A Step by Step Guide to Teaching Driving Lessons as a Side Hustle.
Average Income: $400 to $800 per hour
Average Hours Per Month: 10h to 20h
Average Startup Costs: $7,000 to $25,000
If you have a passion for driving and enjoy teaching, then teaching driving lessons can be a lucrative side hustle for you. In this guide, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make extra money with a teach driving lessons side hustle.
We will cover the basics of driving lessons, startup costs, services that can be offered, how to market yourself, and more.
Table of Contents
What are Driving Lessons?
Driving lessons are professional training sessions where an instructor teaches a student the necessary skills and knowledge to become a safe driver. The lessons usually include both theoretical and practical aspects, covering topics such as road rules, vehicle control, and defensive driving techniques.
What Are the Start-up $$$ Costs to Become a Driving Instructor?
The start-up costs to become a driving instructor can vary depending on your location and the type of driving instructor program you choose. Here are some typical start-up costs to become a driving instructor:
- Education & Training: To become a certified driving instructor, you will need to complete an approved instructor training program, which can cost between $1,000 and $3,000.
- Licensing & Certification: You will also need to obtain a driving instructor’s license and certification, which can cost between $50 and $500 depending on your state.
- Vehicle: As a driving instructor, you will need a vehicle that meets certain safety and instructional requirements. You can purchase or lease a new or used vehicle, with the costs ranging from $5,000 to $20,000.
- Insurance: You will need to purchase liability insurance for your vehicle and business, which can cost between $1,000 and $2,000 per year.
- Marketing: To promote your services, you may need to invest in marketing materials such as business cards, brochures, and flyers, which can cost between $50 and $500.
Overall, the Start-up costs to become a driving instructor can range from $7,000 to $25,000 depending on the above factors. While these costs may seem high, keep in mind that once you have established yourself as a reputable driving instructor, you can earn a steady income and recoup your investment over time.
What Services Can You Offer Your Clients as a Driving Instructor?
As a driving instructor, you can offer various services to your clients, including:
- Basic driving lessons: These lessons cover the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary to become a safe driver, such as traffic laws, road signs, and vehicle control.
- Defensive driving lessons: These lesons teach drivers how to anticipate and respond to potential hazards, improve their reaction time, and drive more safely in various conditions.
- Refresher courses: These courses are designed for drivers who have not been behind the wheel for a while and need to refresh their driving skills.
- License test preparation: These lessons prepare students for the driver’s license test and cover the specific requirements and criteria.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching Driving Lessons as a Side Hustle
- Step 1: Obtain a driving instructor’s license. Check your state’s requirements for obtaining a driving instructor’s license and complete the necessary training and certification.
- Step 2: Purchase a car with dual controls. Invest in a reliable car that has dual controls, meaning the instructor can control the brakes and steering.
- Step 3: Get insurance. Purchase a commercial car insurance policy that covers the vehicle, the instructor, and the student.
- Step 4: Develop a lesson plan. Create a lesson plan that covers the necessary skills and knowledge for safe driving.
- Step 5: Advertise your services. Develop a website or social media presence to market your services, and create brochures or flyers to distribute in your community.
- Step 6: Conduct a pre-lesson interview. Before starting the lessons, interview the student to understand their goals and skill level.
- Step 7: Conduct the lessons. Follow your lesson plan and provide constructive feedback to the student after each lesson.
- Step 8: Review Progress. Continuously review the student’s progress and adjust the lesson plan as necessary to ensure their success.
How Much Money $$$ Can You Make with a Teach Driving Lessons Side Hustle?
As a driving instructor, your income can vary based on a number of factors including your location, the number of clients you have, and the rates you charge. According to ZipRecruiter, the average hourly rate for a driving instructor in the United States is around $22 per hour.
Assuming you work part-time as a driving instructor, you can potentially earn an additional $400-$800 per month, depending on the number of lessons you teach and the rates you charge. Full-Time driving instructors can earn significantly more, with some earning over $60,000 per year.
To increase your earning potential, consider offering additional services such as driver’s license test preparation, road safety courses, or defensive driving training. You can also offer package deals and referral discounts to encourage clients to book more lessons.
It’s important to note that the cost of becoming a driving instructor, such as obtaining a license and purchasing a vehicle, can impact your overall earnings. However, with a strategic approach to marketing and delivering high-quality services, a teaching driving lessons side hustle can be a profitable opportunity to make extra money.
5 Powerful and Proven Tips for Making Money with Teaching Driving Lessons
- Provide high-quality service: Deliver excellent service to your clients to gain positive reviews and recommendations.
- Be professional: Always be punctual, dress appropriately, and maintain a professional demeanor.
- Offer flexible scheduling: Offer flexible scheduling to accommodate your clients’ needs and busy schedules.
- Focus on safety: Emphasize the importance of safety to your students, and ensure that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to drive safely.
- Offer package deals: Provide package deals to encourage clients to book more lessons, and offer discounts for referrals.
How to Market Yourself as a Driving Instructor
To market yourself as a driving instructor, consider the following tips:
- Develop A Kick Ass website: Create a professional website that showcases your services, experience, and pricing.
- Social media: Use social media platforms to market your services and engage with potential clients.
- Local advertising: Create brochures, flyers, and business cards to distribute in your community.
- Referrals: Encourage your clients to refer their friends and family to your services.
- Online directories: List your services on online dirrectories such as Yelp, Google Business, and Yellow Pages.
How to Avoid Scams and Find Legitimate Driving Instructor Opportunities
To avoid scams and find legitimate driving instructor opportunities, consider the following tips:
- Research the company: Research the company and read reviews from former employees and clients.
- Verify credentials: Verify the company’s credentials and licensing before applying.
- Avoid upfront fees: Do not pay upfront fees for training or equipment.
- Consult a lawyer: Consult a lawyer before signing any contracts or agreements.
Driving Instructor Success Story Examples
- “How a driving instructor built a successful business from scratch” – https://www.startupnation.com/start-your-business/plan-your-business/driving-school-success-story/
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In Conclusion:
Teaching driving lessons can be a lucrative side hustle if you have the necessary skills, experience, and equipment. By following the step-by-step guide, marketing your services, and providing high-quality service, you can build a successful and profitable business.
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Teaching Driving Lessons
Our Ratings are an evaluation of a number of key elements that determine the potential of a side hustle. We consider factors such as earnings potential, effort required to achieve success, and any initial expenses. Additionally, we assess the level of competition and the potential for growth and sustainability in the chosen field. It's important to note that while these ratings can serve as a useful guide, they do not guarantee success. Ultimately, hard work, passion, and perseverance are the key ingredients for success in any endeavor.
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