Police Advanced Driving Courses

In the UK, while the term "Class 1 Police Driver" is an older designation, it generally refers to the highest level of advanced police driver. The terminology and classification have evolved, with current standards often referring to "Advanced Driver" status as the top tier. This qualification is achieved through rigorous training and assessment, building upon the principles of the police driving manual, "Roadcraft."

Here's a breakdown of what this typically entails:

• Highest Level of Skill: A Class 1 (or equivalently, an Advanced) police driver has demonstrated the ability to drive vehicles safely and effectively at a standard significantly above that of a regular civilian driver or even a standard response police driver. This includes exceptional vehicle control, observation, anticipation, and planning skills.
• Intensive Training: Officers undergo comprehensive and demanding training courses. Historically, this could be around 6 weeks of intense instruction, including pursuit driving and skid control. Current advanced courses can still be several weeks long (e.g., 4 weeks for an Advanced Driving course, potentially more for specialized aspects like TPAC - Tactical Pursuit and Containment).
• Vehicle Operation: These drivers are typically authorized to operate high-performance police vehicles and are trained for a variety of situations, including:
  • Emergency Response: Responding to incidents where making urgent progress is necessary, often involving speeds greater than the posted limits and the use of emergency equipment like lights and sirens, where legally permissible and safe to do so.
  • Pursuit Management (TPAC): Many Class 1/Advanced drivers are also trained in Tactical Pursuit and Containment (TPAC) techniques, which are specialized skills for managing and resolving vehicle pursuits.
  • Operating Specialist Vehicles: Depending on their role, this could extend to various types of police vehicles.
• Legal Exemptions: Qualified advanced police drivers, when on official duty and when necessary and safe, can be exempt from certain road traffic regulations, such as speed limits or observing some traffic signs (e.g., keep left/right signs, traffic lights in specific circumstances). However, this must always be balanced with public safety.
• Continuous Development: Police drivers are typically required to undertake refresher training at regular intervals (e.g., every 3 to 5 years) to maintain their skills and authorization.
• Basis of Training: The training is rooted in the "System of Car Control" as detailed in "Roadcraft: The Police Driver's Handbook." This system focuses on Information, Position, Speed, Gear, and Acceleration (IPSGA) to ensure a methodical and safe approach to driving at all times, especially under pressure.

It's important to note that specific course names, durations, and exact classifications can vary slightly between different police forces in the UK, but the underlying principles of advanced police driving remain consistent and are generally governed by national standards set by the College of Policing. The emphasis is always on driving with a high degree of skill, safety, and professionalism.

Driving Masters employs a number of highly skilled ex police drivers who are happy to coach members of the public in advanced driving skills.