Intelligent Instructor is proud to have brought together industry and business experts to produce ‘The Ultimate Guide to Running a Driving Instructor Business’.

This FREE  64-page guide, in association with Drive-Up Training, will support you in running a business the way you always dreamt it could be.

Over nine weeks, we are publishing a selection of the articles in this guide.

This week, Nick Taylor, ADI Registrar, DVSA, provides his thoughts and advice on setting up and running your own driving school business.


 

 

 

We meet… NICK TAYLOR

We sit down with DVSA’s Nick Taylor, ADI Registrar, DVSA, to ask his advice for ADIs and the common challenges they are likely to face.

 

James Gwinnett: Hi Nick, can you tell us about your role as ADI registrar at DVSA and what that involves?

Nick Taylor: I have worked at DVSA for 18 years, three in the role of ADI Registrar, in which I’m responsible for maintaining the ADI Register and ensuring only qualified and approved instructors are listed. My role involves maintaining the integrity of the register by conducting standards checks to ensure instructors meet professional standards and keeping them informed about updates to driving laws and training requirements.

JG: What advice would you give to new ADIs looking to set up their business?

NT: I would firstly say congratulations on becoming an ADI – this is a great achievement. I would then suggest reading DVSA’s guidance for when you’re an ADI. This step-by-step guide will provide advice on things like working for a franchise or running your own driving school, professional standards, and managing
your ADI registration.

JG: What are the most common challenges new driving instructors face when setting up their business and what advice would you give them?

NT: Getting started is probably the biggest challenge and attracting learners to choose your driving school to learn to drive. To earn recognition as a reputable and professional business, my advice would be to focus on delivering a high-quality service and lessons. To do this, you will need to comply with DVSA’s National Standards for Driving Instructors and follow the ADI code of practice.

JG: How frequently should instructors undergo standards checks?

NT: You will usually be asked
to complete an ADI standards check every four years. You’ll get an email from DVSA when you need to book your standards check. You must complete and pass the standards check to remain on the ADI register. More information on what happens at a standards check can be found on GOV.UK.

JG: How important is continual professional development (CPD) for driving instructors and what options are available?

NT: It’s really important to prioritise and make time for your own professional development, even when your business is up and running. There is guidance on how to do this on GOV.UK. This could include things like reading, attending courses or spending some time learning from other driving instructors.

It’s really important to prioritise and make time for your own professional development.”

JG: How can instructors stay up to date with industry changes?

NT: I would recommend signing up to our email alerts, DVSA Direct, so we can contact you if there are any changes to the way instructors are regulated or to the learning to drive or driving test process. We will also invite you to webinars or to take part in research to help us understand how easy our services are to use and to improve road safety. You can choose which topics you would like to receive information on.

Another way to keep updated with industry news is by reading our Despatch Blog: giving advice and information to driver and rider trainers. You can subscribe to this to make sure you never miss one.

Joining an industry body, which represents the interests of the driver training industry, is another great way of staying up to date. The National Associations Strategic Partnership (NASP) is focused on promoting the interests of driving instructors. It is formed of representatives from the Motor Schools Association, the Driving Instructors Association and the Approved Driving Instructors National Joint Council. They work closely with us to make sure we view our services through the
eyes of customers and help
us continue to make improvements that support the driver training industry.

JG: How can instructors manage nervous learners effectively to improve their experience and pass rates?

NT: Many learners feel anxious when first learning to drive so it’s important to try and help them feel comfortable. The best way to do this is building a good relationship with your pupil accordingly. Our ‘Ready to Pass?’ campaign also provides helpful guidance on managing nerves, in particular before a test, which is a useful resource you can share with your pupils. One in ten people who fail the driving test say it was mostly down to nerves, so using these basic tips could help better prepare your pupils to pass.

There’s a full ‘Ready to Pass?’ toolkit for ADIs which includes things like a checklist to help your pupils reflect on whether they’re ready to pass their test, the latest official learning materials and campaign assets for use on your website or social media channels. We really appreciate your support in sharing our campaign messages, to achieve our
joint aim of safer drivers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nick Taylor,
ADI Registrar, DVSA

 

Next week, Ollie Taylor, Co-Founder of The Honest Truth, discusses the importance of driving instructors incorporating high-quality road safety education into their curriculum.