Being on time… is late! I’m a chauffeur – and these are the (very strict) rules I follow to keep VIPs happy

By TED THORNHILL, MAILONLINE TRAVEL EDITOR

Published: 08:24 GMT, 9 March 2025 | Updated: 08:56 GMT, 9 March 2025

If tardiness is one of your character traits, being a VIP chauffeur is one career that you can forget about.

Because according to one of the top drivers for luxury chauffeur concierge firm SCS Chauffeurs, even being on time ‘is late’.

Chauffeur Gary Dodd underscored the importance of punctuality after MailOnline Travel asked him to lift the veil on keeping VIP passengers happy.

The 65-year-old said: ‘Our goal is to provide a punctual, comfortable, and stress-free service from the moment the journey begins.

‘Being late or unprepared is a no-no. We arrive 15 minutes early – on time is late.’

Before picking up a client, Gary reveals that he will have researched pick-up and drop points, and conducted a ‘thorough vehicle inspection… checking cleanliness, fuel levels, and any necessary maintenance’.

He continued: ‘We also review journey details and monitor traffic conditions for optimal route planning.’

Gary Dodd (above) from luxury chauffeur concierge firm SCS Chauffeurs lifts the veil on the do’s and don’ts for VIP transportation. Gary is pictured here having won Professional Driver Magazine’s QSI Gold Award for Professional Driver of the Year 2025

Gary, who’s from Chester, will also have avoided ‘strong tasting food’, gathered all necessary client information and confirmed details of the journey with the client in advance.

And he’ll be ‘impeccably groomed’.

Once the client emerges, they can rest assured that Gary will help with the luggage.

He revealed: ‘We are trained to provide a high level of service, which includes assisting clients with their luggage when required.’

Once the journey is underway, Gary, who’s worked for SCS Chauffeurs for seven years, will keep the atmosphere in the car honed to the customer’s desires.

Gary said: ‘Being late or unprepared is a no-no. We arrive 15 minutes early – on time is late’ (file image)

He revealed that he won’t engage in ‘inappropriate conversations’ – personal opinion, political topics and controversial discussions are off-limits – ‘interrupt a client when they’re giving him instructions’, ‘eat or drink in the vehicle’, or ‘use a mobile phone while driving’, including having external conversations using Bluetooth earpieces.

And he will never ‘disregard the rules of the road’.

What are the common mistakes less professional drivers make?

Gary said: ‘Less experienced or less professional drivers may arrive late or fail to anticipate client needs or have lapses in etiquette, such as excessive conversation when a client prefers a quiet ride.’

And is the customer always right? Always.

Gary said: ‘Whatever the question – the answer is yes.’

Visit scschauffeur.co.uk for more. 

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Being on time… is late! I’m a chauffeur – and these are the (very strict) rules I follow to keep VIPs happy

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