You need to be at least 18 to be a valet driver at most companies, and many valet companies, including VIP Parking Solutions, require drivers to be 21 or older. The higher age is common because insurance for driving other people's cars is easier to obtain for older drivers with established driving records.
Why is 18 the usual floor?
Valet attendants drive customers' cars on and off public streets as part of the job. Federal child labor rules sharply limit on-the-job driving by workers under 18, so valet driving roles are effectively closed to minors. A full, unrestricted driver's license is also a basic requirement, and younger drivers in Colorado, as in most states, start out with restrictions.
Why do many valet companies require 21?
Many valet companies require drivers to be 21 or older because of insurance. A valet company's coverage depends on who is driving, and insurers generally see younger drivers as higher risk. A few extra years also means a longer driving record for the employer to review, and more time behind the wheel of different kinds of cars.
At VIP, the 21 or older requirement applies to every applicant, along with a clean driving record and the ability to drive a manual transmission. Those three requirements are listed on our careers page.
What else do employers look for besides age?
- A valid driver's license. A standard license is enough. Valets drive passenger cars, SUVs and pickups.
- A clean driving record. Recent accidents, speeding tickets or an impaired driving offense can rule a candidate out.
- Manual transmission skills. Fewer new cars have a clutch, but they still arrive at the valet stand, and a valet has to be able to park every car that does.
- Comfort with modern cars. Electric vehicles, hybrids, push-button starts, key cards and unfamiliar shifters are part of every shift.
- Customer service. Valets are the first and last people a guest sees.
- Work eligibility. Every U.S. employer verifies identity and work eligibility using Form I-9 documents. Some valet employers also run background checks.
What does a valet do on a typical shift?
Valets greet arriving guests, take keys, issue claim tickets, park cars, track every key, and bring cars back when guests are ready to leave. Depending on the assignment, the job can also include helping with bags, giving directions and keeping the entrance clear. Shifts happen at events, hotels, hospitals and office buildings, often in the evening and in all kinds of weather, with plenty of time on your feet.
What if you are not old enough yet?
Use the time to build what valet employers look for. Keep your driving record clean, learn to drive a manual transmission and practice until it is second nature, and get customer service experience in a restaurant, hotel or retail job. When you meet the age requirement, you will be a stronger candidate from day one.
How do you apply at VIP Parking Solutions?
If you are 21 or older, have a clean driving record and can drive a manual transmission, apply through our careers page. You can choose full-time or part-time work and upload a resume. To learn more about the company and where we work, visit our Denver valet company page.
Frequently asked questions
At some companies, yes. VIP Parking Solutions requires every applicant to be 21 or older.
Generally no. Federal child labor rules sharply limit on-the-job driving by workers under 18, so valet driving roles are effectively closed to minors.
A clean driving record and the ability to drive a manual transmission. Apply on the careers page.