Managing Holidays and Availability on DriveBook
Taking a break? Here's how to block off time in your DriveBook calendar so students can't book during your holidays — and how to reopen smoothly when you're back.
Taking time off as a driving instructor is simple — but only if your booking page reflects it accurately. If you go on holiday without updating your availability, students may book slots you can't fulfil, leading to cancellations and a poor first impression.
Here's how to manage holidays and time off cleanly in DriveBook.
Option 1: Block Specific Dates
The most targeted approach is to block individual dates or a date range directly in your availability calendar.
In your DriveBook dashboard, go to Availability. Scroll to the "Blocked Dates & Exceptions" section. Select the date you want to block, optionally add a label (e.g. "Holiday"), and click "Block this date". Those dates immediately become unavailable on your booking page — students cannot book slots during that period.
This is the best option for a standard holiday or planned absence. It leaves your regular weekly availability intact once the blocked period ends.
Option 2: Temporarily Pause New Bookings
If you're taking an extended break, you can pause new bookings without changing your availability settings.
Go to your Settings page and find the "Accepting Bookings" toggle. Switch it off and save. Your booking page will show that you're not currently accepting bookings. Re-enable it when you return.
Option 3: Adjust Weekly Availability
If your schedule changes long-term — for example, you're returning to part-time teaching after a break — update your weekly availability template. This sets new regular hours going forward without needing to block dates individually.
Go to Availability and update your available days and times using the weekly schedule grid.
Existing Bookings During Your Break
Blocking your calendar from new bookings doesn't automatically cancel existing bookings. If you have lessons already confirmed during your planned leave period, you'll need to:
- Contact those students directly to reschedule
- Update the lesson dates in your dashboard
It's good practice to block your holiday dates well in advance — before students have a chance to book the affected slots — rather than cancelling confirmed bookings after the fact.
Communicating Your Absence
Students who visit your booking page during your blocked period will see that no slots are available. For regular students you have an ongoing relationship with, a brief message is courteous: "I'm on leave from [date] to [date] and will be back taking bookings from [date]."
A short note in your DriveBook bio during the leave period can also help set expectations for anyone who visits your profile.
When You Return
Re-enable your availability and check your calendar to make sure your settings are correct. Students who tried to book while you were away may visit again — a complete, updated profile with fresh availability is what converts them.
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