How Do You Drive an Armored Car?

You drive an armored car like a heavier version of the same car, equivalent to driving in rainy conditions: brake earlier, corner more gently, and leave more room ahead. A standard driver's license covers personal use in most of the United States. The differences show up in three places: everyday driving, the doors and windows, and what you do if someone attacks the vehicle.

The extra 600 to 1,500 pounds takes longer to stop, so keep a longer following distance and start braking sooner than you would in a stock vehicle. Take corners and highway ramps more gently, because the weight raises rollover risk, and watch your speed, since handling gets trickier as it climbs. Acceleration is slower too, so allow more room when merging or pulling into traffic. Check tire pressure and brakes more often, since both wear faster under the load.

Each door weighs 150 to 300 pounds more than stock, so open and close it with control rather than letting it swing, especially on a slope. Windows roll down only partway: up to 6 inches on BMW and Mercedes-Benz sedans, and up to 10 inches on Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC models. That is enough for a toll payment or a document, so plan for drive-throughs and gate checkpoints before you arrive. An optional intercom lets you speak to someone outside without opening anything at all.

If you are attacked, keep moving - Get off the X. Distance is the goal, so do not stop, open a door, or lower a window. If the tires are shot out, run-flat inserts carry the vehicle about 50 miles at up to 50 mph, far enough to leave the scene, and the ABS and stability control keep working while you do. Formal courses in evasive driving and hijacking response run through third-party instructors and mainly serve chauffeurs, security details, and police, and Alpine Armoring recommends driver education for every client.