Outline
- Introduction
- Brief overview of driving instructors‘ work and recent survey insights
- The Cost of Lessons
- Average lesson pricing in the UK
- Regional price differences
- Lesson Pricing by Region
- Highest-cost regions: South West and Scotland
- London’s pricing surprises
- Instructor Availability and Waiting Lists
- Percentage of instructors open to new students
- Regional waiting list comparisons
- Demand on Driving Instructors
- Number of learners waiting to start
- Impact of demand on instructor availability
- Work Hours of Driving Instructors
- Average weekly hours for instructors
- Learner workload per instructor
- Job Satisfaction Among ADIs
- High job satisfaction levels
- The sense of personal accomplishment and its impact
- Future Intentions of Instructors
- Majority intending to stay in the role
- Factors contributing to long-term commitment
- Ongoing Professional Development
- Training and improvement efforts
- Commitment to skill enhancement among ADIs
- Health Issues Faced by Instructors
- Musculoskeletal issues from long hours in vehicles
- Physical challenges of the job
- Driving Instructors’ Requests to DVSA
- Desire for improved test availability
- Suggestions for hiring more examiners
- Instructor Feedback on the DVSA Relationship
- Areas for DVSA support improvements
- Instructors’ perspectives on the booking system
- Top Challenges for Driving Instructors
- Test availability as a significant barrier
- Managing learner and parent expectations
- Student Behavior and Mental Health
- Navigating student nerves and mental health issues
- Payment and attendance issues
- Conclusion
- Summary of findings from the survey
- FAQs
- Common questions regarding driving instructors’ perspectives
Revealed: What Driving Instructors Really Think About Their Job – and You
Driving instructors play an essential role in preparing safe, confident drivers for the roads. But beyond the basics of teaching, what do they genuinely think about their profession and the challenges they face? A survey by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), involving nearly 6,000 Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs), uncovers the reality of their job – from lesson costs and working hours to job satisfaction and the hurdles they encounter.
The Cost of Lessons
Driving lesson prices are a common question for learners and parents alike. According to the survey, £31 to £35 per hour is the most typical rate across the UK, with nearly half (46.6%) of instructors charging this amount. However, prices can vary greatly depending on the region.
Lesson Pricing by Region
While many might expect London to have the highest rates due to its high cost of living, the data reveals that this is not the case. Instead, instructors in the South West and Scotland charge the most, with 65.7% and 52.3% charging £36 or more, respectively. London comes in sixth place, with only 27.8% of its instructors charging this higher rate.
Instructor Availability and Waiting Lists
For learners looking to get on the road, availability can be a challenge. Only 29.8% of instructors currently have the capacity to take on new students. London offers the highest availability, with 55.9% of instructors accepting new pupils, while the North East struggles with the lowest availability at 17.4%.
Demand on Driving Instructors
High demand for instructors often means waiting lists, especially in high-density regions. Around 43.1% of instructors report having between 1 and 5 learners on their waiting list, while 10.7% have more than 20 students waiting to start their lessons. This demand influences both lesson availability and scheduling.
Work Hours of Driving Instructors
Driving instructors dedicate significant time to their profession. About 62.2% of ADIs work a minimum of 25 hours each week, and they actively train an average of nearly 20 students. This workload speaks to the high demand for qualified driving instructors.
Job Satisfaction Among ADIs
One positive takeaway from the survey is the high level of job satisfaction among instructors. A whopping 90.8% feel a sense of personal accomplishment in their roles, highlighting the rewarding nature of helping students gain essential life skills.
Future Intentions of Instructors
A large majority of instructors (85.2%) intend to stay in their role for at least the next year. Many factors, such as job satisfaction, stability, and the ability to make a difference in learners’ lives, contribute to this commitment.
Ongoing Professional Development
To keep their skills sharp, 53.6% of instructors pursued continuing professional development (CPD) over the past year. This commitment to improvement is a promising indicator of the profession’s future and the dedication instructors have to their craft.
Health Issues Faced by Instructors
One of the downsides of the job is the toll on physical health. Spending long hours sitting in cars has led to 59.3% of instructors experiencing musculoskeletal issues within the last year. These health challenges can impact job satisfaction and longevity.
Driving Instructors’ Requests to DVSA
The survey reveals instructors’ top requests for the DVSA. Improved test availability tops the list, with 33% of instructors advocating for it. Additionally, 20% would like more examiners employed to reduce test backlogs, and 16% are calling for enhancements in the test booking system.
Instructor Feedback on the DVSA Relationship
Beyond test scheduling and availability, some instructors feel that the DVSA could offer more direct support. About 13% expressed a desire for additional training and support from the DVSA, while 11% believe the relationship between the DVSA and ADIs could be strengthened.
Top Challenges for Driving Instructors
Driving test availability is the number one challenge, with 60% of instructors identifying it as a major issue. This is followed by the more moderate challenge of managing learner and parent expectations, noted by 9%, and challenges related to other road users, noted by 8%.
Student Behavior and Mental Health
A small percentage (6%) of instructors report challenges with student behavior. Nervousness, mental health issues, and sometimes payment concerns add layers of difficulty to the job, though thankfully, these issues are less common.
Conclusion
The DVSA’s survey provides a window into the reality of life as a driving instructor. From balancing high demand and health challenges to a rewarding sense of accomplishment, driving instructors tackle numerous aspects to ensure learners gain valuable skills. As they advocate for more support from the DVSA, the future of this profession continues to evolve.
FAQs
- How much do driving lessons typically cost in the UK?
- Most driving lessons cost between £31 and £35 per hour, though prices vary by region.
- Why is test availability a challenge for instructors?
- Test availability affects instructors’ schedules and can lead to long waiting lists for students.
- Do driving instructors enjoy their jobs?
- Yes, over 90% of instructors report a strong sense of accomplishment and satisfaction in their roles.
- What are the biggest health challenges for driving instructors?
- Many instructors face musculoskeletal issues due to long hours spent sitting in cars.
- What improvements do instructors want from the DVSA?
- Instructors would like to see improvements in test availability, more examiners, and a more streamlined test booking system.
Image by pikisuperstar on Freepik
- Instructors would like to see improvements in test availability, more examiners, and a more streamlined test booking system.