Hearse driver

Hearse drivers operate and maintain specialised vehicles to transport deceased persons from their homes, hospital or funeral home to their final resting place. They also assist the funeral attendants with their duties.

The following job titles also refer to hearse driver:

chauffeur
driver
funeral car driver
funeral driver

Hearse drivers have no educational requirements. They typically receive training on the job. These positions require a chauffeur’s license. In some cases, a commercial driver’s license is also mandatory for this job.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Hearse driver is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to hearse driver.

funeral attendant
parking valet
private chauffeur
embalmer
bus driver

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of hearse driver. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of hearse driver with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

road maintenance technician
desalination technician
mine surveying technician
civil registrar
followspot operator

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of hearse driver.

• Road traffic laws: Understand road traffic laws and the rules of the road.

These skills are necessary for the role of hearse driver.

• Maintain personal hygiene standards: Preserve impeccable personal hygiene standards and have a tidy appearance.
• Control the performance of the vehicle: Understand and anticipate the performance and behaviour of a vehicle. Comprehend concepts such as lateral stability, acceleration, and braking distance.
• Drive vehicles: Be able to drive vehicles; have the appropriate type of driving license according to the type of motor vehicle used.
• Maintain vehicle appearance: Maintain vehicle appearance by washing, cleaning and performing minor adjustments and repairs.
• Lift heavy weights: Lift heavy weights and apply ergonomic lifting techniques to avoid damaging the body.
• Interpret traffic signals: Observe lights on the road, road conditions, nearby traffic, and prescribed speed limits to ensure safety. Interpret traffic signals and act accordingly.
• Park vehicles: Park motorised vehicles without compromising the integrity of vehicles and safety of people.
• Drive vehicles in processions: Drive cars, hearses or other vehicles at a steady pace in processions.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of hearse driver. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Effective perception of transport environment: Know the local transport topography, including roads, traffic hotspots, and alternative routes to reach a destination. Use knowledge to transport the vehicle to its destination in the most time and fuel efficient manner, and minimising safety risks.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of hearse driver. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Execute vehicle maintenance: Execute vehicle maintenance based on supplier or manufacturer instructions. This might include cleaning vehicle engine, cleaning vehicle interior and exterior, maintaining mileage and fuel records, performing non-mechanical maintenance tasks. Service small engines including hydraulic equipment. Check the oil and fluid levels on all equipment. Check vehicles and equipment to ensure that they are in smooth and safe working order.
• Work ergonomically: Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
• Greet guests: Welcome guests in a friendly manner in a certain place.
• Transfer coffins: Lift and carry coffins prior and during the funeral service, placing it in the chapel and into the cemetery.
• Provide emotional support to the bereaved: Show compassion and sympathy to the relatives of the deceased and people attending the funeral activities.
• Ensure vehicle operability: Keep the vehicle clean and in roadworthy condition. Ensure regular maintenance of the vehicle and provide valid official documents such as licenses and permits where appropriate.
• Clean rooms: Clean rooms by cleaning glasswork and windows, polishing furniture, vacuuming carpets, scrubbing hard floors, and removing garbage.
• Provide directions to guests: Show guests the way through buildings or on domains, to their seats or performance setting, helping them with any additional information so that they can reach the foreseen event destination.
• Clean vehicle interiors: Remove dirt, rubbish or impurities of the interior of vehicles, including consoles and dashboards; vacuum car seats and carpets; clean hinges and door trims.
• Manage funeral equipment: Issue, store and manage funeral equipment, which may include memorial cards, candles, crucifixes and lowering straps.
• Prepare ceremonial locations: Decorate rooms or other locations for ceremonies, such as funerals, cremations, weddings or baptism.

8322 – Car, taxi and van drivers

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References

1. Hearse driver – ESCO
2. Hearse Driver: Job Description, Career Outlook and Salary – Best Accredited Colleges
3. Featured image: Photo by Patrick Quinn on Unsplash