This page is for instructors, and for driving school owners with a small number of cars, who want to avoid lost lessons.
Why instructor cars are tough on tyres
- Kerb contact during parallel parking, reversing and turning in the road scuffs sidewalls.
- Low-speed steering wears the edges of the tread.
- Repeated stop-start driving and hill starts add wear.
- Long working days with lessons back to back leave little time for checks.
- Several drivers using the car mean nobody feels it is theirs.
A quick check between lessons
- Glance at each tyre for a visible flat spot or bulge.
- Check the kerb side for fresh scuffs after manoeuvre lessons.
- Use a gauge on one tyre each time you stop for fuel, rotating through the four.
- Note any pressure warnings on the dash; see TPMS light on.
- Listen for new noises, and feel for vibration or pulling.
Look for kerb damage
If a learner clips a kerb hard, stop and inspect the tyre and wheel afterwards. A bulge or cut may appear later; see tyre bulge in the sidewall. A buckled wheel can cause vibration and slow leaks. Tell the pupil what happened and use it as a teachable moment.
Safety comes first
If a tyre goes flat during a lesson, the instructor must make a quick judgement. Use the dual controls if needed to help the learner stop safely, switch on hazards and move to a safe place before you inspect. Do not ask a learner to change a wheel on a busy road. See what to do after a puncture.
Mobile help that saves lessons
A mobile technician can attend wherever you are: a test centre car park, a pupil's home or your own driveway. You may be able to arrange a repair during a break between lessons. Booking a planned tyre replacement at home outside of lesson hours avoids losing income. See mobile tyre fitting, emergency tyre fitting and puncture repair.
Tyre choice for tuition cars
Most tuition cars are small hatchbacks. See city car tyres for general advice. Choose tyres with good wet grip and reliable durability, and match the size and ratings the car requires; see how to read tyre sizes.
Insurance and licensing
Your insurer and the car's roadworthiness are your responsibility. Use only tyres that meet the legal standards and keep records of changes. Check your insurance terms if you modify the car.
We serve instructors across areas such as London, Manchester, Watford and Reading; see the areas list. Call now for a quote on 0800 772 0355 or book now.
Planning tyre changes around your diary
Instructors earn by the hour, so a replacement should happen outside lesson time. Many instructors book tyre work on a day off, early in the morning or in the gap at lunchtime. A mobile visit at your home takes much less time than a trip to a tyre centre, and the car is back in service the same day. Avoid waiting for a tyre to become illegal; plan replacement when the tread is down to around 3mm so that you are never forced into a hurried change in the middle of a busy week.
Spare wheel and tools
Check what your car carries: a full spare, a space-saver, or only a repair kit. If you carry a spare, make sure the jack, brace and locking nut key are all present. Instructors should know how a repair kit works, since a sealant has an expiry date. Read spare wheel, repair kit or run-flat to see the pros and cons of each option.
Pupils and tyre awareness
A good instructor teaches more than the mirror-signal-manoeuvre routine. The show-me tell-me questions in the driving test include tyre checks, so a quick demonstration of how to check pressure and tread depth is a useful part of tuition. Using your own tyres as the example makes the lesson real, and pupils tend to remember practical advice long after the test.
Dealing with a puncture on a test day
A tyre problem on the morning of a driving test is the nightmare scenario. Check tyres the evening before, and have a contact number ready. If a puncture happens, tell the test centre as early as possible. A mobile technician who can reach the centre or your starting point quickly may save the appointment, but nothing is guaranteed, so allow time on the day and do not take risks with an unsafe tyre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fix a puncture between lessons?
Where it is repairable and safe, possibly. Call now for a quote on 0800 772 0355.
Can you come to a test centre?
Where permitted and safe, yes. Check with the centre.
How often should I check tuition car tyres?
Quick glances daily and a pressure check at least weekly.
Can I book a time outside lesson hours?
Yes. Book now or call to arrange.
Related Help
Need help with your tyres now?
Call now for a quote, or book now online. Phone 0800 772 0355.