Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$224,200 - $557,300
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total US Locations
6
Business Summary
Driving Academy™ operates truck driving schools that offer comprehensive training programs to help individuals prepare for and obtain their commercial driving licenses. This includes classroom instruction, hands-on virtual driving using simulators, and behind-the-wheel training on designated driving courses, all delivered by certified and licensed instructors. The business also provides commercial truck driving job placement services and may offer state-certified testing services for road tests in the future.
Corporate History
Driving Academy Franchising, Inc. was incorporated in New Jersey on June 18, 2021, to operate and sell franchises for truck driving schools under the Driving Academy™ brand. The business model provides comprehensive commercial driving license training programs. The franchisor has a limited operating history. Its parent company, Driving Academy Acquisition Inc., was formed on October 16, 2024. An affiliate, Driving Academy, Inc. (DAI), founded on September 7, 2016, operates one Driving Academy™ business. Another affiliate, Cosa Bella, Inc. (CBI), formed on August 5, 2004, and acquired by Jonathan Marques in November 2018, operates a CDL testing center.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$224,200 - $557,300
Franchise Fee (Low)
$35,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$50,000
Royalty %
10%
Marketing %
1%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$98,500
Equipment Costs (High)
$356,300
Working Capital
$37,500
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Driving Academy Franchising, Inc. reported a significant working capital deficit of -$251,215 and a substantial stockholder's deficit equity of -$749,960 as of December 31, 2024. These deficits are largely attributed to a $670,697 distribution made to stockholders in October 2024, prior to a stock purchase agreement. Despite these financial deficits, the company generated positive cash flow from operating activities, totaling $544,503 in 2024. While the auditors evaluated conditions for a going concern, their opinion on the financial statements was unqualified.
Financing Details
Driving Academy Franchising, Inc. does not offer any direct or indirect financing options to its franchisees and does not guarantee any notes, leases, or other obligations.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
6
Franchised Units
4
Corporate Units
2
Avg Square Footage
2,000
Franchising Since
2021
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
Driving Academy Franchising, Inc. has no litigation to disclose in Item 3 of its Franchise Disclosure Document.
Bankruptcy History
Driving Academy Franchising, Inc. has no bankruptcy information to disclose in Item 4 of its Franchise Disclosure Document.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
5 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their franchise agreement, Driving Academy Franchising, Inc. requires franchisees to provide written notice of their election to renew between six and twelve months prior to the current term's expiration. Franchisees must be in full compliance with their agreement, sign the then-current franchise agreement, pay a $15,000 renewal fee for each franchise, comply with current training and qualification requirements, execute a general release of claims, and upgrade their business to meet the franchisor's then-current standards. The new renewal agreement may include materially different terms and conditions.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Driving Academy Franchising, Inc. provides comprehensive assistance to its franchisees, starting with written guidelines for site selection, lease approval, and recommendations for licenses and permits. The franchisor offers specifications for equipment, technology, furnishings, fixtures, signage, approved services, curriculum, and vendors, along with purchasing strategies. Initial training includes a self-study program and a fourteen-day program at corporate headquarters for up to four individuals, including the franchisee and manager. A startup kit is provided, and up to seven days of on-site assistance is offered for pre-opening or grand opening. Ongoing support is available via phone and email during business hours, covering operational strategies, curriculum updates, industry developments, sales, marketing, and problem-solving. Franchisees receive updated lists of approved items and suppliers, minimum inventory requirements, and suggested pricing. The franchisor also provides continuing education, potential annual conferences, and administrative, record-keeping, and accounting system assistance, as well as technology updates and proprietary software support. The franchisor may establish a System Advertising Fund and provide creative materials for advertising.
Initial Training Hours
141
Training Location
Corporate headquarters in Linden, New Jersey or as we otherwise specify.
Ongoing Support
Driving Academy Franchising, Inc. offers ongoing support to its franchisees through consultation and advice on operational strategies, curriculum, industry developments, sales, marketing, and problem-solving. This support is accessible by phone and email during regular business hours (Eastern Time Zone). Franchisees receive updated lists of approved services, products, equipment, and suppliers, as well as minimum inventory requirements and suggested pricing strategies. The franchisor also provides continuing education sessions, which may be conducted virtually or at the corporate headquarters in Linden, New Jersey, potentially incurring a registration fee of up to $250 per person per day. Annual conferences may also be held. Additionally, the franchisor assists with establishing administrative, record-keeping, and accounting procedures and provides update and upgrade requirements for technology items and related third-party software.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Driving Academy Franchising, Inc. seeks franchisees or their managing owners/managers who are prepared for hands-on, full-time day-to-day supervision of the business. Ideal candidates must hold a valid commercial driving instructor license or any other state/county required license or certification, successfully complete the franchisor's training program, and dedicate full-time effort to supervising the business, being present during operating hours. They should possess business experience, have a personality conducive to attracting students, and demonstrate the aptitude and ability to operate a Driving Academy™ business.
Industry Experience Required
Yes
Management Experience Required
Yes
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Commercial
Owner Participation
Full-Time
Territory Type
Protected
Territory Size Requirements
Driving Academy Franchising, Inc. grants a protected territory that typically extends up to 15 miles in any direction from the franchised business, as defined by Google Maps or a similar mapping program. The franchisor reserves the right to make this territory larger or smaller to accommodate areas with varying population densities.
Staffing Notes
Driving Academy Franchising, Inc. requires each franchised business to be under the direct, day-to-day, full-time supervision of the franchisee, an approved managing owner, or an approved non-owner manager. This manager must possess a valid commercial driving instructor license or other state-required certification, successfully complete the franchisor's training program, and dedicate full-time effort to supervising the business, including being present during operating hours. Franchisees are responsible for hiring, training, and managing all instructors, admission representatives, and administrative staff according to the franchisor's guidelines. These employees are considered solely the franchisee's responsibility, and not employees of the franchisor. Franchisees are encouraged to conduct background checks on prospective employees and instructors.