About a century ago, when Rolls-Royce began to acquire its sterling reputation, the maharajahs and magnates who imported the cars from England discovered that in many parts of the world, good drivers were harder to find than good cars. So they had Rolls-Royce train drivers to match its cars.
The drivers who attend his course typically work for single owners or hotel fleets. New owners can send their drivers to England for training. For example, the Louis XIII hotel in Macau recently began sending 30 drivers for training in anticipation of the arrival of its 30 new Rolls-Royce Phantoms — the largest single order ever, according to the company. 2 of the Rolls will be the most expensive Phantoms ever commissioned due to gold plated interior and exterior pieces
A majority of the training is etiquette.
Never greet your passengers wearing sunglasses.
You don't accelerate, you "gain momentum".
The sound system is playing a classical station at low volume.
If luggage is to be loaded, secure it in the trunk before opening the vehicle for your passengers. This prevents theft or forgetfulness, and while pulling wheeled suitcases along sidewalks is permissible, never across the street or on the road, to prevent the luggage wheels from getting dirty, oily or greasy. Also, query the passengers about their luggage to be sure none was left behind, and this will have the 2nd function of putting them at ease during the trip, as they won't be concerned about luggage.
When opening a door, do not grasp the handle, merely pull outward. This technique avoids fingerprints on the Phantom’s exterior.
Before driving along, make eye contact via the interior mirror with your primary passenger, affirm that all is well, then flip it up so as to give them their privacy.
Switches, vents, sun visor, seats and curtains in the car must be neatly aligned before the trip begins, all the vents are ½ way open, horizontal and positioned the same way, the navigational screen is closed, and cup-holders folded in. Front seats and headrests are identically set for rake and height.
Acceleration and braking must be smooth and precise.
“The first rule: We never cross the Spirit,” Mr. McCann said of the Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament. “We never walk in front of the car, and we never walk in front of the passenger.”
Drivers learn a clever procedure for building a privacy box for passengers who might want to arrive discreetly and avoid paparazzi cameras. The Rolls-Royce center opening doors and an umbrella — built into the door – quickly opened, block photographers. This is sometimes used for discreet disembarking of women with short party dresses also.
Chauffers need to be early. If time permits, detail the car before the passengers arrive
If you have an opportunity to park in a way to display the car, it is to be positioned for a ¾ view. You must park your Rolls-Royce in a “visually acceptable” manner and with attention to the surrounding hazards to the car and passengers. Not next to a trash can, portajohn, etc. Always back the car into a parking stall when curbside parking isn't available
A few notes on the Rolls-Royce umbrella:
Each one is Teflon-coated so that water and mold cannot soak in. The umbrellas are stored in the front fender where engine heat is piped over them to make sure they’re always dry.
The umbrella can be used defensively or offensively, as the tip is metal, about 3 inches long and an inch in circumference. The base is a half pound of steel, and the rod is made of carbon fiber. Quite a sturdy piece— and why they cost $700 for a matched set.
Fwiw, while looking for as much cool info on this as possible, the following were all used, but the article by Motor Trend writer Jonny Lieberman was the best.
http://blog.caranddriver.com/smoove-b-we-attend-rolls-royces-white-glove-chauffeur-training-program/http://www.car-revs-daily.com/2014/09/17/rolls-royce-phantoms-macau/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/14/automobiles/rolls-royce-resurrects-professional-driver-course.html?_r=0http://shebuyscars.com/takes-rolls-royce-chauffeur/https://www.yahoo.com/news/how-rolls-royce-trains-chauffeurs-to-talk-drive-118878180347.htmlhttp://www.motortrend.com/news/rolls-royce-white-glove-program/
