Business · 4 min read · Updated 6 November 2026
Business chauffeur etiquette: seating, tipping, calls and briefing
Where to sit
In a UK right-hand-drive car, the rear left seat is the traditional seat for the principal passenger. It is diagonally opposite the driver, gives the most legroom when the front passenger seat is moved forward, and opens onto the kerb, so the chauffeur can open the door and the passenger steps straight onto the pavement rather than into traffic.
| Passengers | Usual seating |
|---|---|
| One executive | Rear left, behind the front passenger seat |
| Executive and guest | Guest rear left, host rear right |
| Three passengers | Two in the rear, the most junior in the front passenger seat |
| Group in a people carrier | Principal in the most accessible rear seat, by the sliding door |
Sitting in the front on your own is not wrong, but it signals an informal trip. If you are hosting a client, let them choose.
Briefing the chauffeur
The single biggest difference between a smooth business day and a stressful one is the brief. Send it in writing the day before, even if you have already spoken on the phone.
- Full names of every passenger and who the lead contact is
- Exact pick-up and drop-off addresses, including building entrances or gate codes
- Meeting times and how much buffer you want before each
- Flight or train numbers for any connections
- Mobile numbers for the passenger and an assistant or office contact
- Anything to avoid, such as a route past the client's competitor's office
Calls, privacy and confidentiality
Many executives treat the back of a chauffeur car as a mobile office. Professional chauffeurs are trained to be discreet and will not join in or repeat what they hear, but it is still a car with a stranger in it. Sensible habits protect you either way.
- Use earphones for calls so only your side is audible
- Keep names and deal details to a minimum on speakerphone
- Ask for the radio off and the privacy of a quiet cabin when you board
- Do not leave papers or devices on the seat when you step out for a meeting
- If confidentiality is critical, ask whether the company can name a regular driver for your account
Tipping and refreshments
Tipping is not expected in the UK in the way it is in some countries, and many corporate accounts include gratuities in the agreed rate. For private bookings, a tip of around 10 percent, or a round figure such as £10 to £20 for a long day, is a common way to thank a driver who has gone beyond the brief. It is never compulsory.
Bottled water and a phone charger are common in executive cars, but they vary between companies. If you need anything specific, such as particular newspapers, a laptop charger or child seats for a client's family, ask when booking rather than on the day.
Booking for a VIP or client
When you book a chauffeur for someone else, you are effectively extending your company's hospitality. A few details make a strong impression.
- Give the chauffeur the guest's name exactly as they prefer it on the name board
- Mention mobility needs or heavy luggage in advance
- Share the guest's flight details so arrival is monitored
- Agree whether the guest can extend the booking and who approves the extra cost
- Ask for a short message to you once the guest has been collected
Common mistakes
- Booking point-to-point when the day really needs hourly hire, then paying waiting time
- Forgetting that central London has very few places a car can wait, so pick-up times need to be realistic
- Giving a building name rather than a full address and postcode
- Not telling the driver when a meeting is running late
Sending a short text when you are ten minutes from leaving a meeting lets the driver get back to the door without circling, which matters on red routes where waiting is banned.
Setting up regular business travel
If your team books cars every week, a little structure saves time and money. Most chauffeur companies can set up an account so bookings are approved and invoiced centrally rather than paid journey by journey.
- Agree a list of authorised bookers and a single contact for invoices
- Set standard vehicle types for staff and for clients
- Ask for passenger names and cost codes to appear on each invoice line
- Agree standard terms for waiting time, cancellations and late changes
- Share a list of regular addresses, such as offices and preferred hotels
It also helps to agree a house style for collections. Some companies want drivers to wait in reception with a name board for every client; others prefer a discreet text on arrival. Writing this down once means every driver follows it, and your guests have the same experience each time.
Frequently asked questions
Should I sit in the front or back of a chauffeur car?
For business travel the back is normal, usually the rear left seat on the kerb side. It gives more privacy for work and calls and is the seat the chauffeur will open for you. Sitting in the front is perfectly acceptable if you prefer it, particularly on an informal trip, but if you are hosting a client offer them the rear left seat.
How much should I tip a chauffeur in London?
Tipping is optional in the UK. If you want to thank a chauffeur for excellent service, around 10 percent of the fare, or a round figure such as £10 to £20 for a long day, is common. Check whether gratuities are already included if you are booking through a corporate account, as some companies build them into the agreed rate.
Can a chauffeur wait outside my meeting in central London?
Often not directly outside. Many central London streets are red routes or have controlled parking, so drivers usually wait at a nearby legal spot or circulate, then return when you message. Booking hourly or as-directed hire means waiting is part of the arrangement. Tell the driver ten to fifteen minutes before you finish so they can be at the door.
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