Greetings All!
I'll try to be brief. I recently began driving for a local agency and it's going pretty well so far. I've never done this before but, at this point, I see my job to get my passenger where she needs to go safely, and to make the experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. I read some related threads posted by other drivers, or SPs in search of drivers, and found them quite helpful, but they also served to raise some more questions. I'll list some of these but, basically, any advice or suggestions from other drivers, clients or SP's would be greatly appreciated.
SPs:
- My current vehicle is clean, safe, reliable and comfortable with a nice sound system but it's over a decade old and certainly not what many would consider to be a luxury vehicle. Will this be frowned upon or seen as less appealing by SPs?
- The agency has told me that I’m not there to provide security or protection, just safe, reliable transportation. Is this how you perceive your driver’s roles? I’m not some super lightweight but have never worked security and don’t really see myself as the type to go busting into a client’s residence to rescue anyone. I’m happy to watch the clock and make and receive check-in calls and call police if required but is that enough? If I were driving for an independent, would the role expectations be different?
- As I have another, full time job that I intend to continue, I’m only able to drive 4 – 6 nights every two weeks. Is this limited availability likely to be perceived as a negative or is this fairly typical of drivers?
- I’m not a super chatty person but can easily hold my own in most conversations. So far, I’ve just been letting my passengers set the tone between ongoing conversation and relaxed silences. I’m quite comfortable just driving and not talking and know that people don’t always want constant chatter but do you think I should make more of an effort to entertain and keep the conversations rolling or just continue as I have been?
- Anything else? Thanks!
Clients:
- In terms of privacy and discretion, do you prefer that drivers park in your driveway or out front of your residence or is it best to pull down the street?
Drivers:
- What are some common pitfalls that I might not have considered? Got any horror stories I might benefit from?
- A couple times now, while sitting and waiting, I’ve wondered what I might say if a neighbour or a cop were to arrive on the scene and ask what I’m doing parked there in the middle of the night. I’ve thought of a number of things I might say but am curious if there’s a standard reply. Truth or fiction?
- Is it realistic to consider contacting numerous agencies and/or independents in order to maximize my workload while I’m available or would this lead to conflict issues in terms of ‘loyalty’ or reliability? Should I ask my current agency if they have a policy about this?
- Any other tips would be great thanks.
Okay, so much for brief hehe. Thanks for your replies all!
I'll try to be brief. I recently began driving for a local agency and it's going pretty well so far. I've never done this before but, at this point, I see my job to get my passenger where she needs to go safely, and to make the experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. I read some related threads posted by other drivers, or SPs in search of drivers, and found them quite helpful, but they also served to raise some more questions. I'll list some of these but, basically, any advice or suggestions from other drivers, clients or SP's would be greatly appreciated.
SPs:
- My current vehicle is clean, safe, reliable and comfortable with a nice sound system but it's over a decade old and certainly not what many would consider to be a luxury vehicle. Will this be frowned upon or seen as less appealing by SPs?
- The agency has told me that I’m not there to provide security or protection, just safe, reliable transportation. Is this how you perceive your driver’s roles? I’m not some super lightweight but have never worked security and don’t really see myself as the type to go busting into a client’s residence to rescue anyone. I’m happy to watch the clock and make and receive check-in calls and call police if required but is that enough? If I were driving for an independent, would the role expectations be different?
- As I have another, full time job that I intend to continue, I’m only able to drive 4 – 6 nights every two weeks. Is this limited availability likely to be perceived as a negative or is this fairly typical of drivers?
- I’m not a super chatty person but can easily hold my own in most conversations. So far, I’ve just been letting my passengers set the tone between ongoing conversation and relaxed silences. I’m quite comfortable just driving and not talking and know that people don’t always want constant chatter but do you think I should make more of an effort to entertain and keep the conversations rolling or just continue as I have been?
- Anything else? Thanks!
Clients:
- In terms of privacy and discretion, do you prefer that drivers park in your driveway or out front of your residence or is it best to pull down the street?
Drivers:
- What are some common pitfalls that I might not have considered? Got any horror stories I might benefit from?
- A couple times now, while sitting and waiting, I’ve wondered what I might say if a neighbour or a cop were to arrive on the scene and ask what I’m doing parked there in the middle of the night. I’ve thought of a number of things I might say but am curious if there’s a standard reply. Truth or fiction?
- Is it realistic to consider contacting numerous agencies and/or independents in order to maximize my workload while I’m available or would this lead to conflict issues in terms of ‘loyalty’ or reliability? Should I ask my current agency if they have a policy about this?
- Any other tips would be great thanks.
Okay, so much for brief hehe. Thanks for your replies all!
