Digsby, well done on passing the course. I have today taken the first steps towards doing the same thing. Not, I might add, to go into business or competition with you or the hundreds of other driving instructors out there, but to improve my chances of getting a training position within the ambulance service.

I contacted BSM and they tell me that the course costs £2457 up front or £940 for Part 1 and £929 each for Parts 2 & 3. I have also been in touch with the Institute of Advanced Motorists.

Perhaps you could guide me on a few points?

1. How long did it take to pass?
2. Had you done any driving with the Trumptons?
3. Did you do the Cardington Special Test?
4. Did you enjoy the course or was it an ordeal?
5. Is there money to be made?

Like this one.

There is one in Edinburgh with brightly painted Minis called "Driving's Cool".

Hi mate
If the truth be told I actually quite enjoyed the course. It took me about 2 years but that was mainly due to having 2 kids during that time, and the fact that I'm employed full time and could only carry out the training during bits and pieces of time off.
There's definitely money to be made out there but at the moment it's a bit of a struggle because it's one of those jobs where most of your work comes from word of mouth and I've spent a few quid on advertising but that hasn't paid for itself as yet.
The good thing is, I have a 100% pass rate as my one and only test candidate so far passed first time a few weeks ago!
The real money seems to be made after a few years when you are established and you can franchise out your business to other driving instructors just starting out that need the work and the help.
I haven't been to Cardington but most of the instructors at the college I learned at couldn't speak highly enough of it.
Best of luck with it and if you need any help feel free to post or drop me a pm.

By the way, the answer to 2 is No

Im bumping this thread as Im starting to think this training might be an option for me.

How is business Digsby?

How do you do, you are Mrs. Webb, is that right?

Oh, I see you’ve had one lesson already. Who was the instructor on that, Mrs. Webb? Mr. Adams. I’m sorry, here it is: Mr. Adams.

Just let me read ahead to kind of familiarize myself with the case.

How fast were you going when Mr. Adams jumped from the car?
75 (miles)!
And where was that?
In your driveway!
How far had Mr. Adams gotten in the lesson?
Backing out, I see, you were-backing out at 75 and that's when he jumped.

Mate, I just sent you a pm that took me about half hour to write with some advice. Then my pc threw a wobbly

Sent you a pm with my number....give me a bell tomorrow.

Just saw your PM before this and asked if i could ring you tomorrow rather than tonight

Question for Digsby (or anyone who may know)

Mate has just failed his test.

Says he was asked to turn right and put indicator on. Moved slightly right to get around a car and indicator went off (he didn't realise) nd then did his right turn.

Enough for a fail? Seems a tad harsh

I thought you were allowed three minor fails in each category. Or was it three meant a fail?

Probably somewhere between a major and minor mistake?

yeah, was considered a major so automatic fail

To be fair, it is quite a biggie, but not like drivers going round a roundabout, in the outside lane with their left indicator flashing, only to leave at the 3rd or 4th exit

Sounds a bit harsh but in this situation I think it can probably be attributed to the fact that his signal could have been misinterpreted as being on to pass the car? The way the examiners judge giving a 'serious' fault is if the driver does something that may cause another road user to change speed or direction.

In this case, if the driver is turning right without a signal on, the driver behind may have to brake sharply as he will interpret your mate as going straight due to the lack of signal.

I feel sorry for learners now as they're so nervous it is difficult to notice things like the signal going off inadvertantly. On the bright side if that's the only serious fault then he knows he's good enough to pass next time.