About Dave

Dave Lambert is a driving instructor with over 15 years experience. He was a trained mechanic and decided to train as a driving instructor with a national driving school in 1992.

Why did you decide to start your own driving school?

I had been considering starting my own school for over five years but was afraid to lose the security of having such a big company behind me. If times ever were to go quiet I would be able to get pupils from them, if I had my own school it would be down to me. It was nice to have my local office as support. The staffs there were really helpful and so I never felt alone. Then one day the company got bought out and all the staff at the office were told they were being made redundant. The instructors would then use call centres. This gave me the push I needed to go on my own. So many people who helped me were leaving and looking for new jobs. They were starting new experiences so I thought 'Why don't I?'

Were you confident of success?

I had concerns that the work would run dry and that I'd find it hard to get work on my own but I hadn't asked the old company for work for a long time so I kept reminding myself of that. I am currently in my second year running my own company and I'm busier than ever. I still have concerns about having no work but haven't been in the quiet situation.

Having worked for a driving school before were there any surprises when you went on your own?

I was actually surprised how easy it all was. I have the support of my pupils and family and so far starting my own company has been the best thing for my career.

What advice would you give somebody else thinking of becoming a driving instructor with their own company?

The main advice I would give would be to start off working for a large company whilst building up a large pupil base and reputation.