Q&A: Does AA Driving School Franchise in the UK?

Alice Tuffery, writer

Published at 05/06/2019, Updated on 04/05/2022 , Reading time: 6 min

Q&A: Does AA Driving School Franchise in the UK? — Photo © aa-driving-school(1).jpg

If you want to get away from the desk and meet new faces every day, you might want to think about becoming a driving instructor. We’re taking a look at whether AA Driving School franchise opportunities are currently available and how you can get involved with the brand.

The Automobile Association – or AA, as most people know it – is the biggest motoring organisation in the UK. It’s been up and running for more than a century and now has over 15 million members. Although it’s famous for its roadside patrols, helping motorists in trouble, you’ve probably also seen its driving instructors carrying out lessons across the country.

Here, we learn more about the AA Driving School and whether you can invest in it.

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Does AA Driving School franchise?

Yes, the AA Driving School division of the British motoring company operates a franchise model that allows investors to become driving instructors in their local area. There are three options for prospective franchisees: the standard franchise option; the mileage franchise option; and the vehicle only option. Let’s take a closer look at each one.

1. The standard franchise option If you have limited experience as a driving instructor, this could be the ideal route for you. Like most franchise opportunities, it includes an induction programme with a training course that covers financial planning, marketing and customer service. While benefitting from the use of the recognisable AA brand name and proven business model, you’ll be able to minimise expenses, as all running costs, excluding fuel and consumables, are included in the franchise package. Insurance, road tax, breakdown cover and regular servicing are also provided by AA.

2. The mileage franchise option This includes the same level of support from the business, with an induction programme and insurance, but introduces flexibility with the pay-per-use mileage element. This payment scheme was introduced with the purpose of producing a lower weekly fixed fee for franchisees.

3. The vehicle-only franchise option This is also called the AA solo franchise, and it’s perfect for those who are already qualified instructors with plenty of experience, as it provides a dual control, unliveried vehicle and eliminates the induction course element. Franchisees can choose from a Ford Fiesta 1.0T 100ps Titanium or Ford Focus 1.0T EcoBoost, which they can then modify with their choice of branding or opt to keep it as it is. Franchisees are also given insurance that covers themselves and their pupils.

History of AA Driving School

The AA was founded in 1905, when four driving enthusiasts decided to create an organisation that protected motorists on the roads – both physically and financially. As the police introduced speed restrictions, the AA’s dedicated cyclists used “signals and salutes” to warn road users ahead of time, helping them avoid fines and legal action.

The AA was initially known as the Motorists’ Mutual Association, but after just a month or two, it changed its name to become the AA, as we know it today. Over the years, it used the latest technology to create innovative new safeguarding measures. Motorbike patrols replaced cyclists and insurance policies became available to buy.

A nationwide organisation The AA now has over 15 million members.

In 1912, the AA started inspecting hotels and rating them with their star system. Eight years later, the company created the first roadside petrol pumps. By 1923, there were 650 bicycle and motorcycle patrolmen working up and down the UK. Membership figures grew as drivers recognised the benefits of the scheme. In 1934, around one in three cars were registered with the AA – over 100,000 vehicles. By 1950, this number had risen to one million.

Today, the driving organisation has the largest fleet of patrol vans in the UK that helps a motorist every nine seconds. But it has expanded to offer a range of different services, from vehicle buying guides to pub and restaurant guides, and, of course, driving lessons. It’s even developed its own mobile app, which more than a million people are using.

Starting an AA Driving School franchise unit

Becoming an AA Driving School franchisee: If you’d like to learn more or discuss the franchise opportunities with AA, complete the franchise form on the AA website.
How much you need to invest: AA doesn’t publish its investment requirements on its website, but you can find out more by getting in touch with the franchise.
What you get for your investment: Entrepreneurs who decide to franchise with AA’s Driving School can rely on a good level of support from the business’ franchising team. As well as giving general business advice and helping with administration, AA runs a series of workshops and other events for franchisees to network and share insight. Further development training is also on offer, for the purpose of facilitating franchisees’ personal growth. AA also uses technology to make sure its franchisees feel confident in their ability to carry the AA franchise; it has created a dedicated website space and app, MyFranchise and AA MyDrive, for franchisees’ personal use.

There are many reasons why you should consider joining AA Driving School. Here are some of the top advantages of being a driving instructor:

Choose your own working schedule As a driving instructor, you simply jump in your car and pick up your pupil at a prearranged time. This means you can set your own working hours, as long as you can fit enough lessons into your day to keep your business profitable. You could even work part-time or take long holidays. You can also alter your working schedule from week to week, as there’s no need to stick to the same hours.
Get out and about If you dislike sitting in an office all day, becoming a driving instructor could offer you the freedom you’re after. You can choose where your students practise their driving, and this could differ from day to day.
Meet new people If you do your job well, your students will only be using your services for a number of months. This means you will constantly be meeting and developing relationships with new people. So, if you’re outgoing and friendly, this could be an exciting business opportunity for you.
Have good job satisfaction When you teach your pupils how to drive from scratch, you’ll give them the freedom to travel for the rest of their lives. This is a huge responsibility, so every time one of your pupils passes their driving test, you should feel fulfilled and motivated to continue teaching. That’s why being a driving instructor can be immensely rewarding.
Make a good profit If you become a driving instructor in your local area, you could earn £30,000 a year. Of course, your salary will depend upon the number of hours you work, so if you are a part-time instructor, it will be much lower. However, this works both ways; you can decide to increase your hours in order to make more money if you choose. This flexibility – along with the security of joining a franchise – is one of the reasons why many entrepreneurs choose to be an AA Driving School franchisee.

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Learn more

If you want to find out more, we’ve got plenty of resources here on the Point Franchise website. If you’re interested in automotive franchises in general, you can view all our current opportunities here. Alternatively, why not take a look at one of our other articles?