As anyone considered becoming a driving instructor??

Question

Or maybe you are one already; i'm contemplating becoming one with the AA, and ultimately obtaining a franchise from them.

Good or bad idea, any info would be most welcome.

Thanks for your reply.
The only reason i am considering it is; that i intend to move much further out towards kent than i already am, and the commute into london everyday can become a bit of a nightmare, so i was looking for something (preferably self employed) within my new chosen location.

London cabby.

Answer 1

I had a similar experience to Knighthawk.

It all looks great; pretty good earnings and hours to suit you, etc.

I reality, it's a very competitive cut-throat business. Unless you can compete really well on price, you won't get pupils. That's great if the average lesson is £20 an hour in your area; not so good if it's a fiver...

And of course, you'll need to be giving lessons when most convenient for your pupils - usually when they are not at work. So most of your lessons will be in the evenings and at weekends (if you want to be competitive, that is...).

Finally, there are the regular checks by VOSA, on your ability as in instructor. You need to be totally on the ball to keep your instructor's licence.

If you have a real passion to be a driving instructor, go for it! But it is long hours and hard work - I went back to being a truck driver, because it was easier and less hours.

Answer 2

I did until I worked out the costs/benefits.
Average earnings £30-£35k.
Hours 50+ most people don't look at pickups and drop-offs or hours lost between lessons?
The firm I was working/Training at had 26 instructors of these 22 were divorced.
Self employed = no paid sick, no paid holidays, ect.
I ended up as a tube driver, £40k, 35hrs, everything paid for and free travel, never looked back.
hope this helps.

Answer 3

i was thinking about it until i found out the instructor i had whom i thought was fantastic and i passed first time had his certificate taken in his first year after failing his own check up test on what was just a bad day leaving him no income and a new car to pay for .