Lynne Barrie ADI, ORDIT trainer and ADINJC President:

DVSA carry out an annual ADI survey in order to help them understand the experiences of ADIs and the challenges they face, the survey is relevant in England, Scotland and Wales and is anonymous. Personally I think these type of surveys are useful for us all to learn from so it’s a shame that only 5,620 ADIs responded in 2024 when at the end of March 2024 there were 40,984 of us! Therefore only about 13.7% of all ADIs completed the survey. DVSA say that the data in the report has a confidence level of 99% within +/- 2 percentage points.

This means that if it was repeated with different samples of all ADIs, 99 times out of 100, the results would be within +/- 2 percentage points of the figures shown in this report.

I think its worth looking at some of the main results but you can also read the full results at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/working-as-a-driving-instructor-survey-2024-results/working-as-a-driving-instructor-survey-2024-results

Some interesting findings so you can compare yourself and consider any changes you may want to make:

1. Lesson prices are rising:

Nearly half of instructors now charge between £36 to £40 per hour. 16.4% charge between £41-£45 and 3.5% charge £46-£50 an hour. The south-west shows particularly interesting trends, with significantly higher rates than other regions. In 2023 the most common price charged was £31-£35 an hour.

2. More instructors can take on new pupils

Availability for lessons has increased since June 2023, 36.6% can take on new pupils, but with striking regional variations. London instructors are more than twice as likely to have space for new pupils compared to those in Scotland.

Also interesting is that 59.8% of ADIs spend at least 25 hours working each week. 23.4% work 35 hours or more a week.

3. Satisfaction with our work as ADIs

It seems we enjoy our work and think it’s rewarding as a career choice. Over 90% of instructors report feeling content in their role. 87.5% of ADI have this career as their main work. 66.2% feel they can strike a good work and life balance but 17.1% find that difficult. 61.8% of ADIs intend to continue in their role for at least another year and 62.9% for at least another 3 years.

4. The type of cars we teach in

I’m surprised that only 4.0% of those completing the survey used electric cars for tuition. 14.6% use a hybrid car whilst petrol cars accounted for 64% and diesel was 19.8%. Personally I thought the electric vehicles would have been higher.

5. Professional development shows clear benefits

61.6% of ADIs have done some form of CPD (continuing professional development) in the last 12 months and 67% believe they can access CPD when they want to.

DVSA believe there is a link between continuing professional development and instructor success. Those who invest in CPD are more likely to charge higher rates, with most reporting improved performance.

6. Physical health

When it comes to the above only 22.3% of ADIs rated this as very good which is concerning, 42.6% as good, 25.7% as fair and 7.2% as poor. Worth noting is that in the past 12 months many ADIs have suffered from musculoskeletal conditions which include conditions that affect joints, bones, muscles, or areas of the body (for example, back pain or neck pain). Its easy to see why that may be the case with our sedentary work so consider putting in some strategies to try to overcome it such as routine exercise, stretching exercises, exercise even if only a walk around the car between lessons and watching for weight gain which could aggravate these conditions as well. Otherwise seeking some medical guidance.

7. Mental health

Only 26.7% of ADIs considered this as very good and 38.4% as good. 26.7% of you have carer responsibilities as well as your ADI work. DVSA didn’t ask why ADIs mental health was poor but this could be money worries, physical health worries, stress from the work and dealing with the pupils and their parents or of course other underlying factors causing anxiety.

8. Driving test availability

Not surprisingly driving test waiting times emerged as the most frequently cited concern by ADIs, also one no doubt that is causing stress. The vast majority agreed they use the Ready2Pass campaign and find it useful.

Hopefully you will find this information of interest or even be able to use some of it to change some of your current work, i.e. the price you charge. We do very important work and should charge accordingly.

I would urge more of you to fill in the next survey in 2025.

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