National Certificate in Driving (VIP Chauffeur)

This qualification is for chauffeurs of VIPs such as Ministers of the Crown, diplomats, and other listed dignitaries provided with government chauffeur services. Chauffeuring of VIPs is the responsibility of the Department of Internal Affairs through its VIP Transport Service Division.

Holders of this certificate are able to demonstrate broad and specialist driving knowledge and skills as well as the personal skills required by a driver to perform effectively.

The broad knowledge and skills common to all competent drivers include night driving, driving-related self-management, hazard detection, risk management, vehicle dynamics and handling, vehicle control, and manoeuvring. Knowledge of fatigue management and work time requirements are included, along with the ability to complete a driver logbook accurately.

The specialist skills covered in this qualification relate to chauffeuring VIPs, driving in a motorcade, and advanced driving skills required to respond safely to emergency situations that could arise. Specifically, these include skid control, advanced hazard avoidance, reversing, high speed braking around an object, driving at speed through bends and turns, and providing a motorcade commander or a communications base with continuous situational information.

The personal skills needed by a VIP chauffeur are covered in unit standards for stress, health, and fatigue, effective passenger relationships, protecting personal safety, and writing incident reports.

MITO is part of Te Pūkenga Work Based Learning, a subsidiary of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.

We facilitate training for the automotive, commercial road transport, extractives, gas, and logistics industries. We work with learners, their employers and training providers, to ensure people get the best possible opportunities to learn and advance their career, while developing a skilled workforce for the industries we serve.

To enrol in a MITO training programme you must be employed in one of the industries that MITO supports and your employer must be able to support your training, as you will complete your qualification on-the-job. This means you will be learning and earning!