The driving school industry is hit hard by the corona crisis. Driving school turnover has decreased by an average of 96 percent. As a result, almost every driving school requests support.
This is evident from a survey conducted by the trade magazine Driving school pro among 1,200 driving instructors, of which 77 percent of the respondents are independent driving instructors. The survey shows that nine out of ten driving schools use one or more support measures. The Temporary Bridging Scheme for the Self-Employed Entrepreneurs scheme (TOZO) has been applied for by nearly seven in ten companies. The Allowance for Entrepreneurs Affected Sectors (TOGS), whereby the government pays out € 4,000 for fixed costs, is also applied for by a majority.
Despite the negative numbers, nearly 80 percent of those surveyed are confident that their company will survive the corona crisis. On average, the companies can park their teaching cars for another 4.5 months before the reserves run out. The industry expects the teaching price to rise after the crisis. The price for 60 minutes of practical lessons is expected to increase by € 3.00. This also takes into account the measures that must be taken to be able to comply with the “one and a half meter society”. If it is no longer possible to pick up the next one with one student, the number of students and thus turnover will decrease.
Despite the fact that classes and exams are suspended, many driving school owners are still busy. One in five respondents started working on the website and social media and ten percent did other (volunteer) work. The professional prohibition started on March 23 and applies until at least May 20. To avoid candidates’ disappointments in the future, the CBR canceled all currently planned theory and practical exams for the car for the rest of the year. More than 22,000 exams have so far been canceled.