Making money from driving

Start a small haulage business using a van to deliver parcels and other medium sized objects.
Cater primarily for local businesses. Operate your service to cater for delivery within a 100 mile radius or less. Canvas firms who already have delivery vans but may need extra help during busy periods. Leave a business card and/or leaflet with a contact number.

Deliver cars for money.
Offer your services to car dealers who regularly deliver or purchase cars from the motor auctions. Also, individuals who are going on holiday but don`t want to leave their car at the airport. Business cards and word of mouth are usually the best way to proceed. An insurance which allows you to drive any vehicle is also essential.

Start your own mobile advertising firm.
A large van or car with trailer can be used to advertise firms in your local area. Using a set of 4 x 6 foot boards made up in an A-frame, or fixed to the side of a van, a number of large printed posters can be displayed on either side to promote local businesses. Charge a reasonable set fee for each day, with a slightly higher rate on busy days such as Saturdays and market days.

Become a driving instructor.
In the UK if you are over 21 and have at least three years driving experience on a full licence you could train to become a driving instructor. It can be a bit stressful at times, but with dual controls fitted, it`s not so bad. Training is available (for a price) at centres throughout the country. Once qualified, a good way to get experience is to start working for an established driving school. When you feel you`re ready to take the plunge, you can get your own dual-controlled car and start up on your own. (note: qualifications will vary from country to country)

Start a delivery service for food shops to customers.
The trend is increasing for people to order goods by phone or the internet, so more companies may consider using this type of service. An alternative to food deliveries might be a delivery service for florists or chemists.

Learn to become a chauffeur.
There`s still a surprisingly wide range of opportunities to take advantage of in this enjoyable vocation. An ever-increasing amount of wealthy people emerging on to the scene, who require personal drivers due to busy schedules, loss of licence, no driving experience, or perhaps the lack of inclination to drive themselves, means there will always be an opening for this type of job.

Start your own `banger hire` business.
Car hire has always been a popular service, but getting a business like this off the ground means a fairly hefty investment where new or late model cars are concerned. An alternative is to hire out older cars around about ten years old. You do need reliable cars though. Japanes cars tend to be more reliable than others, and parts for older models are relatively cheap now and easy to get hold of.

Start your own wedding car hire business.
A white Rolls Royce or Mercedes-Benz limousine, with cheauffeur, make the ideal choice for a wedding car. Although prices have fallen to an acceptable level for cars like these, they`re not always easy to get hold of. Keep an eye in the Autotrader and Exchange & Mart motoring section, and use the internet car search sites if you want to strike lucky. Maintenance costs are generally the main problem, but a wedding car service can absorb these prices easily if run effectively.

Pitza parlours and chinese take aways are often in need of delivery drivers.
They generally take on part-time drivers for their home delivery service. Contact the shop manager or owner direct to ask if there are any vacancies. In most cases you will be required to use your own vehicle.

Provide a chauffering service for disabled people.
You will need a specially adapted vehicle that accomodates wheelchair access. For a single passenger this could simply be a small high-top van with a ramp and side windows, or a suitably adapted mpv. For multiple passengers a mini-bus with a rear hydraulic lift would be required. Your service could involve regular shopping trips, as well the occasional day trips to other towns and cities. Before embarking on this type of business however, check what rules and regulations apply in your particular region or country. In some areas, if you are charging for your service, the law will require you to have a suitable licence for this purpose.

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