Frequently Asked Questions

Paintless dent repair is a specialized technique for removing dents, dings, and creases from vehicle body panels without affecting the factory paint finish. Using specialized tools and precise manipulation, PDR technicians restore metal to its original form from behind the panel.

PDR is one of the most in-demand skills in the automotive industry because:

• High earning potential – Skilled PDR techs can earn $75,000 to $150,000+ annually
• Low overhead – Mobile PDR businesses require minimal startup costs compared to traditional body shops
• Constant demand – Door dings, hail damage, and minor dents happen every day
• Flexibility – Work for dealerships, body shops, insurance companies, or run your own mobile business

No prior automotive experience is required. Our training programs are designed to take complete beginners and build them into competent PDR technicians from the ground up.

What matters most is:

• Patience – PDR requires methodical, careful work
• Hand-eye coordination – You'll develop this through training
• Commitment to practice – Like any skilled trade, repetition builds mastery
• Willingness to learn – Being coachable is more valuable than raw talent

PDR proficiency develops in stages:

• 2-4 weeks of training – Learn fundamentals, tool usage, and complete your first repairs
• 3-6 months of practice – Build speed and tackle increasingly complex dents
• 1-2 years – Achieve professional-level consistency and tackle most damage types
• 3-5+ years – Master-level skills for complex creases, body lines, and extreme damage

The truth most schools won't tell you: PDR is a lifelong learning journey. After 33 years, I'm still refining techniques. Our training gives you a rock-solid foundation and the roadmap to continue growing.

We strongly believe no. Although miracles can happen, if you feel you're special and gifted, we'd advise against wasting your money on one-week programs.

Most one-week PDR schools tell you what you want to hear instead of telling you the truth. We don't offer one-week beginner training because we completely understand that students need more time to:

• Build proper habits that stick
• Develop a strong foundation
• Get enough repetition to retain techniques
• Work through the inevitable frustrations of learning

2-Week PDR Training:

• Intensive foundation in core PDR techniques
• Focus on door dings, small to medium dents
• Line board reading and reflection training
• Basic tool selection and usage
• Introduction to glue pulling
• Best for those with limited time or budget who want to start practicing quickly

4-Week PDR Training:

• Everything in the 2-week program, plus...
• Advanced crease and body line repair
• Complex access strategies
• Aluminum and high-strength steel techniques
• Cold glue and GPR (Glue Pull Repair) mastery
• Business setup, pricing, and marketing fundamentals
• More hands-on practice time on real-world damage

Dent Time offers several training programs to match your goals and experience level:

Beginner Programs:

• 2-Week PDR Training – Foundation course for those with limited time
• 4-Week PDR Training – Our most popular and comprehensive beginner program

Specialized Programs:

• 1-Week Advanced PDR Training – For experienced techs looking to refine specific skills
• Motorcycle PDR (MPDR) Course – Specialized training for gas tank and motorcycle dent repair

Online Training:

• Dent Trainer – 500+ video tutorials for ongoing education and skill development

Contact us to discuss which program is right for your situation.

All in-person training is conducted at our professional facility in Escondido, California, conveniently located off the I-15 freeway in San Diego County.

We intentionally keep class sizes extremely small (2 students maximum) to ensure:

• Personalized, one-on-one instruction tailored to your learning pace
• Maximum hands-on practice time – you're pushing dents, not watching
• Immediate feedback and correction of technique
• Direct access to Myke Toledo throughout training

This isn't a crowded classroom where you get lost in the shuffle. It's intensive, personal mentorship.

Training runs approximately 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. A typical day includes:

• Morning session: Technique instruction and demonstration on real vehicles
• Hands-on practice: You'll spend the majority of your time with tools in hand, pushing dents under direct supervision
• Lunch break: Time to rest your eyes and recharge (PDR is mentally demanding!)
• Afternoon session: Continue practice, introduce new concepts, review progress
• End of day: Discuss what you learned, identify areas for improvement

We balance instruction with practice because PDR is a hands-on skill. You can't learn to push dents by watching videos alone – your hands need the repetition.

Our curriculum covers the full spectrum of PDR techniques:

Foundation Skills:

• Line board reading and reflection interpretation
• Proper tool grip, pressure, and push technique
• Identifying the "apex" (center) of a dent
• Controlled metal movement without creating high spots
• Tap-down and blending techniques

Intermediate Techniques:

• Glue pulling fundamentals (tabs, adhesives, pullers)
• Accessing difficult areas (behind braces, through openings)
• Working on curved surfaces and body lines
• Heat application for tension release

Advanced Techniques (4-week program):

• Crease repair strategies
• Body line reconstruction
• Aluminum panel repair
• Lateral tension technique
• Cold glue / GPR methods
• Large damage and collision repair assessment

Heck yeah we do! One of the biggest perks about training with Dent Time is that you work on real vehicles from day one – not practice panels.

We don't believe in fake training. Here's what that means for you:

• Real cars with real dents: From dealer vehicles to retail customer cars, you'll experience the variety you'll face in your career
• No two days are the same: Different makes, models, panel types, and damage scenarios keep training dynamic and practical
• Client cars when ready: As your skills develop, you'll work on actual paying customer vehicles under supervision – building real-world confidence

To be completely honest – no way. And anyone who tells you otherwise isn't being truthful.

What we can promise is that you won't leave confused or feeling like you've been ripped off. Our programs are designed to create a solid foundation for you to build from.

PDR is about keeping your repairs clean. Once you understand the fundamentals from our course, you only get better with practice. The 4-week program gives you:

• Strong technical foundation and proper habits
• Confidence to tackle real-world dents
• Understanding of what "clean" work looks like
• A roadmap for continued improvement

Mastery takes years – we give you the launch pad to get there.

All training tools are provided during your program. You'll have access to professional-grade PDR tools including:

• Various rod lengths and tip configurations
• Whale tails and specialty tools
• Glue pulling equipment
• LED/line board lighting systems
• Tap-down sets and knockdowns

As part of your training, we'll discuss which tools to invest in as you build your own kit. We have relationships with major tool manufacturers and can help you get discounts through Dent Trainer as a graduate.

We don't sell you an overpriced "starter kit" bundled with training – you'll learn which tools actually matter for YOUR style of work.

Training investment varies based on program length and your specific goals. Rather than listing prices that may change, we prefer to discuss your situation directly.

Here's why: Every student is different. Some need the full 4-week program; others might benefit from a custom arrangement. We want to recommend the right fit, not upsell you on something you don't need.

Contact us for current pricing or schedule a free consultation with Myke to discuss which program makes sense for your goals and budget.

We understand that training is a significant investment. We can discuss payment arrangements on a case-by-case basis during your consultation.

Options that may be available:

• Deposit to reserve your spot with balance due before training
• Split payments for longer programs
• We can discuss what works for your situation

Our goal is to make quality training accessible to motivated students who are serious about building a career in PDR.

We do not provide airfare or accommodations as part of training. However, we do offer complimentary pickup and drop-off to and from your place of stay within a 2-mile radius of our Escondido facility.

Many of our students travel from across the country (and internationally) for training. Escondido and the surrounding San Diego area have plenty of accommodation options:

• Hotels: Multiple options within 5-10 minutes of our facility, ranging from budget to mid-range
• Airbnb/VRBO: Good for longer stays, often more comfortable and cost-effective for 2-4 weeks
• Extended stay hotels: Kitchen facilities help you save on food costs during training

We're happy to provide specific recommendations based on your budget when you book training. San Diego weather is fantastic year-round, so pack accordingly!

Because we keep class sizes small (2 students maximum), our training schedule fills up. We recommend:

• 4-6 weeks in advance: Best for securing your preferred dates
• 2-3 weeks: We may have availability, but dates are limited
• Last minute: Occasionally possible if there's a cancellation

The sooner you reach out, the more flexibility we have to accommodate your schedule. Contact us today to check availability.

Your relationship with Dent Time doesn't end when training does. As a graduate, you receive:

• Free 3-month Dent Trainer subscription: Immediate access to 500+ training videos to reinforce what you learned and continue developing
• Ongoing phone/text support: Questions about a tricky dent? Reach out. We're always willing to help our past students.
• Tool discounts: Exclusive pricing from major PDR tool manufacturers
• Network connections: We can help connect you with job opportunities and industry contacts
• Refresher training: Come back for advanced training or a tune-up at discounted rates

We're invested in your long-term success. When our students succeed, it reflects well on our training – that's the reputation we've built over 33 years.

PDR opens multiple career paths:

Work for Others:

• Dealership PDR tech: Steady work reconditioning trade-ins and new inventory
• Body shop subcontractor: Handle PDR work for collision repair shops
• Hail chasing: Travel to storm-damaged areas for high-volume, high-pay seasonal work
• PDR company employee: Join an established operation and learn the business side

Work for Yourself:

• Mobile PDR business: Low overhead, flexible schedule, direct customer relationships
• Retail shop: Establish a fixed location with walk-in and appointment traffic
• Wholesale routes: Build recurring relationships with dealerships and body shops
• Combination: Many successful techs mix retail, wholesale, and mobile work

Earnings vary significantly based on skill level, location, business model, and hustle:

Entry Level (Year 1-2):

• Working for others: $40,000 - $60,000
• Starting your own: Variable while building clientele

Experienced (Year 3-5):

• Employed tech: $60,000 - $90,000
• Business owner: $75,000 - $120,000+

Master Level / Business Owner:

• $100,000 - $200,000+ is achievable for skilled techs with strong business operations
• Hail season can add significant income for those willing to travel

Reality check: These numbers require dedication. The techs earning top dollar invested years developing their skills and building their reputation. PDR rewards persistence and continuous improvement.

One advantage of PDR is relatively low startup costs compared to other trades. A functional starter kit typically runs:

• Basic starter set: $1,500 - $3,000 (essential rods, lights, tap-downs)
• Intermediate kit: $3,000 - $6,000 (more tool variety, quality upgrades)
• Professional kit: $6,000 - $15,000+ (comprehensive selection, premium brands)

Our advice: Start lean and grow your kit as you grow your skills. You don't need every tool on day one. Buy quality basics, learn what works for YOUR style, then expand strategically.

During training, we'll help you identify which tools to prioritize based on the type of work you plan to do. Plus, our Dent Trainer tool discounts help stretch your investment further.

Short answer: No.

Here's the reality:

• Demand is constant: Dents happen every day in every city. Parking lots, hail storms, shopping carts, and door dings aren't going away.
• Quality techs are rare: Many PDR "technicians" produce mediocre work. Customers seek out and pay premium prices for quality.
• Older techs retire: The industry needs new skilled technicians to replace those exiting.
• Markets vary: Some areas are competitive; others are underserved. There's opportunity if you're willing to find it.

Online training is a valuable supplement, but we'll be honest: PDR is a hands-on skill that's extremely difficult to master without in-person instruction and feedback.

What online training (Dent Trainer) is great for:

• Learning theory and understanding concepts before hands-on training
• Continuing education after completing in-person training
• Seeing techniques demonstrated from multiple angles
• Business and marketing education
• Staying current with new tools and methods

What online training can't replace:

• Real-time feedback on your technique
• Correction of bad habits before they're ingrained
• The feel of proper pressure and tool control
• Hands-on guidance through challenging repairs

Our recommendation: Use Dent Trainer to prepare for in-person training, then continue using it to advance your skills afterward. It's a powerful combination.

Dent Trainer is our comprehensive online PDR education platform featuring:

• 500+ training videos covering techniques from beginner to advanced
• 150+ structured courses organized by topic and skill level
• Glue pulling tutorials – tabs, adhesives, cold glue, GPR methods
• Business training – pricing, marketing, social media, scaling
• Tool reviews and recommendations
• Exclusive tool discounts from major manufacturers
• New content added regularly

Subscription options:

• 3-Month: $119
• 6-Month: $197
• Yearly (best value): $379

There's also a standalone Ground Zero PDR Training course ($219) for beginners who want lifetime access to foundation content.

There are many PDR "schools" out there. Here's what sets us apart:

• 33+ years of real-world experience: Myke Toledo has been doing PDR since 1991 – not teaching theory, but actually fixing dents every day for three decades.
• Active, successful PDR business: Dent Time is a thriving operation serving San Diego County. You're learning from someone who still does the work.
• Small class sizes (2 students max): No crowded classrooms. Personal attention and hands-on practice, not watching from the back of a room.
• Training starts before you arrive: Your curriculum begins the day you sign up. We send you specific video downloads to watch before training – this mental preparation provides a quicker learning curve when you arrive.
• We tell you the truth: Being honest helps you mentally prepare knowing this will be hard. We push your learning curve – you will struggle during your course, but learning from it is what counts.
• Industry recognition: PDR Person of the Year (2012), Lifetime Achievement Award (2021) – credentials earned through decades of excellence.
• Ongoing support: Our relationship continues after training through mentorship, free Dent Trainer access, and industry connections.

Myke Toledo is the founder of Dent Time and one of the most respected names in the PDR industry:

• 33+ years as a working PDR technician
• PDR Person of the Year – 2012
• PDR Lifetime Achievement Award – 2021
• Founder of Dent Trainer – industry-leading online PDR education platform
• 500+ students trained over two decades of instruction
• Active business owner – still doing PDR daily, not just teaching

Myke's philosophy: teach students the real skills and real business knowledge they need to succeed – no shortcuts, no empty promises, just proven methods developed through decades of experience.

Schedule a free consultation to talk directly with Myke about your goals.

We guarantee our commitment to your success:

• You will receive quality, personalized instruction
• You will get hands-on practice on real dents
• You will leave with a foundation to build upon
• You will have ongoing access to support and resources

What we can't guarantee: Your success depends on YOU. PDR requires practice, patience, and persistence. We give you the tools and knowledge – you have to put in the work.

Students who commit to the process, practice diligently, and apply what they learn consistently become successful PDR technicians. That's the pattern we've seen over 500+ students trained.