It’s very tempting to be lured into paying thousands of pounds in advance for training with a driving school, especially with one of the big names. However it is a big financial commitment and if you don’t like the trainer, you may be stuck with them. (I’ve heard this many times). If you decide for that reason, or any reason, to stop your training, most driving schools T&Cs prevent you from getting any refund.
Driving schools themselves are completely unregulated. It may surprise you to hear that RED, BSM, The AA, Bill Plant etc. just act as booking agents & car lease companies for driving instructors who are self-employed. Driving schools earn their money charging instructors franchise fees and selling training packages to PDIs (Potential Driving Instructors).
Every driving instructor in Britain is individually tested, qualified, licenced, enhanced criminal record checked, regulated by and registered with a government body called the DVSA (Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency), not by any driving school. The DVSA also conduct practical driving tests for all licensed vehicle categories.
Who can be a driving instructor
My approach is different, I don’t want to lock you into a big financial commitment or a contract you can’t get out of, you can pay as you go with me. If you’ve already had some training elsewhere, you don’t have to start all over again with me. We can pick things up from where you left off with your previous trainer and just focus on the things that you need. If at any point you want to stop your training with me, on request I’ll issue a pro-rata refund of any remaining credit.
The DVSA require that you get a new Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to start your application to be a driving instructor, even if you already have one. Get a criminal record check (DBS) here
There are three DVSA tests that you need to pass:
Part 1 is a theory test for potential driving instructors (PDIs) and you can have as many attempts as you like to pass it.
Part 2 is a driving test for PDIs.
Part 3 is a test of your teaching ability.
You must pass all three tests in sequence within 2yrs. You’re only allowed three attempts at Parts 2 & 3.
After you’ve passed Part 2 you have the option of applying for a Trainee Licence (Pink Badge) which allows you work for up to 6 months to gain experience (and earn money) before passing Part 3.
Some people make training for this career sound complicated, but it really isn’t. You just need be highly motivated and have the ability and determination to learn.
Once you’re out on the road teaching, you will be a self-employed sole trader who needs to run their own business professionally, especially managing your diary and payments. You will need to put the hours in and it’s tiring, especially at the beginning. It can also be highly rewarding watching your pupils pass, setting your own working hours and being your own boss!
After you have purchased your initial course below, a user name and password will be emailed to you. This will allow you to book and manage your sessions online. You will also be given free access to an online study program with everything you need to pass the Part 1 test.
In-car sessions can start and finish in St Albans, Harpenden or Luton.
My car is an automatic Mercedes A Class. If you have a manual car and want to use that instead for some or all of your training, I’m happy to do so.
