I started driving professionally in October of 2013. In five years, I’ve trained more than 50 chauffeurs at the company where I work, Royal Coachman.
Training new chauffeurs is something I enjoy; I consider it a privilege and take the responsibility very seriously. Our training program is very thorough. It includes a full week of both classroom instruction and on-the-road training, with and without passengers. We have worked hard to create an effective, comprehensive training program.
Besides being a trainer, I’m also a mentor, which means I help new chauffeurs with any questions they may have after they start, or if they need help related to driving. I enjoy mentoring and have developed some long-lasting friendships as a result.
I’m pleased to say I don’t currently work alongside any “train wrecks” (aka bad drivers). I have, however, had to give some drivers the “thumbs down” to upper management because they could not perform the basic functions of this job. I don’t make the final call – it’s a collaboration among various team members. I just make recommendations, based on the two-day, on-the-road training experience.
What’s funny is that, when I went through the training program, I was the train wreck! I’d been out of full-time work for more than a year and was very nervous about making a mistake. I was so nervous that I inadvertently went through a red light! My trainer, who was very compassionate and understanding about my situation, gave me a provisional passing grade.
I’m very grateful to him and to Royal Coachman for taking a chance on me. Every day, I remind myself that this is the best job I’ve ever had.