04/04/2025
Let's talk expenses. Because let's face it, if you're thinking of becoming a Driving Instructor, then that's all you'll want to know right now. Money is important and in this time of everything costing us more, you need to know if this is something you can afford to do.
So I've mentioned some of the basics already. The important thing to remember is there are set fees that you can't escape. And some of those are down to you!
Let's begin....
Test 1 = £81
Test 2 = £111
Test 3 = £111
A total of £303.
(figures correct as of April 2025)
Those figures sound ok right? Well not entirely. These costs are in your hands and so you've got to pass those tests first time or they're going to cost you more. Test 2 and 3 have a maximum of 3 times so that's a possible £666 (eugh that's not a good sign is it!) and the test 1 is unlimited. But say that also takes you 3 times... thats's *gets the abacus out*... £243. That would make a grand total of £909.
Then there's the licences. After test 2 you buy your trainee badge for £140. This means you can start teaching students and earn some of thiese costs back. After test 3 you need to buy your ADI badge and that costs £300.
Let's say you're amazing and pass everything first time. This mean's you'll have spent £743 so far.
Next is the training. These can vary greatly. People go with the big national firms (seems to be a mixed review on that so do your research). Other people go with local firms. There are those that go it independently. These people are no tthe rare unicorn of the ADI world that you would expect. They do alot of online learning and buy tuition as and when they need it. They also seem to go through the process quicker. Not sure why. If you're lucky like me, you'll get the free training deal that I've managed to find.
Next big cost is the vehicle you'll use. I am using my own vehicle. It's an automatic and i was a little dubious about not having a manual car. I was advised to go with it and see. If I wasn't happy at how much work I was getting, then consider buying a manual car. But I was also assured that there is plenty of work for automatic lessons. So, at the moment, I haven't got that big expense to think about. You could get a car as part of a franchise deal. Think about it though and consider whether you could get a car deal instead. That way you'd get to pick what kind of car you get and can keep the car rather than hand it back. Really think about this one.
If you're supplying the car yourself then you're going to need dual controls for the car. I've been told to expect up to £650 for this. I'll only need one pedal with it being an automatic car. I'm hoping that'll make it cheaper 😆 You won't need the dual control pedals till after you've passed the test 2.
So they're the biggest costs out the way.
You're going to need books to help you revise. As well as books to help you teach. I picked up some second hand books on Vinted.com and Ebay.co.uk and then some new ones on Amazon.co.uk (I'm sure you're aware of all three websites). I also looked on Facebook marketplace. You're be surprised how many people are selling a stack of books all in one. Bargains are to be had! Just make sure you're not buying old editions of books as things to change over the years.
If you're like me and taking tests wherever they come up, just so you're not going through this process for years, then there's going to be travel expenses. There'll be petrol, parking fees, possible toll charges, maybe you'll have to stay over, so hotel costs. That'll also mean meals.
You're going to have to make sure your car is roadworthy for tests. You don't want the car to cause you to fail. I would suggest a service if it's not had one recently. You'll also need to make sure your car is clean, inside and out. I'll be travelling to Sunderland, so after motorway travel, I will need to get the car cleaned once there. The tyres need to be in a good condition and you can't have a space saving spare tyyre on the car at the time of the test. You need to supply a mirror for the examiner to use for the test. And obviously you'll need L plates on the car. You might want to invest in blind spot mirrors too for the side mrrors.
So you've passed the test 2 and you've got your PDI licence and that means you finally have paying pupils. By this point you'll probably be desperate for some money to be flowing back in. Again the next part depends on what road you decided to go down with the whole franchise thing. Some of this you might have to pay for yourself and some they'll expect you to supply yourself.
Your car will need some kind of advertising and logo on it. Now as a PDI you can't advertise yourself. But you can advertise the driving school you're with. This might mean having decals put on the car, magnetic signage and/or one of those learner top boxes you see on cars - these vary in size and shape.
You'll need stationery of some kind. These you can buy online, download sheets from online or make yourself and then print at home. You could use a tablet and keep it all digital. But technology does have a habit of going wrong. Plus you can leave papers in a car but youcan't leave a tablet, and that can lead to the possibility of forgetting it. It is helpful to have a tablet though, as you'll be able to show videos to explain what you need the student to do etc. Also consider having a diary. It's a bit old school maybe but it can be easier to look at and have a better over view of things. There is online diaries with students being able to pay and book online too.. but that will come at a cost. Maybe something for later down the line. For me, I like customising worksheets etc. so a laptop/pc and a printer is important to me.
You'll need specialist driving instructor car insurance. I've yet to find out how much that'll cost me. I've seen it mentioned online that it costs around £1,000. There's other insurances too. Indemnity, life, liability insurances, car breakdown etc etc. You'll be self employed so you might want protection against illness, private pension and some kind of savings plan so you can take time off for holidays and get car repairs quickly.
How's that calculator going at the moment? Has it got smoke coming out of it yet?
You don't need a business bank account, unless you really want to. You don't need fancy card readers etc. Bank transfers, paypal or just plain cash can all be acceptable. Make sure you get paid before the lesson. Have a time limit say of a minimum of 24 hours before. That way you don't turn up for a lesson and find they don't show. We will get into all of this later.
You might want to wear a uniform of sorts. Of course the national firms will probably supply a uniform, but you might prefer to wear something so you look professional or approachable etc. A uniform doesn't hae to have a logo on it. It can just be a set colour or always a polo shirt etc. Of course if you have a uniform then it's a tax deductable. Another topic we will cover later.
You will have to budget for petrol/diesel/electricity. You're going to go through more oil, screen wash, tyres etc, air con. You'll want the car to be clean, smell nice, be sanitary. All of these things cost various money. It's a good idea to have a first aid kit.
Before you have your test 2, as your eyesignt will be checked and you don't want to fail, it's a good idea to have your eyesight tested. Get some sunglasses as you won't be able to use the sun visor as an instructor.
I suggest you get a work phone number. You don't need a fancy phone for this. Annnnnndddd that's it for now. The rest is additionals that you don't need but can get if you want e.g. 'you've passed!' greeting cards or appointment cards. There's definitely things that can wait and come later on with time when there's a regular income. You won't need to pay for advertising till you've passed the test 3.
Have I put you off yet?
Don't be. It's best to go into this with your eyes open and a plan into how you're going to pay for these things. It will ultimately lead you into how you will approach this. Just remember, if you go for a franchise after you pass and become an ADI, you won't be guaranteed a supply of students, so balance that out with your fees. Do you want to pay £250 a week for a car and stationery when you don't get many students from them? And don't forget many also change you a fee per pupil they supply. But if that's the only way you can afford things then just make sure you research the company and the reviews from other trainees and instructors.
Have any questions? Ask below and if I don't know the answer, I will try to find out for you.
