One of the biggest appeals of becoming a qualified driving instructor is that you become your own boss. You choose the hours you work, you decide just how much effort you’re going to put into your business. But for newly qualified ADIs is going it alone really the best option? Or would you be better of sub-contracting or even working direct for an established school?
The pros of going solo
The obvious pro of going it alone is the one we’ve already stated – you’re very much your own boss. Self-employment is on the rise in the UK, and people are now much more willing to take that leap and build up their own business than they were a few years ago. A lack of openings in the industry means that it can be difficult to find an employed position as an ADI, so in many cases self-employment isn’t just the right option, it may be the only one! But the sense of achievement of building your own business up from scratch is enormous, and you can dictate how the business develops and grows without any outside interference.
The cons of going solo
Going it alone may be tempting, but there are some cons too. Initially, it’s going to be very, very expensive. Not only is taking the full ADI qualification expensive (in both time and money), but you’ll need to supply a car (with dual controls fitted), arrange your own advertising and marketing, develop your website, sort out your own driving instructor insurance and ongoing costs, and sort out your own taxes. You may have to pay VAT, and you’ll also be fighting to start your business against established driving schools with a solid reputation. The whole ‘dictating your own hours’ thing that seemed so attractive initially could turn quite easily into 16-hour days, seven days a week. Are you prepared to put in those kinds of hours?
The pros of working for a school
It takes a brave man or woman to make that jump into self-employment, so if you’re not quite ready to make that leap of faith, or would just rather have the security of a bona fide ‘job’ then working for an established school is a good choice. If you’re new to the industry then it can certainly help you to establish your own reputation as an instructor before you strike off on your own later on. A school will be able to provide you with a signwritten vehicle that has dual controls (although you may have to pay a percentage to ‘lease’ the vehicle in your own name as a sub-contracted instructor). They will look after the marketing and advertising, and they’ll also take care of your driving instructor insurance, including public liability insurance.
The cons of working for a school
However, joining a school will mean that you have to abide by their rules, just like any other job. Your performance will be monitored by both the DSA and the school, and if your pass rate starts to slip your job could be in jeopardy. You may even have to wear a uniform!