Royal Family chauffeurs - what sort of training do they receive and from whom ?

[WildRosie]

I was just looking at pictures of very nice old Rolls Royce cars that I'd like to own and this question occurred to me. I assume applicants for driving roles are thoroughly vetted and put through their paces. Do they get lots of instruction in defensive and evasive driving technique ? Do they have to possess a certain standard of physical fitness ? Do they or their cars carry a side arm ? Are they firearms trained ? Do police or SAS or Military Police provide the training ??

I think of these questions automatically whenever there's a state occasion like the Opening of Parliament (which, I concede, is usually a coach and horses affair) and wonder how the chauffeurs would respond in the event of the shit hitting the fan.

I thought they were police drivers ??
Yes, very much trained in protecting their passengers.

There's a police smooth car control course where you drive around with a ball bearing in a massive shallow dish on the bonnet of the car. You don't pass until you do the entire course without it falling off.

The skid pan is easier.

I think most tend to be ex-Services or serving police officers, so I presume plenty of advanced driving training?

As far as I know, the ones who drive the Queen's Bentley and Range Rovers at least are Royal Household employees rather than with the Met. Of course they could feasibly have a Service background.

Ooh Professor I would totally fail that test, DH says I take corners like Damon Hill

In my defence we have just rented an electric car for a month to try it out before buying (I had a lot of anxieties about range, charging etc) and it drives like a rocket! I don't know how I'll ever go back to a petrol car - the instant torque even from a very much not high-end EV is incredibly fun. But I would certainly fail the ball bearing test.