Driving Instructor

Tasks & duties

Driving instructors may do some or all of the following:

• explain the basic mechanical workings of vehicles to clients
• demonstrate and explain how to operate a vehicle
• coach clients while they are driving
• teach clients the road rules and about road safety
• prepare clients for their driver's licence tests
• issue relevant driving qualifications or advanced qualifications
• teach some defensive driving courses

Specialisations

Driving instructors may specialise in teaching Class 2 to 5 licences, which means they teach people how to drive light to heavy trucks rather than cars. The Army employs driving instructors to teach specialist heavy vehicle driving.

There are also specialist motorcycle driving instructors.

Skills & knowledge

Driving instructors need to have:

• advanced driving skills
• thorough knowledge of the Road Code, defensive-driving techniques and transport regulations
• knowledge of the mechanical and practical operation of vehicles
• excellent communication skills, including the ability to adapt their teaching style to students who are nervous learners, and to point out errors constructively
• organisational and time management ability
• decision-making skills

Driving instructors may also need to know how to run a small business.

Entry requirements

To become a driving instructor you need to complete an approved course to obtain a Driving Instructor's Certificate, or I Endorsement, which must be renewed every five years. To apply for an I Endorsement you must have held a full driver's licence in the class you want to teach for at least two years, and have no criminal convictions. Courses cost between $1500 and $5000.

Further information on what you need to get an I endorsement is available from Land Transport New Zealand, which also provides a list of Approved Courses for Occupational Drivers.

Land Transport NZ website: information on I Endorsements and how to become a driving instructor

Self-employed driving instructors, including those contracted to driving schools, must have their own vehicle, and full insurance.

Training on the job

Driving instructors gain further skills on the job. They must also renew their Driving Instructor's Certificate every five years.

Useful experience

Useful experience for driving instructors includes teaching or any driving-related work.

For more information, please refer to Career Services.