Finding a good job today can be hard work. You want something that pays well, gives you freedom, and helps others. There’s one job that does all three things: teaching people to drive. If you’ve thought about becoming a driving instructor, here’s why it could be perfect for you.
Lots of Work Available
Australia needs more driving instructors right now. The number of instructors has dropped by 3.2% in the past year, but more people want driving lessons than ever before. This means great opportunities for new instructors.
The numbers tell the story. In Queensland, there are only 8 automatic driving instructors for every 100 learner drivers. The national average is 13 instructors per 100 learners. Some places like the Sunshine Coast have just 6 instructors for every 100 learners. This shortage means more work and better pay for new instructors.
The driving lesson business has grown from $98.71 billion in 2024 to $103.11 billion in 2025. Government data shows driving instructor jobs will grow by 37.4% over the next five years. This growth comes from several things: more people moving to Australia, adults learning to drive later in life, and parents choosing professional lessons over teaching their kids themselves.
Great Money
One of the best things about being a driving instructor is how much you can earn. Most driving instructors in Australia make between $80,000 and $100,000 each year. Many make even more than this.
In Adelaide, lessons cost $113-125 per hour – the highest in Australia. The national average is around $81 per hour. Unlike other jobs where someone else decides your pay, driving instructors set their own prices. Many charge between $50 and $70 per hour.
If you work 25 hours per week at $60 per hour, you’ll make $78,000 per year. Work 30 hours per week and you’ll earn over $93,000. Some driving schools make $1,200 per day, showing what’s possible with hard work.
Starting a driving instructor business costs much less than other businesses. You’ll need about $7,000-$10,000 to get started. This includes:
- Training course: $6,600
- Dual controls for your car: $1,000
- Insurance: $2,000
Most other businesses need $40,000-$50,000 to start. Many instructors make back their training costs in their first few months.
Be Your Own Boss
Being a driving instructor means total freedom. You control your work schedule completely. Never ask for time off again. Never miss your kids’ school events. Never work hours that don’t suit you.
You choose when to work, how many hours to work, and which days to take off. Want to work only mornings? That’s fine. Prefer evening lessons? Your choice. Need a week off for holidays? Just change your schedule.
This freedom is great for parents. You can go to every school event and sports game while still running a good business. Many instructors start part-time whilst keeping their old job. They build up students slowly until they’re ready to work full-time.
You can keep your business small with just a few students, or grow it into a big driving school with other instructors. The choice is yours.
Help People Every Day
Being a driving instructor isn’t just about money. You help people in a real way. Every student you teach gets independence and freedom. You open up new opportunities for them – jobs, friends, and experiences they couldn’t reach before.
You’ll teach many different people. Nervous teenagers getting their first car. New Australians learning our roads. Adults who never learnt to drive. People with disabilities through NDIS programmes. Each success makes someone’s life better.
The emotional rewards are huge. You’ll get thank-you cards from students who pass their tests. Excited phone calls sharing good news. Knowing your teaching has helped someone feels amazing. Many instructors say this is the best part of their job.
Your work also makes roads safer for everyone. Good teaching creates safer drivers. This means fewer accidents and better traffic for whole communities.
Interesting Work Every Day
Teaching driving is never boring. Every student is different. Each brings their own challenges and learning style. This variety keeps work interesting and fun.
You’ll teach different types of students:
- Teenagers learning for the first time
- Overseas drivers learning Australian rules
- NDIS clients needing special help
- Older drivers renewing their licences
The work uses many skills beyond just driving. You’ll plan lessons, track progress, give feedback, run your business, and change your teaching for different students. This variety keeps your mind active.
Great Opportunities for Everyone
Women have special opportunities as driving instructors. Only 23% of Australia’s driving instructors are women. Many students want female instructors, but they’re hard to find.
Some cities like Bendigo, Canberra, and parts of NSW have no female automatic driving instructors at all. Even big cities like Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, and Perth have fewer than 3 female instructors per 100 learners. This shortage means female instructors often have waiting lists and can charge higher prices.
Learn and Grow
The Certificate IV in Motor Vehicle Driver Training gives you a strong start, but learning continues. Experienced instructors can become authorised examiners, giving driving tests to new drivers. This adds more work and income.
Many instructors grow their businesses beyond basic lessons. They might start their own driving schools, train other instructors, or teach special courses like defensive driving or corporate training.
You’ll meet other instructors, driving school owners, car dealers, and insurance people. These connections often lead to more work, partnerships, and business growth.
Good Training Available
Getting qualified is straightforward. The Certificate IV program teaches everything you need to know:
- How to teach different types of learners
- Road rules and safety
- Business skills
- How to track student progress
Training providers like Driver Academy Australia have over 40 years of experience. They offer flexible learning that fits around your current job. You can study online and do practical sessions when it suits you. Most people finish the course in 52 weeks, but you can go at your own speed.
The program teaches more than just driving instruction. You’ll learn business skills, customer service, legal requirements, and marketing. This prepares you to succeed as a business owner.
Secure Future
This career has great long-term security. Whilst self-driving cars get attention in the news, they’re still years away. Even when they arrive, people will still need to know how to drive.
Country areas will need regular driving for many years. The qualification also lets you teach truck driving, opening more job opportunities.
As traffic gets busier, more people want special training like defensive driving and advanced skills courses. The Certificate IV works overseas too, so you could work in other countries if you want.
Common Qns Answered
Many people worry about starting a new career. Here are answers to common concerns:
“What if I’m not good at teaching?” The Certificate IV teaches you proven teaching methods. You’ll learn how to explain things clearly and work with different learning styles.
“What if I can’t find students?” With the current instructor shortage, finding students is rarely a problem. Most new instructors are surprised how quickly they build up regular students.
“What if something goes wrong whilst teaching?” All instruction cars have dual controls, so you can take control if needed. The training teaches you how to handle risky situations safely.
“What about insurance and legal issues?” The program covers all legal requirements. Professional insurance for driving instructors is available and not expensive compared to what you can earn.
How to Get Started
Ready to start? Here’s what you need to do:
First, check you meet the basic requirements:
- Hold an Australian driver’s licence for at least 3 years
- Have basic computer skills
- Good reading and writing skills
- Be healthy enough for practical instruction
Look at your local area to see how many instructors work there already. Check online to see if existing instructors are busy. Long waiting lists are a good sign for your future success.
Contact a training provider to learn about their programmes. Plan how you’ll fit study time around your current commitments. Think about whether you’ll work for an existing driving school at first or start your own business straight away.
A Career Worth Choosing
Being a driving instructor combines good money, personal freedom, meaningful work, and job satisfaction. Few careers offer all these benefits. The current instructor shortage creates great opportunities, whilst the growing market ensures long-term success.
Low starting costs, flexible training, and good support make this career change possible for many people. Whether you want a complete career change or profitable part-time work, driving instruction can help you reach your goals whilst helping your community.
Starting as a driving instructor begins with one step: getting information and deciding to try this rewarding career. With proper training, hard work, and the right attitude, you can build a successful business that gives you financial security, personal satisfaction, and control over your own future.
Your driving skills can become the foundation for a business that serves your community whilst achieving your personal goals. The question isn’t whether you can succeed as a driving instructor – it’s whether you’re ready to take the first step towards this rewarding opportunity.