Driving Instructor Training in Durham

In one word: honesty. We built DrewMatic out of frustration with the tricks, lies, and bullying tactics of the big-name franchises.

Where others see you as nothing more than a number and a cash cow for Mr Greedy — skimming your lesson fees, fining you for private work, and locking you into contracts — we see you as a professional who deserves respect.

That’s why we attract top instructors, outperform our peers, and give every DrewMatic instructor the comfort and security of a franchise without the nasty stink of greedy ownership.

First, you’ll need to check if you meet the criteria set by the Government. You can do that quickly on the official site here: gov.uk/become-a-driving-instructor.

Once you know you’re eligible, the next step is applying for a Personal Reference Number (PRN). You’ll need this PRN before you can book your Driving Instructor tests.

You’ve probably seen the glossy adverts promising £45k, £60k or more. But behind those big numbers sits Mr Greedy — the franchise owner who always makes sure he gets paid before you do.

• Weekly franchise fees often upwards of £80–£100.
• Extra “commission” of £2 or more taken from every single lesson you teach.
• Penalties and even fines for teaching privately outside their system.
• Locked-in contracts that threaten you with legal action if you try to leave early.

At DrewMatic, our lesson rates start at £40 per hour, and we offer two clear models:

👉 Franchise Model — £50 a week (or £52 with Total Drive), reducing after 12 months, with zero charges while you’re on holiday, off sick, or your car’s off the road.

👉 Pay-As-You-Go Model — support, pupils, and branding without ever being treated like “second class.”

Here, what you earn genuinely depends on the hours you want to work — not on how much Mr Greedy can skim off you.

We partner with Total Drive — a brilliant app designed specifically for driving instructors. It takes care of the admin so you can focus on teaching. With it you can:

• Get paid directly by your pupils.
• Allow pupils to book lessons with you online.
• Add new pupils straight into your account.
• Track payments, cancellations, expenses and tax.

All payments are logged, secure, and you’re paid the day after your client pays you. Pupils also pay 48 hours in advance, which cuts down cancellations and protects your income.

Unlike the big-name schools who’ll happily take your money and leave you to sink or swim, DrewMatic invests in you. We don’t just brand your car and hand you a diary — we mentor you so you feel confident and supported.

• Guidance from experienced trainers (including a former DVSA Driving Examiner).
• Realistic mock tests to prepare your pupils.
• Insider knowledge on test routes, examiners, and test centre etiquette.
• Structured CPD and standards check preparation.
• Day-to-day backup from a school with a proven reputation.

Yes — every instructor with us drives a DrewMatic-branded car. We design the graphics and cover the cost of getting them applied.

Your car is a moving advert, and branding is a proven driver of new enquiries. Having your number on the vehicle (if you’d like) means calls come direct to you.

We believe in leading by example — a trusted, consistent brand across the North East.

Not at all. With DrewMatic you only pay once you’ve got 10 paying pupils from us. If that number drops below 10, your fee stops automatically.

• 2 weeks’ free summer holiday and 1 week’s free winter holiday.
• No charge if you’re off sick or your car is off the road.
• No charge if you take a break.

Peace of mind comes fitted as standard here.

It depends on your path:

• Franchise Model – New starters sign a 12-month minimum, then switch to a rolling monthly deal with just 1 month’s notice. After year one, the fee drops to £40 (or £42 with Total Drive).
• Pay-As-You-Go Model – Fully flexible, no long tie-in, no penalties.

We introduced the 12-month minimum only to stop a handful of people exploiting us in the past. But unlike the big names, you’ll never face threats or hidden penalties here.

We’re based in the North East of England and demand is high in Sunderland, Durham, South Shields, Washington, Spennymoor, Newton Aycliffe, Darlington, Peterlee, Hartlepool, Billingham, Stockton, and Middlesbrough.

We don’t yet cover Newcastle, North Tyneside or Gateshead — so if that’s your patch, we’d love to hear from you.

If your area isn’t listed, ask us. Chances are, we’ve got work waiting.

At DrewMatic, we’ve built a system to help you exit fairly and legally. It’s based on the Ellis & Ors v John Benson Ltd [2025] EWHC 2096 (KB) case, where the High Court ruled that franchisors can’t enforce unfair, intimidatory terms.

• You may still pay something on the way out, but not the huge amounts they demand.
• Some instructors can escape their contract entirely.
• You’ll need the stomach for a fight — but you won’t be alone.

We’ll guide and support you every step of the way.

Pupils usually pay you directly — you’re in control. If you prefer, payments can go through Total Drive, which is secure and logged.

We never take a cut. You get paid the day after your pupil pays, and we insist pupils pay 48 hours in advance to reduce cancellations.

It’s a job like no other. You set your hours, make your own decisions, and make a real impact. At DrewMatic you’re never forced into work that doesn’t suit you.

The real buzz? Seeing your pupil pass their test. It’s an extremely rewarding experience — one that keeps you motivated to keep teaching.

Yes, there are ups and downs — but you’ll share the highs, build confidence in new drivers, and take pride in shaping their future.

You’ll be welcomed at DrewMatic. Whatever your reasons for leaving your current setup, we’ll listen and treat it in strict confidence.

If you bring your own customers, you won’t pay a penny until we’ve given you 10 new paying pupils. After that, fees apply as normal.

Fair, transparent, and built to respect the effort you’ve already put in.

Use the buttons above: WhatsApp for a quick reply, or the form for more details.

Text/call Clint on 07870 809 373 anytime.