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The anatomy of anti-hijack driving – what goes on behind the scenes
If you’re an EA or PA who books security drivers, it’s useful to understand what we do behind the scenes to ensure the vehicle isn’t hijacked.
If you’re in the security industry, you might know much of this already, but it’s reassuring to know how well the drivers are trained here at Secure Ground Transportation.
Anti-hijack driving is a specific, learned skill that an average chauffeur doesn’t have.
We use trained security drivers whenever we transport our UHNW (Ultra High Net Worth) clients anywhere in the world. Importantly, we ensure the training is up to date. Evasive driving skills should not just be theoretical. Skills need to be innate and instinctive, so they can be employed in an emergency to get the vehicle quickly out of trouble.
Most of the security drivers we use hold the highest IQ (Industry Qualification) in security driving, vehicle management and anti-hijack techniques, based on the UK’s Metropolitan Police Protection Driving Course.
In the UK, a number of our drivers were trained by former members of the Special Escort Group (SEG). The SEG is the Royalty and Specialist Protection department of the Metropolitan Police Service, and provides mobile armed protection to Government ministers and members of the British royal family. Our drivers in the States have undertaken a similar course.
As part of their ongoing professional development, our security drivers undertake an annual on-road refresher with a training Sergeant who used to be part of the SEG. Refresher training ensures our skills are fresh, and that we’re aware of the latest in advanced driving and security driving techniques.
Neil and Gary head our team. Neil recently did some specialist training in the USA, delivered by former USA law enforcement officers. This was the Vehicle Dynamics Institute driving course at the Poconos Raceway in Pennsylvania, which focused on driver and vehicle handling ability at various speeds. As part of this, vehicles were frequently pushed to their limits. The certification lasts for two years, and Gary is set to do the same course later in 2026.
In a LinkedIn post about the training he received, Neil said: “The fresh mountain air was filled with the smell of burning rubber while the brake pads and discs were begging to be given time to cool off!”
The security drivers we use in the USA have either undertaken the same Vehicle Dynamics driving course or are former law enforcement officers.
Anti-hijack driving means our drivers can safely carry out evasive manoeuvres, pushing a vehicle up to 90% of its capacity while maintaining control. For example, they can do J turns and Y turns among other manoeuvres.
J turns are also known as reverse 180 turns. It’s a three-step manoeuvre. To carry it out, first the driver reverses in a straight line while accelerating to around 20 mph, then they abruptly turn the wheel hard to left or right while lifting off the gas so the rear of the car swings round (this is sometimes called ‘the flick’). Finally, they shift to a forward gear – that is, ‘drive’ in an automatic or 1st gear in a manual car. Once the car is facing forwards, they straighten the steering wheel so they can accelerate away.
A Y turn is also known as a three-point turn, and most people learn it during their standard driving test. The difference is that security drivers have to be able to do this at speed. While a J turn needs space, a Y turn is how you reverse direction on a narrow road.
There’s usually no time to think in an emergency situation such as a hijack attempt. The security driver must practice the various manoeuvres until they master them and embed them in their muscle memory. Then, if they need to make a speedy getaway, they can instinctively perform the relevant manoeuvre to protect their important client.
“Muscle memory plays a big part in retaining the actions the driver must take,” says Neil.
Neil and Gary are also members of the International Security Driving Association, and hold the highest level of qualification with IAM Roadsmart (formerly known as the Institute of Advanced Motorists) where they have been members for over 20 years.
In the UK, our security drivers are certified FREC3 (level 3 in First Response Emergency Care or FPOS (First Person on Scene) – this covers the full range of skills required by the British Health & Safety Executive (HSE) for workplace health, safety, welfare and first aid. In the USA, our drivers have undertaken a Stop The Bleed course and hold various first aid qualifications.
What’s more, we carry defibrillators in the vehicle so we can respond without delay if they are ever required.
The ISDA is the only association dedicated to providing research and tools for professional security drivers.
Our membership of ISDA means we find out about the latest executive vehicles, equipment, and training programmes available to enhance our skills and provide the ultimate protection to our clients.
Corporate security and executive protection professionals worldwide consider that evasive driving, protective driving and anti-hijack driving techniques are a ‘must have’ to provide secure transportation for at-risk individuals.
Beware of anyone who claims to be a security driver, but who is not trained in anti-hijack techniques and other evasive driving manoeuvres.
Our professional security drivers have skills that are designed to save lives. All our training shows we have the skills required to work as part of the wider protection team.
To discuss a journey you’re planning for a VIP, please give us a call. We’d be delighted to arrange their secure ground transportation.
For more on this subject, you might like to check out some of our related articles, which include:
Stand out differences between a security driver and a chauffeur
