Franchise Opportunities

1. Franchise Overview

The Drive-Well Academy Franchise Programme offers qualified and trainee driving instructors the opportunity to operate their own driving school business under the Drive-Well Academy brand. This agreement sets out the terms and conditions governing the relationship between Drive-Well Academy Ltd ("the Franchisor") and the franchisee ("the Franchisee").

2. Franchisee Requirements

2.1 Who Can Join?

We welcome both qualified instructors and those training to become instructors:

2.2 Essential Requirements

To join Drive-Well Academy, you must:

• Hold a valid DVSA ADI Green Badge OR PDI Pink Badge (trainee licence)
• Hold a valid UK driving licence with no more than 3 penalty points
• Pass an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check
• Demonstrate excellent customer service and communication skills
• Have access to a suitable, modern training vehicle (less than 5 years old)

2.3 PDI Training Programme

For PDIs joining our programme, we provide:

• Structured training to help you pass Parts 2 and 3 of the ADI exam
• One-to-one mentoring from experienced ADIs
• Practice teaching hours with real students (supervised)
• Mock tests and exam preparation
• Target qualification time: less than 6 months

2.4 Desirable Qualities

• Experience with intensive/crash course training
• Fleet or ORDIT trainer qualifications
• Knowledge of local test routes in your proposed territory
• Business management experience
• Strong online presence and social media skills

2.5 Vehicle Requirements

• Vehicle must be less than 5 years old
• Dual controls fitted by an approved installer
• Full comprehensive insurance for driving instruction
• Vehicle must be available for Drive-Well Academy branding
• Regular maintenance and MOT compliance

3. Fees & Investment

3.1 Weekly Franchise Fee

3.2 What's Included in Your £50/Week

• Use of the Drive-Well Academy brand and reputation
• Territory allocation in your area
• Access to Drive-Well Academy booking and CRM systems
• Branded vehicle signage and magnetic L-plates
• Business cards, flyers, and marketing materials
• Listing on Drive-Well Academy website
• Lead referrals from central marketing campaigns
• Ongoing business support and mentoring
• PDI training and qualification support (for trainee instructors)

3.3 Payment Terms

• Weekly fee of £50 payable via direct debit
• First payment due upon starting with Drive-Well Academy
• Late payments incur a £10 surcharge after 7 days
• Persistent late payment may result in franchise termination

4. Territory Rights

4.1 Exclusive Territory

Each franchisee is granted exclusive rights to operate within a defined geographic territory. Territories are typically defined by postcode areas and are allocated based on population density, demand, and existing coverage.

4.2 Territory Protection

• No other Drive-Well Academy franchisee will operate within your exclusive territory
• All leads generated within your territory will be referred to you
• You may not actively market outside your designated territory
• Students may travel from outside your territory to use your services

4.3 Territory Expansion

Franchisees demonstrating strong performance may be offered the opportunity to expand into adjacent territories, subject to availability and additional fees.

5. Training & Support

5.1 Initial Training Programme

All new franchisees complete a comprehensive training programme covering:

• Drive-Well Academy teaching methodology and lesson structure
• Customer service standards and communication
• Using the booking system and CRM
• Marketing and lead generation strategies
• Financial management and record-keeping
• Brand standards and compliance

5.2 PDI Qualification Training

For PDIs, we provide additional training to help you qualify:

• Part 2 (driving ability) test preparation
• Part 3 (instructional ability) test preparation
• Supervised teaching hours with real students
• Mock tests and feedback sessions
• Target: Full ADI qualification in under 6 months

5.3 Ongoing Support

• Monthly one-to-one business review calls
• Quarterly franchisee meetings and workshops
• Access to online resource library and training materials
• Dedicated franchise support hotline
• Annual refresher training sessions

5.4 Performance Monitoring

We track key performance indicators including pass rates, customer reviews, booking volumes, and student retention to help you grow your business and maintain quality standards.

6. Branding & Marketing

6.1 Brand Usage

• Franchisees must use Drive-Well Academy branding on all materials
• Vehicle signage must be fitted within 14 days of agreement signing
• All marketing materials must be approved by the Franchisor
• Social media accounts must follow brand guidelines
• Uniform/dress code standards must be maintained

6.2 Marketing Support

• Listing on Drive-Well Academy website with booking capability
• Inclusion in Google Ads and social media campaigns
• Access to professionally designed marketing materials
• Referral programme for student recommendations
• Seasonal promotional campaigns

6.3 Local Marketing

Franchisees are encouraged to undertake local marketing activities within brand guidelines, including:

• School and college partnerships
• Local community events and sponsorships
• Referral incentive programmes
• Social media engagement within your territory

7. Quality Standards

7.1 Service Standards

All franchisees must maintain Drive-Well Academy's high standards:

• Minimum 85% pass rate (measured annually, for qualified ADIs)
• Minimum 4.5-star Google review rating
• Response to enquiries within 2 hours during business hours
• Punctuality for all lessons (within 5 minutes)
• Professional appearance and conduct at all times

7.2 Teaching Standards

• Follow Drive-Well Academy structured lesson plans
• Provide progress reports to students after each lesson
• Conduct mock tests before recommending test booking
• Maintain accurate lesson records in the CRM system

7.3 Quality Audits

The Franchisor reserves the right to conduct periodic quality audits, including mystery shopper assessments and accompanied lesson observations. Franchisees failing to meet standards will receive support to improve, with persistent failures potentially leading to termination.

8. Franchisee Obligations

As a Drive-Well Academy franchisee, you agree to:

• Operate the franchise in accordance with the Operations Manual
• Maintain all required licences, certifications, and insurance
• Pay all fees on time as specified in this agreement
• Attend all mandatory training sessions and meetings
• Submit monthly reports on lessons, revenue, and student outcomes
• Maintain vehicle to required standards with up-to-date branding
• Respond to student enquiries and complaints promptly
• Not engage in any activity that could damage the Drive-Well Academy brand
• Not operate any competing driving instruction business during the franchise term
• Comply with all relevant laws and DVSA regulations

9. Franchisor Obligations

Drive-Well Academy commits to:

• Provide initial and ongoing training as specified
• Provide PDI qualification training for trainee instructors
• Maintain and develop the Drive-Well Academy brand
• Operate central marketing campaigns to generate leads
• Provide access to booking systems and technology platforms
• Offer ongoing business support and mentoring
• Protect franchisee territory exclusivity
• Share best practices and industry updates
• Handle customer complaints escalated from franchisees
• Continuously improve systems and processes

10. Term & Renewal

10.1 Agreement Term

The franchise operates on a rolling basis with no fixed end date. Either party may terminate with 8 weeks written notice.

10.2 Flexibility

• No long-term lock-in contracts
• Continue for as long as it works for both parties
• 8 weeks notice to leave — simple and fair
• Terms may be updated with 4 weeks notice

10.3 Transfer

Franchises may be transferred to a new operator with prior written approval from the Franchisor.

11. Termination

11.1 Termination by Franchisee

• 8 weeks written notice required
• All outstanding fees must be paid
• All branding must be removed from vehicle and materials
• Student records must be transferred to the Franchisor

11.2 Termination by Franchisor

The Franchisor may terminate the agreement immediately for:

• Loss of ADI/PDI badge or driving licence
• Criminal conviction or DBS concerns
• Gross misconduct or behaviour damaging to the brand
• Fraud or misrepresentation
• Persistent failure to meet quality standards after support
• Non-payment of fees for 4+ weeks
• Operating a competing business

11.3 Post-Termination

• All Drive-Well Academy materials and branding must be returned or removed
• Confidentiality obligations continue indefinitely
• Students may choose to remain with the instructor or transfer to another Drive-Well Academy instructor

12. Confidentiality

Franchisees agree to maintain strict confidentiality regarding:

• The Operations Manual and teaching methods
• Business systems, processes, and technology
• Financial information and performance data
• Customer and student information
• Marketing strategies and materials
• Any other proprietary information

This confidentiality obligation survives termination of the franchise agreement.

13. Insurance Requirements

Franchisees must maintain the following insurance coverage:

• Motor Insurance: Comprehensive cover for driving instruction with a minimum £5 million third-party liability
• Public Liability Insurance: Minimum £2 million cover
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: Minimum £1 million cover (recommended)

Proof of insurance must be provided annually and upon request. Failure to maintain adequate insurance is grounds for immediate termination.

14. Dispute Resolution

14.1 Informal Resolution

In the event of any dispute, both parties agree to first attempt to resolve the matter through informal discussion and negotiation.

14.2 Mediation

If informal resolution fails, disputes will be referred to mediation before any legal proceedings are initiated.

14.3 Governing Law

This agreement is governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any legal proceedings will be conducted in the courts of England and Wales.

Disclaimer

This document provides an overview of the Drive-Well Academy Franchise Programme and does not constitute a legally binding offer. Full terms and conditions are contained in the Franchise Agreement, which will be provided to approved applicants.

Prospective franchisees are advised to seek independent legal and financial advice before entering into any franchise agreement.

Last updated: December 2024