Running your own business when you become a driving instructor

​Running your own driving instruction business can give you the flexibility to choose how much work you do and, to some degree, when you work. While it can give you a great deal of freedom, it will also require you to develop a range of business skills and to be able to work independently.
For example, you’ll need to think about these factors.

• Market research: Who are your customers? Who are your competitors? What opportunities are there in your area? What’s the best way to promote your business to your potential customers?
• Marketing: You’ll need an original and appropriate business name; you’ll also need a website to help customers find out more about your business. Will you use social media to talk to your pupils and colleagues?
• Buying a training vehicle: This will be your biggest investment: it must be suitable for your learners but it should also be economical and have low emissions.
• Customer service: Doing this well can make you stand out from your competitors. How will you provide excellent customer service?
• Record-keeping: You’ll need to keep track of your financial transactions, including pay and tax, as well as your pupils’ progress.
• Keeping up to date: As laws, policies and technology change, you’ll need to keep up with them. Joining an association for driving instructors can help you do this (see below).
• Continuing your professional development: You’ll be responsible for keeping your skills up to date and developing them further through training courses, research or other means. See our advice on Professional development for  for more information.

Finding support and informationThere are plenty of places you can go for support, advice and information, such as the national organisations listed below. Many also provide training and hold conferences and meetings on a range of subjects. You may find there are local organisations in your area too.

• AA
• The ADI Federation
• Approved Driving Instructors National Joint Council (ADINJC)
• Driving Instructors Association (DIA)
• Driving Instructors Branch of Unite the Union
• Motor Schools Association (MSA).