How Much Do Driving Instructors Earn?

Discover how much driving instructors earn, what training is required, salary bands, self-employed vs franchise routes, and top UK schools to work for.

How Much Do Driving Instructors Earn? Salary, Training & Career Guide

Driving instructors help people gain one of the most valuable skills in life: learning to drive. It’s a flexible and rewarding career that suits those who are patient, clear communicators and confident behind the wheel. But how much can instructors earn, and what does the job actually involve?

This guide covers everything from training routes and qualifications to average earnings, tax, and the best driving schools in the UK.

Job Description: What Do Driving Instructors Do?

Driving instructors teach learners how to drive safely, prepare for theory and practical tests, and develop good road awareness and habits. They may work for a driving school, as a franchisee, or independently.

Core responsibilities include:

  • Teaching learners how to operate a vehicle safely

  • Preparing students for the theory and practical driving tests

  • Teaching road signs, rules and hazard perception

  • Conducting mock tests and progress reviews

  • Managing scheduling, payments, and admin (if self-employed)

  • Ensuring the training vehicle is maintained and insured

  • Keeping calm, focused, and supportive—even under pressure

How Hard Is It to Become a Driving Instructor?

It’s not academically hard, but it requires commitment, attention to detail, and passing a series of tests through the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

The training process usually takes 6–12 months, depending on how quickly you pass each stage.

Traits and Characteristics You Need

Good driving instructors are:

  • Patient and calm under pressure

  • Excellent communicators who can explain clearly

  • Reliable and punctual, especially with student time slots

  • Good at observation and assessment

  • Organised, especially if self-employed

  • Safety-conscious with strong road knowledge

  • Encouraging, to help learners build confidence

Do You Need Qualifications?

Yes. You must become a DVSA-approved Approved Driving Instructor (ADI).

Steps to qualify:

  1. Apply to the DVSA and pass a criminal record check

  2. Pass 3 tests:

    • Part 1: Theory & hazard perception

    • Part 2: Driving ability

    • Part 3: Instructional ability

  3. Complete 40+ hours of training (usually through a training provider)

  4. Apply for your ADI badge and register

You don’t need a degree, but you must:

  • Be 21 or older

  • Hold a full UK driving licence for at least 3 years

  • Pass a DBS check

Are There Levels and Specialisations?

Yes, driving instructors can progress or specialise in areas like:

  • Learner driver training (Category B)

  • Fleet driver training (corporate/occupational drivers)

  • Driving instructor trainer

  • Disability/adaptive driving instruction

  • Motorway, night or pass-plus training

  • Automatic vehicle instruction

  • Driving test examiner (DVSA role)

What Experience Do You Need?

To begin training: no prior experience required beyond holding a full licence.

To build your client base and grow earnings:

  • Strong reputation and reviews

  • Experience with nervous or specialist learners

  • Efficient lesson planning

  • Ongoing CPD (continuing professional development)

Benefits of Being a Driving Instructor

  • Flexible hours—you choose your schedule

  • High earning potential, especially in high-demand areas

  • Work independently or join a franchise

  • Fulfilling role—you help people achieve real independence

  • No degree required

  • Can scale into a business or multi-car team

Drawbacks and Negatives

  • Evening and weekend work is often necessary

  • Cancellations can affect income

  • Vehicle running costs—fuel, servicing, insurance

  • Initial training fees can be high (£1,000–£3,000)

  • Sitting in traffic or with anxious learners can be mentally tiring

  • Income varies by location and demand

Driving Instructor Salary UK

  • Franchise (low hours): £26,000 – £39,000

  • Independent (high hours): £45,000 – £60,000+

  • Instructor Trainer / Fleet: £50,000 – £70,000+

Tax Example:

A self-employed instructor earning £48,000/year would pay:

  • Income Tax: approx. £7,432

  • National Insurance: approx. £3,349 (Class 2 + 4)

  • Take-home pay: approx. £37,200/year or £715/week

Tax can be reduced through business expenses, including:

  • Fuel

  • Car lease or finance

  • Instructor insurance

  • Franchise fees

  • Repairs and tyres

  • Marketing and software

What Factors Affect Instructor Salary?

  • Location – London and big cities pay more

  • Manual vs automatic – Auto instructors are in rising demand

  • Franchise vs independent – Independent instructors keep more profit

  • Reputation and pass rate – Word-of-mouth drives bookings

  • Number of working hours – Full-time instructors earn more

  • Vehicle choice – Economical cars = more profit

  • Cancellations and scheduling efficiency

What’s the Future for This Role?

Demand for instructors is stable, with occasional spikes when test backlogs rise (e.g. post-COVID). Future trends include:

  • Rising demand for automatic lessons (linked to EVs)

  • More online booking and lesson tracking platforms

  • Hybrid work culture = more people learning to drive

  • Digital learning tools integrated into teaching

  • Instructor shortages in some regions

Best Driving Schools and Platforms to Work For

Franchise options:

  • RED Driving School

  • AA Driving School

  • Bill Plant

  • BSM

  • Pass N Go

  • DriveJohnson’s

Independent Platforms:

  • GoRoadie – Online booking and review platform

  • Rated Driving

  • Learnr

  • National Driving School

  • Local Facebook groups / Google Business Profiles

Franchises offer car, insurance, and leads—but take a weekly fee. Independents keep more money but must handle all marketing and admin.

Final Thought

Driving instruction is a rewarding, people-focused career with solid income potential and the freedom to be your own boss. Whether part-time, full-time or as a long-term profession, it’s a flexible job that makes a real difference in people’s lives. If you're confident, patient, and ready to guide others—this could be your road to a fulfilling business.