Driving Instructor

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 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.

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.

Driving instructors need to possess:

• enthusiasm and the ability to instil confidence
• patience and a calm nature
• the ability to get along with all kinds of people
• good 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.

Below-average occupational growth is expected in Alberta for 2016 to 2020. Job openings are a result of employment turnover and newly created positions.

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.

Driving instructors are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 4216: Other instructors. In Alberta, 76% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Educational Services (PDF)
• Transportation and Warehousing (PDF)

The employment outlook (PDF) in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions)
• size of the occupation

Over 2,800 Albertans are employed in the Other instructors occupational group. This group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.4% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 39 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As driving instructors form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for driving instructors.

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

Alberta Transportation website, licensing information: www.transportation.alberta.ca/543.htm

For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.