How to start out as a private driving instructor

irri_tant

So apart from passing a course and a car what else do I need to do, look out for?

How do I go about getting a car with insurance and dual controls?

agrinnall

That seems such a basic question that I have to wonder about your preparedness to be a driving instructor.

I believe some of the main dealers have dual control cars available to lease.

irri_tant

it is very basic but you have to start somewere

google is my friend for dual control cars

Ddunn

You can buy the dual controls to retro fit a car. Sign for the top.
All available on e-bay even!
If your using your personal car for it, you can buy the ones with magnets on so you can pop it off when not instructing.
Insurance I guess a broker might be a good start?

davec1960

irri_tant wrote: »

So apart from passing a course and a car what else do I need to do, look out for

A business plan would be a good idea. It doesn't need to be to elaborate but putting some numbers to paper of projected costs and revenue will allow you to assess how viable your plans are.

Give some serious thought as to how you will promote your business and differentiate yourself from competitors.

irri_tant

davec1960 wrote: »

A business plan would be a good idea. It doesn't need to be to elaborate but putting some numbers to paper of projected costs and revenue will allow you to assess how viable your plans are.

Give some serious thought as to how you will promote your business and differentiate yourself from competitors.

Started one yesterday

irri_tant

Can anybody recommend a good FREE software package suitable for driving instructors accounts and possible tax calculations please.

Thanks

Annisele

irri_tant wrote: »

Can anybody recommend a good FREE software package suitable for driving instructors accounts and possible tax calculations please.

Thanks

I've always just used a spreadsheet for my tax calculations (Libreoffice is a decent free one).

For a small business, it's unlikely to be worthwhile to get anything more than a spreadsheet. If you do need more than that, you probably need an accountant far more than you need software!

irri_tant

Annisele wrote: »

I've always just used a spreadsheet for my tax calculations (Libreoffice is a decent free one).

I'll try that, thanks

Also on the lookout for Dual Control Car Hire if anyone has any links to ones they could recommend please

colino

If you really want to enter that profession, forget writing a business plan, do the most important thing in any business and do your market research.
Phone 20 similar companies in a 10 mile radius and ask them how much for 10 lessons, how long each lesson is, ask if the instructor is fully approved and how quickly you can start with them.
This is a business suffering from over supply, not necessarily with good instructors, and I'm sure if you really carry out any more digging you will find the "trainee" route with an existing school that most ADIs follow.
There is a huge attrition rate with ADIs and most just appear to be subsidising the major schools and few follow through to running a successful business.

Happychappy

There are so many poorly qualified people in this game and going through alleged training to be an ADI

How's many people did you know who left school said "I want to be a driving instructor" it is just something people go into normally after being made redundant, needing a job etc, it is a cut throat job which involves long unsocial hours, evening, weekends and not a massive profit?

You need to think carefully how and with whom you do your training? Google Red One and other alleged driver training schools for perspective ADI's and after you qualify or attempt to, you will then have to deal with the alleged examiners of the DSA or Devoid of Standards Agency, who will happily remove a fortune from you in test fees etc