Close Protection Driver Training

---

Our  2-part Close Protection Driver Training course is designed to develop advanced driving skills essential for safeguarding principals, including defensive techniques, route planning, convoy procedures, and threat recognition. Trainees learn to manage time and distance, understand vehicle dynamics under pressure, provide defensive vehicle cover, and coordinate effectively with protection teams. The course also covers professional chauffeur skills, focusing on comfort driving, vehicle presentation, and etiquette to ensure a discreet, smooth, and professional service to the principal. Whether operating in urban or rural settings, this training equips drivers with the precision, confidence, and situational awareness required to maintain safety, control, and client comfort in any circumstance. 

Minimum age 30 years with at least 8 years of driving experience.

(Research and insurance data suggest that drivers generally reach peak competence and confidence between the ages of 28 and 35).

• Maximum of 3 penalty points.
• A Level 3 SIA close protection qualification or equivalent.
• Must complete and pass the self-study aspects prior to attending the practical course.
• Maximum of 6 students per class.

Part 1 (Theory) of the Close Protection Driver Course is delivered through a structured, on-demand learning programme designed to build a solid foundation in protective driving principles. Candidates work through comprehensive course materials, including presentations and training manuals, covering key areas such as situation awareness, hazard perception, roadcraft, vehicle dynamics, legal considerations, and operational protocols. The theory phase develops the knowledge required to support effective decision-making in real-world environments and is reinforced through a formal assessment pack, ensuring candidates can demonstrate a clear understanding of the standards expected in professional close protection driving. 

The assessment process is delivered in two parts to ensure both theoretical understanding and practical competence. Part 1 (Theory Assessment) is conducted via a comprehensive assessment pack, which includes a multiple-choice question paper and several written assessments.  

You will also be required to assess historical ambush and assassination events, providing your own analysis of what could or should have been done differently, with a focus on identifying lessons learned and improving future close protection strategies.  

On successful completion, candidates will be awarded a Part 1 Close Protection Driver (Theory) Certificate, recognising their achievement in knowledge-based protective driving skills and their understanding of the principles required to support safe and effective close protection operations. 

Part 2 (2- Day Practical) , focuses on the application of close protection driving skills in realistic, scenario-based environments. Candidates are assessed on their ability to operate the vehicle safely, smoothly, and decisively under pressure, demonstrating effective control, situational awareness, defensive driving skills and adherence to protective driving principles. The practical element includes dynamic exercises such as route driving, embus/debus procedures, and response to simulated threats, with performance evaluated through instructor observation, open-response questioning, and supporting telematics data to ensure a measurable and professional standard is achieved. 

Part 2 (Practical Assessment) is conducted through direct visual evaluation, supported by open-response questioning, enabling instructors to assess real-time performance, situational awareness, and the candidate’s ability to apply close protection driving principles in operational environments. The assessment also incorporates telematics data to provide an objective measure of driver behaviour, risk awareness, and decision-making. 

On successful completion of the practical element of the course, candidates will receive the second certificate, recognising their achievement in the operational aspects of close protection driving and their ability to apply skills effectively in real-world scenarios.  

Part 1 Theory - £150.00

Part 2 Practical - £250.00

Part 1 (On-Demand) – Candidates are provided with comprehensive course materials, including presentations, training manuals, and a structured assessment pack to support self-paced learning and knowledge development. 

Part 2 - dates provided on completion of part 1