One of the UK’s largest driving school seeks 300 new instructors to meet rising demand

One of the UK’s largest driving schools needs an additional 300 instructors to keep up with demand.

Figures from the AA show pupil registrations have increased this year by 5% – showing the upscaled need for jobs in the field.

Regional increases include a rise of 127% in Salisbury and 97% in Oldham. With Liverpool, Oldham and Bristol among the cities most in need of new instructors. 

Camilla Benitz, managing director, said: “We have seen significant regional booms of increased pupil registrations this year.

“It’s likely this increase in pupil demand is linked to the high waiting times for driving tests. As it is taking longer for driving instructors to get their current pupils through their test, new pupil slots are not becoming available as often, meaning there is pent-up demand.

“Many of the areas showing high levels of new pupil registrations are densely populated urban areas and we need additional instructors to match that demand. 

“Being a driving instructor is a flexible and rewarding career, which enables you to earn well, on your own terms.”

The latest government statistics show a 3% increase in provisional licence holding between May 2023 and May 2024. This increase doubled among 25-to-30-year-olds, with a 6% increase during the same timeframe.

To add to this, research from the DVSA revealed 70% of more than 5,000 driving instructors polled are closed to new pupils, even though 20% have increased their working hours in the last year.

Two-thirds (63%) are now operating a waiting list to manage demand, with 10% having more than 20 people signed up for a space. And 15% of those expect to have this system in place for more than a year.

Trish Hubbard is an AA Driving School franchisee, who expanded her teaching area into Bristol this year because of the demand in that area.

Trish said: “Learner demand is certainly very high at the moment, especially in Avonmouth and at times I have had to close my diary as I can’t take any more pupils on.

“I feel sorry for pupils if I have to turn them down or ask them to wait. I choose to work 40-hours a week, as I like to earn well and be kept busy.”