Pretoria, South Africa – SVI Engineering, South Africa’s leading specialist manufacturer of armoured products, has announced that all purchases of its B6 discreet armouring package will now include a complimentary full-day driver-training course. This initiative underscores SVI’s commitment to equipping customers not only with world-class protection but also with the skills to operate their armoured vehicles effectively and safely.
Addressing the Demands of Armoured Driving
With the addition of 360-degree B6 armouring – capable of withstanding assault-rifle fire – a standard vehicle gains significant weight, often in excess of 600 kg. This added mass influences handling, braking, and overall vehicle dynamics. For many owners unfamiliar with these changes, adapting their driving style becomes essential.
“Since more and more new customers are joining the SVI family, we’re now including a full-day driver-training course with the purchase of every B6 discreet armouring package. This initiative will help new owners to better understand the capabilities of their armoured vehicles, equipping them with the skills to handle – and ultimately escape – potentially hostile situations,” explains Nicol Louw, SVI’s Business Development Director.
Louw adds that this move is a first for South Africa’s armouring industry and forms part of the company’s ongoing #WhySVI? campaign, designed to provide clients with complete peace of mind.
A Full Day of Theoretical and Practical Instruction
Valued at R3,500, the complimentary training is hosted at SVI’s headquarters in Bashewa, Pretoria. The programme begins with a classroom-based session covering the fundamentals of armoured vehicle dynamics. This theoretical grounding is followed by practical, hands-on training on SVI’s newly revamped test track.
Participants drive their own armoured vehicles during the course, ensuring familiarity with its altered dynamics in a safe, controlled environment. Where applicable, the training also extends to SVI’s off-road circuit, allowing 4×4 owners to explore their vehicle’s limits across different terrains.
“Adding armouring changes a vehicle’s centre of gravity, which affects stability, acceleration and braking distances. Our training helps owners experience these changes first-hand, so they can adjust their driving style accordingly,” says Louw.
Beyond the Training: Factory Tour and Client Experience
The day-long programme, running from 08:00 to 16:00, includes a guided tour of SVI’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. Customers can see the engineering processes behind their vehicle’s transformation and view armouring components at various stages of production. A lunch break is also included.
To ensure quality engagement, training groups are limited to between three and nine participants, with expert instructors on hand to provide personalised coaching. These trainers bring years of experience working with private clients, security operators, and even military units.
Training for the Wider Security Sector
While the new complimentary course is tailored for private buyers, SVI also offers a separate five-day driver-training programme aimed at security professionals. This comprehensive course, which includes SASSETA-accredited modules, is specifically designed for sectors such as valuables-in-transit, mining, and law enforcement.
About SVI Engineering
Founded in 2004, SVI Engineering is an original equipment manufacturer specialising in armoured vehicles. The company is Africa’s market leader in discreet and tactical vehicle armouring, serving private, corporate, security, mining, and governmental clients. SVI is TÜV Rheinland ISO 9001:2015 certified and holds a Level 2 B-BBEE certification.
With the introduction of complimentary driver training for B6 discreet customers, SVI once again demonstrates its holistic approach: protection that goes beyond the vehicle itself, ensuring clients are prepared, confident, and capable when it matters most.
