How American Secret Service (Video) agents train in driving

Defending the President of the United States is a very complex job. As U.S. Voice correspondent Steve Herman reports, every Secret Service agent has to undergo special driving training at Laurel, Maryland State training center.

Do you think you're a good driver?

Imagine that you have to perform some maneuvers to keep your job.

This training goes beyond basic driving tactics. Here it is known as a protective drive, which has a primary purpose.

The protected person must be removed safely from the attack area and moved to a safe area as soon as possible”, says Thomas Murach, of the United States Secret Service.

All agents and officers of the Secret Service must pass the 5-day driving training developed on this 550m track.

But even after the completion of this training, they are not yet certified to drive the presidential limo known as the Cadillac 1, or “Bisha”.

For this armour that weighs 9 thousand pounds, there is another more advanced course.

There is another training, perhaps harder, for motorcycles that travel in parallel with limousine during good weather.

“Motor is heavy, about 400 kilos, and you have to maneuver on two wheels, while you're asked to make moves that you wouldn't think were possible”, says Lloyd Christmas, a technical officer of the United States Secret Service.

These are not the only two - wheeled tools of the Secret Service.

Agents have to learn special techniques to drive out of the road and even transport golf courses.

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Since roads in various lands are designed in various ways, the Secret Service adapted roads to the training center for drivers of large means to learn how to maneuver moss and obstacles.

This official training for drivers of the Secret Service began in 1970. Training techniques have evolved as cars continue to evolve.

In the past, for example, we trained vehicles that had no systems to prevent brakes. So we taught them how to control almost entirely, without causing a lock on wheels”, indicates agent Murach.

Parts related to controlling the stability of the car were removed from the program, as modern vehicles are much more stable. Tire technology has also developed more, and tires are already more stable on slippery surfaces.

Training off the road requires, however, attending classroom classes.

Simulations are also developed for ceremonial activities, such as these. The president's inauguration. During this event, the presidential limo moves much slower than usual, thus exposing itself to increased security risks.

The Secret Service is tasked not only with protecting the president, Vice President, family members, former presidents and first ladies, but also with protecting foreign leaders visiting the US, as well as leading candidates during the election campaigns in America.

For Secret Service agents who select to drive vehicles, their main task is to ensure these very important passengers.

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