Driving instructors workload has increased dramatically over the last few years. Recent changes that add to our work load include addition of the Theory Test, retraining of driving offenders, introduction of the Pass Plus training scheme and finally last year introduction of a more difficult driving test. Also in recent years there has been a growing demand for advanced driver training as many companies realise the benefits of training their staff in defensive driving techniques.
While the number of driving instructors in the UK has dropped over recent years the amount of work for them has increased. This makes driving instruction one of the most secure careers available. On the horizon there is talk of introducing compulsory retesting of drivers every 10 years and making it necessary for all learners to take a minimum number of professional driving lessons. As society becomes more safety conscious training is bound to feature even more. Therefore, the future for driver training could not be brighter.
Driving instructors who do a normal working week (i.e. 40 lessons per week) and take the average time off for holidays can potentially earn between £18,000 and £22,000 per annum, after meeting all business and car expenses, depending upon the level of support they need. Of course, if you want to put in more effort and work longer hours, your rewards can be substantially higher.
While pay is very important, the biggest reward comes from knowing that you are doing something that helps enrich people’s lives and adds to their safety and security. The smile from a learner who has just passed the test provides the ultimate in job satisfaction.
The better you are at your job, and the better you look after your customers, the more you prosper financially. In short, you enjoy all the advantages of being your own boss.
You decide when and where you work. The hours are very flexible. So whether you are looking to work part-time or full-time this can be easily accommodated. You also have the strength of a successful driving school behind you providing all the support, advice, marketing and management know-how that are so essential for success.
Because of the freedom and flexibility with which they work, driving instructors are entitled to the status of self-employment with all the tax advantages that it confers. As a consequence, all driving instructors in the UK, regardless of which driving school they work for, are self-employed. However, in order to enjoy these benefits, you must pay for goods and services that are essential to do your job out of your own pocket. It is standard practice in the industry to meet the cost of your own training.
Don't worry if you haven't got a lump sum that you can invest; various forms of finance, including Government-sponsored Career Development Loans are available to spread the cost. Government grants are also available in the form of Individual Learning Accounts (ILAs). We have also developed our own 'pay as you go' scheme. When the costs of becoming an instructor are viewed in relation to your future earnings once qualified, this investment is very small and quickly returned.
You can begin to work and earn money as an instructor (either part-time or full-time), once you have passed the second part of the qualifying exam, on a Trainee Licence. The Trainee Licence scheme has been set up by the DSA to enable you to gain some real experience of instructing prior to taking the third part of the qualifying examination. With our training course this experience is not essential but it does provide a useful extra option for you to consider.
You could be part of the success and share the rewards that come from serving the needs of customers at the top end of the driver training market. When qualified you will then be allowed to fully join the G&M Driving Centre with a full time position. However, after completing the tests, you are under no obligation to join us. So in the unlikely event that you should finally decide to go alone or join another driving school, you are free to do so.
If you would like some more information of how to become a driving instructor, do not hesitate to contact us at any time. We will be more than happy to help you achieve what you want.