There is a bit of necessary time spent in the classroom but don’t think you’ll be faced with death by PowerPoint. You’re shown the theory, often backed-up with anecdotes from those ex-Old Bill sorts, as well as chauffeurs with considerable commercial experience, and then it’s very much ‘right guys, get out there and let’s practice this stuff for real in the big shiny things’, I like that!
One minute you’ll be hanging out of the side window of a Bentley controlling it with the windscreen covered to simulate your view being impaired, and the next, you’ve got yet another member of the instructional staff demonstrating how to spoil the local scrote’s day when he attempts to lean in through the car window and nick your iPhone whilst you’re waiting. I was glued to so much of the training, I found the surveillance expert particularly fascinating, as was Keith Low QPM, one of the original Special Branch officers responsible for writing the Police’s national protection driver course and my ‘boss’ on final exercise day.
So, what about those experienced chauffeurs I mentioned at the start? Why had they decided to attend such a course? Didn’t they already know how to do the job? Two responses came back time and again, their desire to build on what they already knew and gain recognition for such through certification, and because the current state of the profession in London had encouraged them to want to stand out from the mainstream in a bid to improve what they’re able to offer as both individuals and businesses.
The biggest thing that stood out for me was that this course is a confidence builder. It gives graduates the knowledge, understanding, and practical skills to stand head and shoulders above the vast majority of the industry. The syllabus is brilliantly put together, the instructional staff are outstanding, the vehicles used are top of the range and the training is of the highest quality.
This really is an extremely good course and if chauffeurs can find both the time and money, they will get more out of it than they ever thought possible… including an end of course photo taken outside number 10… nice touch!
Andy Dubberley
Contact: www.pdsca.co.uk. enquiries@pdsca.co.uk
