How to Become a Driving Instructor

Do you know how to drive and you think you can teach the skill to other people? Most likely you can! Learn from our guide what are the requirements to become a licensed driving instructor. Who knows, after gaining enough teaching experience, you can open a driving school of your own.

Do you know how to drive a vehicle? Do you have a valid driver's license? Are you at least 21 years old?

You can earn extra money teaching others how to drive. If you have a high school diploma, and are proficient in English, you only have to take a driving instruction course to get an instruction license. Although some states may require other qualifications, these requirements are almost always present when getting a professional license to conduct driving classes and train prospective drivers how to manage the wheel.

Driving Instruction Course

Some driving schools offer driver education classes for those wanting to become driving instructors. The courses will include discussions of theory and techniques in teaching students how to drive. One driving school that offers this course in California is The American Driving School. In choosing what school to enrol for a driving instruction course, make sure that it is recognised by the state where you are applying for a license. Some licensing departments may require specific number of hours of behind-the-wheel training, and classroom discussion. Getting your instruction from a state-recognised school will ensure that you meet these requirements when applying for a license.

Driving Instructor License Application

If you are applying for a driving instructor license, you’d have to fill up a form that would disclose your qualifications and state the type of license you are applying for. The driver’s license should be for the type of vehicle that the applicant wishes to give driving lessons for. The vehicle could be a motor cycle, motor cab rickshaw, light-, medium- or heavy-motor vehicle or tractor. You may have to be fingerprinted for a background check to ascertain you do not have records of crime or driving offence.

You would have to pay application and testing fees, which could be about $100 in some states. You'd have to support what you've stated in your application by attaching copies of supporting papers like certificate of graduation. Be sure to enter the correct and complete information when filling out forms as failing to do so could result to the rejection of your application. Wait while they review your application. When all is well with your application, you will be asked to take a knowledge test and driving test at the local office of your state licensing department.

If you passed both tests, you are now on your way to a career as a driving instructor. Later when you have accumulated enough hours of teaching experience, you can open your own driving school.

For driving-related information, visit the DMV.org.

1 Comment

  • majombo said on February 11, 2013
    Hi! I am a 2 years experienced driving instructor with a valid driver's and valid instructor's certificate. I live in johannesburg Gauteng SouthAfrica.

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