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Close Protection Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... close protection and emergency medical support. This role combines advanced medical proficiency ... Valid driver's license and ability to be insured * Ability to legally carry a firearm and obtain ...

... close protection and emergency medical support. This role combines advanced medical proficiency ... Valid driver's license and ability to be insured * Ability to legally carry a firearm and obtain ...

... close protection and emergency medical support. This role combines advanced medical proficiency ... Valid driver's license and ability to be insured * Ability to legally carry a firearm and obtain ...

Provide armed and/or unarmed close protection during domestic and international assignments. * Lead ... Serve as primary driver or follow-car driver as assigned. * Operate vehicles safely and comfortably ...

Primary Duties & Responsibilities Provide armed and/or unarmed close protection during domestic and ... DRIVING RESPOSIBLITIES Serve as primary driver or follow-car driver as assigned. Operate vehicles ...

Global Guardian protects and delivers employees and families from political, environmental, and bad ... Remain in close coordination with other agents, assistants, and drivers. * Adapt plans to changes ...

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Close Protection Driver information

See California salary details

$12

$23

$45

How much do close protection driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for close protection driver in California is $23.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $27.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Close Protection Drivers and how are they addressed on the job?

Close Protection Drivers often encounter challenges such as navigating high-traffic areas, adapting to rapidly changing threat levels, and maintaining discretion while ensuring client safety. These challenges are addressed through rigorous route planning, ongoing risk assessment, and constant communication with the close protection team. Drivers participate in regular training to stay proficient in defensive and evasive driving techniques, and they coordinate closely with security personnel to respond swiftly to any potential threats.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Close Protection Driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Close Protection Driver, you need advanced driving skills, security awareness, and often a background in law enforcement or military, with qualifications like an SIA Close Protection license. Familiarity with armored vehicles, GPS navigation systems, and defensive driving techniques is typically required. Excellent situational awareness, discretion, and strong communication skills help you remain calm and effective under pressure. These abilities are crucial to ensuring the safety and swift evacuation of clients in high-risk or potentially hostile environments.

What is the difference between Close Protection Driver vs Security Chauffeur?

AspectClose Protection DriverSecurity Chauffeur
CredentialsDriver's license, security clearance, defensive driving certificationDriver's license, defensive driving certification
Work EnvironmentHigh-security, client protection, often in unpredictable situationsLuxury transportation, corporate or VIP clients, routine routes
Employer & IndustrySecurity firms, private clients, government agenciesLuxury car services, corporate fleets, VIP transport

While both roles involve driving high-profile clients, a Close Protection Driver focuses on security and protection, often in unpredictable environments, whereas a Security Chauffeur primarily provides luxury transportation with an emphasis on comfort and punctuality.

What are Close Protection Drivers?

Close Protection Drivers are specialized security professionals responsible for safely transporting clients, such as VIPs, executives, or celebrities, while minimizing risk and ensuring their security. They are trained in defensive and evasive driving techniques, route planning, and threat assessment to protect clients from potential dangers like attacks, surveillance, or accidents. In addition to expert driving, they often work closely with personal security teams to coordinate logistics and maintain a high level of situational awareness during all movements.
What are popular job titles related to Close Protection Driver jobs in California? For Close Protection Driver jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Close Protection Driver jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Close Protection Driver jobs in California are:

Executive Protection Driver

Enhanced Protection Services

Cupertino, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Company Overview:

Elevate your security career with Allied Universal® Enhanced Protection Services, a global leader in security and threat mitigation. We specialize in risk consulting, executive protection, intelligence, investigations, and emergency response, offering exciting career opportunities for professionals passionate about security and safety. Join our innovative team committed to excellence in the security industry and make a meaningful impact. Explore key roles, such as executive protection agents, intelligence analysts, armed security operatives, x-ray screeners, and security consultants.

The Executive Protection Agent/Driver is primarily responsible for the safety and welfare of their designated principal(s). This includes all aspects of close protection as well as taking every reasonable opportunity to provide services in a way that makes them feel safe, happy and productive.

This is a full - time position, working 5am to 1pm, Monday through Friday. Hours could vary based on client's schedule so overtime will occur as needed. The EP Driver will be responsible for picking the client up every morning at his residence and driving him throughout the day, locally within the Bay area with some occasional out of town tasks. Must have 3 year's of consecutive driving and Executive Protection experience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Executive Protection Agent/Driver is tasked with:

  • Keeping the principal(s) safe by providing close protection per defined parameters provided by the appropriate authority.

  • Ensuring that the principal(s) are productive by communicating, planning, and executing security operations in a way that enables them to do more.

  • Communicating (written and verbal) in a clear and concise manner using assigned equipment (i.e., radio, cellular phone, computer, etc.) with all stakeholders.

  • Gathering and assessing information (sometimes under duress) while exercising sound judgement, logic and reasoning in the decision-making process, and escalating issues appropriately to appropriate stakeholders.

  • Working in a dynamic and rapidly changing environment.

  • Adapting to changing operational requirements as directed by stakeholders.

  • Multi-tasking, prioritizing and completing tasks in an organized, efficient and effective manner.

  • Providing deliverables to stakeholders in accordance with standard operating procedures.

  • Safeguarding and maintaining highly sensitive and confidential information of Allied Universal Executive Protection and Intelligence Services, the client and/or principal.

  • Providing and receiving constructive feedback for improvement of team operations.

  • Safeguarding individuals and property from all forms of security and safety hazards.

  • Transporting the principal(s) in designated vehicles in a safe, professional and efficient manner.

  • Traveling (domestically and internationally) as needed in support of protective operations.

  • Being physically and mentally capable of utilizing legal and appropriate physical response options.

  • Responding to alarms/fire/panic calls immediately, and promptly securing the safety and security of human life and physical property.

  • Communicating with first responders and stakeholders to coordinate and provide support in the event of an emergency.

  • Providing appropriate medical treatment as necessary.

  • Conducting thorough investigations and preparing written documentation regarding non-routine incidents with reports, pictures and witness statements.

  • Successfully completing annual and sustainment training requirements.

  • The ability to work irregular or extended hours with an ever-changing schedule. Typical schedules include overtime, nights, holidays and weekends on a regular basis.

  • Maintaining a professional and/or appropriate personal appearance.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

The Executive Protection Agent must have:

  • Experience and training in evasive driving from law enforcement, military – or reputable training institution.

  • Experience and understanding of corporate culture.

  • California Guard Card, Exposed Firearm and CCW are required

  • Valid Driver’s License and a clean driving record.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

The Executive Protection Agent/Driver must have:

  • 3 years' experience in security and/or close protection experience to include government, law enforcement, military and/or private security.

  • A strong base of knowledge in all facets of protective operations.

  • Drive, resiliency, adaptability, humility, integrity, effective intelligence, team-ability, curiosity and emotional strength

  • Strong written and verbal communication and emotional intelligence skills

  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint, SharePoint, etc.)

  • Training from a reputable driving course

  • Reliable transportation (as required)

  • The ability to obtain a passport for international travel

  • The ability to be insurable under the company motor vehicle insurance policy

  • Current CPR / AED certification (American Red Cross or American Heart Association) Adult & Infant

  • The ability to obtain required state security guard licensing, certifications, and permits for their regular work location(s) within 30 days of employment.

  • The ability to legally possess a firearm

Benefits:

$72.12 per hour

Pay is based on experience and training.

  • Medical/Dental/Vision coverage

  • Free employee life insurance

  • Paid employee training and development

  • 401K

  • Employee assistance programs

  • Paid holidays and flexible PTO (Paid Time Off)

  • Career advancement opportunities

  • Great company culture and work/life balance

Allied Universal® is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or relationship/association with a protected veteran, or any other basis or characteristic protected by law. For more information: www.aus.com

If you have difficulty using the online system and require an alternate method to apply or require an accommodation, please contact our local Human Resources department. To find an office near you, please visit: www.aus.com/offices .

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Job ID: 2026-1621704

Location: United States-California-Cupertino

Job Category: Security Supervisor