Course:
Offered alternating Tuesdays & Saturdays from 9a.m. to 4p.m. in Room 1052.
Students may register for this course in room 102 during the following days and
times: Monday-Thursday: 9:00a.m. to 6:00p.m. Friday: 9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.
Saturday: 9:00a.m. to 4:00p.m.

This is a one-day workshop.

Certificate issued upon successful completion of the workshop.

ATTENTION!
Public Chauffeur Students Who are Eager to Start Driving!
If you want to get the process rolling so that you can start driving as soon as possible, contact one of the approved fingerprint services listed below. You will not be permitted to drive until The Department of Consumer Services has on file a qualifying report (that is less than three weeks old) of the criminal background check generated by your fingerprints. You need not wait until you pass the exam to submit your fingerprints for analysis. When you pass the exam at 1615 W. Chicago, you will be fingerprinted and your prints will be sent to the Chicago Police Department. If you already have on file a qualifying fingerprint report from an approved facility prior to your passing the exam, you could be driving within days.

Art’s Investigations and Security, Inc. 312/932-9999
Sylvan/Identix Fingerprinting Services, L.L.C. 800/377-2080

A criminal record may disqualify you from obtaining a public chauffeur license. Section 9-104-030(f) of the Municipal Code of the City of Chicago states the requirement that five years have passed since the date of: finding of guilty, release from custody, release from probation or any other non-custodial supervision (whichever last occurred), from a finding or determination of guilt for any of the following offenses, among others: forcible felony (including but not limited to: murder, criminal sexual assault, robbery, burglary, arson, kidnapping, and certain types of battery) illegal sale or possession of any controlled substance operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or narcotic drugs any crime involving moral turpitude. For further definition, please consult the Municipal Code of the City of Chicago and the Illinois Compiled Statutes referenced therein. If you have any questions regarding your qualifications to receive a Public Chauffeur License, please call the Department of Consumer Services at 312-744-2875.

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