Do you love, love, love to drive? If so, you may be interested in a career as a professional driver. The list includes quite a few opportunities and as long as you meet the requirements, e.g., have an excellent driving record, current license and pass any required testing, you'd be a good candidate. And in a lot the instances, you can actually start your own service company and be your own boss.



Limo Driver

Limo drivers are an especially good option for people who like people. They usually make a standard rate and when allowed, can also receive gratuities. Keep in mind that most limo drivers need to be ‘on-call' and ready to roll at a moment's notice and all are required to hold a special license. In addition to the usual prom, airport, wedding and events fares, there are also opportunities for ‘personal' drivers who work specifically for one individual or firm. And if you ever decide to purchase you own limo, you obviously aren't obligated to any one other than yourself, your customers and Uncle Sam.

Taxi-Cab Drivers

Because you never know who you're going to get as a passenger, another driving profession that would probably be more pleasing to a ‘people person' is a taxi cab driver. Taxi driving can be quite lucrative if you're in a well populated area, and even more so if you own your own cab. Just know that the hours can tend to be very long and erratic. Also, a special license and registration is required for this type of driving.

Truck Drivers

The amount of opportunities for professional truck drivers has gone through the roof over the past few years – and they are pretty diversified as well. If you have the opportunity to drive a delivery or service industry truck, and especially if you're considering the prospect of driving the ‘big rigs', you will need to take a CDL certification test (different classes/levels depending on the job) obtain the required class of license and be willing to submit to period testing. Long-haul semi drivers usually benefit from a higher income than short-haul or delivery/service truck drivers, but have to be the type of person who is willing to be away from home for extended amounts of time, and on a regular basis.

Valet

Valet opportunities are mainly part-time as compared full-time. But if you are in the right place, you can make quite a pretty penny considering base pay and tips. A lot of younger valets sometimes think that this type of work is a free-for-all, but know that you will be completely responsible for the owner's car when in your possession. In addition to the prospect of a good salary, you may also enjoy the diversity involved in the opportunity to drive different types of vehicles on a regular basis.

Auto-Auctions and Car Dealerships

A professional driving career can also be obtained by working through an auto auction or car dealership. The cars on these lots need to be moved around on a consistent basis and can provide the opportunity for diversity in the driving experience as well.

Race Car Driver

Now this is obviously a career that requires extensive training and outstanding skill. But if you've got the ‘right stuff', you can do very well for yourself financially in addition to possibly obtaining a claim to fame. In addition to the high level of ability required, obtaining sponsorship is the other important aspect to moving forward in this career. Once a sponsor agrees to subsidize you, the driver will be required to represent that company or individual and of course be given the privilege of driving that corresponding race car.