Chapter 27

In Town Automobile Etiquette

You may travel in a chauffeur driven vehicle,

a taxi or you may drive the car yourself

Good manners dictate that proper etiquette

be followed

Chauffeur driven vehicle

Wait for the chauffeur to open the door for you and your guestsIf you are the host, you should enter the vehicle first. By doing this your guest would not have to slide across the seat. Alternatively you could seat your guest and then seat yourself behind the driver. It is best to sit behind the driver’s seat as it will enable you to direct him easilyIf three are to sit at the back, then the junior mostperson should sit to the middle

If you are the guest and there are more than two people in the car, ask your host where you should sit

Normally the host will sit behind or beside the driver.

If it is a hostess and there is a man in the group, the man will normally sit beside the driver

Usually the chauffeur will on reaching your destination, go around the car and open the door for you. If you expect this, then you should sit and wait for him to do so.

TaxiEtiquette of going in a taxi is similar to that of being driven by a chauffeur

It is unlikely that the taxi driver will open the door for you or for your guest. It would be polite to open the door for your guest and wait for him to be seated and then go around to your seat.

If you cannot or do not want to go around to open doors, you should slide in so that your guest is not inconvenienced

Self DriveIf you are driving, you should approach the passenger seat of the car, open the door to your guest and close the door.Then go around and seat yourselfYou should request (if he hasn’t) your guest to fasten his seat belt.You should ensure that your guest is comfortable before you drive off.You are not a chauffeur. Therefore you are not expected to open the door for your guest when you arrive at your destination.