A driving instructor, or driving school instructor, is a teacher who teaches how to drive the different types of vehicles for which they are licensed. This profession is different from the office routine and allows for a routine abroad.
The classes are theoretical and practical; therefore, the instructor spends most of the day on the street, teaching students how to drive the car on the road.
Although it is not a profession that is much sought after by young people, mainly because you already need to have a driving license, it is an alternative for those who love driving, who enjoy teaching, and who are looking for a job opportunity.
If you are not satisfied with your current driving job, this certification training may be a good option for you.
Keep reading this piece of writing and find out everything you need to know about driving certification or profession and what you need to do to become a driving instructor. Come with us!
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- Where to study to become a Driving Instructor
- Job Offers for Driving Instructors
What is the job of a driving instructor?
In theoretical classes, the driving instructor instructs students on traffic laws; in on-road sessions, they practice driving. Some teachers focus solely on theoretical instruction, while others simply provide practical lessons. However, the same teacher might also teach both theoretical and practical classes.
Although it may seem like an easy task, the eight-hour workday entails risks. For eight hours a day, the instructor is exposed to the risk of accidents, not so much because of the student but because of external factors to which all drivers are subject.
Furthermore, working posture itself causes problems in the medium and long term. Spending all day in the car alters the functioning of many organs, with the spine being one of those that suffers most from working posture.
Stress is also constant, not only because you are teaching someone to drive on the road but also because you have to deal with other drivers, traffic jams, and other aspects that drivers are familiar with.
Therefore, instructors must be strong psychologically and in good physical condition, mainly because it is a profession that wears you down quickly.
What are its functions?
The driving instructor’s primary function is to teach students how to drive on the roads, complying with all the rules established in the highway code.
Therefore, he:
Gives theoretical classes on the highway code
He gives practical classes, where he receives the students in the school vehicle, teaching mechanics and driving
Take routes inside the training vehicle, helping the student with the dual control device
- Explain, in practice, how the highway code applies
- Teach the correct procedures in case of emergency
Inform those responsible about the student’s state of preparation for admission to the driving test.
Job Market Opportunities
The market for driving instructors is excellent, particularly given that a driving license is critical in the modern world and a standard requirement for most careers. There is high demand for these services.
Hence, there is a high demand for competent professionals in the field, and the existing market can accommodate most recent graduates.
You can work at any driving school in the country.
How to enter a career as a Driving Instructor
To become a driving instructor, you need to have a professional title, and you can only give driving lessons in the categories that you are authorized to. Therefore, to obtain the professional title, you need:
Have at least the 12th year of schooling (regular or professional)
Have a certificate of pedagogical aptitude/certificate of pedagogical skills of trainer (CAP)
Successfully passed the exam given by the driving school in Glasgow after having attended the driving instructor training Intensive courses and more.
Prove medical and psychological fitness.
The initial training course has a theoretical and practical component. In the practical classes, you will learn in a real context how to teach students to drive. It is like an internship, where you will give real lessons accompanied by your teacher. The practical classes last a maximum of one year.
You must have already passed the theoretical test, which will be given by the Glasgow driving school, to participate in the practical training. You must retake the course if you don’t finish the practical training within a year.
You must pass the profession’s entrance exam, which consists of theoretical and practical components, to be accepted. Only after completing the introductory training can you begin the practical training after passing the theoretical test. You have 30 days from the end of the practical training to apply to take the practical exam.
You cannot be a driving instructor if:
You are a driving examiner or work in driving test centres
You are banned from driving after road traffic offenses or after a serious/very serious offence
To be a driving instructor in the UK, you must have completed high school and be at least 21 years old. In addition, you must have held a legal driving license for 2 years and a Category D license for one year.
You also cannot have committed any serious infractions in the last 60 days, and you must attend a driving instructor course.
