A private driver is anyone you pay to drive you. A chauffeur is a professional who does that as a full service: the car comes with them, they plan the route, meet you at the door or the arrivals hall, and wait while you get on with your day. In London people use the two words loosely, so check what a booking includes.
Does a chauffeur bring the car?
Usually, yes. With Privev the car is part of the booking: a Mercedes EQS, EQE, EQV or BMW i7, all fully electric. Some people hire a private driver to drive their own car instead. If that is what you want, a chauffeur company is the wrong call.
Is a chauffeur licensed differently from a private driver?
Ask any driver or company you book in London who licenses them. Privev is licensed by Transport for London as a private hire operator (licence 010408), and every journey is booked through us, so you know who is responsible for the car, the driver and the trip.
What does a chauffeur do that a driver doesn't?
Our chauffeurs are hand-picked and trained in etiquette, local knowledge and safety. They help with luggage, track flights and traffic, and wait close by while you shop, dine or sit in a meeting. Every car carries bottled water and phone chargers, and Wi-Fi is on board if you ask the chauffeur to connect you.
Can I hire a chauffeur by the hour, like a private driver?
Yes. Hourly hire has a four-hour minimum. Inside the M25 it costs £75 an hour in the EQE and £90 in the EQS, EQV or i7; outside the M25 it is £90 and £110. Prices include VAT, and waiting, parking and the Congestion Charge are included. For a full day, see hiring a chauffeur for the day.
Can a chauffeur take me outside London?
Yes. We plan day trips to places such as Oxford, Stonehenge and the Cotswolds, and drive between all the London airports. Tell us the stops when you book and we will build the day around them.
Which should I book?
Book a private driver if you only need someone to drive your own car. Book a chauffeur if you want the car and the driver in one booking, with the day planned for you. See our private chauffeur service, or call +44 (0)20 4536 1595 at any hour.
