Becoming a Driving Instructor

A driving instructor helps students learn to drive by providing classroom and one-on-one teaching. They may work for schools, private companies, or government agencies. They must have a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver’s license for the level of driving they teach. In addition to these skills, they must undergo training to become a certified driving instructor. This course usually takes a few days or a few weeks to complete and is available at vocational schools, colleges, and some state-approved teacher training programs.


The duties and responsibilities of a driving instructor brisbane vary by state or country, but most include preparing students to pass a written driver’s test. Instructors often help prepare study guides or lesson plans for their students. They must be able to listen to their students and communicate effectively in order to determine which areas of the student’s driving need improvement. In some cases, they also need to act on any emergencies that arise during a driving lesson.

Most states require driving instructors to be certified by the Department of Motor Vehicles. This certification requires a minimum of 200 hours of training with an instructor. During this time, you must learn teaching strategies, learn your state’s laws and protocols, and participate in practical exercises in a driving simulator or car. Once you have completed your training, submit an application with a fee to the state to receive your instructor certification.

After you obtain your driver’s license and become a certified instructor, you can seek employment with various firms including driver-training institutes, public schools, government agencies, or automobile insurance companies. Your job may be a contract or full-time position. You can also choose to be an independent driver trainer. Regardless of the type of employer, you must keep current on the latest research on driving safety and provide your students with this information.

You may be paid hourly or on a commission basis, depending on the size of your employer and the policies in place. Some driving instructors also receive benefits such as health insurance or retirement plans. If you are an employee, you may be paid biweekly or monthly.

Being a driving instructor is a rewarding career for those with the right skills and personality traits. In addition to a thorough understanding of traffic laws, you must be able to motivate your students and make the learning process fun. You must be patient and possess a mild demeanor, as well. In addition to these skills, you must have excellent verbal and written communication to clearly instruct and coach your students. You should be able to write clear, concise instructions and meet with your students regularly to evaluate their progress. Lastly, you should have good attention to detail in order to notice any errors that your students are making while driving. This will allow you to point out these errors in a safe manner. Having these skills is essential to helping your students become safe drivers and pass their road tests.