Exploring your options for a career is exciting. It gives you the opportunity to think about your interests and look into industries that you may have never considered before. Becoming a driving instructor is a career that lets you teach others how to operate various vehicle types. You will meet people from all walks of life and help them step up to their responsibilities in the transportation industry.
Your Responsibilities as a Driving Instructor
Driving instructors teach individuals how to operate cars, commercial vehicles and trucks safely. They help individuals develop and refine their skills so that they can pass a driving test and maintain their license. An instructor needs to be personable, professional and always be able to remain calm. If you become an instructor, you will need to be able to teach and give constructive advice.
As a driving instructor, you do not have to go through extensive education, but you will need to complete driving instructor training. Once completed, you can enjoy numerous self-employment opportunities and you will find there is high demand for qualified instructors throughout the country. Salary can vary; mostly depending on the type of instructor you are and the amount of experience you have. On average, a full-time instructor can expect to earn anywhere between $25,000 to 60,000 per year based on a $20 per hour rate.
The great thing about being a professional driving instructor is that you can do it part-time, enjoy flexible working hours and you can even become an instructor to supplement other income sources.
How to Become a Driving Instructor
To qualify as a licensed driving instructor in British Columbia, you are required to follow these steps:
- Receive Pre-Approval from the ICBC – You will need to contact the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) for pre-approval. Before doing so, you are required to complete a mandatory entrance test and entrance assessment drive.
- Complete Instructor Training Course – The ICBC requires that you complete a certified instructor training course. Make sure the course you take is accepted by the ICBC and is conducted by one of the driving schools in Vancouver approved by the ICBC.
- Applying for a License – After successfully completing your instructor training course, you will send documentation to the ICBC along with your licensing fee and application. If accepted, you will receive a license via mail.
North Shore Driving School, Ltd. offers driving lessons in North Vancouver for individuals who wish to pursue a career as a driving instructor. Our driving school which serves Vancouver and West Vancouver is the longest running driving instructor training program in British Columbia. Our graduates are the most successful in Class 5/7 and Class 1 training.
Learn more about our driving instructor training course or sign up to start your new career. Have questions? Give us a call at