Welcome to our blog where we will address some of the common questions that driving instructors frequently receive.
1. How can you do your job!?
Being a driving instructor can be an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling career when done right. It is a position of trust, and the fact that students have chosen you to teach them to drive is a privilege.
2. Is being a driving instructor stressful?
Being a driving instructor doesn’t have to be stressful. The key is to ensure that students are not put into situations they are not ready to handle. Also, managing your lesson schedule effectively can help create a healthy work-life balance.
3. Is your insurance expensive?
Believe it or not, insurance for driving instructors can be quite affordable, sometimes comparable to regular driver insurance. With years of no claims bonuses, the cost of driving instructor insurance can be reasonable.
4. Do you work for someone else?
As a driving instructor, you are generally considered self-employed. However, you may also have a contract with a larger driving school if you choose to work within a franchise agreement.
5. How much do you spend on fuel?
With the high cost of fuel, it’s important to find ways to reduce consumption. Using a fuel card and driving in an economical manner can save you around 15% on fuel costs. Additionally, consider teaching in an electric car, as the demand for automatic driving lessons is increasing.
On average, a manual driving instructor working around 33 hours per week should expect to spend around £85-£90 per week on fuel in 2023.
6. What’s your pass rate?
At Fantoni Driving School, our current pass rate in 2023 stands at an impressive 90%. This means that 90% of our students pass their driving test. We take pride in this rate as it compares favorably to the national average of around 50%. Our continuous professional development and dedication to providing top-quality tuition contribute to our high success rate.
7. How much mileage do you put on your car?
Car depreciation is a significant expense for driving instructors. It’s important to keep track of how many miles you put on your vehicle, as it directly affects your business. On average, an instructor working around 33 hours per week can expect to accumulate approximately 30,000 miles each year.
8. Do you ever get students that are just impossible to teach?
At Fantoni Driving School, we firmly believe that everyone has the potential to become a safe and competent driver. However, the effort required to pass the driving test can vary from person to person. While some students may require more time and effort, we are committed to helping them succeed.
9. Have you ever crashed on a driving lesson?
In my early days as a new instructor, around 2010, I had a situation where I had to intervene on the steering wheel while a student was driving. This led us into a ditch at the side of the road. Luckily, there was no damage to the car, and both the student and I were shaken up.
This incident had a happy ending as the student eventually returned a few months later and passed her test with me. However, it’s important to avoid these types of incidents as they can negatively impact your reputation and discourage students from returning for further lessons.
Looking back, I see that I was at fault for allowing this situation to occur. As a driving instructor, it is crucial not to push students beyond their capabilities. Remember, safety should always be the top priority.
We hope that this blog has provided some valuable insights into the frequently asked questions driving instructors receive. Feel free to contact us if you have any further inquiries or would like to join our driving school.