Why use an app at all?
Most instructors run their business from a paper diary, a banking app and a phone full of WhatsApps. It works, but bookings get lost, payments get chased and every evening goes on admin. A good app puts all of it in one place, and gives your pupils a better experience too.
8 things to look for
- A diary that's quick to use. Day and month views, lessons and tests, and changes your pupil can see straight away.
- Card payments. Pupils pay in the app, so you stop chasing money and handling cash.
- Progress tracking. Record what each pupil has covered and how close they are to test standard, so lessons build on each other.
- Notes your pupil can read. When learners know what they're working on, they need fewer lessons.
- Messages in one place. Keep lesson chat separate from your personal WhatsApp.
- A way for new pupils to find you. Being findable by postcode fills gaps in your diary.
- Teaching tools. A teaching board to show junctions, roundabouts and manoeuvres before you drive them.
- Fair pricing. Free for your learners, and a clear price for you with no long contract.
How DriveBox does it
DriveBox was built by Jamie Traynor, an ADI since 2012 and owner of OOOSH! driving school, to fix exactly these problems.
- DriveBox Connect: diary, card payments, progress, pass rate against the UK average, messages, and new pupils by postcode.
- DriveBox RoadLab: a teaching board for UK junctions, roundabouts and manoeuvres, with homework for your learners.
- DriveBox LearnLab: theory test practice for your pupils, with their progress shared with you.
Connect is free for instructors and learners until March 2027. After that, choose the Free plan or Pro at £9.99 a month, which includes RoadLab and LearnLab.
Questions
Do I need an app to run my driving school?
You can manage with a paper diary and bank transfers, but an app saves hours of admin each week and makes it easier for pupils to book and pay.
Can pupils pay me by card in DriveBox Connect?
Yes. Learners can pay for lessons by card in the app, and you can request payments for lessons you've booked. A small booking fee is added when learners pay by card.
How much does DriveBox Connect cost?
It's free for instructors and learners until March 2027. After that, instructors choose the Free plan or Pro at £9.99 a month. Learners are always free.
Does DriveBox work for PDIs?
Yes. DriveBox checks ADI and PDI badges, and LearnLab includes PDI theory test practice.