How I Started a Driving School That Became the Talk of Town
By Obinna Okolie
Everyone has that moment in life when they feel a spark—an idea that lights up your mind and makes your heart race. For me, that moment came when I realized how many people in my community struggled to find reliable driving lessons. You see, in Nigeria, driving is more than just a skill; it’s a rite of passage, a necessary part of life, and in some cases, a ticket to freedom. So, I decided to take a leap of faith and start a driving school. Little did I know, this decision would change my life and the lives of many others.
The Birth of an Idea
It all started on a sunny afternoon in Enugu. I was sitting with my friend Eze at our favorite local spot, sipping some chilled zobo and discussing life. He was frustrated about having to pay exorbitant fees for driving lessons. “Why can’t we just teach people how to drive ourselves?” he said. At that moment, I thought, “Why not?” I had always been passionate about driving, and I had a knack for teaching. So, I began to sketch out a plan on a napkin.
Finding My Feet
With just a few thousand naira in my pocket, I gathered the courage to start. First things first, I needed a car. After weeks of saving and some financial help from my family, I bought a small used car. It was nothing fancy, but it was reliable, and that’s what mattered. I named the school “Drive Right Academy” because I wanted to emphasize safety and proper techniques.
Next, I created flyers—simple, colorful, and bursting with enthusiasm. I hit the streets, distributing them in my neighborhood. I remember the first person who signed up—a young girl named Ada. She had just finished secondary school and was excited about getting her driver's license. I felt a rush of joy knowing I could help someone take their first step into independence.
The Early Days
The first few weeks were tough. I had a handful of students, and my teaching methods were still rough around the edges. But I was determined. I infused fun into each lesson, using local slangs and relatable examples. “If you can dodge a danfo bus, you can drive anywhere!” I would joke, and my students would laugh, easing the tension.
It wasn’t long before word spread. Students began sharing their experiences on social media, and soon, I had a steady stream of new sign-ups. Each lesson became an opportunity to connect with people, share stories, and build a community. I learned so much from my students too; they taught me about their dreams, fears, and aspirations.
Building a Reputation
As the school grew, I realized I needed to step up my game. I began attending workshops and seminars, learning about modern teaching techniques and safe driving practices. I also hired a couple of experienced instructors who shared my vision. The more I invested in the school, the more it flourished.
One day, a local newspaper featured us in an article about small businesses making a difference in the community. That was a turning point! Suddenly, everyone wanted to know about Drive Right Academy. Parents were calling me, asking if I could teach their children. I felt like a celebrity—people recognized me on the street!
Challenges Along the Way
Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. I faced my fair share of challenges. There were days when students would cancel at the last minute, and some parents doubted my abilities because I was young. I remember one instance when a parent asked me, “Are you sure you can teach my daughter? You look so young!” I smiled and told them, “Age is just a number. It’s passion that drives success!”
There were also economic challenges, like the time fuel prices skyrocketed, making it hard to maintain the car. But I adapted, finding creative solutions and even collaborating with local mechanics for better deals. Each obstacle taught me resilience and reinforced my belief in the dream I was building.
Community Engagement
As Drive Right Academy became a household name, I realized I had a responsibility to give back to my community. I organized free road safety workshops and collaborated with local schools to teach safe driving practices. It was fulfilling to see the impact of our work in the community.
One day, after a workshop, a parent approached me and said, “You’re not just teaching my child to drive; you’re teaching them to be responsible citizens.” I felt a swell of pride. It was more than just a business; it was a movement.
Celebrating Success
Fast forward to today, and Drive Right Academy is thriving. We’ve expanded our fleet and have trained hundreds of new drivers. We’re known for our friendly atmosphere and effective teaching methods. I often reflect on that initial conversation with Eze and think about how far we’ve come.
The best part of this journey has been the relationships I’ve built. I’ve seen students grow from nervous beginners into confident drivers. Many of them still come back to share their driving stories, and it warms my heart to see them succeed.
Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
I’ve learned that starting a business isn’t just about profits; it’s about impact. It’s about creating a space where people feel safe, valued, and empowered. As I sit here writing this, I encourage anyone with a dream to take that leap. It won’t always be easy, but the rewards far outweigh the challenges.
You might wonder if you can do it too. Trust me, if you have a passion and a willingness to learn, you can turn your dreams into reality. So, what’s stopping you?
I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Have you ever wanted to start something of your own? Share your story in the comments!