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Auto Driving Instructor, Educator, Instructor, Teacher, Truck Driving Instructor
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:
| Starting | $18.13 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $19.05 |
| Top | $19.61 |
Interest in compiling information to explain and demonstrate the operations of motor vehicles; and to explain traffic regulations and insurance laws
Interest in instructing individuals and groups on proper motor vehicle driving skills; and in supervising individuals during practice driving
Interest in driving to demonstrate techniques, handling and operations of motor vehicles
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 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.
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:
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:
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:
The work is most rewarding for those who enjoy dealing with people, instructing individuals and groups, and working in a clear and organized manner.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 20 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 18, 2020 and Jun 30, 2021.
Review these skills to learn:
| Personal Suitability: Effective interpersonal skills | 19 |
|---|---|
| Personal Suitability: Excellent oral communication | 19 |
| Personal Suitability: Dependability | 19 |
| Personal Suitability: Reliability | 19 |
| Personal Suitability: Team player | 18 |
| Personal Suitability: Judgement | 16 |
| Personal Suitability: Flexibility | 15 |
| Business Equipment and Computer Applications: MS Excel | 13 |
| Business Equipment and Computer Applications: MS Windows | 13 |
| Personal Suitability: Accurate | 13 |
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.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Driving instructors teach the knowledge and skills required to safely operate vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, transport trucks and buses.
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.
Applicants for driving instructor licences must:
For detailed official information including requirements for Senior Driving Instructor status, visit the Government of Alberta website.
Driving instructors who are licensed by and in good standing with a regulatory organization elsewhere in Canada may be eligible for licensing in Alberta if instructors in the 2 jurisdictions have similar responsibilities and competencies. For more information, see What if I am already certified in another province or territory in Canada? and Government of Alberta website.
MELT and Licensing Standards
Alberta Transportation
Phone: 780-427-8230
Toll-free within Alberta: 310-0000, then 780-427-8230
Email: trans.driver.prog@gov.ab.ca
Website: alberta.ca/delivering-driver-training.aspx
Calgary Office
1st Floor, Willowglen Business Park
803 Manning Road NE
Calgary, Alberta T2E 7M8
Canada
Edmonton Office
1st Floor, Twin Atria Building
4999 - 98 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T6B 2X3
Canada
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:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 4216: Other instructors occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.8% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 39 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
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.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $16.12 | $27.00 | $18.13 | $16.12 |
| Overall | $16.12 | $35.00 | $19.05 | $16.12 |
| Top | $16.12 | $41.86 | $19.61 | $16.12 |
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.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $28,271 |
|---|---|
| Educational Services | $26,086 |
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 May 18, 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.