What is a private driver (or a VTC)?

The term VTC is a term that is spreading more and more in the world, especially in Europe. The field of logistics is still under development, which is how the profession of a private driver or VTC has been able to prosper. The questions that now arise are: What are the differences between a VTC and a taxi? How are their prices set? But first, what does the acronym VTC stand for?

What is a VTC?

Quite simply, the term VTC in french means "Touring Car with Driver" it is also called Transport Car with driver or even Car with the driver. From this, the profession is the Driver of VTC.

VTCs and taxis have one thing in common, the nature of the services offered. The VTC like the taxi offers the means to go from point A to point B aboard a car driven by a driver. However, there are several differences between the two.

Differences between VTC and Taxi?

Several differences present themselves, so we will divide them into two points of view.

First, from the professional point of view, the VTC driver is most of the time a self-employed person and not an employee or tenant.

A VTC driver needs a B license and at least 250 hours of training. On the other hand, a taxi driver only needs a B license and a passing exam. The VTC driver is also subject to a medical examination and must have a clean criminal record. He's also training for 7 hours or more every 5 years.

In addition, the owners of a VTC company must pass an exam in 7 theoretical modules and a practical exam, the so-called VTC exam. After passing the exam it is possible to obtain a provisional license to practice the profession. Obtaining a definitive VTC professional card comes after the registration of the VTC company.

From the customer's point of view, the most common problem encountered in such cases is pricing. First of all, a VTC is only available by reservation only to guarantee to have a vehicle for sure. The rates are fixed according to the distance and the duration of the journey determined by the customer, so the latter knows how much he will be charged from the reservation. Unlike taxis whose bills are unknown in advance.

A VTC can carry more passengers than a taxi depending on the vehicle. In general, the VTC driver has the possibility of transporting from 4 to 9 places.

For those who prefer discretion during their travels, VTCs are difficult to spot because they have no apparent distinctive sign like that of a taxi. VTCs guarantee discretion, comfort, and not being stopped during your journey to transport other passengers.

To conclude

Despite the constraints encountered by those who want to create a ride-hailing company, the profession is developing faster and faster. VTCs have reached a number of around 16,000 in France. This has no influence on the price, the VTC offers its services at reasonable prices.

Now that the vision of what VTCs are is clear if you want to live the adventure VTC Mérignac offers you this opportunity at a suitable price.