The Work

Chauffeurs typically work for private companies, private households, or government departments. Their main duty is to drive people to and from their required destination. They may also run errands for their employer.  
 
Those employed by private households may have to drive their employer to appointments and social events. They may also drive their employers' children to school. Those employed by large companies may drive senior executives or guests to meetings, airports, railway stations or hotels.

Government chauffeurs may drive ministers or foreign visitors to and from their homes/offices and to official functions. 
 
Additional duties may include basic maintenance of the vehicle, such as cleaning or filling with petrol. Chauffeurs also have to plan routes and may need to provide travel information to passengers.  
 
In some private households, driving may be combined with other domestic duties.  
 
There are also service businesses that hire out cars with chauffeurs i.e. limousines for weddings, or for debs nights etc.

Although the term chauffeur applies to anyone who drives for a living it usually implies to someone who drives a luxury car. They provide attentive customer service and pay attention to detail. Chauffeur services offer only pre -arranged trips.

Further Information

• Chauffeur - from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

To work as a chauffeur you need a Small Public Service Vehicle (SPSV) driver licence. This licence allows you to operate all categories of SPSV – taxi, hackney, and limousine. An Garda Síochána is responsible for vetting applicants for suitability, and the National Transport Authority is responsible for the testing.

You typically also need a good level of English and additional languages may give you an advantage.

Key Skills Certs 

-Manual Handling refers to physical activities in most workplaces, and in particular when the activities involve lifting heavy objects which could result in back injury.

.Occupational First Aid & Fire Safety

-Full Drivers License RSA 

Training & Development

If you want to progress in your career, you could be a 'lead driver' in the business and have additional responsibilities such as training new chauffeurs. You could also set up your own business, check our Enterprise Development section for details. 

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €26k - €36k

Salaries vary based on employer, agency, location, role, shift pattern, and duties.

Data Source(s):
Indeed/ Talent/ Payscale

Last Updated: March, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment growth was negative for this occupation, with little change in employment levels since 2020. Most are employed as taxi drivers and bus and coach drivers; although employment levels remained unchanged for taxi drivers between quarter 4 2021 and quarter 4 2022, there was a fall in the number of persons employed as bus and coach drivers. At 43%, the share aged 55 years and older far exceeded the national average and may lead to an increase in replacement demand across the roles in the coming years. Issues with recruiting taxi drivers that occurred with the reopening of the economy post-COVID-19 appears to have eased somewhat; the data does not point to any evidence of shortages.

In a statement to the Joint Oireachtas committee on Transport and Communications, the National Transport Authority noted issues with retaining and recruiting bus drivers in a time of full employment. There have been advertising campaigns (e.g. Dublin Bus, Bus Eireann) to recruit new bus drivers. As a result of issues with recruitment, a quota for 1,500 new permits for bus and coach drivers was added in December 2022 which has yet to be reflected in the data. The Skills for Growth data also indicates issues with filling vacancies for bus drivers (including for those with good communication skills). Despite the negative employment growth for this occupation overall, skills shortages have emerged for bus and coach drivers.

• Road Safety Authority (RSA)

  • Moy Business Park, Primrose Hill, Ballina, Co.Mayo
  • (096) 25000 / LoCall 1890 506080
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Western Chauffeur Drive Association

  • Western Chauffeur Drive Association Ireland
  • 0868194066
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here