Conductor vs. chófer
The Spanish language has two words to refer to someone who drives a vehicle - 'conductor' and 'chófer'. These words are often used interchangeably, but they have subtle differences in their connotations and usage.
Conductor
'Conductor' is a common term in Spanish that literally translates to 'driver'. This can be used for anyone who operates a vehicle, regardless of profession.
Mi padre es el conductor del coche.
(My father is the driver of the car.)
El conductor del autobús se detuvo para dejar entrar a los pasajeros.
(The bus driver stopped to let the passengers in.)
Chófer
'Chófer' is derived from the French word 'chauffeur', meaning 'stoker' and is an old term used when cars needed someone to stoke engines. But today, it translates to 'driver', usually referring to those driving as a job or service, such as taxi drivers, personal drivers or chauffeurs.
El chófer del taxi se conoce todas las calles de la ciudad.
(The taxi driver knows all the streets in the city.)
Mi jefe tiene un chófer personal que le lleva a todos sus asuntos.
(My boss has a personal driver who takes him to all his affairs.)
Summary
'Conductor' and 'chófer' can both refer to someone who drives a vehicle. However, while 'conductor' is a more general term and can be used to refer to anyone operating a vehicle, 'chófer' has professional nuance, usually referring to people who drive for work or provide a driving service.