Ten questions to ask before hiring an au pair who drives

A driver’s licence is the most requested skill in South African au pair listings, and driving is also the part of the job where things can go badly wrong. Ten questions before you hand over the keys.

1. How long have you had your licence, and how often do you drive?

A licence from last month and a licence from four years ago with daily driving are different things. Ask for the date and for what they actually drive now.

2. What car do you drive, and is it roadworthy?

If the au pair uses their own car, ask about its age, condition, tyres and whether it’s licensed and insured. You’re putting your children in it.

3. Have you had any accidents or fines?

Everyone has a story. What you’re listening for is honesty and what they learned. A clean record is good; a small bump handled well is fine too.

4. Are you comfortable on the highway, in rain, and in heavy traffic?

Be specific about your route. A run down William Nicol at 13:15 or along the N2 in winter is not a quiet suburban loop.

5. What would you do if you had a bump with the children in the car?

Listen for: check the children, move to safety, call the parents, take photos, exchange details. Panic or bravado are both warning signs.

6. Will you use your phone in the car?

Ask it plainly and set the rule: phone in the bag while driving, calls only when parked. Say that you’ll ask the children.

7. Are you happy to be a named driver on our insurance?

If they’ll drive your car, they must be added, and some insurers require additional information for drivers under 25. Confirm before the first drive.

8. Can we do a drive together first?

Any good candidate says yes. Do the real route at the real time and watch how they handle the car, the gate, the school car park and the children’s car seats.

9. How do you handle three children arguing in the back seat?

The right answer involves pulling over if needed and not turning around while driving.

10. What do you need from us to do this safely?

Good drivers ask for things: the school’s drop-off rules, a car seat that fits, a fuel card, a second set of keys. Give them.

Then write it down

Whose car, insurance, excess, fuel (the fuel allowance formula helps), and the phone rule all belong in the agreement. The contract guide has the full list, and the interview guide covers the rest of the conversation.