How can a driving instructor get more Google reviews?
Ask every pupil for a Google review when they finish with you, and send your direct review link by text the same day. Ask everyone the same way, not only those who passed first time, because Google’s policies don’t allow you to ask selectively for positive reviews.
By Sammy Morgan, who runs M1 Studio in Chichester. Updated .
Not sure this is your biggest leak? Enquiry Leak Scorecard: 12 questions, about 3 minutes, no email needed.
- Industry
- Driving schools
- Problem
- Too few Google reviews
- The fix
- Local Search Fix, £800
- Do it yourself?
- Yes, the first steps below
Why it happens to driving schools.
- Parents read reviews closely
- A parent paying for a block of lessons wants evidence you’re patient, reliable and calm. Reviews are where they look.
- Pupils leave once they pass
- After the test, pupils rarely need you again. If you don’t ask on the day, the moment is gone.
- Word of mouth stays in family chats
- Much of your work comes by recommendation, so the praise lives in WhatsApp groups instead of on your profile.
- Map results sit side by side
- A search for “driving lessons near me” shows several instructors with star ratings and review counts. A thin set can make a busy instructor look quiet.
What to do, in order.
Get your review link
Copy it from your Google Business Profile and save it on your phone, ready to send.
Ask when a pupil finishes with you
Whatever the result, ask the same way. Pupils who’ve been with you a long time can be asked at a milestone too.
Offer nothing in return
No money off lessons and no prize draws. Google doesn’t allow incentives for reviews.
Reply to every review
Thank the pupil by first name. If a review is critical, reply calmly and briefly.
Automate the ask
The Local Search Fix fills in your Google profile properly and sets up review requests to every pupil.
Where M1 can do it for you.
Fixed prices, or a fixed quote before any work starts. No VAT is charged. Any running costs are listed before you agree.
- Local Search Fix £800
Your Google profile filled in with your areas and lessons, and review requests to every pupil, with no screening.
Look right when locals search for what you do.
- Missed-Call Rescue £800
Includes review requests alongside missed-call text-back and reminders, if calls are your bigger leak.
Missed calls get a text back, automatically.
Want to check the rest of your business first? Take the free Scorecard: 12 questions, about 3 minutes.
Before you decide.
Something else? Ask Sammy on WhatsApp.
Can parents leave the review instead of the pupil?
Yes, if they were the customer: parents often book and pay. Ask whoever dealt with you. Reviews must reflect a real experience, so never write them for anyone. See review requests in the glossary.
Should I only ask pupils who passed?
No. Google’s policies say not to ask selectively for positive reviews, and filtering who gets asked is known as review gating. Ask everyone the same way. The Google reviews guide covers the rules.
What does the Local Search Fix cost?
It’s a fixed £800, paid half to start and half at launch. See what’s included.
Keep reading.
Know what to fix. Then decide.
Sammy writes down what’s holding your business back and what to fix first. The Foundation Blueprint is yours within 5 working days of your answers.
From £200No VAT, one payment through Stripe
Not ready yet? Take the free Scorecard, 3 minutes.