Become an instructor
Learn How To Become a Driving Instructor in 4 Steps
Driving instructors work with teenage and adult students to help them learn the rules and craft of driving. This can include both classroom lessons and real-world driving instruction. If you like working with students, enjoy driving and can deliver calm and clear instructions in high-pressure situations, you might consider becoming a driving instructor. In this article, we explain what a driving instructor is, what they do and how to become a driving instructor, and we provide the typical salary and benefits for a driving instructor.
What is a driving instructor?
A driving instructor is a professional who teaches others how to operate vehicles safely and follow the rules of the road. They can also help students prepare for the written and practical driving tests they must pass to get their driver's license. Driving instructors might work for a driving school, a public school system or operate their own driving business. While most driving instructors hold certifications for teaching the operation of traditional vehicles like cars and trucks, some may also specialize in teaching driving for alternative vehicles like busses, tractor-trailers or motorcycles.
What does a driving instructor do?
A driving instructor teaches students about the rules of the road. Specifically, they may teach about traffic laws, vehicle maintenance, defensive driving tactics and safety protocols. They may give lectures, show videos, assign homework or give quizzes to help students gain the knowledge they need to be safe drivers. Traffic laws and classroom requirements may vary from state to state, so it's important for driving instructors to stay up to date with the current local requirements.
Driving instructors also help students practice the act of driving. They may sit in the passenger seat of a vehicle and instruct students as they drive. Some driving instructors use alternate controls like an extra brake installed on the passenger side to help keep new driving students safe. As with classroom instruction, a driving instructor may organize the active driving sessions around particular lessons to help students practice certain skills and progress their driving. For example, they may spend one lesson focusing on parallel parking and another on highway driving.
How to become a driving instructor
The process of becoming a driving instructor may vary from state to state, so it may be useful to check your state requirements. If you'd like to become a driving instructor, here are some general steps that you can follow:
1. Meet minimum requirements
To ensure that you meet all the minimum requirements, it may be useful to perform research and make a checklist. Some driving schools also offer application checklists to help future driving instructors understand if they're ready to apply.
2. Enroll in a training or certification program
After ensuring you meet the criteria, you may enroll in a driving instructor certification or training program. You can find these programs through colleges, vocational schools, private driving schools or government programs. When picking your program, consider picking an option that's state approved. While the specific length and content may vary depending on the requirements in your state, most programs include instruction in:
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Driving laws
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New driver preparation
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Driver analysis
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Vehicle operation and control
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Lesson planning
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Teaching technique
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First aid
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Specialized vehicle training (if applicable)
Many states require a driving instructor certification to apply for a license. In all states, completing a program like this can help demonstrate your competence and provide top qualifications for future employers to consider. Earning a certification or completing a training course can also be a useful way to prepare yourself for the driving instructor licensing examination if your state requires one.
3. Obtain your instructional license
To get your official driving instructor license, you may submit an application that includes proof that you meet all minimum state requirements. This may mean including proof of education, training, citizenship, age and a good driving record. The application may also require a criminal background check, a medical examination report, an educational transcript and an application fee. To find the requirements and paperwork. Depending on your requirements, you may also take a written or practical exam. This exam may test both your knowledge of driving, traffic law and your ability to communicate that information to students successfully. After earning your instructional license, you may seek employment with a driving school, the public school system or another educational organization.
4. Maintain license
Once you've begun working as a driving instructor, it's important to maintain a good driving record to keep your instructional license. You may also check when your license expires and perform all tasks required for renewing the license before it passes the expiration date. These requirements vary from state to state, and may include new fees, background checks, vision tests or driving tests.
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