What did I learn at the conference?

So was it worth going to Worcester to meet up with 130 other Driving Instructors at the FreshStart Conference?

You bet it was!

One of the aims of the day was to encourage us to take back our Profession from the "Offers" driving schools.  Some even offer £5.00 for a lesson.

I live in a city and don't to travel too much to get to my learners but I still spend an average of £3.40 on fuel per hour of teaching.  This does not include anything towards the cost of buying, insuring and maintaining my car so why should I be expected to work for nothing to attract customers?

My nail technician charges me £30 for 40 minutes of work and I won't tell you what my hairdresser charges and neither of risk their lives in their jobs.  The responsibility of trying to produce a safe, skilled and mature driver should be recognised and reflected in the cost of our service.

So tomorrow I am putting my tuition fees up to £22 per hour.  My learners have had 4 weeks notice and so far I have had no complaints.

Wish me luck :)