How to become a Driving Instructor
Driving instructors teach individuals and groups the theory and practical application of driving skills.
Personal requirements for a Driving Instructor
- Enjoy working with people
- Sound character
- Good interpersonal skills
- Able to give clear and precise instructions
- Patient and tactful
- Good eyesight (may be corrected)
- Able to act quickly and correctly in various traffic situations
Education & Training for a Driving Instructor
To become a driving instructor you usually have to complete a VET qualification. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.
Additional information
Depending on your state or territory, you will need to meet requirements such as minimum age, drivers licence specifications and pre-employment checks. This may include a National Police Check, Working with Children Check and medical clearance.
Duties & Tasks of a Driving Instructor
Driving instructors:
- Instruct students to drive a motor vehicle by teaching them how to steer, change gears (if manual), interpret and understand traffic conditions, reverse, park, and understand mechanical components and functions
- Teach road traffic regulations and advise students when they are ready for assessment
- Teach road craft and defensive driving skills
- Advise on and teach advanced driving techniques for emergency situations and/or to extend driving knowledge.
Tasks
- Teaching road traffic regulations
- May illustrate and explain handling and mechanical operation of motor vehicles and driving techniques using blackboard diagrams and audiovisual aids
- Advising students when they are ready to undergo driving examination
- Instructing students under actual driving conditions, and explaining and demonstrating the operation of brakes, clutch, gear selection, automatic transmission, signals and lights
- May advise on and teach advanced driving techniques required for emergency situations
- Teaching road craft and road safety
Working conditions for a Driving Instructor
Many driving instructors work on a commission basis. Some use their own vehicles, which are converted to dual control (with pedals on the front passenger side), while others use company vehicles. The work can be stressful, with long and irregular hours. Driving instructors have a high level of public contact. Driving instructors with special licences teach people to drive buses and rigid or articulated vehicles.
Employment Opportunities for a Driving Instructor
Driving instructors are usually employed on a subcontract basis, being paid commission for each lesson given. Demand is seasonal, increasing during school summer holidays. They may work full time where demand allows. A large number are self-employed. Where only part-time employment is available, they may work outside the industry to supplement their earnings. Your employment prospects may be improved if you can speak and read a second language.
Specializations
Driving Instructor
Driving instructors teach individuals and groups the theory and practical application of driving skills.
Average age
52
Future Growth
Decline
Gender Share
23% female
Average full-time
44 hours
Weekly Pay
N/A
Skill level rating
Medium skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
52%
Employment Size
5,900
Employment by state
ACT: 1.4%
NSW: 32.9%
NT: 0.7%
QLD: 19.6%
SA: 7.0%
TAS: 1.4%
VIC: 24.7%
WA: 12.3%
Age brackets
15-19: 0.1%
20-24: 0.7%
25-34: 8.2%
35-44: 18.5%
45-54: 33%
55-59: 16.7%
60-64: 13.6%
65 and Over: 9.2%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 14.2%
Bachelor degree: 11.9%
Certificate III/IV: 45.8%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 4.9%
Year 10 and below: 8.9%
Year 11: 3.3%
Year 12: 11%
