By Anna Jordan on Small Business – Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs
You’re not alone if you’re thinking about becoming a driving instructor.
Due to the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, there are more learner drivers looking for instructors than ever. According to recent research from insurance firm Marmalade, there are currently around thirty learners to every driving instructor (also known as an Advanced Driving Instructor, or ADI) in Britain. Current instructors have seen a 227 per cent increase in enquiries since 2020, which equates to an average of an extra 8.24 enquiries each week.
What’s more, 30 per cent of instructors are turning away five-ten enquiries per week, meaning there isn’t enough supply. In response, some driving schools are offering fast-track ADI training to deal with demand.
The Marmalade research also reveals that, since the start of 2020, instructors now have on average 27 per cent more pupils, which is nearly six more pupils. Over a third (35 per cent) of instructors now have around 21-30 pupils at any one time.
“There has never been a better time to become a driving instructor,” said Ian McIntosh, CEO of RED Driving School. “The lockdowns over the last 18 months have created huge