How to Start a Driving School Business

Perhaps you are an experienced driver and you wish to start teaching others to drive as well you do. However, you do not know how to lay the foundation for your own driving school.

If that is so, then you need not worry anymore because this article will show you the steps for establishing your own driving school business.

Secure a License

The first thing you need when you plan to start a driving school business is a license. This license is available from the state government agency in charge.

The license has several requirements to fulfill. First, your startup driving school business must be registered. This is to ensure that the planned name for your venture has no duplicate. So, before you apply for a license, secure an approval for your business name and have it registered.

Next, you have to make sure that your instructors have ample experience and have the proper documentation. He/she must have a valid driving school instructor’s certificate. He must have also logged at least 1,000 hours of driving experience – this requires the proper documents too, and of course, he must have a valid driver’s license. You would also need to provide the agency with drafts of the receipt and contracts that you would be using for your customers.

After submitting your application, the agency would conduct an inspection of your school’s location. If your school passes, this inspection, you would need to pay a license fee. The fee would typically cost about US$50 or even lower, as the fee is prorated.

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Secure Your Equipment

After you have taken care of your license, you would then need to get a hold of your teaching equipment. This would include the cars that you would be using, the computers that you would be using for data entry and for classroom usage.

The number of cars that you would need to buy would depend on how many you expect your students to be. You would need to have one car ready for each student during a session. You should also get the latest models, and both automatic and manual transmission vehicles. Keep in mind that you would have to replace these cars after every few years because car technology evolves at a rapid rate.

Most car driving schools nowadays make use of computer simulators for their classes, even though they are no substitutes for the actual driving experience as a teacher. You would want to get your hands on these machines too to ensure you are not left behind the competition.

Work up a schedule for courses. To attract as much customers as possible, provide your customers the flexibility to make their own schedules. This is because there are different schedules that fit every individual. For example a working individual may only be able to attend your courses during his vacant hours, which usually are in the evening or noon.

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321 Comments

  • Derrick Vann said on April 15, 2009
    want to become a driver trainer have been a trucker driver for 17 years also have a driver improvement school.
  • M.Chinagorom said on April 30, 2009
    Hi I wish to start off a driving school business, how can i do this with a limited budget. And what is the minimum equipment i need. I would like to start off small, do you have a rough estimate of cost. the business will be established in London. Mr Chinagorom.
  • Yongama Dinge said on June 9, 2009
    Thank you so much for your explanations. You are quite helpful, hope you subscribe with me. Yongama
  • char higg said on June 18, 2009
    certified to teach them in high school. want to know how to start drivers school.
  • irina said on July 10, 2009
    What do i need to open a small driving school and be an instructor. What kind of documentation, instructor needs, and where I need to register my company and get license. Also I don't have a big budget so do you have a rough estimate of cost.
  • Rochard said on August 31, 2009
    I would like to start a driving school in Prince Georges co. MARYLAND. What would be an startup estimate and can I get a SBA loan to start it? I have very limited funds to work with.
  • Denise Govinden said on October 19, 2009
    Hi, i would like to start up a driving school, please help by providing me with details as to how to go about registering the comp and what documents i need.
  • tyrone nance said on October 22, 2009
    please send me all the necessary paper work and information to get stared with my business. thank you much................tyrone nanxe
  • Edison Jean said on October 22, 2009
    Hi, i would like to open a driving school and i'd like to be an instructor as well. What are the requirements do i need to open my driving school in philadelphia, pa. I would appreciate it, if you send the information through my email address, thank you .
  • Mary G said on November 8, 2009
    Reconstructing my life in this rough economy. What is considered to be ample experience and what kind of documentations needed to be an instructor? What is usually the start up cost?
  • annette ramsey said on December 10, 2009
    I live in Seneca South Carolina and already a driving instructor for a company in Greenville, SC. What do I need to become an instructor what is the required documentation from my state and how do i become certified by the state to run a business of this sort. Tell me everything I may need to get started. Thank you.
  • Jeff said on December 21, 2009
    I am interested in starting a school. I would be interested in more information you have. I am from Hamilton, NJ, USA
  • Pradeep Elayath said on December 25, 2009
    I would like to start a driving school in Los Angeles. Where I can buy a dual control car?
  • Basu Dhakal said on January 26, 2010
    Hello, I am trying to open a driving school in Decatur, Georgia and I have no idea about how to do so, would you please give me the answer in a very simple way? thanks
  • beberlyn said on February 2, 2010
    me and my dad want to open a driving school and we want to know what paper we need to open and we teach the students. i want to open the business in lawrence ma usa. thank you
  • Tim Broome said on February 9, 2010
    I am a certified public school teacher with drivers education certification. I have been teaching drivers ed in the public schools for 12 years now and I was wanting to form a new driving school in the upstate area of SC. With budget cuts the schools are doing away with drivers ed and I would like to offer this to our community. I need to know ALL of the needs to start a school and approximate costs. Thanks in advance!
  • od said on February 9, 2010
    i'm in jhb, south africa, i wish to start a campus driving school at one of the universities...how much do i need? How many cars would i need? How do i make this happen?
  • Tyron Carter said on February 17, 2010
    I want to open a driving learning center in Clifton N.J.
  • Yolandi said on February 23, 2010
    Hi I want to start my own driving school in south africa in the Eastern Cape area. Want is the requirements. I have a valid driving license code EB FOR 10 YEARS.
  • Elliott said on February 24, 2010
    Hello to all! I would like to open a driving school in Chicago, IL and have a few questions.
    A. How do I go about getting licensed and or registered?
    B. How do I become a licensed instructor?
    C. What are the prerequisites for opening a business like this?
    D. What would be one important piece of advice for a beginner in the driving school business?
    I would like to thank you all in advance for all your help. I'm happy I found this blog, and look forward to helping others when I get the chance. Until Next Time! Elliott
  • Khaya Sibali said on March 2, 2010
    Hi i'd like to open a driving school in Cradock South Africa. What do i need to make this possible. How do i go about registering etc. Pls help urgently
  • Greg Cox said on March 11, 2010
    I want to start a driving school business in Hardeeville, SC 29927, USA
  • luis d ribaya said on March 21, 2010
    Hi! My name is Luis Ribaya and my address is 11031 West Hondo Parkway, Temple City, CA 91780. I would like to know more about starting my own driving school. Is it possible to start with just one vehicle and, if yes, what are the requirements for this kind of business?
  • BOLA B said on March 22, 2010
    I WANT TO START A DRIVING SCHOOL BUSINESS IN BALTIMORE, MD 21207 USA.
  • dbow said on March 24, 2010
    I wood like to start a student driver school in asbury park, NJ & I would need a step by step break down on how to go about bringing this fruition
  • Kim said on March 29, 2010
    I would like to open a driving school outside Harrisburg, Pa. Limited budget, have 10 years of teaching classroom instruction to high school students. How do I get started?
  • Marc said on March 30, 2010
    I am, interested in opening a driving school in NJ (Monmouth County) I have read that I must secure a license and register the business. Can someone please provide me with some insight as to how to begin the process. Where would I acquire the proper credentials, what are the fees involved etc.? Thank you
  • fadilah mohammed said on April 11, 2010
    hi i would like to open driving school in New Zealand but i dont know anything about how to open this business and can some one provide me information so that i know where to start from. what kind of qualification do i require etc.... thank you
  • Donald said on April 13, 2010
    I am interested in starting a student driving school in Gibson County, Tennessee. Thanks!!!!
  • jeffery said on May 23, 2010
    I would like to start driving school on the East rand. How do I get started?
  • Thabang said on May 24, 2010
    I would like to open a driving school in Orlando West Johannesburg, how do i go about getting the necessary documentations, please assist.
  • Satya Akula said on May 24, 2010
    Hi I like to open a driving school in Stamford CT. please let me know what are the necessary documentations to start Thanks Satya
  • Ashok Brahma said on June 17, 2010
    Ashok Brahma, House No-M.I.G-II, C-11, Lingaraj Vihar, Pokhariput, Bhubaneswar-751020, Orissa, INDIA Mob-9437301579. I want to open a driving school. Please help in this regard
  • Theresa said on June 18, 2010
    How do i start a driving school in Lanham, MD
    How do I go about getting licensed and or registered?
    How do I become a licensed instructor?
    What are the prerequisites for opening a business like this?
  • Wim Pretorius said on June 25, 2010
    Hi i like to open a motorbike driving school up in the west coast, Western Cape South Africa. Please, How do i register. How do i start, How do i become a licensed instructor. Thanks Wim
  • Maita Mashavhane said on June 28, 2010
    Hi, I would like to start a driving school in South Africa (Limpopo Province). How do I go about registering the business? Could you please estimate the budget needed to start with one truck and a private vehicle? Thanks. Maita
  • gisele said on June 29, 2010
    as a foreigner but with indian partnership, can I start a driving school in India ? And what is the procedure ? Thanks for your help
  • Jamar Williams said on June 30, 2010
    i would like to start a driving school here in Waldorf, Maryland. I have no clue how to get started with it. Could you give me a rough estimate on how much it will cost to start, and how to start? Thanks for your help
  • BEN HAY said on July 2, 2010
    7675 159 ct.no. palm beach gardens fl 33418. I would like to start a driving school business in palm bch gardens. I sold my landscape business that I had at the same address with all required state and county license. please help me, THANK YOU BEN HAY
  • Sharon said on July 10, 2010
    i need information about the documentation required to open a driving school and where to obtain them. i'm in South Africa, Northern Cape province, Kuruman(town)
  • Countess said on July 17, 2010
    I'm located in Dallas, TX. I would like to go to driving school Instructor training, however I can't seem to find someone teaching instructors. help...
  • Joe Montoya said on July 19, 2010
    Bakersfield, Ca. I have an investor and am started in starting a driving school. I myself do not want to be an instructor but my question is how does one go about logging their 1,000 hours if they have never been instructors before but would like to become one? Any additional assistance is greatly appreciated. Best wishes.
  • Richard Hawkins said on July 26, 2010
    Hi I am planing to start a driving school this year. I have what i think to be a good budget already. I would like to know if there is a class out there that I can take that would teach me everything I need to know to insure this driving school is a success. I live in the washington dc area but i am willing to travel. If there is such class I can take can u please include a # and or website. Thanks!
  • israel I atinuke said on August 2, 2010
    I am planning to start a driving school in greenbelt maryland, what is the average start up cost and what do I need to do.
  • Ruaan said on August 3, 2010
    i'm from Port elizabeth, in South Africa, i've been working in sales for 8 years now, i want to start a driving school, i got 1, code 10 truck, 1, code 14 truck, and one code 8 car, what do i need to do to start, and is it profitable, as i'm going to resign from my company. thanks, Ruaan
  • lindela said on August 16, 2010
    My name is Lindela Ndzulu i am situated in South Africa Cape town and i would to start a driving school but not sure if my capital is enough to this because at the moment i have 50,000 as start up and planing to go on second hand cars first till my business is doing well. i really need more advices on this cause i am also not sure if this buisness will work for me i would be glad if can tell high and lows of this business. Thanks, Lindela Ndzulu
  • Segalo said on August 19, 2010
    Sebokeng, Gauteng Province, South Africa.i WOULD LIKE TO START A DRIVING SCHOOL BUSINESS, I DON'T GET ENOUGH INFORMATION ABOUT HOW TO APPLY FOR THE LICENSE. PLEASE HELP
  • Mr. morris Levi E. said on August 21, 2010
    I am a pastor trying to fine a way of getting my christain school going.
  • zayne barkas said on August 24, 2010
    Hi, I have read through all the comments and your wright up on how to start a driving school. I am currently running a first aid company as well as basic fire fighting courses and other health and occupational safety courses ect... we take our training very seriously and at the moment where we live a traffic department has just opened... We would like to know how do we go about getting all our ducks in a row and opening a driving school in our area... Must there be accredited procedures in place and how long does such a thing take to open here...what should be in place. I would be highly grateful if I could receive some help in this as many people are in high demand for drivers licenses in our area at the moment and I would like to start something new, fresh and professional... Regards Zayne Barkas
  • Alan Chudy said on September 9, 2010
    I would like to start a driving business in Glassboro, NJ
  • Lydia said on September 16, 2010
    Hi There, I also would like to open a driving school business in South Africa. Where do I go to register it? What do I need to have? (lydia.manyama@qinfo.co.za)
  • kasey said on September 18, 2010
    I would like to start my own driving school in Hampton, Va. I would like some information about that and can i offer behind the wheel only without offering a classroom
  • Carmen said on September 26, 2010
    Hi, I am interested in opening a driving school in Houston Texas and was wondering what would i need in order to open it including the programs. Hope to here from you soon.
  • David A. Whitaker said on September 30, 2010
    I am David Whitaker and a retired cdl driving instructor from a large company.I would like information on starting my own driving school in Canton,Ga.
  • Paul Chandler said on September 30, 2010
    I would like to open a driving school outside Chicago, IL. Limited budget, have 5 years of teaching classroom instruction to high school students. How do I get started?
  • Taylor Reedy said on October 1, 2010
    Please sent information for Beaufort South Carolina
  • carmen babaua said on October 9, 2010
    I currently owned and operating a driving school in guam. However, i would like to know how i can make my driving school more efficient for our community. I am trying to implement my school to become a court order program with individual charged under the DUI program and how to correlate this with the insurance company for mandatory 12 refresher course in DUI. carmen 671-777-2276
  • lashpal kaur said on October 9, 2010
    I want to start a driving school business. How can i get registered and get license. I live in woodbridge, va 22191.
  • simon said on October 15, 2010
    I want to open a Driving School in PA, can any one provide me info where to buy an dual control vehicle or is there a place where we can modify a car with dual controls. Appreciate all your help.
  • DEE said on October 18, 2010
    I want to open a driving school in nj, I have the app. for the license. It is telling me that I need to take a college course equaling 3 credits from a state accredited college. can you please inform me what this course would be and where I could take this course. thank You DEE.. brick nj. 08724
  • DEE said on October 18, 2010
    i want to start my own driving school in Brick NJ 08724 USA
  • Terry said on October 20, 2010
    Brownsville, Texas. would like to have a rough idea of the cost to open up a driving school.
  • Tshegofatso Mooketsi said on October 22, 2010
    I am only 18-year-old. i want to start a new business adventure which is a driving school. the location of my driving school will be at mafikeng or samewher around mafikeng. i know that starting this business will help most of people from mafikeng. the driving school that is available is always over packed.
  • Darius Naicker said on October 24, 2010
    hi,my passion is to start a driving school,i would like to know how to get the licenses to start this business and what it would cost me to get it up and running.
  • Wanda Turner said on December 6, 2010
    Loganville Ga 30052. Hi, I would like to know how do I go about starting a driving school business and how much would it cost me to start this business including the dual foot peddle system that must be put in the vehicle
  • Maria Lopez said on December 20, 2010
    I would like to start a new business which is a driving school in New Jersey what do i need and what kind of license do i need please guide me
  • Suryodoya Charitable Trust of India said on January 5, 2011
    How can we start a Car Driving Training School in Kandhamal, Orissa, India for the SC/ST un-educated youth.
  • harry said on January 6, 2011
    kent wa 98031 i have limited budget pls can you tell me how much it will cost to start up
  • harry said on January 6, 2011
    what is the difference between driving school and driving training school and how much it cost i have very limited budget
  • Manish kumar said on January 12, 2011
    Dear sir, I would like to start driving school at the following location please write to me for the essential requirement (related to Govt.Rules and or if any other,in full details with finance too )for this business. MUNDRA ( Near to Gandhidham & Bhuj ) RTO office at BHUJ, Gujarat, 370421.
  • Helmut . H. Martin said on January 25, 2011
    Dear sir, I would like to start a driving school which will serve in different parts of the country depending on the growth of the company. My girlfriend is already in the business having her own registered driving school with the relevant authorities. Please advise whether to expand on this one or start my own as i would like to make it a highly professional business which will provide high quality, convenient and comprehensive driver education and a one-stop facility for all driver's needs. She is very good and very professional in her work but i would like to know what and how i should go about this should i decide to go it on my own. Please give me all relevant info as needed. One more thing. What is the cost implications involved. The startup capital and everything included.
  • zanele said on January 27, 2011
    i like to open a driving school in ladysmith kzn i'm registered in cipro 5yrs experience driving
  • Lorraine said on February 2, 2011
    I am interested in starting a driving school in Albuquerque NM. I would like to know how to do this with a small budget.
  • zahirul said on February 26, 2011
    Hi, I want to open a driving school in Dutchess County, New York. Can you please tell me from where I need to start? Thank you, Zahirul Chowdhury
  • Matt said on March 22, 2011
    I want to start my own motorbike learner school. Is this any different? pl0x
  • vince b said on April 12, 2011
    new to this,want to open a driving school in florida
  • Karen Quigley said on April 12, 2011
    Want to start my own driving school business in NJ. What do I need to do?
  • Maria Castro said on April 18, 2011
    Want to start my own driving school business in VA. What do I need to do
  • Hector Perez said on April 18, 2011
    Hi, I want to open a driving school in LOS ANGELES CA. what do i do to get the driving school instructors certificate. What are right steps to getting started in driving school biz.
  • Rafael Rolon said on April 27, 2011
    Can you start a driving school from your own home and only one car?
  • pleasure mashile said on April 29, 2011
    hi i would like to start a driving school in south Africa Limpopo province i wanna all the steps i need to follow and the necessary documentations. thanks
  • Maxwell said on May 7, 2011
    i'm living in leslie. i am seriously want to start my driving school i can see that in my place there is really a skill shortage. please
  • terry Harper said on May 14, 2011
    wanting to make a difference. professional driver for 30 yrs. have 3,000,000 miles accident free. i teach the physical and mental aspects of the Big pictures
  • Elaine said on May 17, 2011
    I would like to start a driving school in Johannesburg South Africa please can you send me all the steps and necessary documentation. Thanks
  • SANDRA RESENDEZ said on May 24, 2011
    I NEED TO KNOW HOW TO OPEN A DRIVING ED SCHOOL. I AM A CERTIFY TEACHER IN THE STATE OF TEXAS.
  • GEORGE said on May 25, 2011
    hi, i'm interested in opening a driving school in JHB south.But now i dont what are the requirements and how to go about doing that business. i saw there you must get some sort of a certificate from the minister of roads and transport,but then i dont understand how. Can u please advice. Thanks.
  • Dhya said on May 30, 2011
    Hi would you help to find the information opening driving school in edmonton alberta please thank you
  • Noah said on June 6, 2011
    Hi, i'm interested in starting a driving school in Limpopo. I dont know what are the requirements, how and were to register. Please may you send me all the steps and documents on how to open a driving school. Thanks.
  • Shadung Raymond said on June 10, 2011
    Hi...my dream is to open a driving school and i dont know what the requirements.Please send them to me via email.
  • NIRESH said on June 10, 2011
    Niresh, KZN Province, South Africa, Durban, Chatsworth. I WOULD LIKE TO START A DRIVING SCHOOL BUSINESS. SO PLEASE HELP ME AND GIVE ME A LIST OF ALL THE REQUIREMENTS AND DOCUMENTATION TO BE FILLED AND SUBMITTED AND ALSO WERE TO APPLY FOR ALL OF THIS.
  • themba said on June 15, 2011
    i want to start a driving school and i need all the info i can get to make this a reality.in south africa.
  • Henry Vusumuzi Mngomezulu said on June 17, 2011
    I reside in Lephalale Limpopo in South Africa and i would like to start a driving school.Please send me all relevant information pertaining this goal.
  • Licia Soderberg said on June 20, 2011
    My husband and I reside in Connecticut and would like to know what are the requirements to opening a drivers school. He has been a truck driver for over 30 yrs with an excellent record. I work in a high school and love being around the youth. How much could we expect to need in order to get started? Thanks.
  • Thule Hlela said on June 23, 2011
    Good day. I would like you to help me with the information of starting a driving school in durban. thanks Thule Hlela
  • Syed said on June 23, 2011
    I have 26 years of verifiable experience in driving out of which 6 years in Taxi and 20 years in CDL. I want to start a driving school of my own in Houston,Texas or neighboring suburbs. Can I do it from my home or I am required to rent a commercial property. How much is the start up cost and start to end procedure including licensing etc. Please donot leave any thing unanswered.
  • Sekou said on June 27, 2011
    I would like to open my own driving school within the next 2 years. I've been an instructor for the past 3 yrs..I need to know the exact for opening my own school and the approximate cost of opening and maintaining one. like he monthly cost. my location plan to be in silver spring, maryland.
  • Nicholus Matuludi said on June 28, 2011
    Hi I would like to start a driving school. I have experience for over 20 years. I stay in Ennerdale and I would like to start small with one car then grow from there. I would like to get a relevant information on where to start and can I use my house as a business a place? From SA
  • chandre said on July 4, 2011
    I want to open my own driving school and be the instructor how long must i have my license for?
  • Bello Oyedele said on July 4, 2011
    Just planning to start a driving school. I need good information on how to go about it. Thanks, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria.
  • Jack Adams said on July 6, 2011
    I would like to start a driving school in Postmasburg in the Northern Cape South Africa. I would like to simulators units as well as a car and a truck for the business. I need a business plan for funding. I already have the presentation and quotations for the simulators.Pleas help.

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