Most states require driver education instructors, either of teen or adult students, to complete a driver education instructor training course or program. Each state stipulates the providers of instructor training courses, which may include an approved institution of higher education or the state government agency responsible for issuing driver licenses. The number of course hours required for driver education instructor training differs by state, but applicants are generally expected to submit an official transcript or certificate proving satisfactory completion of the coursework.
The subjects covered in driver education instructor training courses typically include traffic rules and regulations and safe driving methods, as well as instructional methods for teaching driver education. Some driver education instructor training providers also provide specialized training in topics related to traffic safety and defensive driving.
States may require that certified driver education instructors complete a certain number of hours of continuing education each year to maintain their license to teach driver education. Continuing education courses are often offered by the same providers who offer initial instructor training, although driver education instructors who complete in-service teacher training in another area of education may be able to apply those hours to their continuing education requirements in some states.
Every state has different certification or licensure requirements for driver education instructors, and licenses are not transferable from state to state. Depending on the state's requirements, however, driver education instructors who are already certify in one state may not need to repeat all of the certification or licensure requirements in another state. Certification to teach driver education may include a written test, a driving test, a teaching demonstration or a physical examination.
Driver education instructor training typically qualifies graduates to work as a driving instructor in a public or private secondary school setting or a commercial driving school. Driver education instructors who wish to work in public schools may be required to complete additional training or submit additional information as part of their application to a given public school system.
In addition to training and certification, applicants to become driver education instructors should hold a valid driver license in the state in which they intend to teach. States may have their own specific requirements for the length of time for which the applicant must have held a driver license, as well as the length of time for which the applicant must have no traffic violations or other convictions.