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    Self-drive and own driver

    Self-drive armored vehicles for your own driver

    If you travel with your own professional or security driver. The licence class matters more than anything else here, so we explain it first.

    Request an armored vehicle
    WhatsAppCall the desk
    • Self-drive from two days
    • Rates on request

    Self-drive armored car hire means you or your own professional driver take an armored vehicle without a Nero Line driver. The key fact is weight. Most high-protection vehicles exceed 3,500 kg maximum authorised mass, so a standard category B car licence is not sufficient: the driver needs category C1, which covers vehicles up to 7,500 kg. Lighter armored vehicles that a category B holder may drive are offered on request, subject to availability. Identity and licence checks and a security deposit apply, and the minimum is two days.

    The licence question, answered first

    Armor adds weight: steel and composite panels in the body, glazing several centimetres thick, reinforced suspension and brakes. That is why most vehicles at the higher protection levels exceed 3,500 kg maximum authorised mass, the limit of a standard category B licence.

    Above 3,500 kg the driver needs category C1, which covers vehicles up to 7,500 kg. The licence class is the first thing to settle, so please check the licence of whoever will drive before you request.

    • Option A: your own professional or security driver holds category C1 and takes the vehicle
    • Option B: a lighter armored vehicle that a category B holder may drive, offered on request and subject to availability
    • Option C: if neither fits, book with one of our security drivers instead

    Checks before handover

    Before the keys change hands we verify the identity of the person signing and of every driver who will use the vehicle, and we check that each driving licence is valid and covers the vehicle class. A security deposit applies to every self-drive booking and is stated in your offer.

    At handover the vehicle is walked through with your driver: the weight and braking behaviour, how the heavy doors and the windows work, and what to do in case of a technical problem. Allow time for this, it is part of driving the vehicle well.

    • Identity check for the signer and every driver
    • Licence check against the vehicle class
    • Security deposit, stated in the written offer
    • Minimum booking of two days

    Driving a heavy armored vehicle

    An armored vehicle accelerates and stops differently from its standard version. Braking distances are longer, the car leans more in fast corners and tyres and brakes work harder on mountain descents. Drivers used to heavy vehicles adapt quickly; drivers who are not should plan an unhurried first hour.

    If your driver has not driven an armored vehicle before, tell us. We plan a longer handover, and in some cases we will suggest booking with one of our security drivers for the first day.

    Protection levels

    Protection levels in plain words

    Civilian armored vehicles are commonly rated on the VR scale. The higher the number, the heavier the threat the body and glazing are tested against, and the heavier the vehicle becomes.

    VR4

    Handguns, up to .44 Magnum.

    Discreet protection for city travel. The lightest class, closest to a standard car in weight and handling.

    VR6 to VR7

    Rifles. VR7 corresponds roughly to the former B6 rating.

    Suited to executive and diplomatic travel where rifles are part of the risk assessment.

    VR9

    Military rifles. Corresponds roughly to the former B7 rating.

    High protection for elevated risk profiles. Heavy, with a licence requirement to match.

    VR10

    The highest level certified for a civilian vehicle.

    Available on request, subject to availability and longer lead times.

    Not sure which level fits your trip? Choose "advise me" in the request form and we will recommend one.

    Vehicle classes

    Vehicle classes

    We describe classes rather than promise a specific model: the exact vehicle depends on dates, location and protection level, and it is named in your written offer.

    Armored saloons

    S-Class saloons and comparable executive cars. Rear-seat comfort for working on the move, with an appearance close to the standard model.

    Armored SUVs

    X5, G-Class and Range Rover class. Higher seating, more room for luggage and a better fit for mountain roads and winter conditions.

    Armored vans

    On request, for delegations, families or teams who want to travel together in one vehicle.

    How it works

    How a request works

    1. 01

      Tell us the trip

      Dates, cities or route, number of passengers and the protection level you have in mind. A rough plan is enough to start.

    2. 02

      Receive a written offer

      We confirm the vehicle class, protection level, driver arrangement and positioning, and send a written offer. Rates are on request and stated in the offer.

    3. 03

      Confirm and verify

      On confirmation we complete identity checks, and for self-drive the licence check and the security deposit. A confidentiality agreement can be signed first.

    4. 04

      Handover where you are

      The vehicle is positioned to your airport, hotel, residence or venue at the agreed time, with the driver briefed on your programme.

    Request

    Request an armored vehicle

    Rates on request. Tell us the essentials and we reply promptly with availability and a written offer. No payment and no commitment at this stage.

    How will you travel? *

    Most high-protection vehicles exceed 3,500 kg maximum authorised mass and need a category C1 licence. Lighter vehicles for category B holders are offered on request.

    Protection level

    No payment and no commitment at this stage. We use your details only to answer this request. Privacy Policy

    Questions

    Frequently asked questions

    Where

    Where we provide armored vehicles

    Spain and Switzerland are our two home markets. Across Europe, armored vehicles are available on request, including trips that cross borders.

    Spain

    Switzerland

    Across Europe

    On request, with vehicle positioning planned from your dates.

    Three ways to book

    Choose how you travel

    Every booking starts with the same question: who will be at the wheel. The answer decides the licence, the paperwork and the minimum duration.

    With a security driver

    An armored vehicle and a trained security driver, by the day or for the length of your stay. Minimum one full day.

    Armored vehicle with driver

    For your own driver

    Your professional or security driver takes the vehicle. We check the licence class and identity before handover. Minimum two days.

    Self-drive and own driver

    Events and long-term

    Congress weeks, summits, festivals and residencies of several weeks. Plan early: around the large events, an early request keeps more choice of vehicle and protection level.

    See event dates