One of the most important skills everyone should have is driving, this gives an edge to start driving school career in Nigeria for whosoever wish to launch a lucrative businesses and fulfilling career, particularly with the ever-growing demand for competent drivers and population in the country.
This article will guide you on how to start your driving school career in Nigeria
1. The startup costs
For a driving school business actual costs varies depending on several factors like location, preferred facilities, number of vehicles, and the level of desired professionals. It is suggested to carryout extensive research and create a detailed business plan to accurately estimate your startup costs. Registration with CAC range from N10,000 – N20,000, obtaining licenses and permits from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) or relevant state agencies can cost around N20,000 to N50,000 depending on the specific permits required.
Getting driving instructor permits for instructors through the FRSC attract fees per instructor, amount around N10,000 to N15,000 per person. You have to consider fuel and maintenance fee, equipment fee depending on preference. Renting or leasing fee of desired location with ample parking, classroom space, and a training area which can vary significantly depending on the area and size of your operation. Instructor salary and few vehicles in good condition depending on your budget.
2. Legal Procedure for Registration
Register your business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and obtain necessary licenses, this may include driving instructor permits, vehicle inspection certificates, and business operation permits, from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) or relevant state agencies, because in Nigeria FRSC set standard for activities relating to setting up a Driving School and Operations of enrolment of students, training of students, certification of students and recommending such students for the process of obtaining Driver’s License, which is back-up by Section 5 (f) of the FRSC Establishment Acts 2007 and further strengthened by Regulations 33 (1b) and 33 (1c) of National Road Traffic Regulations (2012) to regulate the activities of the Driving School.
To obtain licenses from FRSC, Prospective Operators of a Driving School must obtain form TSC0001 from any office and submit required documents. Training officer and Driving School Standardization Programme (DSSP) will carry out inspection, then Sector Commander registers the Driving School that meets the minimum technical requirements.
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The DSSP committee aim to set uniform standard for driving schools, this committee include: The Representative State Commissioner for works or Transport, the State Chief Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO), Federal Road Safety Corps, Representative(s) of registered associations of driving schools. DSSP aimed at evolving minimum uniform standards for driving schools in Nigeria. Sanctions, like Suspension, withdrawal of certificates and closure of driving schools shall be meted out on proprietors who do not conform to the required standards.
3. Requirements for Registration and Certification
For a driving school to be registered and certified, the following standards are required;
CAC Certificate of Incorporation, Classroom/Administrative office, Roadworthy vehicle(s) for driving instructions (dual control), Licensed Driving Instructor(s), Course Manual, Highway Code, Traffic Laws/Regulations Handbook, First-aid Facilities, Fire Extinguisher, Open-space Driving Range, Computer/Mobile device with Internet capabilities. Other requirements include: Simulator/Mock Vehicle, Road Signs Models, Vision Acuity Test Facilities, Library, Inspection Pit/Workshop, Television and CD Player, Overhead Projector, Magnetic Board.
4. Roadworthy vehicles for driving instruction (Including Dual Control vehicles)
Getting a Safe and reliable vehicle should be one of your top priorities, to ensure the safety of both instructors and students. Look for vehicles with excellent safety ratings, a history of reliability, and features like airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, adjustable seats and steering wheel. Dual control vehicles can help provide an extra layer of safety and allow instructors to intervene quickly if needed.
5. Licensed and Qualified Driving Instructor(s)
Ensure your instructors are experienced and qualified with valid driving licenses and instructor permits issued by the FRSC. Thoroughly examine their experience, knowledge of traffic regulations, teaching skills, excellent communication skills, patience, defensive driving technique, first-aid training and ability to interpret different traffic situations and respond appropriately. Make sure they stay up-to-date on new regulations and teaching techniques.
6. Infrastructure and Facilities
Select a readily accessible location with enough parking space, a comfortable classroom (for theoretical sessions), and a dedicated training area for practical driving lessons. Ensure safety standards are met, including proper ventilation, lighting, and seating arrangements. Invest in quality training equipment like projectors, fire extinguisher and so on, to improve learning.
7. Curriculum Development
Design a well-structured curriculum covering both theoretical and practical aspects of driving. The Driver Education Curriculum is designed to cover twenty-one (21) modules to take care of the following driver education courses: Basic Learner Driver Course (3 months), Proficiency Drivers Course (2 months), Executive Drivers Course (1 month) and Specialized Driver Course (1 month).
Driving School instructors are to strictly stick to the contents of the Driver Education Curriculum, to bring about uniform training for all categories of Drivers. The instructors are to allow students to build their skills gradually from basic control to advanced maneuvers. The course manual covers the following modules:
- Driver Orientation and Preparation
- The Art of Driving
- Licensing of Vehicles and Drivers
- Basic Vehicle Mechanisms
- Basic Vehicle Maintenance
- Safe Driving and Road Traffic Laws
- Client / Customer care in driving
- Basic First Aids & Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation
- Road Traffic Crashes (RTC) Causes, Effects and Prevention
- Tyres and Safety
- Executive Protection Driving Techniques
- Defensive Driving Techniques (DDT)Effect of Alcohol and Drugs on Driving
- Sharing the Road with Other Users
- Automobile Fire Prevention
- Safety Guidelines for Special Driving Conditions
- Road Signs and Markings
- Tricycles, Motorcycle riding and Mechanisms
- Driving articulated Vehicles (Tankers / Trailers)
- Earthmoving Vehicles
8. Marketing and Promotion
Building a successful driving school goes beyond offering great instruction; it requires effective marketing, branding and promotion to attract students and stand out from the competitors. You can develop a unique brand identity like name and logo, create a user friendly website showing your instructors profile, vision, mission, testimonies, contact information, services and curriculum. Advertise through social media and traditional model like radio and flyers. You can also partner with educational institutions, transportation companies, or corporate organizations to promote your brand.
9. Training fee
Research existing driving school fees in your area and offer competitive pricing while maintaining quality standards. Consider flexible payment options to cater to diverse budgets. You can consider discount on referrals.
Starting driving school career won’t only make you successful through your dedication, passion for road safety, and a commitment to continuously improve the quality of your services but also help Nigeria to have more professional drivers with safe driving practice and provide employment opportunity. Always give room for feedback to ensure overall learning and create flexible training time for the sake of people with tight schedule.
