VIP transport and being a cheauffer

[Road_Warrior]

Seeking comments and advice from people who have worked in the above fields or conversely been a recipient of their services.

The reason I ask is: CHOGM is happening in Perth in November and they have put out the call for drivers. Volunteer basis only, and all training, vehicle, sustenance and uniform costs will be met by CHOGM. You don't get paid, but that's no big deal because its only for 11 days and its a once in a lifetime opportunity so I'm thinking a change is as good as a holiday.

Obviously a volunteer driver could be stuck with driving anyone from a vanload of public servants to the Queen, so there is a bit of variety there.

Constructive input would be appreciated!

[Jim Goose]

So lets get it right... the heads of state are visiting, spending millions to get here, discussing how to spend their billions... and they want FREE drivers?????

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by Jim Goose

So lets get it right... the heads of state are visiting, spending millions to get here, discussing how to spend their billions... and they want FREE drivers?????

You guessed it...subject to AFP, WA Police and ASIO security and background clearances...

[HUNTER8]

11 days of driving around overpaid knobheads for no pay?? Sure there are a lot of companies quite happy for you to do that for them 365 days a year.
Still doing burnouts in a government car with the Queen in the back seat could be worth it. What are they gunna do if you did? Sack you?

[MR.BA.GT.332]

Originally Posted by HUNTER8

Still doing burnouts in a government car with the Queen in the back seat could be worth it. What are they gunna do if you did? Sack you?

i'll pay you to do it!

[stevz]

Bugger that. I would have absolutely no issues volunteering for a good cause such as a charity etc, but you would never catch me volunteering my services to a bunch of politicians and fat cats. They rob us left right and centre with taxes and charges then they expect everything for free.

[Road_Warrior]

Did I ask for personal opinions on whether I or anyone else should do it? No. I asked for input (meaning actual EXPERIENCE) from people who have done this sort of work before. If you haven't, GTFO.

[FgNewbie]

Don't know what sort of input you want. I highly doubt volunteer driving for CHOGM would be the same experience as being a professional chauffeur.

A volunteer driver might get to drive the Queen (of Kings Cross), I highly doubt they would be driving the Queen (of England).

Is there a contact number or website with more detail?

[Falcon Coupe]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

Did I ask for personal opinions on whether I or anyone else should do it? No. I asked for input (meaning actual EXPERIENCE) from people who have done this sort of work before. If you haven't, GTFO.

Too many trip over their agenda on the way to reply. Not really conducive to a person gaining the information they seek.

I suggest offering some help or taking the above advice from the OP.

[2011G6E]

Hey, Liz used to drive a rather tasty old Rover P5...sports model with the V8. And she was a mechanic during WW2.

I think she'd rather enjoy it if you "Fang it a bit will you, driver, there's a good chap"...


To the original topic: you'd need a very clean drivers record, and even squeekier clean personal history, and not mind your background being poked into pretty closely. Keep in mind though that the real big wigs will have thier own security cleared drivers...not just any old driver gets to drive heads of state, you have to be trained properly in performance driving (on the street, not an open track), and evade and escape manuevers. Trust me, a J-turn or a reverse turn on bitumen in a big heavy car is totally different to doing it in a half-assed way on a dirt road.

To put it simply, the drivers they are calling for will be grunts, ferrying lower level workers and associates around. The heads of state will be in thier own special vehicles with thier own well-trained drivers who travel with them.

[Road_Warrior]

Thanks Falcon Coupe.

Originally Posted by FgNewbie

Don't know what sort of input you want. I highly doubt volunteer driving for CHOGM would be the same experience as being a professional chauffeur.

A volunteer driver might get to drive the Queen (of Kings Cross), I highly doubt they would be driving the Queen (of England).

Is there a contact number or website with more detail?

Here is some detail from Volunteering WA on the gig:

Purpose: To provide safe, efficient, punctual and reliable transport for official CHOGM 2011 Delegates (Delegates).

Responsibilities and duties:

Meet and greet Delegates in a courteous and professional manner,

Transport Delegates safely and efficiently between airports, meeting and function venues and hotels in vehicles supplied by the CHOGM 2011 Taskforce,

Ensure that Delegates are safely collected and dropped off at designated pick-up and drop points,

Lift luggage into and out of vehicles with care,

If required, open and close vehicle doors and assist passengers to enter and alight from vehicle,

Assist with luggage to vehicle and at accommodation when required,
Provide general venue and transport information,

Ensure excellent quality of service by maintaining a friendly and courteous disposition and professional demeanor at all times,

Maintain vehicle cleanliness (inside and outside of vehicle) and ensure fuel tank is full, and

Look after equipment such as vehicles, keys and mobile phone.
Time commitment:

A minimum of five (5) shifts over the eleven (11) day period (22 October – 1 November 2011) will be required.
8.5 hour shifts*:
0600 to 1430
1400 to 2230
2200 to 0630 (some overnight shifts may be required)

*Please note that shift times are indicative only and are subject to change. 8.5 hours includes rest and down time. A rest facility and catering will be provided during these periods.

Site:

Various (including CBD car parks and hotels, Perth Domestic and International Airports, and Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre).

The highs:

CHOGM 2011 will be the largest ever gathering of world leaders in Australia and the biggest international event to be held in Perth for almost 50 years.

Drivers will be provided a unique opportunity to be involved in CHOGM 2011 by driving Delegates between venues.

The possible lows:

CHOGM 2011 services will operate 24/7, so early starts and/or late finishes can be expected. As services will also be provided on an 'as needed' basis, Drivers may be required to be on call.

Personal attributes:

Ability to maintain confidentiality, professionalism and a friendly, courteous disposition at all times,

Strong customer service and interpersonal skills,

Well developed communication skills and the ability to liaise with staff and Delegates on all levels,

Attention to detail,

Ability to take direction and remain calm in all circumstances,

Ability to be flexible and rapidly adapt to change,

High standard of personal grooming,

Ability to lift luggage into and out of vehicles,

Working knowledge of the Perth CBD and metro area,

Knowledge of approximate travel times to and from airports and around the Perth CBD,

Knowledge and experience in car and driver fleet management an advantage, and

Experience in motorcade driving an advantage.

Job specific requirements:

Current valid Australian driver's licence,

Minimum of five (5) years licenced driving experience,

Five (5) years free of traffic offences and infringements (excluding parking fines),

Willingness to undertake driver training, and

Ability and willingness to do shift work (including possible night shifts) and be on call.

Benefits:

A unique opportunity to showcase WA to a wider international audience and to be a part of one of the most important events on the Commonwealth calendar,

Official volunteer uniform and accreditation,

Official volunteer training and resources,

Meals during volunteer shifts, and

Australian Government acknowledgement of individual services provided.

I've got a clean driving (and criminal) record save for some speeding fines well outside the 5 year range so that's one I don't need to worry about.

[b2tf]

Havent done it but I have passed many, many security checks for my work and can only offer the advice that no matter what you may have done in the past, no matter how long ago or insignificant it was, be upfront about it or you wont get a look in.

[XR6Runner]

I talk to a lot of cheauffers, as I work at an airport, and I can tell you this, not a single one of them would do this kind of work for free. You do realise what is required? You could be sound a sleep when your phone rings, asking you to pick somebody up and take them back to their hotel at 3am in the morning...

[geckoGT]

I can also tell you that you would only be moving low scale delegates that are considered to be of little security risk. The high risk VIP's such as State Secretaries, Prime Ministers etc will have their own drivers that are appropriately trained and security vetted to the highest level.

The AFP do not trust the welfare to the average Joe, these drivers have specialist training in driving dignitaries which not only includes a smooth ride and door opening but also high speed escape and evasion and other special tricks.

Still doing burnouts in a government car with the Queen in the back seat could be worth it. What are they gunna do if you did? Sack you?

If you did that you would have a AFP Glock in the side of your head before you could say Yeehaa. They would also do a lot more than just sack you, locked up at the pleasure of the Governor General comes to mind. Besides no volunteer would ever drive the queen around.

Don't get me wrong, I think it could be worth doing and some of the training you receive may be good to have. High level stuff like that is always a hell of an experience to be involved in in any official capacity. I have done it few times (not driving) and although always a lot of work, a worthwhile experience.

[fmc351]

No personal experience so cant help, but Im with you, if youve got the time go for it I reckon. Good personal experience, once in a lifetime thing, and who knows what youll learn from it, or who you will meet, even a 'lowly' pen pusher can be good to know.

Do you get a qualification or other doors open for use in other circumstances?

[HUNTER8]

Originally Posted by geckoGT

\ Besides no volunteer would ever drive the queen around.
.

Really? Who would have guessed that.

[geckoGT]

Originally Posted by HUNTER8

Really? Who would have guessed that.

Sometimes you just need to state the bleeding obvious, some people get upset on this sort of thing when they don't get to me high profile people.

Do you get a qualification or other doors open for use in other circumstances?

Often on this sort of thing if you give the right impression the people you meet can lead to interesting places or events.

[fmc351]

Originally Posted by geckoGT

Often on this sort of thing if you give the right impression the people you meet can lead to interesting places or events.

God I hope we're talking about the same thing here.

[geckoGT]

Originally Posted by fmc351

God I hope we're talking about the same thing here.

Yes mate, all above board here thanks

[Zed7fiddy]

haha thsi reminds me when me in my crappy ol XF merged onto a single lane motorway right behind the main limo in a convo when chogm was in Coolum in 2000, about 6 cop bikes, 2 marked cars, and a unmarked SUV in front and then the limo, my dirty old XF and repeat the same in the rear, i swear the bastards were lining me up in their sites haha, i realised what was goin on and got the f outta there.

In short, dont f up and let weirdos into your convoy!

[ltd]

In early December 2001 a friend of mine who was a financial controller at channel 9 asked me if I wanted to chauffeur a VIP around for 5-6 days. I was busy at the time but none the less, they agreed to pay me a certain amount so I became the chauffeur of Jerry Springer. He was here to film a couple of pilots for the UK, but being Sydney and the exchange rate they saved a bundle. "It's a love thing" was one of the shows.
Anyway, turned up at the airport to meet Jerry and his entourage, including a rather burly body guard. First day was OK and check in to his hotel was easy, but it turns out he was a power sleeper. What that means, he was happy to survive on 2 hours sleep a day. I'd routinely drop him off at 4am, and have to be back at Circular Quay by 7am. It was exhausting to say the least. Further, as a display of friendship they'd tend to invite me up to their gatherings etc, but I'd end up serving as additional security. It was a terribly exhausting 5 days, but a good experience over all.

Some tips though, find out who and how many. Further, find out who you're responsible and on call for, if say a security official or even a staffer want to go to somewhere are you responsible? Even if they were in the car originally with the dignitary you had, does that make them receive the same level of treatment? If the car doesn't have Hire Car (HC) plates on it, check the validity of you driving in bus lanes, and parking in HC spots (like at the airport). Ask them what the duty entails and roughly what hours to prevent you being sleep depraved (say you get some public servants etc). If you are to be on call check if you can have another driver replace you to allow you regular hours. Find out if any special clearways etc have been created and any restrictions on road access etc.
Be sure to wear nice aftershave/cologne and not over powering types like Tommy etc, it tends to make people sneeze in a car. Keep the car clean, put some cool water bottles in an esky and offer them. Don't eat in the car, the scent of the food takes ages to disappear and can be offensive (no kebabs). Hope that helps.

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by geckoGT

I can also tell you that you would only be moving low scale delegates that are considered to be of little security risk. The high risk VIP's such as State Secretaries, Prime Ministers etc will have their own drivers that are appropriately trained and security vetted to the highest level.

The AFP do not trust the welfare to the average Joe, these drivers have specialist training in driving dignitaries which not only includes a smooth ride and door opening but also high speed escape and evasion and other special tricks.


If you did that you would have a AFP Glock in the side of your head before you could say Yeehaa. They would also do a lot more than just sack you, locked up at the pleasure of the Governor General comes to mind. Besides no volunteer would ever drive the queen around.

Don't get me wrong, I think it could be worth doing and some of the training you receive may be good to have. High level stuff like that is always a hell of an experience to be involved in in any official capacity. I have done it few times (not driving) and although always a lot of work, a worthwhile experience.

Pretty much what I suspected, and as you pointed out I'd only be doing it for the experience and for the possibilities of some doors being opened (not car doors either). The driver training part sounds interesting and could be a good thing to have on one's resume, especially if its being provided by the Commonwealth.

Originally Posted by ltd

In early December 2001 a friend of mine who was a financial controller at channel 9 asked me if I wanted to chauffeur a VIP around for 5-6 days. I was busy at the time but none the less, they agreed to pay me a certain amount so I became the chauffeur of Jerry Springer. He was here to film a couple of pilots for the UK, but being Sydney and the exchange rate they saved a bundle. "It's a love thing" was one of the shows.
Anyway, turned up at the airport to meet Jerry and his entourage, including a rather burly body guard. First day was OK and check in to his hotel was easy, but it turns out he was a power sleeper. What that means, he was happy to survive on 2 hours sleep a day. I'd routinely drop him off at 4am, and have to be back at Circular Quay by 7am. It was exhausting to say the least. Further, as a display of friendship they'd tend to invite me up to their gatherings etc, but I'd end up serving as additional security. It was a terribly exhausting 5 days, but a good experience over all.

Some tips though, find out who and how many. Further, find out who you're responsible and on call for, if say a security official or even a staffer want to go to somewhere are you responsible? Even if they were in the car originally with the dignitary you had, does that make them receive the same level of treatment? If the car doesn't have Hire Car (HC) plates on it, check the validity of you driving in bus lanes, and parking in HC spots (like at the airport). Ask them what the duty entails and roughly what hours to prevent you being sleep depraved (say you get some public servants etc). If you are to be on call check if you can have another driver replace you to allow you regular hours. Find out if any special clearways etc have been created and any restrictions on road access etc.
Be sure to wear nice aftershave/cologne and not over powering types like Tommy etc, it tends to make people sneeze in a car. Keep the car clean, put some cool water bottles in an esky and offer them. Don't eat in the car, the scent of the food takes ages to disappear and can be offensive (no kebabs). Hope that helps.

Excellent info thanks, looks like that was an interesting experience!

[Peuty]

I used to work with a guy who was a commonwealth driver. He said it was a great experience and the training you recieve is very full on.

Hell, I'd volunteer if it meant I could spent a few days doing J turns in other peoples cars!

[FgNewbie]

There is some good imput above, a couple of things that come to mind...

Be sure to wear nice aftershave/cologne and not over powering types like Tommy etc

I'd suggest no cologne at all. In a closed car with aircon, any scent can be too much for some, espcially if they have allergies.

As someone else mentioned, one reason I never did normal work was the irregularlity of work without pay.

In a past life I did many weddings and celebrity work in various sedans and stretches. Regardless of who they are, I suggest a mindset of being respectful of their position whilst remembering they are still only a person thus don't kiss butt or be intimidated.

Be aware of cultural differences. A simple gesture could offend some not familiar with our own culture.

Be attentive, don't let your mind wander. Eg. touching someone may be a big no no but if it is obvious they are about to whack their head on the doorjam, you might insert your hand to soften the impact.

Be polite but don't misconstrue a simple question to mean you can ask them a 1000 questions in return. Your passengers may take the opportunity of travel to just chill out without having to talk dribble. Conversely you could ask if they would like you to point out our wonderful landmarks etc.

If driving in a procession, don't ride your brake (the driver behind you will hate your guts) and don't tailgate the car infront.

I'd strongly suggest start practising smooth braking technique now. Not Taxi braking where you race to the light or corner then brake at the last minute, allow the car to slow to a stop.

Speaking of which, go for a ride in a taxi with a crap driver and learn what not to do or say.

I think one of the most professional things to remember, don't discuss who you drive.

I was in 2 minds to mention this one... I'd suggest clarifying how far you are expected to go to protect your passenger (and who's going to pay your legal bill). This includes physically and potentially illegal driving. If nothing else, always allow yourself an "exit" in traffic, don't sit up the bumper of the car in front. In extreme circumstances, the footpath or median strip can be a useful tool unless you are locked in the middle lane.

These are just a few ramblings straight off the top of my head, there are a heap more if you think about it.

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by FgNewbie

I was in 2 minds to mention this one... I'd suggest clarifying how far you are expected to go to protect your passenger (and who's going to pay your legal bill). This includes physically and potentially illegal driving. If nothing else, always allow yourself an "exit" in traffic, don't sit up the bumper of the car in front. In extreme circumstances, the footpath or median strip can be a useful tool unless you are locked in the middle lane.

Ah, you remembered it's a CHOGM show and there could be lots of Tree hugging well wishers there

[SEZ213]

End of the day, only you can make the decision that's right, but I say go for it - you only live once. And it's not always about getting cash for something - If anything, I think the experience would be well worth it, it looks good on resumes and you never know what these kinds of things can lead to.

Good luck!

[FgNewbie]

Originally Posted by Sezzy

.... and you never know what these kinds of things can lead to.

I was laughing to myself thinking "assault charges" when it hit me...
If I were to drive celebs again, I'd want a good car cam system.

GasOLane awww give them a good hug... a bear hug

Road_Warrior, if you can milk it, I'd ask them to put you through security training too.

[GT-E]

My mother in law was a volunteer driver for the Sydney Olympics.
All she got was a small amount of training and the number plates for personal use after the event.
She had a great time, but as other have said you will only deal with the low level people as anyone with any security requirements will have trained drivers. The worst part will be all the waiting around for the next ride.
If you have the spare time, it could be a interesting thing to do in your life as you only live once and may experience something different and interesting.

[GasoLane]

If you have the time and can afford it (possible time off work with no pay) I'd say go for it.
As others have said it'll be an experience -and think of the stories you can tell us - and it will look good on a resume. Did they mention what type of car you'll be driving.

Originally Posted by FgNewbie

If I were to drive celebs again, I'd want a good car cam system.

Is this because when you were doing it last the Internet wasn't invented

[FgNewbie]

Originally Posted by GasOLane

Is this because when you were doing it last the Internet wasn't invented

Cheeky old bugga

I got internet in 1894 or 1895 1994 or 1995 and saw a pic of you with your first Model T.

I did some more casual driving work early 2000s. I was in the right place at the right time and jumped at the opportunity to get paid having fun in a Lincoln Continental limo for a while. It was roughly 10 or 11m and absolute fun to drive especially when the owner wanted me to test its limits. I didn't appreciate it when the owner tested the back springs while I sat in the driver seat with the partition up. I only let it happen once, they made me seasick