It is said that one of the best businesses to own is a driving school. Why? Because every year there is a new set of teenagers desperately trying to get their independence. So, each year you have a ready market. Daylan Hodge realized that from his experience working for his uncle and VI Life&Style magazine is proud to feature him as this issue’s Young Entrepreneur.
VIL&S: What is the actual name of your business?
DH: Daylan’s Driving School.
VIL&S: Where did the idea originate to start it?
DH: I started out under my uncle at C&I Driving School and I worked for him for about two to three years.
VIL&S: What does C & I stand for? Tell me more…
DH: Clyde and Isis Driving School. I have always had a mindset of working for myself; so I was grateful to be able to work for them, but eventually my desire to set my own hours and get a little flexibility in my life pushed me towards owning my own school.
VIL&S: When did you start driving with them and when did you start your own school?
DH: I started with C&I, right after I returned from the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic in Barbados. I was about twenty-one years of age. In 2015, I started with them and in s2018, I officially launched Daylan’s Driving School.
VIL&S: What was the process in registering your business? Is there a particular requirement with how long you have been driving to obtain this type of trade license?
DH: When I started the requirement was that you should have one year’s experience of driving with a business that had a trade license. So I had three years of experience before I branched off into Daylan’s Driving School; and of course a recommendation from a certified driving School which Clyde Potter was able to give, with respect to obtaining the trade license. Otherwise it is straightforward; you complete the paperwork outlining your goals, location, etc. and pay the required fee.
VIL&S: So would you say it was challenging to obtain the trade license?
DH: Not necessarily, no.
VIL&S: How do you obtain customers? Do you think that you are well known in the community?
DH: The business has grown based on reputation, that is, recommendations from past clients. I have put some thought into advertising outside of my WhatsApp status. I already have a uniform with the logo attached and some stickers.
VIL&S: How can persons make contact with you presently?
DH: For right now, it is by telephone 442-7449. I have been working with my marketing agent to deal with the social media pages (Facebook, Instagram) for the business. I confess that I was simply cruising with the business as I had just changed jobs. I am now employed with the BVI Shipping Registry as a Marine Surveillance Officer, which is exciting and another dream fulfilled. I now am dedicated this time to continue to make a difference with new drivers on the road. The BVI has to contend with vehicular and motorcycle traffic on limited roadways and each driver holds the life of others in their hands daily. I see my business as contributing to the safety of pedestrians and drivers every day.
VIL&S: Where do you see the business in the next couple of years? What is the longevity of the business now that you see where it can take you and the type of revenue it can bring in the future?
DH: It is envisioned that the fleet would be increased. I have already experimented with one or two persons driving under my umbrella. But with every personalized business, you realize that you have to pass on your ideologies to ensure a consistent level of service. Teaching someone to drive is very personable and your personality shows through as you allay their fears and make them feel comfortable; for some, what would be considered a very scary situation. So time will be taken, even with recruits under the business to inspire others to give selflessly. One of the new ideas that keeps this business excited and interesting would be, instead of the test being on the road, if there was a big playing field where the different aspects of the road test could be completed. Yes, the actual time on the road, watching the driver react to real-life situations is extremely important, but there is a time factor, which makes the process at times challenging, whilst waiting for the appointed time to complete the test.
VIL&S: With these challenges that present themselves, what is your thought process on continuing to aggressively grow your business?
DH: The time factor is so crucial, juggling this type of business with a full-time job is challenging. Whilst the weekends are great as you have much more control over the time, testing is done during the weekdays.
VIL&S: So what are the pros and cons with this type of business?
DH: You provide a unique service, so you get to set your own price. This has to be balanced alongside the risk that your asset can be damaged by carelessness of a driver. Then there is the wear and tear to the vehicle so regular maintenance is key. Whilst it’s one consistent price, based on the confidence and dedication of the driver, the number of classes required may vary. But I always put myself in the shoes of the driver and am able to empathize with them and put them at ease. Not to pat my own back, but I consider my approach, unique. I ensure that the student has a good understanding of the road. It is heartwarming when you see your students on the road and I feel as proud as they do, to assist them in obtaining one of their life goals.
VIL&S: What is one of the major challenges experienced in helping persons to obtain their license, written test, cone test, driving test?
DH: Most clients coming to Daylan’s Driving School have already passed their written test. The few that need assistance, I provide the book for them. After that, when the lessons begin, I teach them that driving is common sense. This job requires patience. I admit I have grown a lot over the years in this area of my life, as sometimes it takes repeat lessons, before they are successful.
VIL&S: What are the minimum amount of classes that you would recommend to anyone before taking the road examination?
DH: My recommendation is a minimum of 4-5 classes. There are many persons who might have had access to the road, but there are also aspects of the tests that are required, that shows the driver’s awareness of the traffic around him.
VIL&S: What is your current rate per session?
DH: I charge $30.00 an hour.
VIL&S: What has been your referral rate? Is it easy to get referrals?
DH: Yes, anyone that comes to me is satisfied with my services. I am complimented daily on my calmness, understanding, and flexibility. Assertive is the word I would use if someone needs to be firmly corrected for safety reasons and applied where necessary.
VIL&S: Do you have any prospective partners for your business, and hopes for expansion?
DH: Not at the moment. I expect a bump in customers once the marketing plan is in place. Some persons only appreciate that the business exists when they see me on the field with other clients. But I also want to be able to comfortably cater for my current clients and not be overwhelmed.
VIL&S: What advice would you give to prospective clients wanting to obtain their driver’s license?
DH: My advice to learner drivers would be “Don’t overthink it; driving is a feel; you use all your senses except taste. Like a baby, you had to learn to crawl, before you learn to walk. Take your time and understand what the vehicle is doing. Every little turn of the steering wheel matters. BE PATIENT”.
VIL&S: What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs interested in this field?
DH: My advice is to “PACE YOURSELF”. You have to mentally prepare yourself for each class. You can’t rush through the hour; it takes patience and dedication to keep clients and get referrals. Enjoy what you do, avoid mental strain. Plan and execute each lesson. Don’t stress too much about the future, enjoy the present. IT IS A PRESENT FOR A REASON. I saw this posted somewhere and it has stuck with me ever since.
VIL&S: What is the most enjoyable part about running this business?
DH: The flexibility – being able to set my own hours, that’s the life I want for myself.
VIL&S: What’s next for you, any new business ventures?
DH: I am loving my new job, and the driving school, so any networking ventures, that continues to afford me the time and flexibility to have time for myself and enjoy what I do is ideal.
VIL&S: Any last words to all YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS?
DH: Good luck, take your time and pace yourself, you will be fine.