Driving Instructor

[Rosie.]

I've been thinking recently about becoming a driving instructor - has anyone got any comments on what it's actually like to be a DI - and info on franchises with the big driving schools once qualified etc? The training would be a big financial committment so I want to be sure it's right for me before I go ahead. Any comments on any aspects of this career path would be really greatly appreciated. Many Thanks.

[pagey]

I used to be picked up from school with my mum teaching a learner driver (back in the day when this could've been considered acceptable!) and can tell you for one thing you need A LOT of PATIENCE to be able to teach driving. I certainly wouldn't be able to do it.

There can be good money in it and it can be a very flexible job.

Promise me you will teach all your students the importance of lane discipline on dual carriageways and motorways!

[sense4all]

My oldest child has just started driving solo ,so I have recently been in a position to ask this question of quite a few instructors at the test centres ( while their pupils we out on test ) The general consensus was that they all enjoyed the flexible nature of the work.There was always a ready marked to be tapped into, very few of them considered they needed danger money for clueless pupils,and the larger schools were v. similar to work for.All pass driven (so don't be suckered into taking anyones borderline pupil to the test centre as a favour due to their 'prior engagement' you may regret it come review time for performance related pay..... an overheard mobile conversation!

[partisan]

Some thoughts:

Don't be taken in by the adverts, their figures are entirely based on your diary being filled. Rarely will you have enough work as you would like.

Flat periods are common; Christmas,New Year,Half terms.

One double lesson cancels and bang goes your Saturday night out.

Even strict control of your diary will still see you spending 'dead' hours between lessons.

A typical week: two hours in morning and two in evening Mon-Fri .5 hours each Sat Sun.

I worked ,at different times,with the AA, a local school and independently and there was no difference in my diary.

If you think you can do the job I would concentrate on the business side of it to sway you one way or t'other.

The Schools will cost you more in the long run but to start with might be best.

Don't think you need a brand new car, a clean Micra however old is good enough. Pupils love 'em.

Don't charge for late cancellations the pupil usually never comes back and any goodwill is lost.

Don't underprice your lessons.Charge whatever the highest in your area is.

Be capable of changing a tyre. Front nearside will go every so often. Usually on your way to test.

I could go on all night but think hard before you decide. It is NOT the get-rich-quick, part time, no hassle profession the adverts would have you think but........ if you work hard and keep a tight control on the cash that comes in it can be a great way to earn a reasonable wage.

By the way I left the industry to drive a Bus and now earn more, don't take my work home and have never looked back.

Hope some of this helps, sorry it all sounds so negative.