Are you interested in starting a driving school? When we look back over our lives and think of people that made an impact on our lives and people we will never forget, the person that taught us to drive is always someone in one of these categories. To teach someone else to drive is to teach them a skill they need for their whole lives. It is to make a difference in people’s lives.
There are some things to consider before opening a driving school.
What licenses are required in my area?
If you are in the US, the requirements needed to teach others to drive are state-specific. Visit the Registry of Motor Vehicles for your state. You need detailed information about what licenses and permits are required, as well as where to get training. Some information may be available online.
Here are three such pages from individual states.
If you are unable to find information on your state from a web search, visit your Registry of Motor Vehicle Office and ask for information in person. You can also consult local driving schools for information. Some states require you to spend a certain number of hours employed by an established driving school before you can open your own school.
In the UK, you are required to pass an exam to become an approved driving instructor.
What kind of vehicle should you use?
You need to consider the following:
- Size and ease of handling
- Whether to buy or lease a vehicle
- Comfort
- Good all around vision
- Fuel consumption
What kind of insurance do you need?
Make an appointment to discuss this with an insurance professional. Make sure you have adequate coverage for any business vehicles that you have.
How can you differentiate yourself from the competition?
What can you offer that the competition doesn’t offer? For example, you might want to specialize in a certain type of driving such as limousine driving or more than one class of vehicle. Spend some time doing research on driving schools in your area. Can you see a gap in the market, an area that is neglected or a specialty niche that you can claim?
Write a business plan.
Before you get too far with this type of business, be sure you know what you are getting into. For any small business owner, a business plan can help you clarify where you’re headed and how you’re going to get there. It can help you think through where you will get working capital, how much you will need and how to reinvest profits. Detailed information can be found at
http://www.sba.gov/.
How do you market your business?
Look into the most cost-effective ways to market your business. Run some classified ads, put magnetic signs on your vehicle. Tell everyone you know. You may want to pass out business cards.
Arm yourself with plenty of information and before you know it, your dream of being a driving instructor can become a reality.
