We have a wealth of knowledge and experience in all areas of protection driver training (see the Top Gear Report link).

There are three main courses available :

• Anti Hi-Jack driving, refresher course (1 day)
• Security Awareness Drivers Course (2 days)
• Escape and Evasion driving course (3 days)
• Full Protection Drivers Course (5 days)

The exact content and length of these courses can be tailored to meet your individual needs. See full details below.

speedSkills provides all drivers with a full day's training and practise in all areas covered. This means that we fully explain, demonstrate and then talk them through each element. They are given time to successfully master each element before moving on (not 3 attempts and then on to the next driver). This is a ‘hands on’ training day where drivers progress through the various elements at their pace.

The course is limited to a maximum of six drivers to ensure that everyone has sufficient time behind the wheel.

Training can include:

• Escape and evasion techniques (both defensive and offensive)
• Pick up and set down techniques
• Route planning and reconnaissance
• Contingency planning
• Convoy driving tactics / methods / best practise
• Use of non verbal communications by drivers / protection staff

• Skid Control
• Understeer and Oversteer
• Controlled High Speed Reversing
• ‘J’ Turns (including restricted length and width)
• ‘Y’ Turns
• Forward and Reverse Slalom
• ABS and Traction Control
• Driving with Limited or Loss of Vision
• Distractions
• Correct Steering Techniques
• Plans / Options (Both Individually and Using Two Vehicles)
• 4x4 Vehicle Options
• Kerbing
• Ramming

This list is an overview of the basic elements covered by speedSkills. Particular emphasis can be targeted on any elements requested.

speedSkills has full £2,000,000 Public Liability and £10,000,000 Employers Liability Insurance. Helmets are provided, but every driver taking part must possess a full driving licence for cars.

Refresher Training / Introduction (1 day)

The day will be spent learning / practising the skills required for a protection driver. Ideally this course is for drivers who have had some previous experience of protection driver training. All elements will be covered; the exact amount of time spent on each area will depend entirely on the driver's experience and ability.

A full days training includes:

• Introductions
• Safety Briefing
• Short Presentation / Explanation re Protection Driving
• Teaching / Practising Escape and Evasion Techniques (see list above)
• Various Courses and Exercises completed to ensure that the drivers are able to employ the skills they have learnt.

Everything required for the day is provided.

At the successful completion of the training each driver will receive a certificate and a full report can be forwarded to their employer if required.

It should be noted that the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) Driving Committee recommends that, due to the nature of the work, the skills required and the lack of opportunities to practise them, protection drivers should undertake a minimum of 1 days protection driver training every year.

Cost - from £250 per person.

Security Awareness Drivers Course (2 days)

Concentrating on advanced driving skills plus ‘on road’ security / protection driving, including planning and options, pick-up and set-down techniques, anti / counter surveillance drills, driving in convoy and use of non verbal communications.

Cost - from £250 per person.

Escape and Evasion Driving Course (3 day’s)

This course is designed for those drivers who have not previously experienced this type of driver training.

The Course covers all the elements of the one day refresher course, however due to the nature of the driving skills required, it allows more time for the drivers to experience, practise and become competent at each element.

It is vitally important to recognise that these manoeuvres must be practised until they become ‘second nature’, if the driver’s skills are ever put to the test, it will undoubtedly be in a very stressful environment, when they will have little time to think about it. This is the reasoning behind the three day course, giving the drivers sufficient time to practise all these elements in a variety of ways / courses / methods.

If required particular emphasis can be placed on any of the elements, the course is fluid and is negotiated at each drivers own level.

Cost - from £250 per person per day.

Full Protection Drivers Course (5 day’s)

This builds on the three day course, adding a further two days where the drivers are taught all about ‘on the road’ security / protection driving, including general awareness, planning and options, pick up and set down techniques, places of safety, driving in convoy and use of non verbal communications.

Cost - from £250 per person per day