The Ultimate Guide to Running A Driving Instructor Business

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CONTENTS

JAMES GWINNETT EDITOR

FOREWORD

Writing recently in the Sunday Times Magazine, Matt Rudd explained his determination to “be the calmest parent driving instructor there has ever been” but then noted that “the best way to ensure that would have been to get a proper driving instructor to do the driving part”.

But remaining calm to ensure learner drivers are ready for the challenges of the road is just a small part of being an instructor. Succeeding in the role also requires an understanding of the workings of running a business, from marketing to managing all the financial implications of taxes, insurance, and vehicle maintenance. And somehow finding the time to ensure you’re at your healthiest, despite a largely sedentary role.

In this Ultimate Guide to Running a Driving Instructor Business, we cover all of that and more, with advice from a host of industry experts. We hope the insights are invaluable in helping your driving instructor business to thrive.

THE TEAM PUBLISHER: Richard Storrs EDITOR: James Gwinnett ART DIRECTOR: Caroline Creighton-Metcalf SALES & MARKETING: Rachael Butler

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info@intelligentinstructor.co.uk intelligentinstructor.co.uk The contents of this magazine are copyright © Intelligent Instructor Ltd. They may not be reproduced or transmitted, in any form in whole or part, without the editor’s written consent. Neither Intelligent Instructor Ltd nor its staff can be held responsible for the accuracy of the information herein or any consequence arising from it. 2025

CONTENTS B U S I N E S S A DV I C E

06 Where to start?

10 Your brand; Your business 11 How to be financially successful 14 The Price Is Right 17 Consider connection, consistency and customers 18 Everything in Its Right Place 21 Getting past the pass photo 22 Q&A with DVSA 24 Your biggest purchase 26 Insuring you have the correct protection 28 To franchise or not to franchise 32 From franchise to freedom 34 Good road safety is good business 36 Are we fit for work?

ESSENTIAL BUSINESS TOOLS

42 The next frontier of digital driving 46 Enhanced learning 47 Are you fuelling right?

48 Taxing matters 50 Having your say S U P P L E M E N T YO U R I N C O M E

52 Please sir, I want some more 58 Training the trainers 60 Win-surance D I R E C TO RY

64 Useful contacts UG Running a Driving Instructor Business 5

B U SI N E SS A DV I CE

VICKIE AMBROSE & KIM GIBSON CO-FOUNDERS, DRIVE-UP TRAINING

Where to

From doing the books to booking the lessons, and everything in between, running a driving school requires a knowledge of all business areas.

Establishing, expanding, and maintaining a driving instruction business presents a range of challenges at every stage. Indeed, the driving instruction itself is only a small piece of the pie.

This is nothing new for any ADI. But when is the right time to start learning about the operational aspects of running a business?

Ideally, the knowledge of

how to register as a sole trader – if that’s your chosen route – setting up a website, filling your diary, tracking your student’s progress, keeping efficient record of your finances, and so much more, should be imparted during Part 2 of the ADI qualification process.

Unfortunately, this is not the norm. As a result, many driving instructors find themselves fully qualified and ready to

6 UG Running a Driving Instructor Business

open their diaries without a structured approach to business management.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR BUSINESS OPERATIONS Where to begin?

Let’s start with those open diaries; a well-organised one is essential, including lesson availability and dedicated time for administrative tasks.

Naturally, setting your own

ensuring a steady flow of business. Additionally, pre-planned schedules reduce cancellations and last-minute changes, leading to a more efficient and productive work schedule.

rates as an independent driving instructor is a crucial decision, but what should you expect in terms of bookings?

A diary filled to at least 80% capacity is generally considered a strong position.

And what about scheduling lessons? Should we book learners weekly, monthly, or align their lessons with their anticipated or actual test date?

Planning ahead benefits both learners and instructors. For learners, a structured training plan provides consistency and progression. For instructors, it enables better forecasting of workload and earnings,

taking proactive steps to guide learners through the booking process. While it’s tempting to get the theory test booked in as soon as possible, the focus should be on ensuring students are well-informed and prepared for each stage.

Planning for theory and practical tests One of the most important aspects of learner progression is the scheduling of the theory and practical tests. Students will invariably be keen to book in their test as quickly as possible, but many are unaware of industry processes, such as the requirement to pass the theory test before booking a practical test. Reinforcing procedure, therefore, and the necessity to get enough practice hours out on the road, should be a focus, over and above expediency.

Naturally this demand can play out in the shape of it being difficult to find test slots and the result is that we’re seeing an increasing trend of some resorting to third-party services to secure test dates, often at a premium. But engaging in such activities only exacerbates an already significant issue within the industry.

Instead, as ADIs it is imperative that we uphold ethical standards and discourage this practice. We must maintain professional integrity and adhere to the standards set by the DVSA,

Leveraging the Online Booking System To facilitate the above, the DVSA provides ADIs with access to the Online Booking System (OBS), a valuable tool for managing test bookings. This system is particularly beneficial for instructors operating under a franchise model, as it increases the pool of available test dates, making rescheduling quicker and more efficient. Utilising the OBS not only streamlines test scheduling but also reduces uncertainty for both instructors and learners, allowing for smoother business operations and improved time management.

Financial responsibility and payment management Taking responsibility for managing the finances of your own business can be daunting and understanding how to deal with incoming payments is a big part of this. Whether you opt to take payments from learners on a pay-as-you-go basis or in bulk, best practice is to only consider income as ‘earned’ once the lessons have been delivered. Deposit funds into a holding account rather

“ A well-organised diary is essential to leave time for admininstrative tasks.”

➱

UG Running a Driving Instructor Business 7

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vehicles, or attending training courses, reinvesting in the business helps sustain long-term success, not only for the business, but also for our own self-development as instructors.

“ Passing the ADI qualification exams is just the beginning!” than treating them as immediate income and keep on top of your admin by regularly transferring earnings from the holding account to a personal or business account. This level of financial discipline and professionalism allows for easy refunds if necessary, ensuring customer trust. Furthermore, keeping detailed records of payments, outstanding balances, and refund policies provides transparency and prevents potential disputes with learners.

Business administration and financial planning No-one likes doing the books.

But regular sessions allocated to your finances – balancing costs against earnings – will ensure financial stability, and

there are a number of excellent digital tools, such as accounting software or scheduling apps, that can enhance efficiency and organisation. Conversely, delaying these tasks can lead to unnecessary stress and complications.

Put thought into your pricing to ensure the business remains profitable; while an hourly rate of £40 or £45 may seem sufficient, it is crucial to assess actual earnings after deducting business expenses. And you should always be reviewing your situation to determine whether rate adjustments are necessary.

Beyond revenue management, consider investments in business growth. Whether upgrading teaching materials, maintaining

Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Passing the three ADI qualification exams is not the end of the journey – it is just the beginning! To excel in this profession, continuous learning and skill development are essential. CPD opportunities include free and paid courses, workshops, conventions, expos, and industry-specific training. Additionally, external training such as coaching, mentoring, and certifications like the Award in Education and Training can further enhance an instructor’s expertise.

Professional development not only benefits instructors but also positively impacts learner outcomes. By staying updated with industry best practices and innovative teaching techniques, ADIs can offer a superior learning experience, ultimately leading to higher pass rates and improved road safety.

The journey of an ADI is one of ongoing growth. By continuously improving and developing skills, instructors can provide higher-quality training, enhance their reputation, and contribute to raising industry standards. The driving instruction industry needs dedicated professionals who are committed to excellence. Keep learning, keep evolving, and strive to be the best in the field!

UG Running a Driving Instructor Business 9

B U SI N E SS A DV I CE

GRAHAM HOOPER TRAINER, COACH & MENTOR TO DRIVING INSTRUCTORS

Your Business;

YOUR BRAND

Creating your brand; where to begin?

The good news is that branding can be straightforward, but it does demand time and dedication, and the results of your efforts will reflect the input you invest.

First and foremost, I believe it is essential that you know your brand’s purpose and, from there, you can build your growth strategies into a business plan. Your brand represents you and your personality. If you’re starting from scratch, a mind map can help you bring your ideas to life, and give you clarity about what you want to achieve and the reasons behind your vision. Draft a vision statement that lets people know what you stand for and cultivate trust, honesty, and reliability

in your brand.

Then think about your story and what makes you stand out from your competitors. How have you arrived at this point in your career? What skills do you have that set you apart? What is your unique selling point (USP)? Consider the added value you offer that differentiates you from others in a competitive environment.

Consider what business skills you require to develop the brand. You may even conduct a SWOT analysis – assessing your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and the threats to your business – to identify areas for growth and improvement. If you identify a weakness, you could look to upskill in these areas or bring people in with expertise to support you; perhaps help with logo design or someone to manage your marketing choices.

Building a brand is fundamentally about gaining visibility. Today, we have unprecedented opportunities to create brand awareness through various social media platforms. To do so could involve enhancing your IT skills and refining your marketing communication, but this must be complemented by outstanding customer service and high-quality training.

Remember, these elements are ongoing. Failing to evolve will negatively impact your brand.

Similarly, continuously investing in your training and development is essential, as the world – and your business –

10 UG Running a Driving Instructor Business

never stays the same.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is important, but consider diversifying your offering beyond just Standards Check training. A range of additional products can greatly enhance your brand, such as advanced driving, eco-driving skills, clients with neurodiversity, semiintensives, intensives, PDI and ADI training, Part 3 rescue, ADI Standards Check, and coaching … all these will help you stand out and enhance your CV with qualifications to back up the products you offer. Avoid being just another option; strive to be different. While you’re at it, enter industry awards for additional recognition.

Finally, if you can understand your target market, including its demographics, and how your services can uniquely serve each of them, you will be in a far better position to persuade your clients of your value.

Customers want the Rolex but are often sold on the budget imitation – the trick is ensuring customers are making the right decisions based on what they’re getting for their money.

Analyse your service offering and develop a pricing strategy that reflects your brand’s identity. Ensure you have a system for monitoring and maintaining quality standards.

Track sales and market changes while focusing on your vision, and start putting your vision into practice.

Remember, success doesn’t happen by chance; it requires a well-defined business plan.

B U SI N E SS A DV I CE

TOMMY SANDHU DRIVING INSTRUCTOR, FRANCHISE OWNER & BUSINESS MENTOR

How to be financially

SUCCESSFUL Financial management plays a crucial role in sustaining a successful driving school.

As driving instructors, we invariably find ourselves acutely focused on perfecting our teaching skills and helping our students become competent drivers. However, amidst the day-to-day responsibilities, financial management often takes a back seat. To navigate this landscape effectively, I propose leveraging the three basic pillars of business finance: cash flow, budgeting, and profit analysis.

Cash flow can be too complicated. But tracking cash flow doesn’t require a degree in finance. It simply involves understanding what’s flowing in and out of your business.

Implementation of a forecasting system can demystify this process. By booking lessons at least 12 weeks in advance, you can project income, anticipate seasonal trends, and prepare for unexpected challenges.

Think of it as teaching your students to anticipate the road ahead; it’s about being proactive rather than reactive.

Budgeting seems unnecessary. Some might argue that if they’re making money, budgeting isn’t needed but this can lead to financial pitfalls. Understanding your actual costs, including overlooked expenses like taxes, insurance, and vehicle maintenance, is essential for creating a realistic budget.

Establishing separate savings for tax obligations and emergencies can prevent cash flow disturbances. Embracing budgeting transforms it from a tedious chore into a strategic tool for financial clarity.

Profit analysis feels daunting.

The term “profit analysis” may sound intimidating, but it’s merely about analysing the difference between your revenues and expenses. Many

instructors measure success based on lesson counts, yet it’s critical to recognise that profit after expenses is what truly indicates a thriving business.

Regularly monitoring your financial health allows you to make informed decisions and adjust your lesson pricing if necessary.

Time constraints make financial management difficult.

Juggling teaching and administrative tasks can be overwhelming. However, every hour spent on these activities contributes to your overall business wellbeing. By acknowledging hidden costs and taking a balanced approach to pricing, you can ensure not only survival but also a sustainable profit margin.

Financial management might feel like a hassle, but should be viewed as an empowering process rather than a burdensome task. By mastering the art of financial planning, you transform your driving school into a resilient entity capable of thriving even during challenging times.

Take a moment to contemplate: if you were unable to work for six weeks, would your driving school weather the storm? By cultivating diligent cash flow practices, comprehensive budgeting, and regular profit analysis, you set the stage for long-term success.

Managing finances isn’t merely an obligation; it’s an opportunity for growth and resilience that every driving instructor can harness.

UG Running a Driving Instructor Business 11

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B U SI N E SS A DV I CE

DANIEL HILL FOUNDER & MD, MYDRIVETIME

THE PRICE IS RIGHT

There is no need to guess about – or be anxious about – setting the right price for your product, based on the value you offer.

If you’re familiar with the famous 1980s TV show, you’ll know that there was a lot of guessing involved. However, whilst deciding on the right price for your time and skills might seem tough, there is definitely no need to guess as a driving instructor.

Setting the price you charge for your time is, in my view, THE most important decision you’ll make as an instructor.

There are certainly contributing factors, such as your area, qualifications, experience and even how shiny your car is. But it’s all

14 UG Running a Driving Instructor Business

secondary to the price you charge being right, because it’s crucial that your business is sustainable and enables you to reach your targets.

It’s understandable why most instructors are anxious about setting their price, but there’s absolutely no need to

be. Because there’s no need to guess. The market will tell you.

Here are three key elements that will help you set the right price for your business: A ‘BUSINESS OWNER’ MINDSET Most instructors don’t hail from a business management background and struggle with ‘pricing’; both how much to charge and how much to pay for the services they need to support their work.

This is largely because they think like a consumer – focusing solely on the cost of things – rather than like a business owner who focuses on the value of things.

Instead, consider every purchase as a potential investment. Will this purchase benefit your business by adding value to it? Or will the cost of this investment outweigh the benefit?

If the benefit outweighs the costs, then invest – the net effect is a positive one. If the cost outweighs the benefit, then it’s probably not worth it.

And remember, ‘benefits’ come in many forms – enabling you to do and earn more, or making you happier or saving you time and hassle.

Another common mistake is for instructors to base their price on their own sense of

self-worth as a person. It’s important to get your mindset right here too. It’s easy to believe customers will judge your driving school based on you – your personality and your friendship – but they won’t. They will buy the service that your business is selling – your skills and expertise. You just happen to be the one delivering it.

Remember, while it always helps to be a lovely person – especially for referrals – your potential customers are judging your price on the skills and service your business provides, not on your personality.

MARKET POSITION You get to choose where you position your service in your local market. Do you provide a premium or a budget service, or somewhere in between?

Providing the highest quality service will appeal to those who value quality, and they’ll gladly pay for it. It will cost you more to run though, so you must charge a top rate to make it sustainable and to make enough profit to pay yourself.

Providing a budget service can work too, but you’ll need to charge a lower rate to attract business. It’ll cost less to run, meaning there’s still profit here, but you’ll be beholden to those with a higher market position moving forward, unless you choose to enhance

“ Be the best you can be and hold yourself to high standards.”

the quality of your service.

We all want higher standards in our industry, and my guess is that if you’re reading this guide, you’re aspirational and will want to strive for more, so be the best you can be and hold yourself to high standards of vehicle cleanliness, punctuality for lessons, and keeping thorough records of progress, in a digital format, that can be analysed and shared with students.

Don’t let your market position slip through complacency. Always be looking for ways to improve the value for money your students pay, and you can charge more for your time.

SUPPLY & DEMAND Customers will either buy your time for the price you quote, or they won’t. They will decide if you’re charging too much or too little, so let the ‘demand’ dictate how much you can charge for your ‘supply’.

The next time the phone rings, quote a higher rate. If they book in, then you’ve just earned extra money for no extra cost. Over the course of a year, that difference can pay for a family holiday, while in the eyes of your students, it’s an extra pound or two a week.

And if they start turning away, consider reducing it until you hit the maximum accepted price, then consider what more you could offer.

Ultimately, there’s a continuous demand out there, and you’ve worked hard to supply your expertise. Don’t sell yourself short by not charging enough for your service.

UG Running a Driving Instructor Business 15

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B U SI N E SS A DV I CE

MICK KNOWLES DIRECTOR, KNOWLEDGEABLEE INSTRUCTOR TRAINING

CONSIDER CONNECTION,

Consistency and Customers Professionalism, perception and personality are all part of your ‘Product’ ‘Product’ – as part of a marketing strategy – is often viewed as the core of a business but a driving school’s product isn’t just the driving lessons. It’s the students’ entire experience, from initial contact to after they’ve passed their test.

Building your product should, therefore, go beyond just a logo or a catchy slogan. The quality of your service, your professionalism, and how your customers perceive you will all enhance your reputation, driving referrals and repeat business.

A running theme through all the best marketing strategies is bringing customers on a journey. You may wonder how that’s relevant in the context of a driving school, but there are emotional triggers that you can use to build a connection with your audience.

Think connection, consistency and customer feedback. Sharing your story gives your brand a personality, and you should let your desire

to help your students become better drivers shine through. Be consistent with your brand’s message, values, and image across all platforms (website, social media, physical signage, etc). And seek feedback from your customers for two reasons; they can serve as a gauge of how to improve what you’re offering, while positive reviews from satisfied students can be invaluable in building credibility and showcasing the quality of your service.

Personalisation is another area where the leading brands pull in customers, and you can capitalise on this by tailoring your lessons to individuals’ needs and learning pace. It will show you care about their success, while service excellence should include being punctual and professional.

Students will appreciate the reliability of your service, which builds trust. Safety, of course, plays a huge role in shaping students’ experience, and the environment you create (both

in terms of your vehicle and your attitude) should leave students feeling confident in your guidance.

That’s the bigger picture stuff.

Let’s focus for a second on the ‘core’ product as mentioned a moment ago; the lessons. The quality and consistency of your teaching can enhance your product; and that’s before we consider the importance of ensuring all students not only pass their tests but also become safer drivers. Consider a structured curriculum that helps students track their progress, teaching not just the basics, but also advanced driving techniques and defensive driving skills. Weave in varied teaching methods, including theory lessons, practical exercises, and discussions on road safety.

Lastly, a note on your own development as an ADI; Continuing Professional Development (CPD) refers to improving your knowledge and skills over time, whilst staying current with changes in regulations, new teaching methods, and advancements in technology. By continually learning, you can better support your students and adapt to their needs. It can also offer opportunities to supplement your income through additional services, like offering specialised lessons for nervous drivers, or teaching advanced driving techniques. Most importantly, though, CPD demonstrates a commitment to your craft, which can make your school more attractive.

UG Running a Driving Instructor Business 17

B U SI N E SS A DV I CE

TOM STENSON CO-FOUNDER, DRIVE-UP TRAINING

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Make the most of the different marketing channels available in your area.

The success of any business can depend on the strategic selection of location or place; but with driving instruction so heavily reliant on regionality, it’s imperative we thoroughly understand our potential customers. Indeed, having a handle on the demand in your area and also the type of demand, i.e. manual or automatic, is pivotal to the growth of your business.

To effectively reach our customers, driving instructors may need to employ a multifaceted marketing approach.

Traditional advertising methods, such as flyers, posters, business cards – it is worth keeping a few handy in the car or on your person, just in case – and local

newspaper ads, can still be highly effective, especially in community-centric areas.

Equally, word of mouth can be one of the most valuable marketing tools for any business, whether they are new or well established, and maintaining a good reputation should be a priority for every driving instructor.

However, in today’s digital age, an online presence can be indispensable. Utilising social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X (Twitter) allows driving instructors to showcase testimonials, share driving tips, and engage with potential customers. Creating a user-friendly website with clear information about services, pricing and booking options can benefit some but is not essential for everyone.

Online reviews and referrals can also play a significant role in building a reputable name.

Starting afresh in an area can be daunting and spending additional money on advertising may not be an option for some. The good news is that there are cheaper options available. Reaching out to other local driving instructors in your area and introducing yourself can be beneficial not only for networking but also for building better working relationships. Joining a local driving instructors association can be a great way of doing this, and this approach can help you find out local lesson rates, practice areas and possibly

18 UG Running a Driving Instructor Business

even lead to collaborative opportunities in the future.

Being conveniently located in a high-traffic area or near schools and colleges can significantly influence the number of potential students.

Moreover, partnerships with local schools, colleges and community centres can help in gaining referrals and reaching a broader audience. Offering discounts for block bookings or referral bonuses can incentivise current students to spread the word about their positive experiences. As mentioned above, word of mouth is a powerful tool that should be utilised and should not be underestimated.

Simply driving around in your training vehicle can help aid your visibility to potential customers. Some driving instructors may not wish to drive around in a vehicle covered in decals when they are not on lessons, although this type of advertising can work very well. Having a removable roof board is another great middle-ground option for advertising when necessary.

Being adaptable is not only important in lessons but also in business. Offering more than just teaching learners to drive and increasing the strings on your bow may put you ahead of other driving instructors in the area. By diversifying your skill set, you can attract a wider range of clients and build a reputation for providing comprehensive driver training.

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Use our driver's record, mock test guides and performance insights, plus access discounted learning materials and boost your profile with ready-to-use social media content.

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B U SI N E SS A DV I CE

TERRY COOK FOUNDER, THE INSTRUCTOR PODCAST

Getting past the

PASS PHOTO Who doesn’t love a good pass photo – or even a selfie – for marketing purposes?

A cheery looking pupil holding a pass certificate, or sometimes a card with the driving school name on. Yep, those always seem to generate a few enquiries and give the socials a bit of a boost. But is that really how you see yourself as a driving instructor?

The instructor who helps people pass a test.

If that’s your shizzle, then keep doing what you’re doing.

But I’ve got a sneaky feeling that you’re quite a bit more than that. I’d take a wild guess that you provide something else, something like … theory test training, motorway lessons, The Honest Truth. Or perhaps you specialise in working with pupils with anxiety, or those who are neurodiverse. Maybe you’re a godsend at helping those

who’ve failed previously and are now struggling?

The pass picture doesn’t relay any of those awesome skills that you have.

That’s where you come in.

You need to let the world see what you offer. And you can do it in those pass pictures. Just add some context. Talk about how this pupil struggled with hill starts or was worried about not being able to use a clutch, or how they overcame their test nerves.

Tell their story and let people see what hurdles they overcame. It’s lovely for the student to read, but it also showcases you and what you can provide.

It doesn’t have to be limited to pass pictures though. You can make your entire social media page a highlight reel of what you offer. And the best

thing is, you don’t even need to talk about yourself. Just tell stories about how you helped a pupil overcome a difficulty or share a tale of something that you’ve just done on a lesson.

Especially if it’s not that common. Plus, if there’s a certain type of person you enjoy working with, share stories about them and you’ll get more enquiries from those folk.

This is the opportunity to stand out from the crowd. You might not be the only person in your area that provides comprehensive motorway training, but you can be the only / first person to shout about it. So, the next time you’re in a motorway services on a lesson, get a selfie and get it on your social media. Once people see that you provide this type of training, that isn’t available everywhere, you’ll start to get people asking about it. Potentially people will even come to you specifically for it.

And yes, I did say selfie. This may not be a necessity, but getting your face on social media can have a really positive impact. It lets people see the person behind the brand. It’s one of the advantages a local ADI has over a national school. Plus, there’s the added benefit of letting the student know who they’re actually meeting, thus providing a little more consideration and safety.

So, keep doing those pass pictures, but don’t forget to sell what makes you, well, you.

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B U SI N E SS A DV I CE

NICK TAYLOR ADI REGISTRAR, DVSA

We meet....

NICK TAYLOR

JAMES GWINNETT: HI NICK, CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR ROLE AS ADI REGISTRAR AT DVSA AND WHAT THAT INVOLVES?

Nick Taylor: I have worked at DVSA for 18 years, three in the role of ADI Registrar, in which I’m responsible for maintaining the ADI Register and ensuring only qualified and approved instructors are listed. My role involves maintaining the integrity of the register by conducting standards checks to ensure instructors meet professional standards and keeping them informed about updates to driving laws and training requirements.

JG: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO NEW ADIS LOOKING TO SET UP THEIR BUSINESS?

NT: I would firstly say congratulations on becoming an ADI – this is a great achievement. I would then suggest reading DVSA’s guidance for when you’re an ADI. This step-by-step guide will provide advice on things like working for a franchise or running your own driving school, professional standards, and managing your ADI registration.

We sit down with DVSA’s Nick Taylor to ask his advice for ADIs and the common challenges they are likely to face.

22 UG Running a Driving Instructor Business

JG: WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON CHALLENGES NEW DRIVING INSTRUCTORS FACE WHEN SETTING UP THEIR BUSINESS AND WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE THEM?

NT: Getting started is probably the biggest challenge and attracting learners to choose your driving school to learn to drive. To earn recognition as a reputable and professional business, my advice would be to focus on delivering a high-quality service and lessons. To do this, you will need to comply with DVSA’s National Standards for Driving Instructors and follow the ADI code of practice.

JG: HOW FREQUENTLY SHOULD INSTRUCTORS UNDERGO STANDARDS CHECKS?

NT: You will usually be asked to complete an ADI standards check every four years. You’ll get an email from DVSA when you need to book your standards check. You must complete and pass the standards check to remain on the ADI register. More information on what happens at a standards check can be found on GOV.UK. JG: HOW IMPORTANT IS CONTINUAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD) FOR DRIVING INSTRUCTORS AND WHAT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

NT: It’s really important to prioritise and make time for your own professional development, even when your business is up and running.

There is guidance on how to do this on GOV.UK. This could include things like reading,

attending courses or spending some time learning from other driving instructors.

JG: HOW CAN INSTRUCTORS STAY UP TO DATE WITH INDUSTRY CHANGES?

NT: I would recommend signing up to our email alerts, DVSA Direct, so we can contact you if there are any changes to the way instructors are regulated or to the learning to drive or driving test process.

We will also invite you to webinars or to take part in research to help us understand how easy our services are to use and to improve road safety.

You can choose which topics you would like to receive information on.

Another way to keep updated with industry news is by reading our Despatch Blog: giving advice and information to driver and rider trainers. You can subscribe to this to make sure you never miss one.

Joining an industry body, which represents the interests of the driver training industry, is another great way of staying up to date. The National Associations Strategic Partnership (NASP) is focused on promoting the interests of driving instructors. It is formed of representatives from the Motor Schools Association, the Driving Instructors Association and the Approved Driving Instructors National Joint

Council. They work closely with us to make sure we view our services through the eyes of customers and help us continue to make improvements that support the driver training industry.

JG: HOW CAN INSTRUCTORS MANAGE NERVOUS LEARNERS EFFECTIVELY TO IMPROVE THEIR EXPERIENCE AND PASS RATES?

NT: Many learners feel anxious when first learning to drive so it’s important to try and help them feel comfortable. The best way to do this is building a good relationship with your pupil accordingly. Our ‘Ready to Pass?’ campaign also provides helpful guidance on managing nerves, in particular before a test, which is a useful resource you can share with your pupils.

One in ten people who fail the driving test say it was mostly down to nerves, so using these basic tips could help better prepare your pupils to pass.

There’s a full ‘Ready to Pass?’ toolkit for ADIs which includes things like a checklist to help your pupils reflect on whether they’re ready to pass their test, the latest official learning materials and campaign assets for use on your website or social media channels. We really appreciate your support in sharing our campaign messages, to achieve our joint aim of safer drivers.

“ It’s really important to prioritise and make time for your own professional development.”

UG Running a Driving Instructor Business 23

B U SI N E SS A DV I CE

DAN TATTERSALL HEAD OF BUSINESS, DUALDRIVE

Your biggest

PURCHASE

Financing a Fiesta – or any of the other instructor-suitable car models available – can be a daunting proposition.

Since starting as a graduate with Vauxhall Motors back in 1995, the question of how to finance a car hasn’t gotten any easier to answer.

Indeed, with more options on the vehicle and its financing package than ever before, how is anyone supposed to come up with an answer? Would you prefer to lease a car for the peace of mind of servicing? Or would financing a car, with the potential equity at the end, be a better option? Is the car you’ll be teaching in the main household vehicle, needing to meet family criteria as well?

At Dualdrive, we recognised that a PDI might not want to commit to a contract longer than 12 months in case things don’t work out, and have worked hard to focus on cost efficiency. PDIs need a reliable ‘work tool’ to get qualified and then can choose a car that fits their teaching criteria. We

therefore offer bespoke packages designed to keep commitments as low as possible.

Once fully qualified, an ADI can then decide on the best means of financing their vehicle. Contract hire offers benefits such as set monthly costs, the ability to claim business expenses, a new car with maintenance and relief vehicle provisions, and no unexpected bills. The car arrives ready to teach with dual controls fitted. One must consider mileage restrictions but, for many, this isn’t an issue as ADIs typically have steady driving patterns.

Owning a car removes the mileage restrictions. However, one should be prepared for unexpected repair bills and the need for a temporary dual control vehicle to keep the business running.

Additional considerations

24 UG Running a Driving Instructor Business

include whether the car will also serve private, family needs.

Reliability scores from sources like J.D. Power, What Car? and Auto Express annual surveys, aftersales service, and vehicle warranty length are also crucial factors. Some manufacturers offer extended warranties of five-seven years, or even ten years, demonstrating confidence in their products, while others stick to a standard three-year warranty.

ADIs have indeed witnessed significant market changes in recent years, influencing their decisions. The production of small cars like the Fiesta, Rio, Micra, and Up! has ceased, and the perception of both manual and auto hybrid models has evolved. The Yaris and Yaris Cross, our most popular automatic cars here at Dualdrive, are hybrids that balance economy and ease of driving.

A notable increase in demand for automatic vehicles is undoubtedly driven by both market trends and pupil preferences. The stigma around ‘automatic-only’ licenses has diminished, particularly in city centres. The rise of EVs, which are inherently automatic, is also significant. As manufacturers launch, refine, and market more affordable vehicles with longer ranges, we anticipate a greater impact on the ADI arena in the near future. Manual transmission vehicles will still be around for many years, but automatic vehicles will undoubtedly be at the forefront of automotive technology in the future.

Ray Seagrave Instructor Training:

Providing PDI & ADI training to high DVSA national standards Parts 1,2 & 3 Coaching and Teaching Skills Development Standards Check Preparation Grade ‘A’ ORDIT 51/51 Registered Trainer Classroom and Zoom Workshops

Email: ray@rayseagraveaditraining.com Web: rayseagraveaditraining.com Phone: 07870861572

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CONTRIBUTORS...

GERRY BUCKE, ADRIAN FLUX KAREN HEAVEN, HOWDEN INSURANCE

SANDY HILLAN, DASH CLAIMS LYNNE BARRIE, ADINJC

Insuring you have the

CORRECT PROTECTION Instructors should consider more than just their vehicle when purchasing insurance, with specialist policies catering to a range of business requirements.

“Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears … and I’ll tell you about insurance,” might not have had quite the same ring to it for Shakespeare’s Marc Antony, but it seemed like a good way to at least pique your interest on a difficult subject.

Because the paradox of insurance is that the monthly drain on your bank account is one you hope you never need to benefit from. It’s a necessary evil. But one we believe can be greatly simplified for the confused ADI, who doesn’t just need to cover their vehicle, but also their students and business.

Demystifying the complexities of ADI insurance

can be overwhelming and “This is because regular car insurance,” Gerry Bucke, General Manager at Adrian Flux, explains, “doesn’t provide the correct level of protection you need when you’re teaching inexperienced drivers on the road and you depend on your vehicle for your business.”

Available to ADIs and to PDIs who have their pink licence, driving instructor insurance is therefore a comprehensive, specialist type of policy.

Price is always of concern when the subject of insurance is raised, and “The cost of your driving instructor insurance depends on a number of factors,” continues Bucke,

26 UG Running a Driving Instructor Business

“including whether you’re qualified as an ADI or PDI, what type of car you use, and the area in which you teach.”

Karen Heaven, Operations Director at Howden, advises not simply being price driven, however, because “you need to check that a policy covers the essentials and the brokers who deal with it are specialists in their field.”

Ringing round these brokers – like Adrian Flux and Howden– is your best bet for a policy whose cover will include driving other cars under tuition, extending to pupils’ vehicles, while “driving schools can also benefit,” Heaven expands, “by having a policy

that covers multiple instructors on one vehicle. This can also help if someone needs a backup car because theirs is off road.” Check that you will have access to a replacement dual control vehicle in the event of an accident, to allow you to still earn money whilst yours is being fixed.

Dash Claims is another service provider which offers driving schools affordable replacement vehicles. Set up

by ADI Sandy Hillan in 2022 due to the complexities of having to deal with a third party claims management company when his car was taken off the road as a result of a non-fault accident, Dash Claims is a free service for all claimants. “We pursue the third party insurance company for all

“ Demystifying the complexities of ADI insurance can be overwhelming.” costs,” says Hillan, “and specialise in the ADI field due to a network of dual control vehicles strategically placed throughout the UK, which allows us to get driving instructors in replacements fast once liability has been established. Importantly, while any people believe that they must make a claim through their own insurance company, we can support an ADI from First Notification Of Loss (FNOL).”

ADINJC President Lynne Barrie also advises that ADIs explore professional indemnity

and public liability insurance, “which is not compulsory but could be essential to the survival of your business in the event of unexpected incidents, such as bodily harm or property damage and any resulting legal implications. For example, if a student was injured while exiting your car and filed a compensation claim against your company, this type of protection would cover the legal fees and compensation costs.” Many associations, covered later in the magazine, offer this as part of their member benefits.

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Do I need specialist driving instructor insurance?

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As an approved driving instructor (ADI), or a potential driving instructor (PDI), you’ll need driving instructor insurance that’s specifically designed for your unique needs.

How much is driving instructor insurance?

We offer a driving instructor policy complete with the benefits you need, like replacement dual control vehicles, free legal cover and cover for you in pupils’ cars.

However, a specialist broker such as Adrian Flux can provide cover at a price that reflects your needs, and even offers a referral scheme to help you earn extra cash once your pupils pass their test.

The cost will depend on a number of factors, including whether you’re qualified as an ADI or PDI, what type of car you use, and the area in which you teach.

Call our UK team on 0800 369 8590 or email dealers@adrianflux.co.uk to find out more

adrianflux.co.uk

Authorised & regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Trustpilot rating checked on 18th February 2025

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CONTRIBUTORS...

VICKIE AMBROSE, DRIVE-UP TRAINING COLIN PATERSON, RED DRIVING SCHOOL

DAVE LEVERTON, BILL PLANT DRIVING SCHOOL MIKE FOWLER, DRIVE DRIVING SCHOOL

ise To franchto or not

E S I H C N FRA

at nd it’s one th some a ; n o ti s e u q ADI at That is the y a P D I a nd n a m f o s p e li ir driving will be on th t many points – in the point – if no career. instruction

Countless organisations around the world operate via a franchise model. From fast food to retail outlets, cleaning companies to gyms, the strength of a well-known brand is a compelling reason to sign up with a franchise. All franchisees do business on an effectively solitary basis, but with this security helping

them drive enquiries.

Many ADIs also choose to lean on the appeal of being able to bring a nationallyrecognised product to a regional audience, albeit schools can vary in size from one or two franchisees to UK-wide schools with hundreds or even thousands of instructors attached to them.

28 UG Running a Driving Instructor Business

There are, of course, advantages and disadvantages to opting to franchise, with the costs in particular appearing expensive and prohibitive if your entrepreneurial spirit pines for more. We’ll explore how to achieve independence, if that is the route you wish to take, in the next feature. For now, four franchise

representatives share their insights into what it means to be a franchisee and how it can be beneficial for your business.

James Gwinnett: What does being a franchisee mean?

Vickie Ambrose, Drive-Up Training: A franchise is a business model where one party (Franchisor) grants another party (Franchisee) the right to operate a business using its brand name, trademarks and established systems, in exchange for a fee.

Dave Leverton, Bill Plant Driving School: Becoming a franchisee is a partnership between the instructor and a driving school, legally binding on both sides. An agreement will clearly stipulate what is included, and it’s important to understand all the details.

JG: What should an instructor consider when deciding which franchise to join?

VA: A good franchise is one that gives you value for money, so an instructor should consider what they will receive for what they pay. This might include additional training support, development (CPD), franchise free weeks – allowing ease when going on holiday – and support with your business as and when required. You should also think about how long the contract is for.

JG: What are the different cost options?

DL: Options will vary from school to school and some schools will have a number of different packages based on ADIs’ requirements and needs.

Some ADIs will want the security and comfort of an ‘all-inclusive’ package with everything included, such as car, insurance, pupil supply, business support and ongoing training. Others will simply want a top box with branding.

Make sure you choose the package that’s right for you.

Mike Fowler, DRIVE Driving School: The main selling point of many franchises is an expensive car lease but this is an inflexible restriction which locks you in for a number of years. We encourage instructors to keep costs low, especially when they start, supporting them by recommending better value options that ultimately put more money in the instructor’s pocket. We remove high set up costs by spreading the costs of advertising campaigns or training costs across a number of weeks, helping the instructor plan ahead with managing their finances and their time. It’s also worth mentioning that any franchise fee is fully tax deductible, meaning you can save both time and money.

Colin Paterson, RED Driving School: There is a periodic fee to belong as a franchisee and

“ As part of a franchise, ADIs can get on with doing what they do best.”

the other significant costs will be the car if an ADI chooses a leasing option. But that can be counted against the likes of them having to spend time on marketing and running the business.

JG: What are the benefits?

DL: For many, the benefits are removing the stress of having to run a business. Larger schools in particular will be able to provide access to resources and expertise on a wide range of topics from ongoing training to business and legal issues. Where a franchise also includes a vehicle, it can be a life saver knowing that all repairs are covered and you will be provided with a replacement, should yours be off the road.

MF: DRIVE supports our franchisees with a whole marketing team, which looks after websites, social media accounts and other advertising campaigns. Most pupils book blocks of 10 hours in advance, so instructors know what their pupils’ needs will be. Our instructors can take payments from customers using the DRIVE app, meaning cancellations are virtually nil.

DRIVE instructors also gain access to exclusive insurance quotes from our dedicated insurance brokers.

CP: The cliché is ADIs can get on with doing what they do best, which is to train and coach and motivate people to pass their driving test.

Being an independent instructor can be a lonely business, but a strong brand is reassuring and gives you ➱ somewhere to belong.

UG Running a Driving Instructor Business 29

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JG: How can PDIs use the franchise model?

DL: For new entrants to the industry, there’s a lot to learn in a very short space of time, both in-car and out of it.

Taking much of the hassle out of starting out allows the PDI to concentrate on developing their skills whilst building their business and reputation.

Reputation is crucial as a driving instructor and takes time to establish. Working under the umbrella of an established school provides you with instant brand recognition and gives potential new students confidence and peace of mind. Think of it as an apprenticeship; there’s plenty of time to become independent in the future if you decide to, but it’s all irrelevant if they don’t qualify as an ADI first.

VA: PDIs are able to use the franchise model the same as an ADI. The only difference would be the term they are signed in for; the franchise for a PDI will work in line with that of their trainee licence.

“ As part of a franchise, ADIs can get on with doing what they do best.” of a fantastic team behind you as and when you need it.

With our rolling monthly contract, this will provide ease mind as you are not tied into a very long term one. All that we ask is that Drive-Up Training franchisees uphold our brand and our expected standards. This will include your self-development as well as road safety.

MF: Each franchisee has a dedicated point of contact within our driving school team, meaning we can offer a tailored experience for them, for example if you only want to work part time hours. If you’re looking to transition from your old job to becoming

JG: Are there any expectations once you become a franchisee?

CP: No, we don’t demand a minimum amount of time but, given demand for driving lessons and tests currently exceeds supply, we are communicating regularly with our franchise network saying, ‘Please open up your diaries,’ because we’ve normally got students ready.

VA: Similarly, our franchise gives you the freedom to work the hours you wish and to manage your business as you choose, but with the support 30 UG Running a Driving Instructor Business

a full time ADI, then we can support you with that too.

JG: When might it work better financially to choose independence?

MF: Many instructors stay with us for multiple years as they see the value of the support our franchise can offer them, especially with the business skills of advertising and diary management. But we fully recognise instructors will get to the point of not needing us.

Once an instructor is selfsufficient and no longer needs the ‘crutch’ of franchise support, the time is right for them to go independent.

Call today

0330 133 2669

With Drive-Up Training, you’ll never be on your own.

We’re here to help you grow, achieve and succeed.

A Franchise to Drive-Up standards 2-weeks franchise free per year ADI Development Programme (ADP) Weekly online team sessions Regular 1:1 meetings Annual business review Designated trainer Road Safety education The Honest Truth membership ADINJC membership Diary management app, and more!

Contact us for an informal chat today admin@drive-up-training.co.uk Ads FINAL Artwork.indd 1

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TOMMY SANDHU DRIVING INSTRUCTOR, FRANCHISE OWNER & BUSINESS MENTOR

From franchise to

FREEDOM

Making the right choice in your driving instruction career

As a veteran driving instructor with more than two decades of experience running a successful franchise operation, I’ve seen instructors experience many struggles.

The decision between staying with their franchise or venturing out independently is a common one. In fact, I’ve been at this crossroads myself, and I understand the weight of navigating this crucial career decision.

The Comfort of the Known vs.

The Appeal of Independence You’ve just qualified as a driving instructor. You’re building confidence, and your diary is steadily filling up. Life feels good under the protective umbrella of your franchise. Then comes that niggling thought: “Could I make it on my own?”

I remember it well. The franchise model offers

undeniable benefits – a steady stream of students and support systems that help you focus on teaching rather than business management. But it comes at a cost, both financially and in terms of autonomy.

The decision comes down to understanding what is driving your personal and professional goals. Are you looking for more freedom to set your curriculum and pricing? Do you have ambitions to grow into a larger driving school with multiple instructors? Or are you perhaps interested in specialising in fleet or corporate driver training?

Having clarity on your goals can be the basis of a solid plan, and be the difference between success or simply going with the flow.

The Reality Check Last month, I met Julie, a newly

32 UG Running a Driving Instructor Business

qualified instructor who was eager to break free from her franchise. “I’ll keep all my earnings!” she exclaimed. But crunching the numbers revealed a surprising truth. A franchise fee may set you back £80 per week but, for Julie, going independent meant spending time each day on calls and social media / marketing, which greatly detracted from her earning hours. When we combined the lost income at her hourly rate with practical costs – card payment processing, a basic website maintenance fee, and a diary management app – she was worse off, even before considering additional franchise benefits like pupil supply, training materials, and emergency vehicle cover. The reality shattered Julie’s initial “keeping all my earnings” assumption.

running a successful driving school and customer service best practices, and take the opportunity to learn how to tap into local market dynamics to refine your professional marketing approaches. Take notes, observe systems, and learn from what works (and what doesn’t).

Yes, independence means keeping more of what you earn, but it also means shouldering every business expense. It means taking on the additional tasks of returning pupil’s calls after a long day, without a support mechanism. When considering and calculating all these costs, you may suddenly start to consider the franchise fee you’re currently paying more reasonable.

The Hidden Benefits of Staying Put (For Now) A franchise will offer that support mechanism but also provide you with training in business management. From gaining experience in day-today operations to how to more effectively market your product, there’s a myriad of lessons if you’re willing to keep your eyes and ears open. Pay attention to the mechanics of

When Independence Might Be Right With the grounding of building a strong local reputation and using this to maintain a consistent student base, if instructors are able to combine basic business management skills with an understanding of their local market, they are bound to get off to a good start.

If you have a natural flair for entrepreneurial instincts and have built enough of a cushion in terms of giving yourself the financial backing to test the water on your own, independence might be your next logical step.

But don’t think you have to put your eggs all in one basket; consider reducing your franchise commitment to part-time while building your independent business. Build your brand gradually, while creating a business plan and maintaining financial stability.

Learn from experience and adjust your approach based on your results.

If you are ready for the administrative demands of running a business, if you can

attract students independently, if you understand your market’s competitive landscape, if you’ve mastered the art of forecasting to manage cash flow, you’re ready.

The Road Ahead Whether you choose to stay with your franchise or strike out independently, success lies in your approach to the opportunity. If you decide to remain with your franchise, invest in additional qualifications, build your reputation, and learn everything you can about business operations. If independence calls, plan meticulously, build your support network, and prepare for both the challenges and rewards ahead.

Remember, this isn’t just about driving instruction. It’s about your journey as a professional and potentially as an entrepreneur. Take time with the decision, seek advice from those who’ve walked both paths, and choose the route that best fits your vision for the future.

Finally, your success as a driving instructor isn’t determined by whether you operate independently or under a franchise banner.

It’s determined by your commitment to excellence, your understanding of your market, and your ability to provide value to your students.

“ A franchise will offer a support mechanism but also training in business management.”

UG Running a Driving Instructor Business 33

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OLLY TAYLER, QPM CO-FOUNDER, THE HONEST TRUTH

GOOD ROAD SAFETY is Good Business

Driving instructors should be delivering high quality road safety education.

What is your job as a driving instructor? Many I ask tell me it’s to create safe drivers for life. This is absolutely correct, but how do you achieve it?

The first thing to consider is what passing a driving test actually means. Words like ‘freedom’, ‘independence’, and ‘achievement’ are bandied around and they’re absolutely right. But, in reality, all it really means is that your students were good enough at that time, on that day, to pass a minimum DVSA standard that allows them to hold a driving licence and no longer need to be supervised.

The real business of learning to drive starts once they pass their test; suddenly they no longer have you sat next to them as that voice of reason, seeing the things they miss or making decisions for them

when it matters. Now it’s all down to them and all you can hope for is that they make the right decision when the time comes.

Don’t get me wrong, the mechanical skills of car control in any situation are vitally important but surely the life skills that go alongside these mechanical skills are just as important?

I’ve had driving instructors tell me that they don’t have the time at the beginning of a lesson to introduce a critical safety topic. But two minutes is all it takes and that topic can then be developed and discussed as the lesson progresses.

Delivering high quality road safety education as part of a course of driving lessons may just result in a student remembering one golden piece

34 UG Running a Driving Instructor Business

of advice, or a behaviour change technique YOU gave them, that results in them not being involved in a serious collision or getting points on their licence. That’s got to be a great investment of two minutes?

Focusing on road safety as an integral part of your lessons gives you a USP and shows you to be a lead generation driving instructor. It shows you are invested in giving your students the best possible start to their driving career.

The best driving instructors are focused on the life skills associated with learning to drive as much as those all-important mechanical skills through effective road safety. Coaching your students with high quality resources can count towards that all important CPD to help maintain your credibility as a first-class instructor.

The Honest Truth has been designed for driving instructors just like you to be able to deliver high quality road safety education seamlessly as part of a course of driving lessons, giving your pupils the information they need to stay safe once they fledge the nest of your car and are out on the roads all on their own. You’re a road safety professional and have unique influence on your pupils; make it count and ensure road safety is an integral part of every lesson you deliver.

Why not make road safety education ‘business as usual’ within your lesson offerings?

you want to tell your INSTRUCTORS Do students the truth about WHO WANT safer driving? We need instructors who do for TO TELL THE multi-award-winning TRUTH ABOUT our road safety campaign.

ROAD SAFETY. To find out more about how to become an Honest Truth accredited instructor and take your lessons to the next level, simply visit: thehonesttruth.co.uk

or email us at

info@thehonesttruth.co.uk

B U SI N E SS A DV I CE

LYNNE BARRIE MA DRIVER TRAINING, ORDIT TRAINER, ADINJC PRESIDENT

Are we

FIT TO WORK?

Given the largely sedentary nature of the role, it’s imperative instructors make an effort to look after their health and wellbeing.

Prior to becoming selfemployed as an ADI, I taught GCSE and A-level food and nutrition in secondary schools.

Now, in a sedentary line of work, this awareness of the importance of looking after our

health and wellbeing, both mentally and physically, is even more prominent.

It’s the nature of the job that we sit for long periods and this can have an impact on our health if we allow it to. A

36 UG Running a Driving Instructor Business

lifestyle that is too inactive is risky, potentially leading to high blood pressure, higher blood sugar and a risk of diabetes, unhealthy cholesterol levels, weight gain and heart disease. Many ADIs struggle

MOVE AROUND MORE: According to NHS guidelines, adults should aim to do some physical activity every day.

Exercise releases endorphins – the ‘feel good’ chemicals – and reduces stress-associated hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. This helps to decrease the feelings of anxiety and stress, which are often symptoms of workplace burnout. Stretching your legs and going for a brisk walk between lessons – even if it’s only around the car – need only be for a few minutes for you to feel the benefits, while a 30-minute walk three times a week or more will make a real difference to your mood, energy levels and cognitive function. Being outside for this time will also boost your vitamin D levels, which is important for your immune system, make you feel fresher and give you more energy.

with back and hip issues too, which you many have noticed the DVSA focused on in its annual ADI survey.

These issues represent a challenge for us but we can prioritise our health with a few habits that can easily be incorporated into a daily routine. By considering these tips for staying healthy in our work, the benefits will pay out in our businesses and our lives.

DRINK PLENTY OF WATER: It’s very important to drink plenty of fluids – especially water – for both mind and body health. Even a 1% drop in hydration levels can impair cognitive abilities, affect our mood or even manifest in physical symptoms such as overheating. It goes without saying that losing focus in a high risk, moving environment could be extremely dangerous, so carry a water bottle in the car. Snack on fruit such as

watermelon, which is great for fluid intake because it’s 92% water and refreshing.

EAT HEALTHILY: … or at least do your best to be a healthy eater most of the time. In our work it’s easy – and far too tempting – to grab ‘lunch on the go’, such as a sandwich and packet of crisps. But this a sure-fire way of overloading your body with a high concentration of saturated fats and this can lead to weight creeping on. Coffee is also a staple of society these days but try to limit such stimulants because their effect is short-lived. Avoid skipping meals; breakfast really is the most important meal of the day because you’ve been fasting overnight. And rather than limit calories, focus on healthy foods, such as fruit and vegetables and different salads. Processed foods are quick after a long day at work, but they deprive your body of essential nutrients. Instead, cooking raw foods that are fresh is far more beneficial for our health.

PLAN AHEAD: Our working hours need to be considered because we’re often out on the road at mealtimes, and it can be really difficult to find healthy and affordable snacks.

But it doesn’t take much to make a packed lunch to take out with you if you’re unable to get home, and this can ➱

“ A brisk walk between lessons need only be for a few minutes, even if it’s only around the car” UG Running a Driving Instructor Business 37

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throughout your working hours. Travelling between lessons, and to and from work is a good time to do this.

“ I’m a firm believer that, for a business to be ‘well’, the person in charge has to be well.” include snacks to make your nutritional intake more balanced. Prepared in advance, fresh or dried fruits, unsalted and unsweetened nuts, cheese and whole grain crackers, and unsweetened yogurts are good options, with a mix of fats and carbohydrates to provide the brain with energy. It’s also important to eat slowly and enjoy every bite because we are less likely to overeat when we eat mindfully and without distractions.

YOUR TRAINING VEHICLE: Pay careful attention to your working environment … Is the

seating comfortable? Do the seat and steering wheel adjust well? Is it easy to get in and out of? These should be just some of the considerations before you purchase your vehicle, so make sure you try it out. Your vehicle is your office; it needs to be comfy and suitable for the long hours you will be in it.

LISTEN TO MUSIC: While you might not think of music as something that can improve your health, in a sedentary job it most certainly can. It can help to improve concentration levels, reduce stress levels, and provide positive energy

FOCUS ON YOUR SLEEP: Sleeping well and enough is often a challenge for busy workers and is a terribly overlooked component of a healthy lifestyle. Indeed, sleep is a vital element of your health profile because it’s regenerative sleep that enables your body and mind to perform at their best. How much we need varies for each person but it’s recommended that adults need between seven and nine hours of ‘sleep opportunity’ each night. This will allow your body and mind to recharge, leaving you refreshed, alert and ready for the day ahead when you wake up, rather than sluggish, irritable and unable to exercise good judgement when you haven’t had enough sleep.

I’m a firm believer that, for a business to be ‘well’, the person in charge has to be well.

Being healthy, both physically and mentally, provides stability in a complex work environment that doesn’t just require us to be driving instructors, but business owners too. Prioritising your own health is the single most important factor to living a healthy lifestyle but no one else can make you happy and healthy; you have to do it yourself! If you do, the benefits to your business and work will be evident.

For advice on how to lose weight in a healthy way, visit: www.nhs.uk/better-health/ lose-weight/

UG Running a Driving Instructor Business 39

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Download Download Download Download thethe app the the app for app app for free for free fortoday free free today today today Download the app for free today Download the app for free today

ESSENTIAL BUSINESS TOOLS

CONTRIBUTORS...

DARREN MITCHELL, DRIVE.DAY DANIEL HILL, MYDRIVETIME CONNIE KELLY, ADI NETWORK MICHAEL CARR, GOROADIE

EHSAN HOSEINI, VARIUM TOM WOTTON, TOTAL DRIVE

The next frontier of

DIGITAL DRIVING Apps are facilitating a pioneering new age for the ADI – we examine some of the key ones that can organise your diary and streamline your business.

In a world where our phones now boast a processing power 100,000 – yes, that’s the correct number of 0s – times faster than the computers that first landed men on the moon, the prospect of not using technology to enhance our businesses and lives seems a foreign one. Yet there remains a reluctance by some to fully engage with the scope of what’s possible in the driving

instruction sector for a number of reasons.

Take artificial intelligence (AI), for example. It fills many with dread, long before the futuristic prospect of cyborgs stalking the earth, à la James Cameron’s Terminator. And could driverless cars even render the ADI obsolete?

Let’s assume not, and that the technology we have at our fingertips is here to serve us

42 UG Running a Driving Instructor Business

– at least for the time being– and explore how we can use it to do away, once and for all, with the paper planner. For too long the driving instruction industry has lagged, although Daniel Hill, Founder of MyDriveTime, believes that we are now heading in the right direction, albeit being dragged, kicking and screaming, into the digital era.

Hill says, “Historically the

industry has focused on great driving instructors, with everything else – students’ details, diaries, lesson outcomes, finances – required to run a business forgotten about. ADIs don’t realise the need to be a marketing expert and a business owner, invariably without any support.”

Fortunately, a raft of platforms is facilitating a pioneering new age for the ADI and the benefits can start as early in the process as helping you to find students. The ADI Network Instructor App

advertises thousands of jobs for driving instructors to select according to their availability.

As ADI Network’s Connie Kelly explains, “The job feature is a great way of connecting driving instructors with students, helping driving instructors to fill up their diaries and get business. We offer a range of jobs nationwide, from ten hours to 45 hours, working according to DVSA guidelines to ensure that students choose the right course. We also give instructors a say on every job they select from us to ensure it aligns with their business income, and an ADI can bid for a higher rate on a job that they like if it doesn’t quite match up with what they’d expect for the course.”

The ADI Network app is free to join and free to use, and there are no hidden costs at any point. While some may feel disgruntled at the idea of the app taking a small cut when an instructor finalises a package of lessons with a student, the counter argument is that “it’s a tool that can help ADIs save on costs like their own marketing,” says Kelly. On which note, GoRoadie also offers a nationwide jobs board, for between £8-12 per month.

Costs of others vary from platform to platform, up to around £20 per month.

Marketing is just one part of running a business that requires constant

consideration, so a boost in this area can be a weight off an ADI’s mind. But the apps go much, much further, helping instructors with more efficient and effective ways to manage day-to-day business operations. From help juggling schedules and tracking lessons, to offering a means of taking payments and keeping on top of finances, they remove much of the admin, ensuring time can be spent on providing the best possible service to students.

“Several tools specifically cater to the needs of driving instructors,” outlines Tom Wotton, Founder and Director of Total Drive, “offering features that are tailored to the unique demands of the profession, including online booking systems, automated reminders, and integrated student management features.

“When a driving instructor’s day is packed with back-toback lessons, paperwork, and student inquiries, managing these tasks manually can lead to missed appointments, double bookings, and increased stress. By digitising the scheduling process, driving instructors can reduce errors, save time, and improve the overall experience for both themselves and their students.”

Total Drive, for example, allows instructors to manage their student database, keeping track of lesson

“ ADIs don’t realise the need to be a marketing expert and a business owner.”

➱

UG Running a Driving Instructor Business 43

ESSENTIAL BUSINESS TOOLS

“ Several tools specifically cater to the business needs of driving instructors.” progress, payment history, and any special requirements for each student. Most apps also integrate with payment systems, allowing students to pay for lessons directly.

Similarly, GoRoadie Pro is a simple but powerful platform, offering a raft of features that remove the hassle of admin.

CEO Michael Carr wants “instructors to focus on teaching while making their business more efficient, professional, and less stressful.” Carr also points out that, “apps are where ADIs’ pupils are. Learners are 17 years old, used to booking and managing everything from their phone. A digital system like GoRoadie Pro helps instructors meet them where they are, making communication and bookings effortless.”

AND WHAT OF AI? Providers like Varium and Drive.Day are now incorporating enhanced features into their apps to help ADIs go beyond just scheduling. Varium’s Ehsan Hoseini says this is “The next frontier in diary management, with AI-driven automation helping to eliminate repetitive tasks, optimise scheduling, predict cancellations, and personalise student learning experiences.”

For Darren Mitchell, Co-founder of Drive.Day, “It’s about maximising income through a series of intelligent features, for example by recognising gaps in an instructor’s schedule, identifying pupils in that particular area and suggesting that it send them an inquiry to see whether they want to have

44 UG Running a Driving Instructor Business

a lesson. Or a pupil might have a test booked in three weeks, but they haven’t got a lesson booked in – the app will recognise that and will prompt the instructor to offer a lesson.”

Mitchell agrees with Hill that “There have historically been instructors that have been unwilling to change but we have come to a turning point in the digitisation of driving instruction. A lot of them are coming on board because of the intelligent features now available.”

Amongst Drive.Day’s features are an AI Assistant which ADIs can ask questions, and an integration with Google Maps for live traffic updates.

“Instructors have got their day planned,” Mitchell continues, “they’ve worked out how long it takes to get from location A to B, B to C. However, if there is an incident on the road and there’s a bit of traffic, the app will tell them they’re going to be late to the next appointment. Rather than pulling over and having to manually amend the rest of the day’s lessons, a button on the app will allow them to change things automatically and communicate these changes with their pupils.”

The ‘next frontier’ might sound a bit Star Trek-esque, but we should all agree that the time has come to embrace technology in a market that has been behind for some time. From digitising what a pen and paper can do to allowing instructors to leverage AI, these tools can help instructors take their business to the next level.

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CONTRIBUTORS...

COLIN PATERSON, RED DRIVING SCHOOL

EMMA BAGNALL, DRIVING TEST SUCCESS LISA DANIELS, THE STATIONERY OFFICE

ENHANCED Learning

That’s the apps that can help ADIs manage their business covered off; so what about the apps that can enhance the learning experience for students?

Learning, of course, also comprises theory, and you only have to look at a pass rate of less than 50% to see how many students come unstuck at the hurdle of the theory test.

“Nowadays, students do everything on their phones,” says Emma Bagnall, Head of Digital at Driving Test Success (DTS). “Having an app that is user-friendly, informative and fits in their pocket means that they can take their learning with them wherever they go.”

It makes the notion of having to develop a comprehensive understanding of road rules, traffic signs, hazard perception, and other driving safety concepts far less overwhelming to learn.

Modern consumers are also fixated on an element of personalisation in all of their interactions, so DTS’ Driving Theory Test 4 in 1 Kit focuses on providing students with

unique, one-to-one support.

“Progress reports,” explains Bagnall, “with a recent introduction of AI, allow for a smarter way of learning. They show you which areas you’re doing well in and which ones you need to work on, intuitively guiding you on your own journey and helping you focus your study time where it matters most.”

Colin Paterson, Head of Marketing at RED Driver Training, agrees. “Driving is personal,” he declares. “It’s about learning speed, capabilities, competencies and confidence.”

Of course, that confidence needs to extend to ADIs’ confidence in their students, specifically in how they are progressing with their learning. That’s why ADIs can also connect with their students’ learning for free through these platforms and provide them with feedback.

46 UG Running a Driving Instructor Business

“The Learn to Drive with RED App,” Paterson says, “offers a compendium of content to cover theory and practical videos, learning hazard perceptions, quizzes and more, but the instructor will also complete details about each driving lesson with a particular student, and there’s an area where students can see the feedback that their instructor has given them.”

Similarly, DTS’ ADI Hubb and also TSO’s Safe Driving for Life e-learning platform let instructors easily check their students’ progress on theory and hazard perception. As Lisa Daniels, Account Director at TSO, notes, “This allows ADIs to really add value by offering encouragement, helping them brush up on areas where they may be experiencing issues, and suggesting helpful videos to reinforce what they’ve learned in lessons or to get ready for upcoming ones.”

From the ADI’s perspective, this information is extremely powerful in helping refine lessons and provide a clear focus for improvement. Pass rates are an important metric of success in this industry and apps that “boast an impressive 97% pass rate” – for the theory test, at least – can boost student confidence. Add being able to track how students are expanding their awareness of the rules and dangers of the road, pinpoint the exact topics they need help with, and tailor your lessons accordingly, and their capability and competency will follow.

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Are you FUELING RIGHT? Fuel cards provide a convenient and financially more efficient way of paying for fuel at thousands of petrol stations across the UK, and interest-free payments make them an essential tool in helping driving instructors manage costs.

They have evolved into integrated tools that allow ADIs to monitor expenses, set spending limits and access invoices, and come with a raft

of innovative features that are beneficial to business security and fleet management. Enhanced security features are another advantage.

Right Fuel Card is an independent distributor, whose Head of Strategic Sales and Partnerships, Matthew Dodds, says, “Fuel cards now include real-time tracking of

purchases, which allows businesses to monitor fuel consumption closely and identify any fraudulent activities. This enhances accountability and can lead to significant cost savings. Moreover, Right Fuel Card provides detailed reporting capabilities. Receiving one invoice that breaks down all fuel costs reduces administrative burdens, so there’s no need to keep hold of fuel receipts.”

Meanwhile, the evolution of EVs has prompted fuel cards to adapt, with many “offering innovative payment solutions for EV drivers,” Dodds continues, “supporting driving schools on their journey toward decarbonisation.”.

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ALAN GOTT MANAGER. FBTC ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES

Taxing MATTERS Navigating tax matters can feel like driving on a complicated road network.

Just as you need a reliable satnav to tell you where to go, a tax and accountancy service will steer you through financial obligations and ensure you reach the desired destination smoothly.

While we try to avoid the potholes we see on our roads and encounter in our businesses, expert guidance can help you make sense of some of the responsibilities that come on the selfemployment journey. Yes, it brings with it a world of opportunities and freedom, but also developments such as Making Tax Digital. This is set to be mandated from April 2026 onwards and all self-employed businesspeople will have to deal with this shake up of the tax industry.

Fear not, though. With the

proper knowledge and tools, navigating the complexities of taxation can be a streamlined process.

DIY OR ACCOUNTANT?

Deciding whether to prepare your own tax returns or hire an accountant is a decision only you can make. Just like hiring a driving instructor helps students pass quicker and be safer on the road, hiring an accountant can help reduce tax liabilities, keep tax returns accurate and keep HMRC at bay.

Many top firms – FBTC included – will also act as advisors and help you to solve business-related problems.

The weigh-up, of course, is the cost of such a service versus going it alone.

Opting for the latter, the first

48 UG Running a Driving Instructor Business

step for any self-employed individual is understanding their tax obligations, including income tax, national insurance and potentially corporation tax, depending on the legal entity.

The good news is that accounting software is a game-changer for the self-employed, saving time, reducing errors, and providing a clear picture of your business’s financial health.

Otherwise, make sure you register for self-assessment and open a personal tax account with HMRC. This is the system HMRC uses to collect income tax, and you should be keeping detailed and accurate records of all financial transactions, including receipts and invoices. It’s also worth familiarising yourself with allowable deductions to reduce what is tax deductible out of your income; for example, on-the-road costs, like fuel, parking vehicle maintenance and insurance, as well as business expenses, such as marketing, franchise fees and memberships to professional bodies. Midnight on 31st January is the deadline for filing your annual tax return online.

Conversely, if you do decide to hire an accountant, their qualifications and experience in dealing with small businesses – and the specifics of the driver training industry – are important. So is how they interact with you and hiring an advisor that’s personable, with whom you can form a relationship, can be hugely

beneficial. Choose someone who communicates clearly and regularly to keep you informed of your financial status.

ACHIEVING FINANCIAL SUCCESS We talked about potholes. So, what are the key ones to swerve? Most involve, unsurprisingly, not keeping a close enough eye on your finances, from inadequate financial planning, to underestimating your expenses, issues with cash flow, or failing to stay on top of tax obligations.

It’s easy to overlook the full range of costs involved in running a business, from vehicle maintenance to insurance and office supplies,

but a solid financial plan should ensure you can cover unforeseen expenses. You should also keep tax compliance in mind, because failing to do so can lead to a painful shortfall, or penalties and interest charges.

CHANGES AND CHALLENGES

It remains to be seen what changes will come as part of the Spring Budget, when the Chancellor delivers it, but there are always predictions and prompts beforehand. Keeping your eyes and ears open for what’s to come is important, for example potential adjustments to income tax bands and rates that could affect net income. Listen out

for any new allowances or changes to existing ones that could impact tax liabilities and come into effect for the next tax return you complete.

Taxation and accountancy remain critical aspects of self-employment that require careful attention and proactive management. By understanding your tax obligations, maintaining accurate records, utilising accounting software, maximising deductions, and seeking professional advice when needed, you can effectively manage your finances and focus on growing your business. With the right approach, tax season can become a manageable and stress-free experience.

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As a leading provider of driver training in the public and private sector we are always seeking ADI’s and Fleet Trainers to work with us across the UK. For more information click here wewould loveto hear from you!

Email: academy@ttc-uk.com www.thettcgroup.com/group/ttc-trainer-academy

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CONTRIBUTORS...

LYNNE BARRIE, ADINJC PETER HARVEY MBE, MSA

Having

YOUR SAY

“It’s better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.”

A recent report by Which? unveiled that “Complaints against driving instructors have risen sharply in recent years”. Complaints do happen, and the DVSA has a duty to follow up on each case. As Lynne Barrie, President of the ADI National Joint Council, points out, “It makes good business sense to be part of a national association and if you have a local association nearby then make sure you are a part of that too. Don’t bury your head in the sand and think you won’t need one; it’s too late when you are in trouble so be ready!”

Even if you adhere to the strictest principles, “a perfectly good professional relationship with a client can suddenly turn challenging,” Lynne says.

Should the situation escalate to official proceedings, being a member of an association gives you the “peace of mind that reliable help is out there, to support you, take the

stress away and give you professional advice.”

Amongst that support, Lynne notes, “is access to a range of comprehensive professional services, and help and representation through DVSA investigations, including tribunal support – all of which could cost thousands of pounds if sought through a solicitor.”

But that’s the stuff that we hope you won’t need, and there’s far more to be gained from being a member of an association than just legal support. As Peter Harvey MBE, National Vice Chairman of the Motor Schools Association of Great Britain, highlights, “The national associations offer a range of services, the most useful of which to ADIs are a variety of sources of information. National associations provide members with credible written content in the form of newsletters, blogs and breaking news to keep you up-to-speed with industry

50 UG Running a Driving Instructor Business

developments, and keep members updated via their social media feeds.”

The three national associations also partner as a joint group called the National Associations Strategic Partnership (NASP) to represent the interests of ADIs and PDIs to the DVSA. Providing feedback on policies related to driver training, and advocating for improvements to industry standards, NASP facilitates the sharing of ideas, experience and expertise to move the profession forward and tackle key issues.

Add access to CPD and training courses to further your development, special member discounts, and connections to other members, and you start to build a picture of how an association can be a one-stop shop for all an ADI’s needs.

Peter adds, “Some even include public liability and professional indemnity insurance in their annual fee, which are a must if you are delivering driver improvement or off-road schemes.”

Membership of an association will cost anywhere between £50 and £100 a year but the question shouldn’t be whether you can afford to join, rather whether you can afford not to.

Lynne concludes, “I have been an ADI for many years and always been a member of both a national and local association.

It means having security, and being safe and not alone. It allows you a route to help shape the future and have your say.”

ADIs and ed t n a w s I D P join the

! m a e t r e Young Driv Due to continued nationwide growth we are looking for new members to join our team.

Young Driver has delivered 1.5 million lessons to 9–17-year-olds at our 70 venues across the UK. Our ADIs and PDIs find teaching 9–17-year-olds incredibly rewarding – and appreciate competitive pay rates and the chance to be part of a supportive ADI community that creates safer drivers.

Our pupils have 80% fewer accidents than the national average: learning earlier means learning better and having fun along the way!

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S U P P L E M E N T YO U R I N CO M E

Please, sir,

I WANT SOME MORE

Instructors can easily supplement their income through a number of training schemes, some of which don’t require additional qualifications.

You’re away! Running a driving instruction business that is thriving. You’ve thought long and hard about product, price, place and promotion.

A steady flow of students is passing through your vehicle – which meets your professional and personal requirements – and emerging as competent and confident drivers. The roads are a safer

place under your guidance.

You’ve got the best possible deal on insurance, factoring in vehicle, students, and business protection. You’ve armed to the teeth with the latest and greatest technologies that are helping you run the most streamlined business possible, with all your finances logged and all your questions answered by an AI-powered

52 UG Running a Driving Instructor Business

chatbot. You’re a member of a local and national ADI association. You’ve got your fuel card stashed in your back pocket.

But something’s missing.

Oliver Twist’s niggling feeling in the pit of his stomach might have been on account of being “desperate with hunger, and reckless with misery” but yours is simply the knowledge

that your talents as an ADI could stretch further and pad the coffers.

Fortunately, there are a load of ways to supplement your income as an ADI, many of which don’t require additional qualifications or badges.

INTENSIVE TRAINING

With the DVSA recommending at least 45 hours of practice with an instructor before you take your first test, all students will work to different schedules and time scales in their lessons.

Some may have to work lessons around school or college, others may be coming to driving later and need to do so around work. Either way, what is considered a ‘standard’ structure may play out over the best part of a year. For those that can clear out their diary, however, or take on a series of lessons packed into a short space of time, perhaps in the final run-up to a test, a more intensive format may be a preferred option.

PassMeFast is one of several nationwide providers that offers such lesson structures, ranging from a ‘top up’ of ten hours of lessons packed into a week, to undertaking the entire quota of lessons in the short space of a month. Connie Kelly, PassMeFast’s Brand and Communications Manager, explains, “Intensive courses are an appealing way of squeezing lessons into a shorter timeframe and ADIs have the flexibility to choose what works best for them. If, for example, an ADI only has four hours booked out in a day’s worth of driving, a confirmed three extra hours is a great option. It also

minimises time spent travelling between lessons.”

Instructors are able to see how long and intensive a course is going to be before accepting the booking, with students guided through purchasing the right number of hours. “It gives you a bit more flexibility in terms of how you earn your fees,” says Kelly, “And then we encourage our ADIs to also tell us if they don’t think that students are quite ready for their test.”

All PDIs and ADIs are welcome to run intensive courses, with no additional qualifications needed.

TRAINING YOUNGER DRIVERS

What about before drivers are even old enough to pass their test?

Welcoming youngsters from age ten upwards, Young Driver offers children and teens the opportunity to get behind a wheel in controlled and safe, purpose-built facilities that provide a relaxed and enjoyable experience for both instructors and learners. A far cry from nervous dads taking their kids to the local supermarket car park in the early hours of Sunday morning and shouting about clutch control, lessons are designed to teach the fundamentals of driving, such as steering, braking, and gear changes, while instilling good habits early on. As such, “We’re always on the lookout for

enthusiastic instructors, ” says Adrian Harding, Director at Young Driver, “who share our passion for teaching and road safety.”

Both ADIs and PDIs – again, with no further qualifications required – can work with younger learners “to gain unique teaching experiences, and make a meaningful impact,” Harding continues.

“A straightforward onboarding process, which includes understanding our unique teaching methods and the off-road lesson environment, and the flexibility to choose how often you’d like to work, whether you’re looking to commit to regular weekends or just occasional sessions,” make for a simple and rewarding way to diversify income streams.

“For PDIs, it’s a chance to earn while completing your training. For ADIs, it offers a reliable source of additional earnings alongside your regular instructing work,” Harding concludes.

TRAINING THE MILITARY

Training the military? But they drive tanks and stuff. Surely they’ve had all the driver training they need?

Not so. Especially young recruits, many of whom join the armed forces at the age of 16, and don’t have the spare time for driving instruction amongst various dedicated military courses that they embark on so

“ Running up to a test, a more intensive format of lessons may be a preferred option.”

➱

UG Running a Driving Instructor Business 53

S U P P L E M E N T YO U R I N CO M E

they can serve our country.

Enter AcciDON’T, the leading car driver training provider to the Ministry of Defence, which trains 3,500 young armed forces recruits a year, through a series of intensive courses.

Co-founder Simon Johnston explains, “These young recruits pass out of basic training as partly trained soldiers, and we get them for up to ten days to get them a car licence.”

For any self-employed instructor, the option exists to undertake some straightforward additional assessments – paid for by AcciDON’T and submitted online – that predominately serve to ensure the ADI passes through basic government security clearance. From there, the ADI is eligible to train serving military and MOD personnel, above and beyond their day-to-day independent work, with total flexibility as to their level of commitment and no obligation to accept work.

“We have people who are pretty much permanent with

us,” notes Johnston, “but I can think of an example of a trainer who hadn’t worked for us for a year. We had a big intake, over 100 students coming in from Catterick Garrison, so we phoned him up, and he did a one-off series of courses. He turned up, taught four people to drive, got paid and went back to running his normal business.”

Johnston is honest about the commitment involved which stipulates that “there are rules in terms of delivery, for example, once you’ve started with a soldier, you must do consecutive days up to a maximum of ten until the course is complete,” but highlights the significant financial advantages. “The hourly rate,” he says, “is price proximate to the market but across a full eight hours a day, as opposed to the time lost

between lessons or in quiet periods of the day when it can be hard to secure business.”

TRAINING FLEETS AND CORPORATES

Teaching somebody to pass the mandatory B licence test is an ADI’s bread and butter but, with the basic duty of care that each company has to its employees – including the regulations that stretch to the business driver – the opportunity exists for instructors to undertake corporate and fleet driver training with organisations all over the country.

This requires additionally passing the DVSA National Certificate in Fleet Driver Training, for which most major driver training providers – RED Driver Training, Drivetech from the AA, Green Penny, to name a few – offer a comprehensive

“ A number of providers offer pioneering work in offender rehabilitation.”

54 UG Running a Driving Instructor Business

fleet accreditation course.

Courses do cost the instructor but, as Colin Paterson, Head of Marketing at RED, points out, “Once ADIs are accredited as a fleet trainer, they can take business from wherever they want, so it’s an investment in additional revenue.”

RED’s sister company, RED Corporate Driver Training, is also open to any existing fleet-licensed ADI to work for it, delivering against a variety of training programmes according to wide-ranging business needs. “For example,” Paterson outlines, “we offer an online assessment that traffic lights drivers; red for high risk, amber for medium risk, and green for low. We can suggest e-learning modules at various intervals for the low or medium risk drivers, but we recommend that the really high risk ones go out and do in-car, face-to-face training.” Enter the fleetaccredited ADI. A number of other scenarios can require additional one-to-one tuition, such as someone who’s recovering from a collision needing confidence building, helping a driver whose telematics suggest harsh braking or cornering fast be less reckless, or even those who’ve had minor bumps and scrapes. As Paterson adds, “We offer a whole range of courses from parking and manoeuvring to major corporate training and everything in between. And that’s where the ADI comes in.”

TRAINING THE OFFENDERS

A number of providers – TTC, IAM Roadsmart and others

“ Young recruits that pass out of military training get ten days to get a car licence.”

– offer pioneering work in offender rehabilitation, from National Driver Offender Training, such as Safe and Considerate Driving and Speed Awareness courses, to the Drink Drive Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS). Flexibility is another key benefit to many of these courses, with ADIs able to plan delivery around family life and other commitments.

A teaching qualification is required and Becky from Carlisle, who has been an ADI for over 14 years and run her own driving school for the last 12, has been able to supplement her earnings by completing a Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) qualification.

However, she says doing so wasn’t solely about earning more, “rather I was looking for a change from the day-today routine of being an ADI. Doing the same thing day in, day out, I felt the need for something different.”

Working with TTC, she can deliver courses online from home and “this has been a game changer for me, as it fits in perfectly around family life. I can now be home for bedtime and say goodnight to my little boy – something I couldn’t do before when I was always out on the road.”

DDRS courses can also be delivered online – though in-person (classroom) options are also available – for offenders prosecuted in England, Scotland or Wales. The

nature of these courses means they are slightly more in-depth than shorter offender retaining courses, delivered over 16 hours – spread across three days over a three week period.

Sarah Fisk, Business Development Manager for IAM’s DDRS courses, explains, “They cover a wide range of topics, including the impact and wider consequences of drink-driving, the law on drink-driving, the health effects of alcohol, and how alcohol reduces a driver’s ability to drive safely and responsibly.”

An alcohol or substance misuse qualification can be gained during the training period to give ADIs the necessary expertise to “explore clients’ thoughts and feelings, ask probing questions and facilitate change by peer teaching and group discussions, with the objective of changing behaviours to prevent further offending.”

Far more than simply offering ADIs another “opportunity to diversify their income and increase the breadth of their skills,” Fisk affirms, “our trainers find it rewarding to witness some of the change clients are making, build rapport with people on their journey to returning to the road as safer drivers, and know that they have been a key influence in contributing positively to improved safety.”

UG Running a Driving Instructor Business 55

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S U P P L E M E N T YO U R I N CO M E

RAY SEAGRAVE ACCREDITED IAPC&M COACH & MENTOR

Training the

TRAINERS Driving instructor training should be about building a legacy of road safety for future generations.

When I first set out to become a driving instructor trainer, I wanted to focus on how to develop safe and responsible drivers for life. As I deepened my knowledge, I realised that to train others to teach to these high standards, I needed to fully embody them myself.

This wasn’t just about gaining a qualification. It was about becoming the best I could be at delivering the National Driver and Rider Standards (NDRS). It’s not for personal gain, but for the benefit of others. It’s a process of continual learning, selfimprovement, and developing

a real understanding of what it takes to shape outstanding instructors.

This means going beyond simply preparing PDIs and ADIs for assessments. The true goal is to inspire instructors so that they, in turn, can build a legacy of quality instruction that keeps our roads safer for generations to come.

BECOME THE BEST TRAINER POSSIBLE

One of the most common mistakes in instructor training is focusing solely on getting instructors to pass their assessment. This approach can

58 UG Running a Driving Instructor Business

lead to short-term thinking, rather than understanding how to apply techniques effectively in real-life situations.

Exceptional trainers don’t just teach trainees what the DVSA expects – they help them become instructors who meet those expectations effortlessly. They focus on developing well-rounded instructors and passing the assessment becomes a natural by-product.

DELIVER TRAINING IN LINE WITH THE NDRS The NDRS provides a

framework for what good driving instruction looks like, comprising modules such as Risk Management and Reflective Practice, amongst other areas. By embedding these principles into your training, you will ensure that your PDIs and ADIs are equipped to deliver lessons that create confident and reflective drivers.

Training should focus on how to share responsibility for safety with pupils while promoting pupil ownership of risk management. The aim should be to ensure that instructors are focused on making a real difference in the long-term safety of their pupils.

BE CLIENTCENTRED, NOT TEACHING-CENTRED The industry has shifted away from traditional, teachercentred methods and this applies to training instructors too. A client-centred approach encourages trainees to take ownership of their own learning and discover solutions for themselves, instead of simply being told what to do.

This promotes a culture of personal growth and development as trainees are able to reflect on their strengths and areas for improvement. In turn, this ensures that they understand how to apply these techniques in their own teaching.

DEMONSTRATE COACHING SKILLS THROUGH YOUR TRAINING The best coaches are constantly adapting their

teaching style to suit different trainees and providing tailored support. Some need support, others need encouragement.

By employing coaching principles like active listening, and open and targeted questions in your training sessions, you will develop a better understanding of your trainees’ concerns. You will encourage them to take responsibility for their own development.

Questions like, “What did you notice about your approach in that session?” or “What would you do differently next time?” prompt trainees to discover their own solutions.

Providing feedback that is honest and constructive – while focusing on their strengths – builds confidence and encourages improvement.

By embedding coaching into the training process, you show trainees how to be effective coaches themselves.

BE PASSIONATE ABOUT DEVELOPING OTHERS

Becoming a driving instructor trainer requires genuine passion and a belief in your trainees’ potential. This isn’t something you can fake!

When you truly care about developing others, your enthusiasm and commitment will directly impact your trainees. Motivate them with the attitude that their development as a professional

is more important than just passing a test, and this will inspire them to deliver exceptional training to students.

Most importantly, be patient.

Not everyone learns at the same pace. Support, understanding, and knowing when to celebrate success are key traits of the best trainers.

FOCUS ON PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

The long-term goal of training should be to encourage a culture of learning amongst trainees. By inspiring trainees to be adaptable and effective in any teaching situation, you are helping them develop the skills and mindset they’ll need to be successful instructors throughout their career. The 17 competencies in the ADI Part 3 test and the Standards Check are important, of course, but they should be a natural part of effective instruction, not something trainees need to memorise.

Don’t teach just to pass the test. Instead, focus on long-term development.

Embed assessment criteria naturally. Encourage continuous self-improvement.

Train with the focus on personal growth and excellence. The best trainers help trainees become professionals who can deliver lessons that change lives.

That’s the real goal.

“ The NDRS provides a framework for what good driving instruction should look like.”

UG Running a Driving Instructor Business 59

S U P P L E M E N T YO U R I N CO M E

CONTRIBUTORS...

JONATHAN BROUGHAM, COLLINGWOOD

KATIE BAKER, MYFIRST GERRY BUCKE, ADRIAN FLUX CONNIE KELLY, ADI NETWORK

WIN-SURANCE Get rewarded when you refer your students to an insurer, with an affiliate programme

Capping off a rather meaty section – that we sincerely hope you’ve enjoyed – on how ADIs can diversify their income, it’d be remiss of us not to include a note on insurance.

OK, another note… but, while we’ve previously covered this less-than-inspiring topic elsewhere, this is a page devoted to earning money

from insurers, rather than spending it with them.

Various insurance providers offer affordable learner driver insurance solutions. Policies can be set up online, meaning learners – and their supervisors – can head out on the road stress-free.

This can translate into

“ It’s as simple as being allocated a code that you can pass on to students.”

60 UG Running a Driving Instructor Business

annual policies once the learner has passed their test, which is where the perks come for instructors. Many insurers offer affiliate programmes that reward PDIs and ADIs through referral schemes. It is straightforward to register – generally via a form that takes a few minutes to fill out online – and instructors can earn as much as £75 for every student referral, with no cap on the number of referrals.

Katie Baker, Chief Marketing Officer and Director at MyFirst, explains, “We’ve been running our successful Driving Instructor Scheme for over seven years, allowing instructors across the UK to sign up completely free. Once registered, for every annual policy taken out using your unique discount code, you’ll earn £75, while your student receives £50 off their insurance – it’s a win-win!”

Collingwood specialises in learner driver insurance, offering flexible short-term and annual policies. “Tailored solutions suit every learner’s needs,” says Jonathan Brougham, Head of Marketing, “and insurance [that] allows learners to get extra practice outside of lessons with a friend or family member” should be a consideration for ADIs when choosing an insurer to partner with.

SO, HOW DOES IT WORK?

“You will be allocated a code that you can pass on to students,” explains Gerry

Bucke, General Manager at broker Adrian Flux. ADIs can share that code on their website, social media or direct with students via WhatsApp, and “when the student takes out a policy using that code, we make sure you get the correct commission.” Nor are ADIs supposed to be expert salespersons. As Bucke continues, “We have a support team of specially trained staff for any enquiries, that searches over 20 different insurers to get the best deal for your students.”

This kind of dedicated support is often invaluable for the inexperienced insurance buyer, since “Without proper guidance,” Baker adds, “the consequences of getting it

wrong can be severe. Every day, we speak with young drivers who have unintentionally misinsured themselves simply due to a lack of knowledge. A common mistake we see is young people listing themselves as ‘unemployed’ instead of ‘student’ because they don’t consider college an occupation. This small error can increase premiums by thousands of pounds.”

It is also worth noting that ADI Network offers a similar commission scheme with

GoShorty, one of the most competitive insurers for one- to seven-day insurance policies. “This is ideal for someone who wants to bolster their learning before they take their test,” says ADI Network’s Connie Kelly. “ADIs can complete a form within the ADI Network app and it’s a great partnership because it gives the ADI a double boost of commission and the student then having more chance of passing as well.”

It’s another win-win situation.

“ Instructors can earn as much as £75 for every students referral, with no cap.”

Opportunities

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Intelligent

Instructor ULTIMATE GUIDE

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

ASSOCIATION

ADINJC (APPROVED DRIVING INSTRUCTORS NATIONAL JOINT COUNCIL) A leading national association run by ADIs on a not-for-profit basis.

Working tirelessly to inform, represent and support members, and to promote the interests of our profession. A focal point to unite local associations, groups and individual members. The association has successfully been running for over 50 years.

VISIT: adinjc.org.uk TEL: 0800 8202 444 CONTACT: Sue Duncan EMAIL: secretary@adinjc.org.uk DIARY MANAGEMENT

DRIVE.DAY

ASSOCIATION

MSA GB

MSA GB offers regional centres of activity providing information, representation, services, and support.

Wholly owned by and run entirely for the benefit of its members, for almost 90 years, your membership includes your PI & PL insurances.

VISIT: msagb.com CONTACT: Peter Harvey EMAIL: info@msagb.com TEL: 07774 139 080 / 01787 221 020 DIARY MANAGEMENT

MYDRIVETIME

Drive.Day is a brand-new innovative, and effortless app that intelligently supports the running of your business without the need to spend too much time on your phone. Drive.Day enables you to plan lessons, manage pupils, track your finances, and much more in just a few taps..

The original, comprehensive business management app for elite instructors looking for the highest caliber of service. Industry leading security and reliability since 2014, delivering diary, students, lessons, money and more, our multi-award-winning service enriches your business to help you excel.

VISIT: drive.day CONTACT: Sue Duncan EMAIL: hello@drive.day TEL: 0330 912 8862

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INSURANCE

NATIONAL DRIVING SCHOOL

ADRIAN FLUX INSURANCE SERVICES

ACCIDON’T

At Adrian Flux, our close relationships with driving instructors has allowed us to truly understand your needs and its complexities, ensuring that you have the right cover in place to protect both yourself and your business.

AcciDON’T offer intensive courses at locations across the country. They are always looking for instructors who want to specialise in delivering intensives for their MoD (Army) contract or the growing number of civilian enquiries.

VISIT: adrianflux.co.uk/di EMAIL: dealers@adrianflux.co.uk TEL: 0800 369 8590

VISIT: accidont.co.uk EMAIL: info@accidont.co.uk TEL: 0115 704 3283

NATIONAL DRIVING SCHOOL

DRIVE-UP TRAINING

A National Driving School that aims to Drive-Up standards! We’re dedicated to the development of Instructors and enhancement of road safety. Whether you’re a PDI or ADI interested in training or development, we’re here to help you grow and succeed.

VISIT: drive-up-training.co.uk EMAIL: admin@drive-up-training.co.uk TEL: 0330 133 2669 TRAINING

INSPIRE INSTRUCTOR TRAINING

REGIONAL DRIVING SCHOOL

SMARTLEARNER DRIVING SCHOOL SmartLearner is the fastest-growing driving school in Warwickshire and the West Midlands.

Recognised as Intelligent Instructor Awards 2024 winner of Eco Driving School (Silver) and Community Champion of the Year (Gold).

SmartLearner offers franchise opportunities starting at just £66 per week.

VISIT: smartlearner.com CONTACT: Meg Bancroft EMAIL: admin@smartlearner.com TEL: 02475 092 784 TRAINING

KNOWLEDGEABLEE INSTRUCTOR TRAINING

Our goal is to uncomplicate ADI / PDI training. Our “down to earth” approach cuts through the jargon and provides you with specific, actionable tasks to develop your lessons, in turn bringing them in line and beyond the DVSA’s standards.

Multi award-winning CPD training providers, delivering the industry’s biggest and most diverse range of Instructor training. From our flagship Part 3 / Standards Check workshops, to in-car coaching workshops, online courses, 1-2-1 days or Video HUB…

VISIT: inspireinstructortraining.com CONTACT: Phillip Cowley & Diana Todd EMAIL: info@inspireinstructortraining.com TEL: 07843 622 934 & 0778 624 1331

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TRAINING

RAY SEAGRAVE INSTRUCTOR TRAINING

Ray Seagrave Instructor Training specialises in comprehensive driving instructor training, offering both one-to-one coaching and engaging classroom and Zoom workshops. They provide expert instruction in essential coaching techniques and teaching skills required for the Part 3 test and DVSA Standards Checks.

VISIT: rayseagraveaditraining.com CONTACT: Ray Seagrave TEL: 0787 086 1572 EMAIL: ray@rayseagraveaditraining.com

TRAINING

THE INSTRUCTOR PODCAST The Instructor Podcast talks with experts from inside and outside the industry. Our engaging conversations, expert interviews, and down-to-earth approach deliver innovative ideas to enhance your teaching and improve safety; to make you an even more awesome driving instructor.

VISIT: theinstructorpodcast.com CONTACT: Terry Cook

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