06/10/2026
“DRIVING LESSONS ARE EXPENSIVE.”
Funny how an hour with a driving instructor gets treated like we’ve quoted for a private jet, when plenty of other professional services cost similar money.
Every profession on a list deserves to earn a living. Hairdressers, nail technicians, riding instructors, trainers you’re paying for their skills, equipment, experience and business costs.
Driving instructors deserve that same understanding.
Except our workplace moves.
We sit beside someone who is still learning to control a vehicle, while sharing the road with people who passed years ago and apparently consider mirrors an optional accessory.
We’re watching the learner, the junction, the pedestrian, the cyclist and the driver behind who thinks an L plate is a personal insult.
We’re explaining, reassuring, anticipating and deciding whether to intervene, sometimes all within a few seconds.
We put our own safety on the line every working day.
“Yes, but you’re just sitting there.”
So is an airline pilot.
Presumably you’d prefer them to keep doing their job.
Your lesson fee pays for far more than our time.
There’s the tuition car, fuel, specialist insurance, servicing, tyres, repairs, training and the running costs of a business.
The amount you pay is not the amount we take home.
After 22 years, you’re also paying for the experience to spot a situation developing before you even realise there’s something to spot.
I teach people to drive for life.
To make safe decisions when my seat is empty and their family is in the car.
You’re allowed to have a budget. Of course you are.
But please stop confusing “more than I want to pay” with “not worth it”.
Just tell me you can’t afford me.
You don’t need to devalue my profession to explain your budget. 😉
Your welcome to share your thoughts 💭
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Sheena Ahmed
