You don’t need to become a web developer to run a driving school website. However, you do need somewhere to host it—and choosing the right provider can make getting started much easier.
This guide explains what to look for when choosing hosting for the DSW Driving School Website System.
What do you need?
There are three separate parts:
- Your domain name: your website address, such as yourdrivingschool.co.uk.
- Your hosting: the service that stores your website and makes it available online.
- DSW: the WordPress plugin and matching website design that help you build and manage your driving school website.
Your DSW subscription does not include hosting or a domain name. You arrange these with a provider of your choice.
You can buy hosting and your domain together, but you don’t have to move an existing domain simply because you choose a different hosting company.
Choose hosting that lets you install WordPress plugins and themes
Look for hosting for a self-hosted WordPress website. Check that you can upload and install your own plugin and theme ZIP files.
A package labelled “website builder” is not necessarily WordPress hosting. If you’re unsure, ask the provider before buying.
DSW 0.19.2 requires WordPress 6.9 or later and PHP 8.2 or later. Our recommended PHP version is 8.4 or later. You don’t need to understand PHP—it is part of the software your hosting company provides.
Ask the provider to confirm that its chosen package meets DSW’s requirements.
What matters more than the cheapest introductory price?
Helpful support
Look for a provider that will help with installing WordPress, connecting your domain and setting up HTTPS.
Your hosting provider handles hosting issues. DSW support handles the DSW system. Hosting support should not be assumed to include writing your pages or configuring every plugin.
Backups you can restore
Check whether website files and the database are backed up automatically, how long backups are retained, and whether restoring a backup costs extra.
Before making substantial changes to your website, take a fresh backup.
An SSL certificate
Choose a package that includes an SSL certificate, allowing your website to use an https:// address. Ask whether installation and renewal are automatic.
Clear ongoing costs
Compare the renewal price—not just the opening offer.
Check the total payable, including VAT where applicable, the payment period, domain renewal and any separate charges for email or backups. A price advertised “per month” may require a year or more to be paid upfront.
Email and contact-form support
If you want an address such as hello@yourdrivingschool.co.uk, check whether a mailbox is included.
A working mailbox and reliable delivery of website enquiries are separate considerations. Ask what the provider recommends for sending email from WordPress.
Three providers to consider
These are options to investigate, not a ranking or a claim that DSW has been tested on each platform.
20i
20i offers managed WordPress hosting with features including SSL certificates, daily backups and PHP version controls. Compare the ongoing cost and included features against your needs rather than choosing solely on the introductory offer.
Krystal
Krystal describes itself as a UK-based hosting provider and offers WordPress hosting. Compare its standard and managed options, checking what support and backups are included in the package you choose.
Explore Krystal WordPress hosting
Kualo
Kualo offers WordPress hosting with a one-click WordPress installer and a choice of UK or US hosting facilities. For a UK driving school, investigate its UK option.
Explore Kualo WordPress hosting
A useful question to send before buying
I want to install the DSW Driving School Website System on WordPress. It requires WordPress 6.9 or later and PHP 8.2 or later, with PHP 8.4 or later recommended. Can I upload my own plugin and theme ZIP files, and does this package include HTTPS, automatic backups and help installing WordPress? What is the full renewal cost?
Already have a website?
You may be able to use your existing hosting. Check its capabilities before buying anything new.
Installing DSW on an existing website needs more care than starting with a blank installation. Read our guide to using DSW on an existing website before changing it.
Once your hosting is ready
Install WordPress using your provider’s instructions, then follow our DSW installation guide.
The matching DSW website design is included with the system. DSW offers it as a separate installation step after Core is activated—not as an additional purchase.