To be a valet driver you need a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and the skill to drive many kinds of vehicles safely, often including manual transmissions. At VIP Parking Solutions, every applicant must be 21 or older, have a clean driving record, and be able to drive a manual transmission.
What kind of driver's license do you need?
A valid, current driver's license is the starting point for every valet job. A standard license is enough, since valets park passenger cars, SUVs and pickups, not commercial vehicles. Expect an employer to ask to see it and to confirm it is not suspended or restricted. If your license is from another state and you have moved, update it before you apply.
Why does a clean driving record matter so much?
A valet company is trusted with other people's cars, and its insurance depends on who is behind the wheel. That is why many valet companies review an applicant's motor vehicle record before hiring. Recent accidents, speeding tickets or an impaired driving offense can rule a candidate out. VIP requires a clean driving record from every applicant, so if yours has recent marks, it is worth waiting until they age off before applying.
Do valet drivers need to drive a manual transmission?
At VIP, yes. Manual cars are less common than they used to be, but they still show up at the valet stand, often as sports cars, older vehicles and enthusiast cars. A valet who cannot drive one has to find a coworker or leave the guest waiting, and neither is acceptable on a busy night.
The rest of the fleet has changed too. Today's valet needs to be comfortable with:
- Electric vehicles and hybrids, which can be silent when they are on and may slow down sharply when you lift off the pedal
- Push-button starts, key cards and phone-based keys
- Rotary dial, button and column shifters that work differently from car to car
- Large SUVs and trucks in tight garages
What other skills do valet drivers need?
Driving is half the job. The other half is service and organization:
- Customer service: valets are the first and last people a guest meets. A friendly greeting, clear communication and calm handling of a frustrated guest matter as much as parking skill.
- Organization: every set of keys has to match its ticket and its parking spot, every time.
- Stamina: valets spend the shift on their feet, moving quickly between the stand and the parking area, in heat, rain and snow.
- Honesty and judgment: guests hand over their cars and whatever is inside them. Employers hire for trust.
What paperwork will an employer ask for?
Every employer in the United States must verify identity and work eligibility, so bring documents that satisfy Form I-9, along with your driver's license. Some valet employers also run background checks. Ask during the interview what a given company requires so there are no surprises.
How do you apply for valet jobs at VIP?
Apply through our careers page. The form asks for your contact details, the position you want, and whether you prefer full-time or part-time work, and you can upload a resume. If your qualifications match current openings, we will reach out. To learn more about the company and where we work, see our Denver valet company page.
Frequently asked questions
Prior valet experience helps, but it is not one of VIP's stated requirements. Those are: 21 or older, a clean driving record, and the ability to drive a manual transmission.
No. A standard driver's license covers parking passenger cars, SUVs and pickups, which is what valet drivers handle.
VIP requires it, so learn and practice before you apply. Manual cars still arrive at the valet stand, and a valet cannot hand one back to the guest.