Whether you’re already an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) or considering becoming one, one of the most frequently asked questions is “how much do driving instructors earn?”. With flexibility, independence, and the potential to make a decent income, it’s no surprise that more people are exploring this rewarding career. But how much an ADI earns can vary widely depending on a range of factors including location, pricing strategy, and the number of hours worked.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the earning potential of a driving instructor, including average hourly rates, typical weekly hours, and key overheads to consider. We’ll also explore what factors influence pricing, and why driving instructor income is far from a one-size-fits-all calculation.
Setting the right and fair price for your driving lessons is crucial, not just for attracting pupils, but for ensuring your business remains profitable. Below are some of the main factors that typically influence what a driving instructor can charge:
Running a driving school vehicle comes with inevitable costs such as fuel, insurance, servicing and repairs, which can all add up. With fuel prices often fluctuating, it’s important to factor these ongoing expenses into your lesson pricing to protect your margins. 26.50% of instructors surveyed in Collingwood Insurance’s primary research (117 ADIs were surveyed in May 2025) cited fuel and vehicle maintenance costs as the main factor influencing their pricing.
One of the biggest benefits of learning to drive in summer is the extended daylight hours. More natural light means more available time to fit in driving lessons and practice sessions, especially in the evening or even early morning. Driving in daylight also provides better visibility, making it easier to spot road signs, pedestrians, and potential hazards.
Understanding your target market is essential. In some areas, learners may have a lower disposable income, so setting prices too high could deter potential pupils. On the contrary, in more affluent regions, pupils may be willing to pay more for quality instruction. 13.68% of respondents highlighted pupil affordability as the most significant pricing consideration in our recent survey.
As a newly qualified ADI, you may start with slightly lower rates to build your client base. However, experienced driving instructors with a solid reputation, a number of positive reviews, and high pass rates can often charge more due to perceived value.
If you teach in rural or widespread areas, you may spend more time and fuel getting to and from pupils. These additional travel costs and time should be factored into your pricing to ensure your overall ADI salary remains viable.
Driving instructor earnings can vary significantly, however we can look at some typical figures to get a general idea.
According to the national careers service, the average salary for a driving instructor rangers from £31,000 to £45,000 when working a 20-35 hour week and depending on experience. On average, driving instructors in the UK earn around £33 per hour, though this figure can fluctuate depending on your region. Other sources state that the national hourly average for driving lessons sits around £28, but some instructors, particularly those with larger franchises like RED or BSM, report higher.
In London or other cities with a higher cost of living, lesson rates often exceed the national average. It’s worth noting that most ADIs are self-employed, meaning income is dependent on availability, demand, and personal effort. The more lessons you can book, the higher your ADI earnings tend to be.
It’s essential to remember that not all revenue is profit. Here are some common overheads that should be factored into your business planning:
These costs will vary depending on whether you work independently or under a larger franchise, how much you drive, and the type of car you use.
Being a driving instructor offers great flexibility and control over your schedule, but your income is very much what you make of it. With average ADI incomes ranging from £30,000 to £45,000, and some exceeding that with extra effort and efficient business practices, the career can be financially rewarding.
However, success in this field depends on many variables such as, where you operate, your pricing strategy, lesson volume, and how well you manage your overheads. Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to scale your business, understanding these factors is key to maximising your driving instructor earnings.
You will be logged out in seconds. Do you want to stay signed in?
