Question: My driving instructor during the classes I took at a private driving school was awesome. Not only did I learn a lot, but I feel like I made a friend along the way. I was thinking about tipping her, but I wasn’t sure if that was the proper etiquette. Should I tip my driving instructor?
Answer: Your driving instructor sounds amazing! And count your lucky stars on that—some drivers don’t have the same experience. So while you can tip driving instructors, it isn’t required nor expected. But much like tipping a tow truck driver, it’s entirely up to you.
If you felt that you became a better driver or you passed your driving test with ease, a small tip or gift might be in order. However, you already paid them for their services, so you don’t have to go with 20% or something that might be a normal tip at a restaurant. Throwing them a $20 is probably good enough, but any amount that shows your gratitude will surely be appreciated by your instructor.
Is tipping driving instructors required?
Focus on how it is not required nor often expected and that use of the driver instructor comes with paid driving lessons. Can give stats on the average cost of driving school and/or how much driving instructors typically make (can also mention their pay structure is not set up like waiters who make a lower hourly rate and depend on tips).
I want to tip my driving instructor, how much should I give?
Focus on how it is common to want to express thanks to someone who helped you, esp. If you passed your driving test, and it would be more appropriate to give a small gift, gift card, or thank you card with cash rather than straight up cash. Then give a range of amount – i.e. a gift or cash value between $15-25 is plenty and expresses gratitude.
Xuyun Zeng is a content strategist with a wide-ranging content background including tech, journalism, cars and health care. After graduating with highest honors in journalism, Xuyun led a newspaper to win eight awards, helped start an award-winning film industry podcast and has written over a hundred articles about cars repair, state laws and insurance. Prior to joining Jerry, Xuyun worked as a freelance SEO consultant with a mission to create the best content that will help readers and grow organic traffic.
Ashley Eneriz is an editor and finance writer with over 15 years of experience in a wide range of financial topics, including car loans and insurance. In editing for Jerry, Ashley aims to make all car material reader-friendly for both the new driver and car enthusiast alike. Prior to joining Jerry, Ashley was the financial deputy editor for ConsumerAffairs. Her work is featured on Forbes, Yahoo, MSN, The Hartford and more.
