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Start Earning While You Train as a Driving Instructor

Why Choose the Trainee Licence Route?

Becoming a driving instructor is an exciting career move, but waiting until you’re fully qualified to start earning can feel like a long road. Many people worry about the time and cost involved before they can start earning. The DVSA Trainee Driving Instructor Licence (pink badge) changes that. It allows you to earn while you learn, giving you hands-on experience and income while completing your final qualification. Additionally, instead of waiting until you’re fully qualified, you can start building your client base, gain confidence, and accelerate your career, all while continuing your training.

Context and Benefits of the Trainee Licence

The trainee licence is a temporary DVSA-issued licence that is valid for six months. During this time, you can teach real learners under supervision.
This means:

  • Immediate Income: Start earning as soon as you’ve passed Part 1 and Part 2 and completed your initial training.
  • Practical Experience: Gain confidence and gain practical teaching skills which can make passing Part 3 easier.
  • Business Building: Begin establishing your reputation and client-base early.

This route is ideal for those who want to avoid long delays and prefer learning through real-world experience.

How It Works: Your Step-by-Step Path

To apply for a trainee licence, you must:

  • Pass Part 1 (Theory & Hazard Perception) and Part 2 (Driving Ability).
  • Complete 40 hours of Part 3 training (Next Mile Driver Training offers, 20 hours of online classroom training covering DVSA standards and teaching techniques and 20 hours in-car, with an experienced trainer).
  • Apply for your trainee licence and start teaching learners under supervision.

This ensures you’re prepared to deliver safe, effective lessons from day one.

Once you have started your trainee licence, you must then complete an additional 20 hours of training in the first 3 months (Next Mile Driver Training also splits this 50% online, and 50% in car).

Costs and Investment:

You are investing in your future career, and this investment sets you up for a flexible and rewarding career with strong earning potential

  • Initial training: from £2,400 to get you onto your trainee licence
  • Additional in-car training: from £900. 

Earning Potential During Training

One of the biggest advantages of the trainee licence is the ability to start generating income while completing your qualification. Your earnings will depend on factors such as:

  • Lesson price in your area (for these calculations we have used the average of £38 per hour
  • Number of hours you choose to work, or are able to work
  • Your availability (full time, part time, or somewhere in between).
  • Local demand for driving lessons.

Here are some realistic examples:

Part-time (15 hours per week)

£38 per hour × 15 hours = £570 per week

£570 x 48 weeks of work = £27,360 (less costs)

That’s over £2,000/month income while still training.

Part time (24 hours per week)

£38 per hour x 24 hours = £912 per week

£912 x 48 weeks of work = £43,776 (less costs)

Approximately £3,648 per month

Full-time (30 hours per week)

£38 per hour × 30 hours = £1,140 per week

£1,140 x 48 weeks of work  = £54,720 (less costs)

Approximately £4,560 per month 

This means you can start recovering your training costs quickly while gaining valuable experience.

Busy Periods and Intensive Courses: 

During peak times (e.g., summer holidays or pre-test rush), you could add intensive courses or extra lessons, increasing your weekly income significantly.

Note: You must then take your costs off these figures to get your gross salary (income before tax)

Pros and Cons of the Trainee Licence

Pros:

  • Start earning sooner.
  • Gain practical experience before Part 3.
  • Build your business early.

Cons:

  • Extra training costs while on licence.
  • Licence lasts only six months (you must qualify within this time).
  • You need strong time management to balance earning and training.

Tips for Success While on a Trainee Licence

  • Plan Your Schedule: Balance lessons with ongoing training.
  • Market Yourself Early: Use social media and local advertising to attract learners, being mindful around the rules of advertising your services.
  • Stay Committed: Complete your additional training promptly.
  • Focus on Quality: Deliver excellent lessons to build a strong reputation.

Accelerate Your Career Today

The trainee licence route is the fastest way to start earning as a driving instructor. You’ll gain hands-on experience, build confidence, and establish your business, all while working towards full DVSA approval.

Ready to take the next step?

📞 Call us: 07704 850157
📧 Email: info@nextmiledriver.training
👉 https://nextmiledriver.training/become-a-driving-instructor/