Insider reporter Pete Syme tries out a driving training course for the wealthy from luxury ride-hailing app Wheelie. The users of this application are usually businessmen, bankers or casino VIPs
The driver must sign a contract to keep all customer information confidential. They are only allowed to drive a Mercedes-Benz E-Class, S-Class or V-Class. No car used for more than 4 years
Trainees are trained at the private Sion campus in West London. This 810,000 square meter garden has been owned by the Duke of Northumberland family since 1594. This driver training course lasts for 3 days only. The failure rate is very high, with only 1/8 people passing the entire program
The instructor is Ricky Miller, a former Royal Marine officer who, before joining Wheelie, worked as a bodyguard for several Hollywood stars. In addition, it is overseen by a number of eminent experts, including observers from Forbes – famous for its rankings of the world’s richest people.
Students have to understand the complete dress code while driving for the rich. There are some rules such as male drivers are only allowed to wear polished black oxfords or derby shoes, are allowed to wear white shirts without patterns (preferably French cuffs), are always allowed to button up the top button.
The second rule is to always wear a tight tie. This way of wearing a tie isn’t as formal as traditional, but it’s more convenient if you’re caught in a fight. Because of this, the attacker cannot use the tie to attack the driver like a tight neck (as seen in some Hollywood action movies).
Then, have students evaluate each other’s suits and point out flaws. On the second day of school, if someone is found to have any lapse in the dress code while attending school, even a minor lapse like wearing brogue shoes or ankle socks, they will be disqualified.
Trainees will also learn how to judge passengers’ facial expressions to see if they are bothering them or telling interesting stories.
Students should learn to greet appropriately, such as always saying “Good morning, sir”, not just blank greetings, or saying “Sure, sir” instead of just “Yes”. The driver is also not allowed to refuse any request of the guest. If this is not possible, politely suggest an alternative. For example, if a guest wants to smoke, stand by the side of the road so the guest can smoke, as this is not allowed in a car. The driver also needs to know how to “pass the ball” to the customer in order to prevent fumbles or take the story too far
There are also a number of rules about how to be organized in the car, such as phones and charging cables being kept in the back seat pockets. Every door needs a water bottle
The front seat should be pushed up for the passenger to sit comfortably, the armrest should always be down, no candy or other sweets. If being followed by paparazzi, it is essential to inform the passenger but do not accelerate suddenly, as this will create a risk of collision.
You also have to choose what to keep in the car. Only the highest quality mineral water bottles are selected. No logo though, should be the black or yellow variant of the wheelie. There are also some hygiene items that should be in the trunk
Next day is practice day. The very first thing a driver needs to learn is to make sure the car is spotless
The driver then learns how to drive smoothly even when going through speed bumps
At the end of the day, students will have to pass a 60-question written test, upon passing will receive a certificate of honor and an account using the Wheelie app.
Elegant luxury extends to frontier services. Pete Syme accidentally forgot to charge his phone at the academy. The next day, driver Wheelie stood at Syme’s door, said, “Good morning, sir,” and handed over a gift bag and charger wrapped in tissue paper.
Photo: Insider
