Marcus Richards
Thinking of starting your own driving school? It can be hugely rewarding teaching people to drive, plus this is a service that is always in demand as driving is such a valuable driving school. It is not quite as easy as jumping into a car and starting to teach learners, though, so here are a few of the main steps that you will need to go through.
Legal Requirements
As you might imagine, there are a number of legal requirements for teaching others to drive. You will need to become an approved driving instructor (ADI) and take a theory and practical test to pass (much like learner drivers). There is criteria that you will need to meet, including:
- Having a full driving license for four years
- Be able to read a number plate from 20 meters
- Pass the Register qualifying exams and apply within a year
Financial Costs
In addition to getting qualified, you will also want to think about the costs that are needed to get this business up and running. A few of the costs that you will need to cover include:
- Vehicle
- Trainee license
- ADI test
- DBS check
- Advertising and marketing
- Insurance
- Vehicle maintenance costs
It is worth noting that regular maintenance will keep the vehicles in the best condition and also reduce your insurance premiums, so it is a good idea to get an interim car service for the vehicles that you have.
Formulate a Business Plan
As with any new business venture, it is always important to take your time to formulate a business plan. This will include researching your target marketing, including demographics, local competition and trends in the industry. With this information, you can then start building a business that will appeal to your target market and stand out from the competition. A business plan will also be vital for securing funding, especially if you want to get a loan or find an investor.
Choose the Right Car
Of course, you also need to choose the right car so that you can provide the best possible learning experience for your customers. You want a car that is easy to drive, practical, not too powerful, reliable and safe. Generally, it is best to opt for a hatchback or city car as these will tick all of the boxes and also be affordable to both buy and run. There are also many good options to choose from in both categories.
These are a few of the main steps to take if you are planning on starting your own driving school. This can be a rewarding business venture, but it can also take a while to pass your test to become a qualified driving instructor and there are a few steps to take to get up and running, so it is important that you know what to expect.
