Questions to Ask When Leasing Your Next Dual Control Car

Choosing the right dual control lease car is a vital decision for driving instructors. It’s more than just picking a car; it’s about ensuring you have the right support, reliability, and flexibility to keep your business running smoothly. Before committing to a lease agreement, here are some crucial questions to ask, and how Dualdrive stands apart.

1. Are the Dual Controls Fully Certified and Supported?

Not all dual control systems are created equal. Ask whether your supplier fits fully certified He-Man dual controls, widely regarded as the industry standard for safety and reliability.

Also, consider what happens if something goes wrong. For example, a snapped spring or misaligned pedals can bring lessons to a halt. Here at Dualdrive, we not only fit certified He-Man dual controls through an approved fitter but also provide full support and prompt assistance if issues arise, giving you peace of mind to continue teaching worry-free.

2. Does the Dual Control Lease Include Maintenance?

Leasing companies often vary in their approach to maintenance. Will your leased vehicle come with a maintenance package, or will repair costs and servicing fall on you?

At Dualdrive, we offer both maintained and non-maintained lease options:

• For peace of mind, most instructors opt for our maintained package, which includes all routine servicing and repairs due to wear and tear.
• You’ll receive a bespoke guide for your lease vehicle, making it easy to understand and manage maintenance tasks when needed.

Unexpected costs can disrupt your business – our packages ensure there are no surprises.

3. Is Breakdown Cover Included?

Breakdowns can happen to anyone. It’s worth checking if your leasing provider includes breakdown cover—or if you’ll need to rely on your personal bank or insurance policy.

Every Dualdrive lease vehicle is covered under our fleet-wide AA policy, so you have access to 24/7 breakdown assistance when you need it most. No extra costs or worries, just reliable, round-the-clock support.

4. Will a Courtesy Vehicle Be Provided if My Dual Control Car Is Off the Road?

This is perhaps one of the most important things to consider. If your car needs repair, does your lease provider offer a replacement dual control vehicle? Without this, you may face costs of £50/day or more to hire one, and that’s on top of potential weeks-long delays waiting for dealer bookings, diagnoses, and parts.

At Dualdrive, we understand how essential it is to stay mobile. That’s why we guarantee a replacement vehicle within 48 hours if your car goes off the road. Keeping you and your business moving is our priority.

 5. What About Tyres?

Many companies only authorise tyre replacements when they reach the legal tread limit (1.6mm). This can lead to unsafe conditions, additional inspections, or even refused driving tests.

Dualdrive takes a different approach: we approve tyre replacements when they reach 3mm tread depth or less, ensuring your safety and minimising downtime. No quibbles, just safer driving.

 6. What Happens If I Need to Adjust My Mileage?

Leases often come with mileage limits, and exceeding them can result in hefty end-of-contract fees. Does your supplier allow flexibility if you need to adjust your mileage mid-contract?

At Dualdrive, we’ll recalculate your mileage if needed, working with you to shorten the contract if necessary to avoid excess mileage charges and keep your car performing optimally.

 7. How Convenient Is Access to Service Vendors?

Some leasing companies restrict you to a handful of service centers, which can mean long distances and costly downtime.

With Dualdrive, you have access to a large selection of authorised mechanical vendors. We aim to reduce travel time and work efficiently with vendors to get your car back on the road quickly. Our support lines are open early until late on weekdays to keep you moving.

 8. Are Delivery & Collection Services Provided?

Returning a leased vehicle to one central location can be an inconvenience, especially if the provider doesn’t arrange end-of-contract logistics for you.

At Dualdrive, every vehicle includes free, nationwide delivery and collection. You won’t have to worry about taking time out of your schedule to return the car. We make it simple and hassle-free.

 9. How Are End-of-Lease Returns Managed?

End-of-lease charges are an often-overlooked concern. Will your provider charge for excessive wear and tear? What happens to your signwriting or livery?

Dualdrive ensures customers are treated fairly with BVRLA-accredited wear and tear standards. An independent inspection is arranged before collection, and we invite you to inspect the car a month beforehand. Need advice? Simply send us photos of any areas you’re concerned about, and we’ll assist. We also remind customers to remove their livery and can recommend machine polishing to minimise any “ghosting” effects on the vehicle.

Leasing a dual control car isn’t just about affordability; it’s about finding a supplier who supports you every step of the way. By asking the right questions and considering factors like maintenance, courtesy vehicle assurances, tyres, and delivery, you can ensure you’re making a decision that works for your business.

At Dualdrive, we’re proud to offer a service tailored to driving instructors, helping you focus on what you do best: teaching the next generation of drivers.

Ready to learn more? Visit our site to explore our range of dual control vehicles and packages: dualdrive.co.uk

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5 Reasons Leasing a Dual Control Car Beats Owning a New One

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Dual Drive is a trading style of MSL Vehicle Solutions Ltd, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under firm reference number 741238