New career /Advice section

Everyone has differing reasons to become a driving instructor.

It may be the flexible working hours, the thought of being able to make a difference to others lives, getting the car you always wanted, being able to work part time, or full time, or a ‘professional’ career with no specific entry requirements. Whatever the expectations and reasons, Excelsior are here to provide an honest and structured training regime to suit your individual needs.

Above all though if you are not profitable, you cannot survive, but some may need more profits than others, so it is very important to establish expected incomes at the beginning. It is also important to establish future plans for obtaining work, whether it be as a franchisee, independently or employed.
Remember with Excelsior there are many further career paths open to you beyond the green badge and just learners.

Other instructors already on the register may try and persuade you there is no work for new instructors, or it isnt profitable to be an instructor, or you may hear the words 'Why would anyone want to become an instructor?!'
Please remember from the word go, be very careful who you take advice from, is there a vested interest? A good driving instructor with the correct advertising and promotional materials will be a busy driving instructor. 
Consider the merits of continuing development and qualifications and you will be even busier.
Do we have a vested interest? Obviously yes, to improve the quality of driving instruction in the United Kingdom and operate a successful business in the process.
Becoming a successful Driving Instructor is as much about running a business as being a good instructor. Nigel has been Self Employed for 25 years and can pass this business knowledge on to you.

No other industry can offer such rewards without the need for formal qualifications and experience. Remember one thing a business needs a plan, and investment to succeed. Your training is part of that plan. Hopefully if you are on this site you have realised certain organisations are after your hard earned cash with offers of guaranteed 'jobs' and 'certain' passes. You are not being interviewed for a job! And we will not be giving back your training money after you pass!

Franchises

Excelsior are in contact with many local and national companies who are actively seeking driving instructors, and can put you in touch with someone local. However of course it is your decision, and before signing any franchise agreements it is advisable to seek legal advice.

Excelsior are not a driving school, we are professional train the trainers.

Many potential Driving Instructors base their decision on who to train with on the driving school and ‘guarantees of work’.  This is foolish and there can never ever be a ‘guarantee of work’. Excelsior focus entirely on quality training and not on silly offers of ‘guaranteed’ work.
Excelsior are driving instructor and company fleet driver training specialists. We are not a learner driver company making extra money by claiming to be trainers (Like most within this industry) There is no hidden agenda regarding getting clients to sign up to franchise deals to make money out of you after qualification.
On the other hand we are here to ensure your success in the driver training industry. From business advice through to ensuring you either get the best franchise deal available or start up successfully independently.

Although we are no way connected with or making money from these schools, rest assured we are happy to recommend them, based on knowledge and experience within the industry, some are personally known  to Excelsior and have trained with Excelsior.
Because a company is not listed, this does not necessarily mean we would not recommend them, if you require advice we are a phone call or e mail away.

Who will I work for?

This depends entirely on the individual. Some may take up an initial franchise, others may start independently, and some may become instructors in order to become employed.
The vast majority though are self employed sole traders or limited companies. Franchises are a good way to get your foot in the door and vary in price, anything from £30.00 per week for a part time franchise without a car supplied, to £350 per week for a full time franchise with car supplied.

Although we are no way connected with or making money from these schools, rest assured we are happy to recommend them, based on knowledge and experience within the industry, some are personally known  to Excelsior and may have trained with Excelsior.
Because a company is not listed, this does not necessarily mean we would not recommend them, if you require advice we are a phone call or e mail away.

As an example we can put you in contact with the following national and local driving schools, and many more besides the ones listed. Please enquire for advice.

What Car? (Nationwide)	Freedom Driving School (Sunderland, Tyne and Wear)
Pronto pass Driving School (Southport, Ormskirk, Skelmersdale and Preston)	Mint Driving School (Derby)
AA Driving School (Nationwide)	In 2Gear (Staffordshire, Shropshire)
Homers driving School (West Midlands)	The Bright Red L (Southern Counties)
LDC (Nationwide)

Possible earnings 

Most driving instructors are self employed and as such are normally sole traders. They take all the risks and as such are able to keep all the business profits. Tax is calculated and paid under the self assessment scheme and national insurance at class 2 and possibly class 4.

Driving instructors can earn a reasonable living, the more hours you do the more money you can earn. Some instructors may be ‘Limited’ and be a ‘company director’ or ‘managing director’.

Don’t be taken in by adverts claiming £30,000-£40,000 per year, this is unrealistic initially and to earn this amount you would need to work ridiculous hours. This is really your business turnover. You can work totally independently or under a franchise scheme with your own car or with a car provided by the larger companies BSM or AA etc. If you move into other fields of driver training such as fleet, instructor training, instructor CPD training this is perfectly achievable though.

The following sets out a rough guide of what you may expect to earn:
Remember this will depend on the local area prices, in affluent areas the hourly rate may be much higher or lower in less affluent areas.

Sole trader operating under a franchise, running their own vehicle covering approx 20,000 miles per annum.

There are various different franchise schemes available and this is just one example.
Lessons based on £21 per hour x 40 hours per week x 47 weeks= £39,480 (turnover) (this includes 5 weeks for holidays/sickness/quiet periods etc)
Total income £39,480per annum (This is a theoretical figure only, as in the real world there will be quiet periods)
Less deductions per annum

• Franchise fee £60.00 per week x 48 weeks = £2880.00
• Fuel & maintenance/servicing/other vehicle costs = £4,000
• Vehicle lease fees = £2500.00
• Business overheads = £1000.00
• Insurance = £375.00
• Accountant = £275.00
• Phone= £290.00
• Personal injury/accident insurance= £300.00
• ADI badge= £50.00

Total Deductions £11,670.00
Less income tax/national insurance/personal pension payments. Approx £8,000.00.

So by this very rough example your actual ‘take home pay’ (net) would be in the region of £375.00 to £400.00 per week. This would be a good average nationwide. You could earn much more than this or much less! Bear in mind you also have a good quality car included in this. Private car expenses are approx £6000 per annum. Taking this into account the equivalent PAYE salary could in theory be £25-30K+.
This is where the rip off merchants get their figures. Unfortunately in the real world there are cancellations and quiet periods which will dramatically alter this figure and as with any business, it needs to be built up gradually. This takes time money and investment!

A new business takes time to build, and doesn’t happen overnight! Become a good instructor, but you will also need to be good in business to prosper.
  
Starting out

Once qualified how do I start? To begin with have a business plan! This should include projected turnover, profits, expenses, marketing plans etc. All too often new instructors are in the driving instructor game to make a fast buck.
You have to speculate to accumulate! You should really have a business start up budget, not just a training budget.
It can be difficult at the very beginning, a good instructor’s work comes from recommendation and obviously you don’t have this to start with. It doesn’t take long to build this up; your first few months are normally the toughest. The better you are the easier it is to get work. It is estimated that approx half of instructors go out of business in the first five years. Don’t let this be you! If you have planned properly this shouldn’t be the case.

What are my options?

Going it alone straight away
If you intend to instruct part time then this is a valid option. You just need a way into the business. If you have sons/daughters/relatives who wish to learn to drive, then there is your way in. Via recommendations to their friends it won’t take long for you to build up a client list in this way.
If you need to start full time then it could be a wrong decision. You need to build up gradually as described above. If at all possible, keep any current job you have for as long as possible and build up gradually. You can be self-employed and work under the PAYE at the same time. Many instructors work alongside other jobs in this industry.
Remember you could try flyers, mail shots, advertising in local papers and the yellow pages. You can even advertise on your car!
Whatever you do, avoid doing cut price lessons, you are selling yourself short, other pupils will expect cheap lessons and you will alienate yourself from other instructors by undercutting them. You need a suitable charge out rate to make a living.
Remember that the key to your success is to building up gradually through recommendation. Advertise your services wherever possible and gain extra qualifications to set you out from the crowd.

A small Franchise
A franchise is a very good option, whether you intend full or part time. Many smaller companies will offer a franchise locally. There are many different schemes available.
A smaller company would generally offer a deal based on supplying you with pupils, a roof sign, telephone support and bookings all in exchange for a weekly fee. You operate under their name and often supply your own car, which you maintain and run (You are responsible for insurance). You are allowed to source your own pupils as well if you wish. This is a very good way to build up clientele gradually and then to go out on your own. This is the option most instructors take. You are not normally tied into these deals and can go on your own at short notice.
Weekly franchise deals vary enormously! Expect to pay in the region from £75.00 per week if you supply your own car. There is generally no guarantee of pupils with any deals so make sure you know at the outset how many pupils are expected between both parties.
You don’t have a risky outlay with this method, remember your car doesn’t need to be brand new, just well maintained and your dual controls and not expensive to fit. Your current vehicle may well be suitable.
Opportunities with Excelsior Training that are similar to the above often exist to get your started, depending on time of year and pupil numbers etc. We are in contact with many companies locally and nationally.

Larger Franchises
Larger companies such as AA/BSM may offer franchises with a vehicle supplied. These companies in particular are always after instructors. Obviously you pay more for these deals, which can be anything between £150-300 a week and you either pay for pupils on top or have them included. The vehicle maintenance is normally included in the price as is advertising, insurance, vehicle licence, phone support, and livery etc. Your only cost is fuel. This is a generally safe option with no significant outlay initially but an outlay weekly. Again check on likely pupil numbers.

How much is insurance?
New instructors presume insurance will be very expensive…WRONG!
You are now a highly trained individual. Accidents don’t happen - 95% are driver error. You are in control and even with your pupil driving you are at the helm! Good instructors don’t have accidents, if they do it’s nearly always someone else’s fault I.E a rear end shunt. Claims are made on the other party’s insurance. Insurance companies recognise this and price policies accordingly.
Expect to pay £200-500 for a fully comprehensive protected policy on an average driving school car as long as you have a full no claims bonus.

Another good option with no large outlay. You may lease a new vehicle or used for anything from £250-600 per month, often including insurance and maintenance and servicing. These cars are 100% tax allowable.
Again, with this outlay per month you need to make sure you have a good idea of your potential pupil numbers. You still have no initial outlay other than a bond of approx £200.00.
Deals are available with specialist companies for 6-24 months. Remember you are tied to the vehicle for this length of time.
Excelsior can offer an introduction to cheap vehicle leasing, from personal experience the best deals are generally lease purchase. A small initial deposit followed by low monthly payments

Will I have enough work?
What you need to remember is that when you obtain your green badge, you services are in demand! Make sure you get a good deal. We deal with many local companies who will take you upon qualification. Advice is freely offered upon qualification, this is all part of the service.
Don’t be taken in by large training companies offering a guaranteed job/working within 8 weeks etc. They just want your money up-front.
Driving instructors are self-employed. No company offers guaranteed pupils that is the important bit.
If you are good, you will be reasonably busy. Train with Excelsior and you will be good.

How much can I earn?
See above section for a rough example of probable earnings.

Do I need an accountant?
Yes! A good accountant will easily save you more money than his/her fee. Get an accountant, get good advice. The taxman will believe an accountant, will he believe you? Keep proper business accounts from the word go and save all your receipts. It is important you contact your local tax office and register as self employed.

The questions you should ask before choosing your training company

Your questions answered / Trainers to Avoid!

Here are some of your most common questions answered and some common myths dispelled, particularly relating to part 3. If you are not asking these questions you should be!

Q/ Is classroom training beneficial for any of the exams?
A/ It can be but not at the expense of quality practical training, and not if used to make up training hours with companies who offer ‘unlimited training’

Q/ Is two to one training beneficial?
A/   It may well benefit you as a trainee to watch others and be watched, but only if the training is offered at a reduced price!

Q/ I’ve heard the pass rate for part 3 is very low, is it difficult?
A/ The part 3 is probably the easiest exam in the country to qualify you to earn a reasonable wage with no other formal qualifications. If your trainer says it is a difficult exam to pass, get another trainer!
What your trainer is actually saying is ‘I don’t really know how to train you! Train with Excelsior and your chances rocket!
The test is extremely straightforward in every way. First time pass rates are quoted at 6%. The trouble is 85% of those clients were in no way prepared for the test!

Q/ Will I need my own vehicle to undertake the tests?
A/ Entirely up to you! Our training vehicles will be available at the normal rate and you will be accompanied on test by your trainer if you wish.

Q/ I would like to watch a real lesson is this possible?
A/ Yes no problem!

Q/ I’ve heard there is a shortage of instructors is that true?
A/ No! Just a lie to get you to sign up I’m afraid. Big, big shortage of good ones though!

Q/ Where do I need to sign if I train with Excelsior?
A/ You don’t sign anything whatsoever! Why would you need to! You can cease training anytime you wish. (Nobody ever has!) No contracts, simple PAYG training, no catch no gimmicks.

Q/ Will intensive training be suitable?
A/ NO never ever! Spread your training over as long a period as possible

Q/ Can I be instructing and earning money in eight weeks?
A/ Unlikely, extremely unlikely!

Q/ Can I talk to previous trainees for a recommendation?
A/ Yes no problem don’t ever sign up with a big company until you have done this! See ‘Testimonials’ section I guarantee if you speak to trainees from large companies most won’t recommend you train with them!

Q/ When I qualify, is there plenty of work available straight away?
A/ If you go independent straight away then no! You need to gradually build a client base, all work comes from recommendation, and adverts are useless I’m afraid. If you want plenty of work immediately start with a large franchise this is the only way. It is a very good idea to begin part time if possible then build up gradually.

Q/ Will I have enough work?
A/ No guarantees but only if you gain extra qualifications and keep instructing in the way you were trained probably yes. If you’re good you will be busy. Loads of ADI’s are complaining of lack of work at the moment, wonder why…

Q/ Will you offer quality check test training?
A/ Yes, This is Nigel’s specialist field and you will get discounts on any future training as an ex Excelsior trainee

Q/ Will the check test training be free?
A/ No this is Great Britain not cloud cuckoo land. There is no such thing as a free lunch, and anyone daft enough to think so deserves all they get in this world.

Q/ Do you offer free training for parts one two and three?
A/ As above!

Q/ Do you have offices for your part I training?
A/ No! no need, do it in the comfort of your own home!

Q/ I’ve been to a large national training provider and told I will receive unlimited training and I will have a guaranteed job at the end, you don’t offer any of these!
A/ If it seems too good to be true it usually, sorry always! Is. The training will be limited to what they think you need, not what you think you need! There is no such thing as a guaranteed job! You will be self employed! Again anyone daft enough to believe this deserves all they get!

Q/ Will my trainer sit in on my test?
A/ Oh yes! Nigel has sat in on many tests; your trainer really needs to know what has gone on, with either part 2 or 3! In all honesty examiners rarely make mistakes. When you qualify, you soon realise who to believe when a problem arises over an examiners decision!

Q/ Will my training take place locally and which areas do you cover?
Excelsior offer nationwide coverage, these however are our local training areas
The following areas are covered:

• Staffordshire
• East and West midlands
• South Cheshire/Manchester
• Derbyshire 
• Peak District
• Shropshire
• Merseyside
• North west regions

 We have accommodation available locally for all Excelsior’s courses.

Q/ Which test centers do you use and can we practice in these areas?
A/ We use many test centers in the areas below as follows:

• Cannock
• Burton
• Wolverhampton
• Ellesmere Port
• Shrewsbury
• Northwich
• Sale
• Sheffield
• Chester
• Birmingham centers
• Worcester
• Stoke on Trent /Newcastle under Lyme (Limited part 2 and 3 availability) 

We can meet near any of these centers to practice.

Q/ Do you offer intensive training?
A/ We normally advise training and paying by the hour, and spreading the training over as long as possible. This is always the best way if possible. Training over half or full days may suit you and that’s fine. The main point is to take regular breaks with this sort of training. We often do this for part 2 or 3 rescue training for example, where a test is fast approaching.

Q/ How quickly can I qualify?
A/ I have recently had two clients qualify in just over 3 months, but this is the exception! To do this you would need to be very committed! Think more of between 6-15 months as a reasonable average.

Q/ Is your training always 1 to 1?
A/ Most of our training is 1 to 1. Unless agreed with you (at a reduced price for 2 to 1 training)

Trainers to avoid!

The Confidence trickster trainers- all the big ones plus many of the smaller ones! (What to avoid)

• Do not be conned into fast track courses over a few weeks there is just too much to learn. Forget intensive training.
• Do not be conned into 2:1 training unless it’s at a reduced price.
• Do not be conned into guaranteed job offer- there is no such thing
• Do not be conned into a trainee licence ‘to be earning in a few weeks’- if you need this you haven’t been trained properly.
• Do not be conned into thinking you are attending an interview. You are paying for a service.
• Avoid companies with glossy brochures and expensive offices, these have to be paid for at the expense of your training.
• Do not be conned into thinking you’re getting a free car- this has to be paid for!
• Do not be conned into thinking you have guaranteed pupils- there’s no such thing!
• Do not be conned by the offer of as much training as you need. For a large training company this means as little as we can get away with.
• Do not be conned by guaranteed placement with local driving school. Once you get your green badge, you can choose.
• Do not be conned into thinking there is a shortage of driving instructors- there is not. Just a shortage of good ones!
• If the training is cheap or free there is a reason why – its crap!
• Finally do not be conned into thinking you need to part with £3000.00 up front You do not- Pay by the hour.

  Questions you should ask

• Can you tell me your extra qualifications to be my trainer?
• Is all your training 1:1 if not can I have it at a reduced rate price?
• Is your training vehicle modern, roomy, clean and available for tests without a hire charge?
• Will I be trained to train qualified drivers in addition to learners?
• Can you guarantee exactly how many training hours I will receive?
• Is all the training carried out locally?
• Can I pay by the hour or per part?
• Will I receive a total of at least 60 hours one to one training I think I may need that amount?
• Can you list your training Syllabus?
• Do you offer further development training beyond my green badge?
• Do you offer check test training and advice?
  

Excelsior are independent trainers, Training is on a one to one basis, We possesses the right qualifications, the training is local to you, you pay by the hour or if you pay upfront it’s for a guaranteed no. of hours, your trainers currently has a 100% pass rate, you will cover a comprehensive syllabus, you will train in a new car available at normal hourly rates for tests accompanied by your trainer (currently 09 MK 6 Golf’s) on average for the equivalent cost of a large training company you will receive about 3-4 times the amount of training.

A large percentage of Excelsior’s clients are people who have already paid another company for their training.

Don’t take our word for it; see the testimonials section and talk to people who have trained with excelsior or who are currently training.