don't don't don't
Being the best mate of a fantastic instructor, who was also an examiner instructor (youngest in the country) I know full well the BS that is peddled by driving schools as they are the only ones to make money.
You get no holiday or sick pay as you are self employed, you may make 30k if you work 7 days a week for 8-10 hours, but that's before you pay £400-500 car lease, £10 per referred student for the first 10 lessons to the driving school, yes that's £100 a person (correct for AA), Full instructor insurance, petrol, tyres, clutches (all of which learners eat).
Missed appointments and empty slots = no pay
My mate had a full book through word of mouth but still made no money, hence why he got out. Also ALL his colleagues in the area soon gave it up due to the same reason.
Bearing in mind this was 3 years ago and the industry is even more saturated with "pinkies" chasing the promised easy cash.
Sorry to sound so negative but find other instructors to talk about it to (and not pink badge trainees{that makes me laugh that you are trained by trainees and you are not told your paying full price to help someone qualify})
The Red advert is one tv ad (of many) that I have to shout at every time with the "earn 30k" rubbish, especially with the "fit it in around your family or work" bit. AHHHHHH
And with RED they recently added a "financial commitment" caveat to their add which I assume is the locked lease of a car for x period, which even if your not getting the students passed to you, you still have to pay. Even the AA who is far bigger could not provide a full book and do not promise to do that. SO they charge you for the car and what they do give you and then you need to spend more trying to find more of your own students.
Oh and then at the end of the year don't forget the tax man as your self employed he will be taking a chunk out of your "£30k" but you can claim tax back on all the tyres / car parts you buy
You will earn more in customer service on the phones (my chum became a PCSO on about 18k and made more money than his 60hpwk instructor job)
Hope that helps to balance the view and help make a more informed decision
After many years of what seemed like the entire Brighton (lots of student learners) driving instructor brigade moaning and bleating on about all of this on every night out I feel this incite is invaluable.
If your partner is still keen ask the following
Cost of car lease and length of term
What maintenance / Repairs on the car are you liable for
If insurance included
Cost of training and the multiple (up to 6 levels and some you get a 3 strikes and out attempt policy if memory serves)
Number of students they guarantee to pass to you
Charge per student and for how many lessons
Number of other RED instructors in the area
Details of other Instructors to talk to see how they get on.
Finally just scope out the ads and phone books to see how many other instructors operate in the area.
Shame my mate is in Japan learning martial arts as I would point him to the thread, but just post any questions and I will do my best to answer anything but remember I am just the long suffering friend of some top instructors
cheers Steve
