Weddings, receptions, birthday parties and office events often end late, and many people do not want to drive home at that hour. Some are tired. Some have had a drink. Some simply do not like to drive at night in an unfamiliar area. A night driver for your own car solves the problem, and it is among the most common reasons people book a driver in cities like Madurai, Chennai and Coimbatore. This guide covers what to arrange in advance, so that the night goes smoothly.
Why plan it before the event
A driver booked on the spot at midnight may not be available, and rates and waiting times can be hard to judge. If you book in advance, you can tell the booking the place, the time and the car, and the driver arrives at the right time. It also takes away the pressure of deciding at the end of the evening, when a bad decision is more likely.
Weddings in Tamil Nadu and elsewhere in the south often continue until very late, with rituals at an early hour, so ask about the cut off time of the booking. If the event runs longer than planned, call the booking, and extend the hours instead of leaving the driver without clear instructions. A few extra hours that are planned are always easier than an argument at one in the morning.
Information to give when you book
Give the venue address, the time the driver should arrive, and how long you expect the event to last. Say where he should wait, and give a phone number for the person who will meet him. Tell the booking the car type and whether it is manual or automatic, and the drop address at home.
- Venue name, address and a landmark
- Arrival time for the driver, and the expected end time
- Your phone number and one backup number
- Car make, model and gearbox type
- Drop address and any stops on the way home
Where the driver waits
At a wedding hall or a restaurant, parking can be tight. Tell the driver where to park, and share the parking arrangements, such as a valet or a free area. If the event might run late, agree on how waiting is handled, because waiting hours can be charged in some bookings. A clear understanding avoids a discussion at the end of the night.
Think about where the car will be during the event. If you are driving to the venue yourself, you can hand over the car to the driver at the entrance, or you can ask the driver to meet you there. If you will be taking another vehicle to the venue, the driver can instead bring your car to you at the end of the evening. Whichever plan you pick, make it clear in the booking so nobody is left waiting.
Handing over the keys
Hand over only the car key. Remove valuables and documents from the car. If you have had a drink, do not argue about the keys, and let the driver take over. It is the reason you booked him. If the party is outside the city, tell the driver the roads you want him to take and whether you wish to stop anywhere.
How the driver gets home
After he drops you at your home, the driver needs a way back. In some bookings he returns by an auto or a bus, and in others the booking arranges it, and the cost is part of the plan. Ask about this beforehand. If you travel a long distance late at night, plan to cover a safe way for him to get home.
Safety for everyone in the car
Check the driver's name and car details with the booking, and share the trip with a family member. Everyone in the car should wear seat belts, including the passengers in the back. If a family with children is travelling, plan the seating before you start. Drive within the speed limit, even at night when roads are empty.
Think about the people in the car as well. If several relatives or friends will ride home together, tell the booking how many, because a car full of people needs a driver who is calm and patient. If elders are in the group, plan the drop order so that they reach home first, and tell the driver the route you want him to follow, so there is no confusion at the end of the night.
Paying and tipping
Pay as agreed with the booking, and ask for a receipt. A tip for good service is your choice, and it is appreciated after a late shift. Do not pay in cash for items that the booking said are included, and do not hand over extra money for fuel, as the fuel is yours to manage.
Questions
Can I book a night driver for a wedding in advance?
Yes. Give the venue, the arrival time and your car details, and the driver is planned for the evening.
Does the driver wait if the event runs late?
Waiting is normally covered by the arrangement you agree on. Ask how waiting time is charged before the event.
How does the driver go home after the drop?
It depends on the booking. Ask about the driver's return and whether it is included.
What should I remove from the car before handing it over?
Valuables, documents and any spare key. Hand over only the key that is needed for the trip.