What Is Expected Of You as a Tour Driver?

As a tour driver, you double as a driver as well as a tour guide. In that case, you have the opportunity to either make or break the journey for everyone under your care. The expectation of your passengers is that you will make their tour memorable and worthwhile. Obviously, you would want to make the journey enjoyable for everyone on board. Whether you are working full-time or part-time, both your employer and passengers have expectations that you should strive to meet at all times. In the section that follows, you will learn and appreciate what is expected of you as a tour driver.

Passion for traveling

You would barely do well in a career if you do not like what you are doing. As a tour driver, if you are to enjoy every moment, you should be passionate about traveling. It is great passion for traveling that would fuel your ability to maintain a flexible traveling schedule more especially during a peak season when you would be expected to standby in case you are called back on duty to fulfill the demands of the job.

Never expect tipping from the group

Some passengers may show their satisfaction for the good work that you have done throughout the journey and as a result, they will tip you in appreciation. Even though this is usually a good gesture from the people you have guided through the tour, it is not expected that you should expect a tip or ask for any from any of your customers. However, some companies include the driver’s tip in the fare the customer pays. In that case, if the customer tries tipping you, you are expected to graciously let them understand that such a tip is already included in the amount of fare.

Possession of customer service skills

You would want to make the customer leave with the feeling that they have received the best service while under your care. In that case, your excellent customer service skills will come into play. Such customers may decide to become loyal to your service or leave an impressive feedback thus helping you with many referrals.

Strong communication skills

Great mastery of communication skills will play an important role when guiding the tour group under your care. It will enable you to effectively pass relevant information to your recipients while at the same minimize cases of misunderstandings during the tour.

Holder of class A or B commercial driving license

Besides experience, possession of a class A or class B commercial driving license is confirmation enough that you are qualified to take a job as a tour driver. However, you are expected to take and pass on-road and classroom tests before being confirmed fully for the job position.

Excellent navigation and map reading skills

Sometime, the requirements of some the journeys may demand that your tour places you have never been to before. In that case, you will benefit mostly if you posses great navigation and map reading skills.

Ability to work as a team

So long as you are dealing with a band, your ability to work as a team will always come in handy. Besides, you may be given a co-driver with whom you are supposed to work as a team.