What to Look for When Hiring Valet Drivers for Your Valet Service

If you operate a valet service for your business, you’ll know how important it is to have the highest caliber drivers. They’re the first people to greet your customers, patients or guests they arrive at your facility. They provide that critical first impression of your establishment. While appearances aren’t everything, your visitors’ experience with your valet service is something they’ll remember long after they’ve departed, and the service they’ve received will greatly influence their overall opinion of your organization. Isn’t it important, then, to hire only the best drivers? We’ll tell you how.

What Qualifications Should a Valet Driver Have?

At FC Parking, our valets aren’t just skilled drivers — they’re hospitality professionals. If a valet service for hire wants to truly shine, their valets must do more than just park cars. Since our valets greet guests and help to enhance the visitor experience, they must be personable, respectful and attentive to guests’ needs. Especially in the case of a healthcare facility, valet professionals must be willing to assist guests in bad weather and help them with mobility devices.

 Naturally, valet drivers should have considerable experience in driving and parking different types of vehicles, including stick shifts, vans and small trucks. They should be familiar with the facility so that they can direct visitors to their destination. Ideally, they’ll have a neat appearance and be well-organized, efficient and professional, in addition to other traits becoming a guest services professional. Drivers must know the rules of the road and exhibit grace under pressure, such as during rush hour and when there are impatient customers waiting for their cars. Since many valet services use text-in vehicle retrieval, they should also be computer and smartphone savvy.   

Are There any Red Flags When Hiring a Valet Driver?

Before any valet driver hiring, it’s a good idea to do a comprehensive background check, in addition to a drug and alcohol test. There are companies across the U.S. that can provide this service. The results of these tests, in addition to a thorough driving test, will give you more information about the individual you’re considering as a representative of your company.

Red Flags might include:

• Questionable results on a drug or alcohol test
• Past traffic infractions and tickets
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Late for their interview
• A sloppy appearance 
• Poor communication skills
• Lack of driving experience

Are There Minimum Requirements When Hiring for a Valet Driver?

While it may be difficult to find the perfect valet drivers for your company, the effort will pay off in satisfied customers and repeat business. There is a good deal of responsibility in driving and parking other people’s vehicles, and if personal property is stolen or if there’s an accident, your company can be held liable. You also want to hire valet professionals that reflect well on your organization. 

Some of the minimum requirements for a valet driver are:

• Valid driver’s license
• At least 3 years of driving experience
• No major moving violations in the last 10 years
• Clean motor vehicle report
• Passes a drug test and driving test
• Friendly, personable and well-groomed 

How FC Parking Trains Their Drivers

Are you looking for the best valet service for hire? At FC Parking, we take the training of our valet drivers very seriously. This includes a comprehensive screening process and challenging interview. Once hired, every driver takes part in FC University, a period of field training and random in-field assessment. Each valet continues to be trained and coached, with regular employee meetings and manager oversight. It takes a lot of time to groom top valet professionals, but the value they bring to your organization is well worth the effort.