How to become A Driving Instructor

• Auto Driving Instructor
• Driving Safety Educator
• Truck Driving Instructor
• Educator
• Instructor
• Teacher

What do Driving Instructors do? 

A Driving Instructor would typically need to:

• Conduct theoretical lessons on the functions of a vehicle and on-road rules; explain the mechanics of the vehicle; inform students about traffic rules; teach students safe driving procedures
• Demonstrate and explain how to use the steering wheel, reverse, and park; teach defensive driving courses; supply students with information for emergencies
• Prepare driving lessons specific to students’ needs; teach practical skills related to driving; assess their driving skills
• Help students to develop confidence in their driving skills; calm students when in distress
• Assist and guide students when driving; gain control of the vehicle in case of an emergency
• Document the students’ progress; inform students about their level of improvement and their readiness to take the theory and practical sections of the driver’s test
• Report accidents to the head of the driving school

Driving Instructors spend most of their time in the passenger seat of the vehicle they use for instruction; the rest of the workday may be taken up by paperwork or calls in the driving school and accompanying students to the office of the local transportation authority.

Travelling is to be expected, both during and between lessons. Make sure the locations of drop-off and pick-up places limit your time between classes to a minimum.

Instructors who work for a driving school will need to work a set amount of hours, typically 20 to 25 hours per week, as part of their contract. The hours will most likely be lengthy and include weekends. As the Driving Instructor must meet the student’s needs, early starts and late finishes are usual.

Freelancing Driving Instructors will have a varying work schedule based on how much they charge per session and how many students sign up in a particular week.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Driving Instructors can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting employers directly, using job search platforms, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. Part-time work and freelancing are viable options.

Driving Instructors are generally employed by:

• Driving Schools

Professional associations and organisations, such as the International Road Transport Organisation (IRU), are crucial for Driving Instructors interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Keeping themselves, the driver and others on the road safe
• Calming distressed students
• Dealing with long sedentary hours in the same seat
• Access to limited nutrition or hydration over extended periods

Driving Instructors need to hold a valid driver's license for a pre-ordained period before they may begin to teach. While personal driving experience may be enough for some Driving Instructors, individuals who teach commercial driving may need to gain significant experience in the field.

Community colleges offer associate degree programs that include supervised on-the-job training in combination with classroom study.

You will gain optimal benefit from your tasks outside of the classroom when they line up perfectly with your lessons inside it. You may get to hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience when they manage to turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.

Read about the profession and interview/shadow experts to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

A high school diploma, a driver’s license, a clean driving and criminal record, and proof that they are 21 years of age are sufficient for aspiring Driving Instructors to enrol in a driver instructor training program.

Some community colleges offer associate degrees that include on-the-job supervised training to students of such programs. However, Driving Instructors who want to work in public schools need a valid teaching credential in the form of a bachelor's degree in teacher education, while commercial Driving Instructors must take advanced training classes.

Driving Instructors should complete special training before they can train police recruits in specific driving skills needed in law enforcement.

A license issued by a reputed organisation will permit you, on completing preparatory courses, to practice as a Driving Instructor. It typically requires the passage of an examination along with a clean driving and criminal record and a Driving Instructor vision test.

Since license issuance differs from one location to another, contact your local licensing body to confirm specific requirements. 

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Driving Instructors.

Instructors can progress in specific areas such as bus driver training, LGV (Larger Goods Vehicle) training, and PCV (Passenger Carrying Vehicle) training.

Other alternatives include becoming a Senior Instructor or a Manager of a Driving School.

There is a remote possibility of becoming the Road Safety Officer for your local council; take note that these positions are few in number. 

With enough experience and training, you might be able to advance into more specialised fields, such as training individuals with disabilities.

Driving Instructors with several years of driving experience and good knowledge of traffic laws have the best job prospects. 

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Driving Instructor build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. They can seek higher education credentials such as advanced instructor and examiner qualifications.

In addition, CPD allows for regular renewal of licence and to stay abreast of changes in road regulations, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge. Renewal of licensure varies from place to place, but it usually involves a driving record check and a new criminal background check.

Importance Of Driver Instruction

The number of vehicular accidents comes down dramatically when drivers receive sufficient training and education on the finest driving techniques; poor driving habits are automatically eliminated.

Besides, driving lessons are a good investment for businesses and organisations founded on fleet management. They can help you avoid road hazards and save your company money in terms of damages and liability. Additional training in the proper maintenance of vehicles goes a long way in increasing the driver’s confidence.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Driving Instructors have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Driving Instructor has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

The time we wait at traffic lights may amount to around five months of an average human lifespan.

Driving Instructors not only provide drivers with the confidence to drive without any mishaps but also remember at all times that faster is fatal while slower is safe.

Participants should be able to learn in a variety of methods from their driving instructors. To supplement teaching, use visual aids, provide written information, and incorporate interactive tasks.