The Evolution of Car Choices for Driving Instructors

I’m Dan Tattersall, Head of Business at Dualdrive. With over two decades in the automotive industry, I’ve seen it evolve in remarkable ways, especially for driving instructors. From my early days with Vauxhall Motors to managing regional operations at Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and eventually pioneering Dualdrive in 2019, this journey has been incredible.

In this blog, I’ll look into the myriad choices driving instructors face when it comes to your most essential tool – your vehicle. Whether you’re a PDI just starting or a seasoned ADI, there’s a lot to consider. From cost-efficiency to balancing family needs, leasing options to the latest in hybrid and EV technology, I’ll cover what you need to know to make informed decisions.

Let’s get started.

Starting my career as a graduate with Vauxhall Motors back in 1995, I then spent 12 years with Enterprise Rent-A-Car at their regional head office managing SMR. In 2010, I joined MSL, where I held various roles, culminating in becoming Head of Business with the launch of Dualdrive in 2019.

When it comes to purchasing a car, there are numerous factors to consider. Do you want to keep costs low by running an existing or older car? Does your franchise supply you with a vehicle? Would you prefer to lease a car for the peace of mind that comes with included servicing and breakdown costs? Or would financing a car, with the potential equity at the end, be a better option?

Is the car you’ll be teaching in also the main household vehicle, needing to meet family criteria as well?

At Dualdrive, we first anticipated the needs of PDIs (Potential Driving Instructors) entering the market. Cost efficiency is crucial, and we recognized that a PDI might not want to commit to a contract longer than an initial 12 months in case things don’t work out. They need a reliable ‘work tool’ to get qualified and then can choose a car that fits their teaching criteria. Therefore, we offer bespoke packages designed to keep costs and commitments as low as possible for this sector.

Once fully qualified, an ADI (Approved Driving Instructor) can then opt for a car that meets their requirements and decide how to obtain it. Leasing or contract hire offers benefits such as set monthly costs, the ability to claim business expenses, a new car with maintenance and relief vehicle provisions, and no unexpected bills. The car arrives ready to teach with dual controls fitted. However, one must consider mileage restrictions and the fact the car won’t be owned at the end of the lease. For many, this isn’t an issue as ADIs typically have steady driving patterns.

Owning a car outright means owning the asset, with no mileage restrictions and perhaps the flexibility to hand the car back earlier if financed. However, one should be prepared for unexpected repair bills and the need for a temporary dual control vehicle to keep the business running.

Additional considerations for vehicle choice include whether the car will also serve private, family needs, and personal preferences for certain car manufacturers. Reliability scores from sources like JD Power or What Car?/Auto Express annual surveys, aftersales service, and vehicle warranty length are also crucial factors. Some manufacturers offer extended warranties of 5-7 years, or even 10 years, demonstrating confidence in their products and commitment to customers, while others stick to a standard 3-year warranty.

ADIs have indeed witnessed significant market changes in recent years, influencing their decisions. The production of small cars like the Fiesta, Rio, Micra, and Up! has ceased, and the perception of hybrid models has evolved. Small diesel cars, once popular (e.g., Fiesta TDCI or DS3 HDI), have seen a decline.

There’s been a notable increase in demand for automatic vehicles, driven by both market trends and pupil preferences. The stigma around ‘automatic-only’ licenses has diminished, particularly in city centers. The Yaris and Yaris Cross, our most popular cars here at Dualdrive, are hybrids that balance economy and ease of driving. The rise of EVs (electric vehicles), which are inherently automatic, is also significant.

While uptake on EVs has been minimal so far, as manufacturers launch, refine, and market more affordable vehicles with longer ranges, we anticipate a greater impact on the ADI arena in the near future. Manual transmission vehicles will still be around for many years, but automatic vehicles will undoubtedly be at the forefront of automotive technology.