In Texas, becoming a driving instructor requires state certification and successful completion of the TEA-approved instructor preparation courses from an accredited driving school. Schools such as Texas State University and Lamar University offer Driver Education Teacher Preparation Courses. Private driver's education schools such as Austin Driving School, Central Park Driving School and the A-1 Driving Academy offer approved Teacher Preparation Courses in Abilene, San Antonio and Austin. The TEA also provides contact emails and phone numbers for these schools to obtain more detailed information.
In Massachusetts, driver instructor training is highly regulated to ensure that the student receives thorough training in the safety and operational procedures of driving. Massachusetts requires trainees attend at least 45 hours of classroom training, including a 30 hour section on new drivers and 15 hours of basic driving and car maintenance techniques. As a final test, the instructor must complete 10 hours of audited classroom teaching and 10 hours of observed road lessons. More information about Massachusetts driver instruction can be obtained at the state website Mass.gov.
California requires 60 hours of instructor training. As in Texas, this training can be completed by companies such as American Driving School, but must follow the strict curriculum of the state. California driving instructors are subject to comprehensive training that includes rules of the road, vehicle maintenance,and the legal limitations placed on driving instructors advertising to students. More information on California instructor training can be found at DMV.ca.gov.
The Sunshine State requires 32 hours of instructor training for new certifications and an eight-hour training course for reapplying instructors. Interestingly, these course requirements can be temporarily waived upon successful completion of a Driver Performance Analysis System test. Although this test allows the instructor to begin teaching before taking the 32 hour course, the instructor must enroll in the next available 32 hour course provided by the nearest local private driving instructor training facility. For more information, visit FLHSMV.gov.