Starting your own driving school might be the best option for you; provided you are very good at driving, patient enough to teach other people, and willing to become an entrepreneur.
Because a car is generally deemed a necessary possession, many people try as much as possible to own one. But since learning how to drive a car is as necessary as owning one in the first place, people enroll with driving schools to learn how to drive and perfect their driving skills.
In the United Kingdom alone, more than 1.6 million driving tests are held each year, which means the market for driving schools is very large—not just in the U.K., but all over the world, especially in the developed countries like United States, Germany, Canada, Australia, etc.
By starting your own driving school, you will not only enjoy the financial rewards, but you will also be contributing to road safety by teach learning drivers how to drive well and prevent road accidents. Getting your own driving school off the ground is possible even with limited startup capital. But as an entrepreneur, you need to plan adequately to avoid failure. Here are the steps involved in starting a successful driving school:
Starting a Driving School – Sample Business Plan Template
1. Learn the rules
Each state and country has laid down rules and regulations for starting a new business. And failure to abide by these laws can cause serious problems for a business owner.
So, contact the appropriate local agency in your state or country for information on the rules and regulations relating to starting a commercial driving school. Such rules and regulations can cover items such as business licensing and personal licensing requirements (for you and other instructors you employ), location requirements, vehicles, vehicle inspections, insurance, and bonding requirements. If you have questions, I advise you consult with a seasoned attorney or any other business professional with deep knowledge of the business.
2. Register your driving school
To start any business, you will be required to have it registered with the appropriate agency in your state or country. This step usually involves not only registering your business name, but also filing articles of incorporation and obtaining necessary licenses.
As a recommendation, you should protect your personal finances by registering your driving school business as a limited liability corporation rather than as a sole proprietorship or partnership. If you need help with this step, consult with a seasoned professional, such as a business consultant or attorney.
3. Write your business plan
Writing a business plan is one of the most important steps involved in starting a business. Your business plan will detail your target market, your competition, required startup costs, marketing strategies, and unique selling proposition. Other things like your ideal location, required equipment, curriculum, insurance, and so on will also go into your business plan.
Aside serving as a guide to starting your driving school on a good note, your business plan will also come in handy if you need to seek additional funding from third parties, such as investors and banks.
4. Obtain your driving instructor’s license
The rule in many countries states that you must have held a drivers’ license for a defined number of years before you can become an instructor. But this doesn’t mean a drivers’ license is all you need to qualify as a driving instructor. In most countries, you will be required to obtain a driving instructor license. This licensing usually involves a written test, a practical test, and a background check.
5. Complete all necessary paperwork
As is the case with any other business, starting a driving school involves some paperwork. This can include filling application forms, applying for a certificate of incorporation, preparing your curriculum, verifying your driving instructor license and that of other instructors you hire, putting your lease agreement in black and white, and going for a criminal background check.
6. Find a good location
The success of your driving school business hinges partly on the location you choose. Your ideal location is one that is close to your target customers, easily accessible for them, and ideal for learning how to drive. This will include classroom space, office space, and a large expanse of level land for practical training.
7. Get vehicles and hire employees
You need to get a number of vehicles to use for your driving school. Three or four is good for start. Ensure that the vehicles are strong enough for the purpose you need them for. And ensure they are in very good conditions, so you won’t spend huge costs on maintenance. In addition, you need to hire one or more driving instructors to work with you. Ensure that they have all the requirements for working as a driving instructor.
8. Launch your driving school
Start promoting your driving school via print, radio, and internet advertising. Start operations once you start having students.
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