Running an approved training body (ATB)
Running your own motorbike instruction business gives you the chance to decide how you want to run your business including how big you want it to be, where it’s based and who your target market is. You’ll need a range of business skills to run a successful training body.
For example, you’ll need to think about these factors.
- Market research: Who are your customers? Who are your competitors? What opportunities are there in your area? What’s the best way to promote your business to your potential customers?
- Marketing: You’ll need an original and appropriate business name; you’ll also need a website to help customers find out more about your business. Will you use social media to talk to your pupils and colleagues?
- Buying training motorbikes: This will be your biggest investment: the machines must be suitable for your learners but ideally they’ll also be economical.
- Find a suitable site: You’ll need a safe training area off the road and some classroom space.
- Customer service: Doing this well can make you stand out from your competitors. How will you provide excellent customer service?
- Record-keeping: You’ll need to keep track of your financial transactions, including pay and tax, as well as your pupils’ progress.
- Keeping up to date: As laws, policies and technology change, you’ll need to keep up with them.
- Continuing your professional development: You’ll be responsible for keeping your skills up to date and developing them further through training courses, research or other means. See our advice about professional development for driving instructors for more information.
Finding support and information
There are plenty of places you can go for support, advice and information, such as the national organisations listed below. Many also provide training and hold conferences and meetings on a range of subjects. You may find there are local organisations in your area too.