Driving instructor is a specialized career that combines teaching skill with deep traffic law knowledge. Driving instructors (also called driving examiners, driver education teachers, or behind-the-wheel instructors) can work for private driving schools, high school driver education programs, or operate their own instruction businesses. Average salaries range from $40,000-$75,000/year depending on location, employer, and hours.
Key Takeaways
- Driving instructor certification requirements vary by state — most require a state-issued instructor's license
- Minimum requirements typically include: clean driving record (3-5 years), minimum age (21-25), background check
- Many states require completion of an approved instructor training program (40-120 hours)
- Behind-the-wheel instructors and classroom driving educators have different certification pathways in most states
- Self-employed driving instructors can earn $50-$100+/hour; school-employed instructors average $35,000-$55,000/year
Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) Instructor: Works directly with students in a vehicle, teaching vehicle control and maneuvers. This is the most common role people envision when thinking of a driving instructor.
Classroom Driving Education Teacher: Teaches the classroom/online portion of driver's education — traffic laws, road signs, GDL rules, and safe driving principles. Often part of high school driver's education programs. May require a teaching certificate in some states.
Combined (BTW + Classroom): Many private driving school instructors teach both components.
Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (DRS/CDRS): Specializes in adaptive driving for people with disabilities. Requires additional certification through the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED).
Requirements vary by state, but common minimum requirements include:
Age: Most states require instructors to be 21-25 years old. Some states set the minimum at 18 with no traffic violations.
Driver's License: Must hold a valid state driver's license with no restrictions.
Driving Record: Clean driving record required — typically no DUI/DWI, no reckless driving, no serious at-fault accidents in the past 3-5 years, and no more than 1-3 minor violations in the past year.
Background Check: Criminal background check required in all states. Child-related offenses and violent crimes are typically disqualifying. Many states use fingerprint-based federal background checks.
Instruction Course: Most states require completion of an approved driver educator preparation program. Hours required range from 40 hours (some states) to 120+ hours.
Written Examination: Most states require passing a driving instructor examination covering traffic laws, driver education methodology, and state-specific GDL requirements.
Step 1: Check your eligibility Review your state's minimum requirements (age, driving record, background check criteria). Pull your driving record from the DMV ($5-$15) and review it before applying.
Step 2: Complete an approved instructor training program Enroll in a state-approved driver educator preparation course. These are offered by:
Step 3: Pass the state written examination The written exam covers traffic laws, driver education theory, classroom management, behind-the-wheel instruction techniques, and state GDL requirements.
Step 4: Pass a practical driving evaluation (required in some states) A state evaluator may observe your driving ability and/or your instruction technique before certifying you.
Step 5: Submit application and pay fees Submit the application to your state licensing agency with:
Step 6: Receive your instructor's license Once approved, you receive a state driving instructor license — required to be in your possession during all instruction sessions.
"The demand for qualified driving instructors has grown faster than supply in most states. Teen population growth, GDL requirements that mandate supervised hours, and the adult learning driver market have created persistent instructor shortages. In many metro areas, driving schools have 4-8 week waits for behind-the-wheel appointments — a direct consequence of instructor supply constraints." — American Driver Training Association, Industry Workforce Report, 2024
Employee instructors (working for driving schools):
Self-employed (independent instructors):
High school driver education teachers:
Do I need a teaching degree to become a driving instructor? For private driving school BTW instruction: No — most states do not require a teaching degree. A state driving instructor license is required, but a teaching credential is not. For high school driver education classroom teaching: Yes — most states require a teaching certificate with a driver education endorsement.
How long does it take to get certified as a driving instructor? From starting the process to first instruction session: typically 2-4 months, including completing the required training course (40-120 hours), passing written and practical examinations, and receiving the license.
Can I teach driving as a side job? Yes — many driving instructors work part-time while holding another primary job. Private driving instruction is well-suited to evening and weekend hours when students are available.
Is there a demand for driving instructors? Yes — most markets have more student demand than instructor capacity, particularly for behind-the-wheel scheduling. This creates strong demand for new instructors in most states.
What vehicle do I use for instruction? Schools provide the instruction vehicle (typically equipped with dual controls). Self-employed instructors must provide their own vehicle, which should be equipped with a passenger-side brake pedal and appropriate markings (some states require "Student Driver" markings on instruction vehicles).
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