Become a Driving Instructor

Driving instructors help people learn the rules of the road and how to drive safely. Businesses and school systems all over the United Kingdom hire driving instructors as full-time employees and contractors. If you’re interested in becoming an instructor, then consider the following key information.

During the course of any given workday you may be responsible for leading a class, administering written exams, leading a discussion and answering questions about different driving situations. Of course, you will also be responsible for observing student drivers as they operate a motor vehicle. In some cases, you’ll need to make recommendations and give advice on how to approach different driving situations.

Driving Instructor Training

First of all, before you can begin your training, you’ll need to have a valid U.K. or EU driver’s license. If you plan on teaching commercial truck driving classes then you will need special driver’s license.

Of course, if your license has been suspended or revoked recently then you will not be eligible to teach driving classes. If you have a subpar driving record with too many citations then you may have a hard time finding a job as well.

You will need a minimum of a high school education to teach for private organizations and public schools will usually require that you hold a college degree. Your career specific training will come from an accredited driving instructor program. 

During the instruction period, you will have extensive classroom training regarding traffic regulations, teaching methods, and driving observation. Once you have completed your classroom training you will then apply for your driving instruction license. Contact a local driving school to find out more information about specific classes in your area.

Job Opportunities

Job opportunities are showing up all across the United Kingdom, especially in areas that are experiencing a rise in population. If you’re looking for one of these jobs then you will want to focus on larger metropolitan areas with plenty of schools, since most of your students will be new teenage drivers. On the other hand, commercial driving instructors should look for positions with trucking companies in industrial and commercial centers.

The average salary for this occupation is £30,000 per year and the average hourly wage is around £18. The best-paid individuals in this career usually make around £40,000 a year. In some cases, a driving instructor position can be an excellent second income if you prefer to work on a part-time basis.

Becoming a driving instructor can be a fun and rewarding career path, especially if you enjoy teaching others. Most jobs in this sector have flexible hours and quite a bit of variation from one working day to the next. If you enjoy teaching and spending your time on the city streets and highways, then this may be the perfect career for you!