Prince William and Prince Harry learnt this special driving technique – and it’s one that you should learn too

It might be unsurprising to learn that Princes William and Harry didn’t have quite the same driving lessons as everyone else and were instead given elite driving training.

But this isn’t just about looking good behind the wheel, the high profile nature of being a prince made these elite driving lessons are necessity to ensure their safety when out in public.

Unlike your standard driving lessons, the royal brothers are said to have been taught an elite manoeuvre used by security forces and top racing professionals called the J-Turn.

And while the average driver is unlikely to ever need to escape a high-stakes situation, experts at Plates Express, have argued that it could still be worth learning this specialist technique.

What is the J-turn, and how does it work?

William and Harry were given elite driving training lessons ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

The driving experts have shared how to pull off this precision driving manoeuvre:

Reverse at speed – The driver begins by accelerating in reverse, ensuring the car moves in a straight line.

Sharp steering input – At the right moment, the driver quickly turns the steering wheel while simultaneously releasing the throttle.

Vehicle rotation – The car pivots 180 degrees, effectively spinning to face forward.

Acceleration to escape – The driver immediately regains control and speeds off in the opposite direction.

What are the benefits of this manoeuvre for the everyday driver?

The everyday driver is unlikely to be the victim of an ambush or need to dodge paparazzi, but it’s still worth learning how to control your vehicle in high-pressure situations and could even end up saving your life.

Here’s why the J-turn and other advanced driving techniques can benefit you.

Enhanced emergency handling

The Royals were taught elite driving skills to ensure their safety ( 
Image:
Danny Martindale/WireImage)
Learning this technique and other elite manoeuvres can help with handling emergency situations. The experts explain: “Road accidents often occur due to a driver’s inability to react quickly.

“While the J-turn is an extreme manoeuvre, learning how to control your vehicle at high speeds or in slippery conditions can drastically improve your ability to avoid collisions.”

Better control in hazardous situations

Slippery roads, unexpected obstacles, or even aggressive drivers can put you in danger, and learning elite driving skills, such as controlled skidding and emergency lane change, can help give you peace of mind when driving in these hazardous conditions.

Protection against carjacking or road rage incidents

“Carjackings have been on the rise in major cities worldwide,” explained the pros at Plates Express.

“Security specialists emphasise that knowing how to make a quick escape — without hesitation — can make all the difference in a life-threatening situation.”

Improved overall driving skills

Even if you never need to execute a J-turn, practising advanced manoeuvres sharpens your reflexes and heightens your overall driving awareness, which in turn leads to safer driving habits and better decision-making on the road.