- Challenge House, 616 Mitcham Rd, Croydon CR0 3AA
- info@drivingschool-croydon.co.uk
- Mon-Sat | 08:00-20:00
Be your own boss. Set your own hours. Love what you do.
Turn your licence into
a career you own.
In 2023, nearly 3.7 million people applied for a driving test with only 39,195 ADIs on the register to teach them. The demand is real. Direct Drive will help you qualify, fill your diary, and get earning.
Why now?
There has never been a better time
Demand for driving lessons is at record levels. The number of people wanting to learn has never been higher, but the number of qualified instructors has not kept pace. That means consistent, reliable work for anyone who qualifies now.
3,712,728
People applied for a driving test in 2023
39,195
ADIs on the DVSA register to meet that demand
How we compare
The most affordable way into the profession
The big national schools charge a lot to train you. Direct Drive charges a fraction of the price and you get something they cannot offer: a local school with 25 years of presence in Croydon, a guaranteed diary, and a team you can actually speak to.
| Training provider | Type | Training cost |
|---|---|---|
| RED Driving School | National chain | £2,549 to £2,999 |
| AA Driving School | National chain | £2,349 |
| Bill Plant Driving School | National chain | £1,595 to £1,695 |
| BSM | National chain | £1,549 |
| Direct Drive Driving School Best valueCroydon based | Local, established school | £597 |
Competitor prices sourced from their websites and correct at time of publication. Direct Drive price of £597 is subject to a minimum 3-year franchise agreement on qualifying. Full terms provided on application.
Before you read on
Can you become a driving instructor?
Check you meet the basic requirements before reading further. You will need all of these to apply.
At least 21 years old
Full UK licence held for at least 3.5 years
Can read a number plate from 27.5 metres
No more than 6 penalty points on your licence
No relevant criminal record (DBS check required)
Patient, calm under pressure, good communicator
Able to commit to qualifying within 2 years
Genuine interest in road safety and helping others
Why become an instructor?
What makes this career worth it
Flexible hours
Work mornings, evenings, weekends or all three. You set your availability, we fill your diary around it.
Be your own boss
Self-employed from day one. Control your schedule, your income, and your working life.
Above average earnings
Around £60k OTE per year working 35 hours a week. Evenings, weekends and intensive courses earn more on top.
Make a real difference
Passing a driving test is a life-changing moment for your pupils and you will be part of every one.
Develop real skills
Teaching, coaching, communication, road safety. Skills that grow with every lesson you give.
You won't be alone
Backed by Direct Drive's call centre, diary management, and 25 years of experience in Croydon.
The qualification
The three-part ADI process
To qualify as an Approved Driving Instructor you pass three DVSA tests. Most people complete the process in 6 to 12 months alongside other commitments.
1
Part 1 — ADI Theory Test
100 multiple-choice questions covering the Highway Code, road safety, driving law, and instructional techniques plus 14 hazard perception clips. Pass mark is 85 out of 100 on theory and 57 out of 75 on hazard perception. Start studying while your DBS check is processed, which typically takes 6 to 8 weeks.
Study time: 6 to 12 weeksFee: £812
Part 2 — Driving Ability Test
A one-hour practical test of your own driving to a very high standard covering vehicle control, observation, planning, manoeuvres, independent driving and the emergency stop. Maximum 6 faults allowed. Nothing to do with teaching yet. Practice with our qualified ADI trainers is included in your package.
Duration: 1 hourPrep time: 6 to 12 weeksFee: £111PDI
Trainee Licence — Pink Badge Highly recommended
Once you pass Part 2, apply for a 6-month Trainee Licence. You start earning immediately while training for Part 3, build real experience with genuine pupils, and display a pink badge in your car. Trainees who take this route are far more confident when it comes to passing Part 3.
Start earning while you trainRequires 40hrs Part 3 training3
Part 3 — Instructional Ability Test
A DVSA examiner observes you delivering a lesson to a real pupil. Assessed on lesson planning, fault analysis, risk management, communication, and how well your pupil learns. Graded 0 to 51 with a pass mark of 31 or above. Score 43 or above and you qualify as a Grade A instructor. This is the hardest part and where our training is most focused.
Pass mark: 31 out of 51Grade A: 43 or aboveFee: £111Timeline
How long does it take?
Part 1
6 to 12 wks
Theory study
Part 2
6 to 12 wks
Driving prep
Earning
12 to 15 wks
Once Part 2 passed
Part 3
3 to 6 months
Teaching training
Qualified
18 months
Fully qualified ADI
Your training cost
Start your new career for £597
£597
Complete ADI training package with Direct Drive
Your £597 covers the full training package. Outside of that, you will pay DVSA test fees of £303 directly to the government at each stage of your qualification. Any further training you choose to book is arranged separately.
Subject to a minimum 3-year franchise agreement with Direct Drive on qualifying. Full terms provided on application.
What is included
Everything in the training package
1
Full resource pack (6 books)Driving standards, teaching methods and ADI requirements. Everything you need to study and reference throughout your qualification.
2
Official Instructor Theory AppStructured practice for Part 1 covering theory, hazard perception and mock tests.
3
Part 2 trainingOne-to-one sessions with a qualified ADI trainer to get your driving to the required standard.
4
Access to Part 3 trainersSupport from experienced instructors to prepare you for the instructional ability test.
5
Guaranteed work from day oneWalk straight into a career under the Direct Drive brand. Pupils, diary management and advertising all handled for you.
6
Part 3 step-by-step guidanceYou always know where you are and what comes next throughout your journey to qualification.
Your franchise benefits from day one
Included in your Direct Drive franchise
Training at your pace
You control your progress. Additional sessions available to book as and when you need them.
Diary management
Our call centre handles your bookings, rescheduling and pupil communications so you can focus on teaching.
Advertising included
We market on your behalf across Croydon. You benefit from 25 years of brand reputation without spending a penny on ads.
Brand and materials
Headboard, decals, business cards and stationery all included. You look professional from day one.
Holiday cover
4 weeks paid holiday per year with franchise fee waived. Just give us 2 weeks notice.
Ongoing support
Simon and the team are on hand throughout your training and beyond. You are never left to figure things out alone.
Additional DVSA fees
Government test fees paid directly to the DVSA
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Part 1 Theory Test | £81 |
| Part 2 Driving Test | £111 |
| Part 3 Instructional Ability Test | £111 |
Total DVSA test fees£303
These fees are not paid all at once. You pay each fee only when you are ready to book that stage of your qualification. There is no pressure to rush.
The real picture
What you can realistically earn
Based on a realistic 35-hour working week at £40 per hour. This is what a typical full-time instructor working regular hours actually takes home.
Monthly income
35 hrs x £40 x 4 weeks£5,600
3 driving tests x £165£495
Total monthly income£6,095
Monthly outgoings
Petrol£170
Insurance£90
Franchise fee£320
Total outgoingsapprox £580
Based on 35 teaching hours per week at £40 per hour. Excludes evenings, weekends, intensive courses and short-notice tests which all attract a higher rate. Tax and National Insurance not included. Vehicle hire charges additional if applicable.
Funding your training
Ways to fund the £597
Most popular
Pay as you learn
Spread the cost across your training with our flexible payment plan. No large upfront payment required.
0% credit card
At £597 a 0% purchase card means under £50 per month over 12 months, interest free. Earned back in your first two days of teaching.
Personal loan
A small loan covers the cost easily. At £1,400 per week once qualified, repayments are minimal and most instructors clear it in their first week.
DVSA test fees of £303 are additional and paid directly to the DVSA at each stage.
Your vehicle
Use your own car or hire from us
Your own car
Use your own DVSA-approved vehicle fitted with dual controls. Keeps your weekly outgoings down. We can advise on what is required.
Hire from us
Don't have a suitable car? We offer vehicle hire so you can start straight away. Additional charges apply depending on vehicle.
What our instructors say
Real people, real careers
Chris Gallimore
Former secondary school teacher, now a qualified ADI
★★★★★
I met Simon at the gym around four years ago when I was working as a secondary school teacher. After many years in education, I was becoming increasingly frustrated with the stress and demands of the job. During one of our conversations, Simon suggested that I consider becoming a driving instructor. I decided to take his advice and enrolled on the instructor training programme with Direct Drive. The training was thorough, flexible and fitted around my existing commitments. Simon was supportive throughout the process and always available to answer questions and offer guidance. I passed my ADI qualification on my second attempt and have never looked back. Today, I genuinely love my job. I still get to teach and help people develop a valuable life skill, but without the pressures that come with managing a classroom full of teenagers. The work-life balance is far better, and I enjoy the freedom of being my own boss. Becoming a driving instructor was one of the best decisions I have made, and I would highly recommend Direct Drive to anyone considering a career change.
Jawaid Khan
Transferred from another school, now a fully qualified ADI
★★★★★
I originally started my driving instructor training in Leeds because a friend had recommended a trainer there. At the time it seemed like a good idea, but the travelling distance soon became a real challenge and I felt I wasn't getting the support I needed. I met Chris at the gym and during one of our conversations he introduced me to Simon at Direct Drive. After speaking with Simon, I decided to transfer my training and it was one of the best decisions I made. The training was professional, flexible and tailored to my needs. Everything was explained clearly and I always felt supported throughout the process. Today I'm a fully qualified driving instructor and I genuinely enjoy what I do. My only complaint is that I'm always busy! Between teaching learners and running my diary, I often have to squeeze my gym sessions in early in the morning or between lessons. But honestly, that's not really a complaint. I'd much rather be busy doing a job I enjoy than wondering where my next customer is coming from. I would highly recommend Direct Drive to anyone considering a career as a driving instructor. The support, training and guidance made all the difference.
Pervez Ahmed
Currently training with Direct Drive
★★★★★
Training with Direct Drive was one of the best career decisions I have made. The course was well structured and easy to follow, with plenty of practical training to prepare me for life as a driving instructor. Simon's experience in the industry really showed, and his advice helped me avoid many of the mistakes new instructors often make. The support didn't stop after training either, which made the transition into the industry much smoother.
Enquire now
Ready to take the first step?
Fill in the form below and we'll get back to you within 24 hours. No pressure, just a straight conversation about whether this is right for you.
Who we are
About Direct Drive
Established in 1999, voted Croydon's Best Driving School four years running from 2022 to 2025, and trusted by hundreds of learners. Our in-house marketing drives a consistent flow of pupils. When you join us, that pipeline works for you.
What's included in the franchise
15 free pupils to fill your diary from day one
From £80 per week franchise fee once fully qualified
30 hours per week guaranteed or you don't pay
2 weeks franchise-free on start-up
4 weeks paid holiday per year
Supervised Part 3 lessons to get you fully qualified
Dedicated call centre for bookings and diary management
Online booking system with app so you focus on teaching, not admin
Headboard and decals included
Business cards and stationery included
Multiple income streams including intensives, tests and more
Continuous support building your student base from day one
The 30-hour guarantee: If we can't put 30 teaching hours per week in your diary, you don't pay the franchise fee that week. We can make that promise because we have the pupil volume across Croydon to consistently back it up.
Franchise fees
How the fees work
PDI period (pink badge): £120 per week while you are training for Part 3 and teaching under your Trainee Licence.
Fully qualified ADI: Drops to £80 per week once you pass Part 3 and receive your green badge.
The higher PDI rate reflects the additional pupil supply, supervision and support we provide during your training period.
Fully qualified ADI: Drops to £80 per week once you pass Part 3 and receive your green badge.
The higher PDI rate reflects the additional pupil supply, supervision and support we provide during your training period.
The numbers
What you can earn
Based on a realistic 35-hour working week at £40 per hour. Honest, achievable figures.
Monthly income
35 hrs x £40 x 4 weeks£5,600
3 driving tests x £165£495
Total monthly income£6,095
Monthly outgoings
Petrol£170
Insurance£90
Franchise fee£320
Total outgoingsapprox £580
Based on 35 teaching hours per week at £40 per hour. Excludes evenings, weekends, intensive courses and short-notice tests which all attract a higher rate. Tax and National Insurance not included. Vehicle hire charges additional if applicable.
Your vehicle
Use your own car or hire from us
Your own car
Use your own DVSA-approved vehicle with dual controls. Keeps outgoings down and gives you full control.
Hire from us
We offer vehicle hire so you can start without your own car. Additional charges apply depending on vehicle.
What our instructors say
Real people, real careers
Chris Gallimore
Former secondary school teacher, now a qualified ADI
★★★★★
Becoming a driving instructor was one of the best decisions I have made. The work-life balance is far better than my previous career and I enjoy the freedom of being my own boss. I would highly recommend Direct Drive to anyone considering a career change.
Jawaid Khan
Fully qualified ADI
★★★★★
My only complaint is that I'm always busy! I'd much rather be busy doing a job I enjoy than wondering where my next customer is coming from. I would highly recommend Direct Drive to anyone considering a career as a driving instructor.
Enquire now
Ready to join the Direct Drive team?
Fill in the form below and we'll be in touch within 24 hours to talk through everything in detail.
Have a question first?
Speak to Simon direct. No scripts, no sales pitch. Just straight answers from someone who has been in this industry for over 25 years.
Got questions?
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before you enquire.
About the training
Most people complete all three parts of the ADI qualification in around 12 to 18 months. Part 1 and Part 2 typically take 6 to 12 weeks each. Part 3 takes the longest, usually 3 to 6 months of preparation. The good news is you can start earning once you pass Part 2 by applying for a Trainee Licence (pink badge), so you do not have to wait until you are fully qualified to bring in income.
No previous teaching or driving instruction experience is needed. You just need a full UK driving licence held for at least 3.5 years, to be 21 or over, and to pass a DVSA enhanced DBS check. If you drive well and enjoy helping people, the rest is something we help you develop through training.
Re-sits are common and nothing to worry about. Your training package covers your preparation. If you need to re-sit, you pay the DVSA re-sit fee directly (the same as the original test fee) and we continue to support your preparation. The DVSA allows you up to three attempts at each part, and you have 24 months from starting Part 1 to complete the full qualification.
Yes. Most of our trainees are in full-time or part-time employment when they start. The theory study for Part 1 is self-paced and can be done at home. Practical training sessions for Part 2 are scheduled around your availability. Many people make the switch gradually, qualifying while still working, then moving to full-time instruction once they have their badge.
You will be assigned a qualified ADI trainer with experience in preparing trainees for the DVSA qualification. Simon Morris, who has been in the industry for over 25 years, is involved in the process and available for guidance throughout. You will have access to your trainer via phone and email throughout your training.
About the cost
The national schools — RED, AA, BSM, Bill Plant — charge between £1,549 and £2,999 because they operate at scale with large marketing budgets and corporate overheads. We are a local, established school based in Croydon. We can offer the same quality of training at £597 because we recover the cost through the ongoing franchise relationship. It is a partnership — we invest in your training, and you build your career with us.
Your £597 covers the full Direct Drive training package — one-to-one Part 2 training sessions with a qualified ADI trainer, the Official Instructor Theory App, a full resource pack of 6 books, step-by-step guidance through all three parts, and tutor helpline and email support throughout. The only additional costs are the DVSA test fees of £303 (Part 1 at £81, Part 2 at £111, Part 3 at £111) paid directly to the government at each stage.
The DVSA test fees are paid directly to the government, not to us. Part 1 costs £81, Part 2 costs £111, and Part 3 costs £111, making a total of £303. You pay each fee only when you are ready to book that particular test. There is no pressure to rush and no large upfront government payment — it is spread across your qualification journey.
About the franchise
The £597 training price is available to trainees who commit to joining and staying with Direct Drive for a minimum of 3 years after qualifying. In practice this means once you have your ADI badge, you operate as a self-employed franchisee under the Direct Drive brand. We supply your pupils, manage your diary, and handle your advertising. You teach. The 3-year agreement is what allows us to offer the training at £597 rather than the standard rate.
If you leave before completing the 3-year franchise period, the outstanding balance of £900 becomes payable, bringing the total training cost to £1,497 which is the standard market rate. This is not a penalty. It simply means you pay the full price for training that was discounted on the basis of a commitment that was not fulfilled. Full details are in the terms and conditions provided on application.
The franchise fee covers your pupil supply, diary management, call centre support, online booking system, advertising and marketing under the Direct Drive brand, headboard and decals, business cards and stationery, and access to multiple income streams including intensive courses and test accompaniments. In short, everything that keeps your diary full so you can focus on teaching.
The £120 per week rate applies during your PDI period — while you are teaching under your pink badge and training for Part 3. As soon as you pass Part 3 and receive your green ADI badge, the fee drops to £80 per week. The higher PDI rate reflects the additional supervision, support and pupil supply we provide while you are still in training.
About your vehicle
Yes, as long as it meets the requirements. Your car must be under 8 years old and fitted with DVSA-approved dual controls. If your car does not meet these requirements, or you do not have a suitable vehicle, we offer a hire car option. Additional charges apply depending on the vehicle. Give us a call and we can talk through what works for your situation.
Not a problem. We offer vehicle hire so you can get started straight away without needing to buy or modify your own car. Hire charges vary depending on the vehicle. Speak to us when you enquire and we will give you the current rates.
About earnings
Based on a standard 35-hour working week at £40 per hour, you can expect to gross around £5,600 per month before outgoings. After franchise fees, petrol and insurance which typically come to around £580 per month, most full-time instructors take home approximately £5,000 per month, or around £60,000 per year. Evening, weekend and intensive lesson slots attract a higher rate and can push earnings considerably higher.
You can start earning as soon as you pass Part 2 by applying for a DVSA Trainee Licence (pink badge). This typically happens around 12 to 15 weeks into your training. Once you have your pink badge, Direct Drive will start supplying you with pupils and managing your diary straight away. You do not have to wait until you are fully qualified.
You are self-employed. As an ADI franchisee with Direct Drive you run your own business. You set your hours, manage your own tax return, and keep everything you earn minus the weekly franchise fee and your own running costs. We are not your employer. There is no PAYE, no sick pay, and no annual leave entitlement — but there is also no one telling you when to start, when to stop, or how to run your day.
About Direct Drive
Three reasons. First, the cost — our training is up to £2,400 cheaper than the big national providers. Second, the local advantage — we have been operating in Croydon since 1999 and have a consistent, high volume of local pupils. National schools fill your diary with whoever is nearby; we fill it with pupils from an area we have spent 25 years building a reputation in. Third, you deal with real people, not a call centre or an automated system. Simon is available and involved.
We are based in Croydon and cover Croydon and the surrounding areas. If you live locally this is a significant advantage — you will be teaching pupils close to home, keeping your mileage and petrol costs down and your working day manageable.
Fill in the enquiry form on this page or call Simon direct on 07950 400840. We will have a straightforward conversation about your situation, answer any questions, and if it feels right we will talk you through the next steps. No pressure, no sales pitch — just an honest conversation about whether this is the right move for you.