Don’t Fall For The Lies Of The Big Name Franchise.
Large franchise driving schools in the UK can sometimes be unreliable due to several common issues.
The Big Name Franchise (BNF) will usually offer low-priced packages, like £99 for 10 lessons, to attract customers, but these deals often lead to problems such as instructors not showing up, lessons being shorter than promised, or difficulties getting refunds when services fail.
Not content with charging a hefty franchise fee, many of the BNF will take a percentage of your lesson fees too.
Fair?
During challenges like lockdowns, some big names, such as AA Driving School, have faced criticism for not supporting instructors financially, causing stress and debt.
These schools aren’t regulated like individual instructors, so if something goes wrong, it’s harder to get help.
Instructor contracts with large franchise driving schools in the UK can be quite restrictive and challenging.
These contracts often require instructors to pay significant upfront fees, sometimes thousands of pounds, to join the franchise.
Sometimes, even though you’re not paying hundreds of pounds up front, you will be tied in to long term contracts.
And once you discover that you’ve been ‘conned,’ it’s too late.
In return, they’re promised training, branding, and customer leads, but the reality can be different.
After an initial influx of customers, you’ll then be forced to accept the loss leading special deal lessons on the cheap, and forced to source your own work.
Oh it’s to help you prepare for life after the franchise they’ll tell you.
Nah. It’s not.
It’s usually because the BNF has a bad reputation and is struggling to get customers.
Many instructors find themselves locked into long-term agreements, sometimes lasting several years, which they can’t easily exit without facing hefty penalties or losing their investment.
Franchises might also take a big cut of the lesson fees—up to 50% or more—leaving instructors with low earnings, sometimes as little as £10 per hour after expenses.
This can make it hard for them to make a decent living, especially if lessons get cancelled or students don’t show up, as they still have to pay the franchise fees.
Some contracts also have strict rules about working independently or switching to another franchise, which limits instructors’ freedom.
Overall, these contracts can create a lot of pressure and financial risk for instructors, which is why you should always do you homework.
AA, My Four Wheels, Pass N Go, Bill Plant et al, will all tie you to franchise deals that seem okay, but quickly deteriorate.
Pass N Go for example, have a rule where they will force you to travel to their office to ensure your car is up to standard!
Properly badged up etc, or else!!!!
And that’s to name just one little contract rule.
Be wary also, of deals offering Free Instructor Training.
This often isn’t as free as it sounds.
For example, you’ll often be tied / handcuffed to a 2 year contract meaning your free training costs over £2500.
When sourcing it yourself can often cost as little as £1600.
This isn’t a DrewMatic advert, it’s more of a Public Service Announcement.
Please, don’t fall for the lies of the big name franchise.
Do your homework, don’t get caught with the soap in the shower!
