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Driving School Duo Hits Stride with Impressive Earnings
A driving school instructor in Central Queensland, Jenna, has piqued the interest of Australians after disclosing her earnings can reach as high as $1,200 daily. Jenna and her partner, Andreas, launched their driving school in September last year, and she reveals that her new venture provides not only better financial returns but also a coveted degree of flexibility compared to her previous role as a call centre operator.
“I’ve always aspired to be my own boss,” Jenna shared with Yahoo Finance. Reflecting on her experience, she added, “Not only am I earning more, but I also enjoy the priceless freedom to make my own schedule.”
The couple is among the first to establish a franchise with Jim’s Driving School, having previously entered the business world with Jim’s Mowing. The investment for a driving school franchise averages between $25,000 and $35,000, varying by state. They kicked off their operation with two second-hand vehicles—one manual and one automatic—and invested around $1,800 to install dual pedals in each car, alongside costs for branding and marketing materials.
Quick Growth in a Demand-Driven Market
Jenna noted the rapid success of their business, largely attributable to a scarcity of available driving instructors in the Mackay area. “It exploded for us,” she explained, as they advertised their services across local classifieds. They noticed an immediate demand, with established schools often booked out for up to three months in advance.
A recent video shared by Jim’s Group highlighted Jenna and Andreas earning $1,200 a day, which elicited a varied response from the public. While some questioned the authenticity of the figure, Jenna clarified that this number comes from both of them charging $100 per lesson, each completing up to six lessons daily. “It’s crucial to note that this income comes from two people,” she emphasised, adding that while they initially maintained this pace, Andreas has since scaled back to focus on their mowing business.
Potentials of a Driving School Business
The flexibility of their work schedule is apparent, with Jenna revealing that they primarily operate Monday to Friday. “Should someone choose to work six or seven days a week and manage six lessons each day, they could easily exceed earnings of $3,000 weekly,” she noted.
Despite Jenna’s claims, some social media users doubted the viability of charging $100 per lesson in the current market. "I don’t know who’s paying that much; I charge $65 and still hear complaints," one responder remarked, while others indicated differing average prices across Australia.
Jenna reassured that driving instructors are free to set their lesson prices, which can greatly vary; for context, a recent report by EZLicense indicated the national average cost for driving lessons is around $80 an hour, with regional prices fluctuating significantly.
Insights into Business Earnings and Costs
Despite the impressive daily revenue figures, it’s crucial to differentiate these from actual profits. Jenna explained the operational costs, detailing a monthly fee of approximately $820 to Jim’s, which can vary, along with additional lead generation fees between $0 and $18. Fixed business expenses include fuel, vehicle maintenance, and promotional materials.
After covering these costs, Jenna reported that she pays herself over $1,000 weekly while reinvesting profits to aid cash flow.
Many onlookers suggested that if they could earn such money, why not establish their own independent driving school. Jenna, however, affirms the advantages of being associated with a recognised brand like Jim’s, stating, “There’s significant value in having a well-known Australian brand supporting you. Trust is pivotal.”
Becoming a Driving Instructor
Jenna emphasises that the role of a driving instructor is suitable for individuals who possess ample patience. Prospective instructors must acquire certification to qualify, typically through a Certificate IV in Motor Vehicle Driver Training available at TAFE or private colleges. Anyone intending to instruct minors will also need a Working With Children Check.
The sector appears to be lucrative, with SEEK reporting an average annual income of approximately $88,000 for driving instructors, which augurs well for those contemplating this path.
In summary, Jenna and Andreas’s journey underlines the potential of the driving school business, illustrating how a well-timed investment and responsiveness to local demand can lead to impressive earnings and a fulfilling career choice.
