How Can I Become an Airport Limo Driver?
Explore the career requirements for airport limo drivers. Get the facts about the education, job duties and job outlook to determine if this is the right career for you.
What Is an Airport Limo Driver?
Airport limo drivers are licensed limo drivers who transport people to and from airports. They may provide a direct service between hotels and the airport, or may be employed by the airport or a private transportation company. Their job involves picking up the passenger or passengers, transporting them and delivering them to their destination. They may need to collect fares and assist passengers with placing their luggage in the vehicle. Airport limo drivers also need to stock their limo with amenities they offer and perform basic vehicle maintenance. They are also responsible for keeping their vehicle clean.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Education</b></td><td>High school diploma or GED</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Training Required</b></td><td> On-the-job training required in some states</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Licensure</b></td><td>Valid driver's license; chauffeur's license may be required in some states; commercial driver's license (CDL) to carry more than 16 passengers</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Key Responsibilities</b></td><td>Keep limo stocked with amenities; provide customer service, handle luggage; maintain vehicle</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Growth (2020-2030)</b></td><td> 26% for chauffeurs and taxi drivers*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b> </td><td> $32,320 for chauffeurs and taxi drivers*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheRequirementsForBecomingAnAirportLimoDriver">What Are the Requirements for Becoming an Airport Limo Driver?</h3><p>Limo drivers, or chauffeurs, don't need any formal education beyond high school; most are usually trained by their employers. On-the-job training typically lasts 1-2 weeks and is required by law in some places. Your training may include safety courses, road tests or defensive-driving exercises. Taking classes in accounting, business, sales or customer relations could help improve your employment chances.
</p><p>You need a valid driver's license, and some states may require you to obtain an additional chauffeur's license. To get a chauffeur's license, you usually need to have had a valid driver's license for two years or more, be at least 18 years old and pass a written exam. Additionally, according to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration mandates, you need a commercial driver's license (CDL) to transport 16 passengers or more (www.fmcsa.dot.gov).
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheJobDuties">What Are the Job Duties?</h3><p>Airport limo drivers often maintain conveniences like soft drinks, food, telephone and video services, newspapers and music. It would likely also be your job to provide customer service, which might include conversation, advice about the city in which you work, luggage loading, opening doors or holding umbrellas.
</p><p>Maintaining your vehicle is another important part of this job. You may need to check the oil, fill the car up with gas, inspect the brakes, wash the exterior and detail the interior. You may also need to monitor windshield wipers, lights and fluids. Other job responsibilities could include the following: arranging to transport high-status clients; documenting accidents and filling out accident reports; communicating with dispatchers about mechanical or scheduling problems; running errands for clients; collecting fares, vouchers and gratuities; performing safety inspections and calculating trip costs.
</p><h3 id="section---HowIsTheJobOutlook">How Is the Job Outlook?</h3><p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that employment for chauffeurs and taxi drivers was expected to increase 26% between 2020 and 2030. Growth for this occupation will likely be driven by increases in business travel and tourism. The BLS notes, however, that the demand for driving services is sensitive to economic conditions. This is especially true for limo drivers, whose services may be expensive.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreSomeRelatedAlternativeCareers">What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?</h3><p>Airport limo drivers, transit bus drivers and taxi drivers all have several aspects of their work that are similar. They may all need to have a state or city license to work in their field. All of these transportation professionals are responsible for basic vehicle maintenance and cleanliness. They collect fares from their passengers. They also share the basic duties of picking up passengers, transporting them and delivering them to their destination. Other professionals who have careers similar to airport limo drivers include school bus drivers and delivery truck drivers. All of these professionals transport goods or people from one destination to another, and must follow all transit laws.</p>