Driving Instructor
(Driver Trainer)
Fact Sheet
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Training students in the many compulsory components of a driving test |
Driving instructors teach individuals and groups the theory and practical application of driving skills.
Duties and Tasks
Driving instructors may perform the following tasks:
- instruct students to drive a motor vehicle by teaching them how to steer, change gears (if manual), interpret and understand traffic conditions, reverse, park, and understand mechanical components and functions
- teach road traffic regulations and advise students when they are ready for assessment
- teach road craft and defensive driving skills
- advise on and teach advanced driving techniques for emergency situations and/or to further driving knowledge
Specialisations
Driving instructors with special licences teach people to drive buses and rigid or articulated vehicles.
Quick Facts
School subjects that include some aspect of LANGUAGE provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a language-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Driving or piloting a powered vehicle on road, rail, water or in the air is an essential or usual requirement of these jobs. Vehicles include cars, buses, aeroplanes, trucks, forklifts, ships, boats, etc. Jobs requiring driving are excluded.
Workers performing these jobs would usually be expected to spend more than three-quarters of their day indoors, in an office, factory or other enclosed area protected from the weather. Jobs requiring mainly indoor work are excluded.
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing skills.
The main duties and tasks involved in these jobs are usually performed sitting down at a desk, counter, workbench or other location for periods of at least two hours at a stretch. Jobs requiring sitting for long periods have been excluded.
Included are jobs associated with transport by road, rail, water or in air, as well as storage and handling of goods.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH PEOPLE, to help, inform, teach or treat them. Activities include discussing personal issues, listening to people's problems, and providing advice, instruction, information or treatment to meet their needs.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH THINGS, using the hands, or special tools or equipment to make, fix, install or adjust them. Activities include doing practical and physical tasks, and may require an understanding of how equipment or machinery works.
These jobs do not usually require completion of secondary education, however further part-time study such as a Certificate III or IV, and on-the-job training, may be required.
Work Conditions
Many driving instructors work on a commission basis. Some use their own vehicles which are converted to dual control, while others use company vehicles. The work can be stressful, with long and irregular hours. Driving instructors have a high level of public contact.
Personal Requirements
- enjoy working with people
- sound character
- good interpersonal skills
- able to give clear and precise instructions
- patient and tactful
- alert and have good eyesight (may be corrected)
- able to act quickly and correctly in various traffic situations