You’ve probably been thinking about starting a new business. If so, here in this article, we cover important things like startup budgets, licensing and permitting, and licensing needed for starting a business.
These days most people want to own their own car and vehicle. But for you to be able to buy one, you need to have a driver’s license from the respective DMV of the city where you live. To obtain a driver’s license, attending a driving school isn’t mandatory.
Most people who want to become taxi drivers prefer to take up a training course before going for the license exam. This creates a huge market for taxi companies. Here in this post, we present a step-by-step guide to starting a taxi company business.
10 Steps to Start a Profitable Driving School
These are the basic guidelines for starting a new car sales company.
1. Choose the Type of Driving School You Want to Start
Before starting a business, you need to decide if you’d rather start your own or buy an existing company. In the US, you can choose between starting a SurePass or 911 franchise.
If you’re looking to buy a franchise, the cost of buying a franchise includes a franchisee’s fees, but the franchisors take most of the hassle out of setting up a business. However, if you want to set up your own business, there are several different types of driving schools you can specialize in. Here are some of the niches you could go into:
b) Preparing learners for passing test examination
For people who want to learn to drive a car, they need to be trained by instructors certified by the relevant transportation agency. They will then take an exam administered by the transportation agency.
b) Commercial Driving School:
Commercial drivers must pass a rigorous training program before they’re allowed to drive these types of vehicles.
c) Disabled Drivers Training School
This type of school trains special needs students.
2. Understand the Local Market of Driving Schools
Today, most people learn to ride a bicycle. Therefore, the possibility of someone who has been riding a bike for some time exists everywhere. However, there is still room for more cycling classes because the need is increasing.
You need to conduct thorough research into your competitors’ business practices, the prices they charge for lessons, and any special offers they might be offering. This will help you decide how to set up your own business.
3. Create a Business Plan
After collecting some relevant information, you need to create a detailed plan for your driving school’s operation. Create an outline of your goals, objectives, operating plan (including finances), marketing strategy, personnel needs, etc. Use free online templates to get started.
The following topics must be included in your driving school business planning documents:
- Startup and recurring costs
- Target customers
- The operational and hiring plan
- Pricing plan
- What marketing methods would you use to promote your car service business?
4. Name your Driving School
You must be sure to pick an appealing and memorable company title for your auto repair shop. A good title will go far in establishing a strong auto repair shop brand and will definitely help in attracting more customers. Also, make sure to check if the web address of your auto repair shop is available before purchasing it.
If you want to learn more about naming your business, here are some guidelines for doing so.
5. Licenses and Permits
A driver’s license is not just about learning how to drive. In addition to practical skills, such as knowing where the brake pedal is located, it also includes knowledge of the law.
Before starting your business, make sure you know what laws apply to your area. Contact local authorities to find out whether you’re allowed to run a school.
6. Calculate Startup Cost & Arrange Finance
You should now know the different types of expenses involved in setting up a new company. Before approaching any investors, you need to have a well-documented plan.
7. Procure Vehicles for Driving School Business
If you’re buying a used vehicle, ensure that it has proper insurance and signage for a student driver’s car. Also install an additional brake system, a steering wheel, and instructor mirrors for added protection.
8. Select the Location
Location plays a key part in the success of any teaching establishment. Make sure you choose an area that is easily visible to passing motorists. You should also ensure that your premises offer enough room for cars to park.
9. Create Curriculum & Pricing for Driving School
To create lesson plans both on theoretical (theory) and practical (practice) fronts, you can get pre-packaged lesson material from your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Approval List of Providers.
The pricing of courses should be competitive and should not be too expensive for learners. It is best if they can afford them.
10. Advertise your Driving School
The whole effort of promoting your car rental agency would be to ensure to attract new clients. Create flyers and pamphlets and hand them out to potential customers. Create an online presence and post information about the service and make it easy for people to find you. Use social media sites and advertise your company.
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