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Driving Instructor: Occupations in Alberta - alis
Do you like driving, and take pride in driving safely? Do you have good communication skills? Do you have the ability to make others feel confident around you? Then you may want to steer yourself into a career as a driving instructor.
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Occupations in Alberta
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Driving Instructor

Driving instructors teach the knowledge and skills required to safely operate vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, transport trucks and buses.

Contents Expand All
Also Known As

Auto Driving Instructor, Educator, Instructor, Teacher, Truck Driving Instructor

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 4216.1: Driving Instructors

2006 NOC-S

  • E215: Other Instructors

2011 NOC

  • 4216: Other instructors

2016 NOC

  • 4216: Other instructors

2021 NOC

  • 43109: Other instructors

2023 OaSIS

  • 43109.01: Driving instructors
Duties
Updated May 18, 2021

Driving instructors teach traffic laws and safety in a classroom setting and help students practice driving skills behind the wheel. Most driving instructors teach inexperienced drivers how to safely operate cars and light trucks. Some teach experienced drivers how to operate special types of vehicles such as motorcycles, large trucks or buses.

In teaching beginners how to operate a vehicle, classroom instruction generally covers:

  • Traffic rules and regulations
  • Highway markings, signs and signals
  • Driver and pedestrian rights
  • Vehicle control and maintenance
  • Defensive and proactive driving attitudes and techniques
  • Driving near bicycles and motorcycles
  • Driving in adverse weather conditions
  • Emergency and first aid measures
  • The effects of drugs and alcohol on drivers
  • Motor vehicle insurance requirements
  • Proper use of seatbelts

In addition to classroom instruction, driving instructors work with students individually to give them first-hand driving experience and help them develop defensive and proactive driving habits. Sitting next to student drivers in cars and light trucks, instructors show them how to:

  • Adjust seats and rear-view mirrors
  • Use the emergency brake
  • Use turn signals
  • Interpret dashboard instruments
  • Start the vehicle
  • Check traffic and move forward
  • Use safe and proper braking methods
  • Put the vehicle in reverse
  • Do shoulder checks
  • Make turns and change lanes
  • Merge into traffic and exit freeways
  • Park
  • Handle the vehicle safely in all traffic conditions
  • Handle the vehicle safely in adverse weather conditions
  • Handle situations in which other drivers are not driving safely or courteously

In larger vehicles, instructors show students how to conduct pre-trip inspections, operate air brakes, back up safely, and couple and uncouple trailers.

Working Conditions
Updated May 18, 2021
  • Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg

Driving instructors' working hours must be flexible to suit students' needs. Evening and weekend work is generally required. Instructors may work long hours during the summer months and fewer hours in the winter.

Interests & Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Driving Instructors

2006 NOC: 4216.1

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
SOCIAL

Interest in compiling information to explain and demonstrate the operations of motor vehicles; and to explain traffic regulations and insurance laws

DIRECTIVE

Interest in instructing individuals and groups on proper motor vehicle driving skills; and in supervising individuals during practice driving

METHODICAL

Interest in driving to demonstrate techniques, handling and operations of motor vehicles

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. 

It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.

Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.

A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.

A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

A Quick Guide

You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated May 18, 2021

Driving instructors need:

  • Enthusiasm and the ability to instil confidence
  • Patience and a calm nature
  • The ability to get along with all kinds of people
  • Communication and teaching skills

The work is most rewarding for those who enjoy dealing with people, instructing individuals and groups, and working in a clear and organized manner.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Other instructors

2016 NOC: 4216

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 108 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 13, 2021 and Dec 20, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Green Job: Involves duties and responsibilities that lead to positive environmental outcomes
Other benefits: Team building opportunities
Experience: 7 months to less than 1 year
Other benefits: Variable or compressed work week
Attention to detail
Effective interpersonal skills
Reliability
Excellent oral communication
Dependability
Team player
Green Job: Involves duties and responsibilities that lead to positive environmental outcomes 41
Other benefits: Team building opportunities 39
Experience: 7 months to less than 1 year 39
Other benefits: Variable or compressed work week 38
Attention to detail 38
Construction Specialization: Effective interpersonal skills 29
Construction Specialization: Reliability 29
Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication 28
Construction Specialization: Dependability 28
Construction Specialization: Team player 24
Educational Requirements
Updated May 18, 2021
  • Minimum Education Varies

Applicants for a driving instructor's licence must be trained by a licensed driving school. Most driver training schools train their instructors on an ongoing basis. For a fee, some will also provide instructor training for non-employees.

To teach in the Class 1 category (large trucks), applicants also must hold a certificate from a recognized air brake course. Air brake courses are offered on an as-needed basis by public technical schools, colleges and private driving schools.

For information on qualifying for a driver instructor's licence, see the Certification Requirements section.

For a list of driving schools in Alberta, please go to the Alberta Transportation website.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated May 18, 2021
  • Certification Provincially Regulated

Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.

The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.

Driving Instructor

Driving instructors teach the knowledge and skills required to safely operate vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, transport trucks and buses.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act [pdf] and Driver Training and Driver Examination Regulation[pdf], driving instructors who teach people to drive must hold an instructor licence issued by the Government of Alberta and be employed by a driver training school. You cannot be both a driving instructor and a driver examiner.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Driving Instructor.

Employment & Advancement
Updated May 18, 2021

Driving instructors are employed by commercial driving schools which are generally located in regional centres.

Some schools require applicants for instructor positions to have no criminal record and no more than 3 demerits on their driver's licence.

In larger driving schools, experienced instructors may advance to supervisory positions. With additional training or qualifications, driving instructors may start their own driving schools or move to positions dealing with public safety information, vehicle registration and inspection, accident investigation or motor fleet safety supervision.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Other instructors
2016 NOC: 4216

79.8% of people in this occupational group work in:

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Look for Work

Think Industries and Sectors When Planning Your Career

Jobs and occupations are changing every day. It can be hard to know what the future of work looks like—but not impossible. Look at industries and sectors for possible inspiration, insights, and opportunities.
3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Other instructors
2021 NOC: 43109
Medium
Demand
3,000
Employed

Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list
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Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Other instructors
2016 NOC: 4216
3.2%
Annual Growth
(Above Average)
77
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated May 18, 2021

Driving instructors are generally paid by the hour so their earnings vary according to the number of hours they work. Earnings also vary depending on whether instructors use company vehicles, or if they use their own vehicles and pay for car insurance.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Other instructors

2016 NOC: 4216
Average Wage
$30.94
Per Hour
Average Salary
$41,485.00
Per Year
Average Hours
24.3
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
11.7
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
 2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 4216 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $16.43 $34.51 $26.23 $28.00
Overall $16.50 $47.78 $30.94 $31.00
Top $19.00 $56.38 $35.33 $34.51

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Educational Services
Health Care & Social Assistance
Public Administration
ALL INDUSTRIES $41,485
Educational Services $39,742
Health Care & Social Assistance $46,509
Public Administration $62,189

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
59%
59%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
49%
49%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
34%
34%
Vacancy Rate
6%
Related High School Subjects
  • Languages (other than English)
  • Health, Recreation and Human Services
    • Human and Social Services
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Driver Training
Other Sources of Information
Updated May 18, 2021

Alberta Transportation website, information on delivering training: www.alberta.ca/delivering-driver-training.aspx

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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