Im thinking of starting a driving school?

Question

Hi,

I am currently out of work as I quit my office job after 8 years and im thinking about starting my own little driving school.

Can anyone tell me what exactly it is I need to do/get/have?

I get on really well with teenagers and I think it's something I can do to help children and adults of course get on the road safely and with a bit of fun.

I hope I've posted in the right section here..

Thanks

Answer 1

First, you need to see what the regulations say.

I think you'll have to get an instructor's licence and there may be rules about how long you have to have that before you open a school.

Answer 2

If you're in the UK, speak to your local Business Link.  They'll give you a lot of free help and advice on starting your business.

They'll also give you guidance on what licences you need, insurance etc.  They have some good information on marketing your business, which is very important.  In your line of business, word of mouth is usually the best way of advertising.  If people enjoy being taught by you and their pass rate is good, they'll tell their friends.  (They'll also tell them if they don't like what you do!)

Good luck!

Answer 3

You need to qualify as a driving instructor first. It's another industry being squeezed by the spiralling fuel prices so think long and hard before you enter it

Answer 4

Nice to see you've thought this through... Now, try getting trained as a driving instructor... Not cheap.

Answer 5

I have thought about becoming a driving instructor.  and I decided not to do it.  I think its a lot of stress and the return is not that great.  It would easily take you 6 months to finish the training and pass the tests,  thats assuming you pass them all first time.  

Once you have passed,  you would either have to go with a business like AA or BSM in the start to get some customers or you could advertise privately,  but either option is not cheap.  

You can make decent money once you are estamlished,  but what you need to think about that if it is worth all the effort you would put in.  with a limitted return?