Start a Driving School

If you are very, very patient, have excellent driving skills and love helping people then why not start a driving school. You will change someone's life. Everyone remembers their driving instructor. You need to be very laid back and be the type of person who takes valium as a stimulant!

A driving school can be started on a part-time basis. The business can be fitted around your normal job until it becomes viable then if you wish it could become your full time occupation.

There is never a shortage of work with a driving school as almost everyone needs to drive nowadays and it is someone's 17th birthday every day, (which is the legal age to drive a motor car in the UK). This is one business that has it's customers "one born every minute", (17 years ago).

Becoming a driving instructor is not as easy as it looks. It can take a lot of time, work and money to qualify, so think very carefully before you start.

To become a driving instructor you must pass a three-part examination with the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) to gain your Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) qualification You will need to apply to the ADI Registrar to start the qualifying tests. To order an ADI starter pack call the DSA service line on 0300 123 1126 with your bank details or write to;

Driving Standards Agency.
PO Box 280.
Newcastle upon Tyne.
NE99 1FP.

Once registered, you must also pass periodic "check tests" by the DSA, at no cost to you. These are approximately every 4 years and are to satisfy the Registrar that you still meet the DSA's standards for fitness and ability to give driving instruction.

There are two ways gaining your ADI qualification, do it yourself with help from a local driving school as a trainee driving instructor, or get a franchise from a national company.

A franchise can be an excellent way of starting your business, but check it out first. I am sure you have seen all the TV and newspaper advertisements telling you that you can become a driving instructor and earn £30,000 a year, be your own boss and work hours to suit you. Think very carefully and read all the small print before you sign any contract. You may have to pay rental for the car and the booking service every week of the year, this will include paying when you are on holiday, when sick or had an accident. If this is the case you must allow for this cost when setting your lesson price.

As with any business venture the number one golden rule is that you must get out of bed in the morning, then go out and do what it "says on the tin". Always try to go that extra mile.

Do a good job, enjoy it and I promise you will be successful.

Michael T J Hawkins.

This article is a short extract from "How to Start a Driving School", available from http://www.michaelscarbooks.co.uk/.

You can also download a free copy of "How to Save Money on Motor Fuel".

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