If you’ve been considering a career change, you’re not alone. Whether you’re burnt out in your current job or simply ready for something more flexible and rewarding, becoming a professional car driving instructor might be the perfect move. And with the growing demand for qualified instructors across Australia, there’s never been a better time to explore your options.
But is it worth it? Let’s take a closer look at what’s involved in making the change and why it could be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.
Learn to be a driving instructor
My Journey into Driving Instruction: A Career Built on Freedom and Purpose
Before I became a trainer, assessor, and business owner, I was in IT, finance, and customer service. In the late ’90s, I worked for companies like Thomas Cook and Travelex. While the work was good and the people even better, I felt like something was missing. Around that time, my brother was searching for a career change. Inspired by the memory of his kind and patient driving instructor, he decided to learn to be a driving instructor by enrol in a car driving instructor course.
As a show of support, I joined him. Back then, it was the 21370VIC Certificate III in Motor Vehicle Driver Training. After just two weeks in the course, I realised I wanted more from my career, more freedom, more satisfaction, and more control over my time and future. I haven’t looked back since.
Becoming a driving instructor gave me:
- The flexibility to manage my own time.
- Financial stability and income growth.
- The chance to work with amazing people and help them achieve their goals.
- A pathway into a broader career in education and training.
Step 1: Making a Start – Enrolling in the TLI41222 Certificate IV Motor Vehicle Driver Training course
To become a driving instructor in Melbourne / Victoria, the first step is enrolling in the TLI41222 Certificate IV in Motor Vehicle Driver Training. This course equips you with the skills and knowledge required to teach learner drivers and meet the regulatory requirements of your state.
The course typically costs between $3,600 and $5,800, a significant investment, yes, but let’s put that into perspective. In Melbourne, driving instructors earn around $65 to $75 per hour. That means you can earn back your course fees in less than a month of full-time work. In South Australia and the ACT, instructors are earning upwards of $100 per lesson.
Step 2: The Vehicle – Dual Controls (and Some Common Sense)
You don’t need a brand-new car to get started. When I began, I used my own vehicle, a Holden VN Commodore, and simply had dual controls installed for around $1,300. It wasn’t fancy, but it was clean, safe, and reliable.
Here’s the truth: Learner drivers rarely care what car they’re in. Ask most of them what they’re driving, and the answer is usually, “a red one.” What matters is your professionalism and the learning experience you provide, not the badge on the bonnet.
Want to buy a brand-new car? That’s your choice and it’s certainly nice to have, but please don’t expect a shiny new vehicle to bring in clients. Focus on being a great instructor first!
Step 3: Insurance – Business Costs That Make Sense
Learn-to-drive insurance might sound like a big expense, but in reality, it’s manageable. Expect to pay up to $2,000 per year, similar to many comprehensive private car insurance policies. Compared to other small businesses, the startup costs for becoming a driving instructor are surprisingly low.
Step 4: Getting Licensed – Your Driving Instructor Authority
Before you start teaching, you’ll need to apply for your Driving Instructor Authority (DIA). In Victoria, this is managed by Safe Transport Victoria (STV) and costs around $572.40 for a three-year licence. In South Australia, Services SA will manage the process and the equivalent licence is approximately $121 annually.
Step 5: Going Solo or Joining a Driving School?
Once qualified, you can either start your own business or join an established driving school as a contractor. Each option has pros and cons:
- Going solo means keeping 100% of your earnings, setting your own prices and hours, and building your own brand. It’s perfect for those who enjoy marketing themselves on social media and connecting with their local community.
- Joining a driving school offers support and student leads in exchange for a commission. This can be a great way to get started if you’re new to the industry or unsure about running a business.
Either way, the flexibility to work around your lifestyle, whether you’re raising a young family or planning your next adventure, is one of the biggest perks of the job.
So, Is It Worth It?
Absolutely. For those looking for a career change, a better lifestyle, or simply a job with real purpose, becoming a car driving instructor is a smart, sustainable, and rewarding path.
You don’t need to invest hundreds of thousands in a café or franchise. You don’t need a fleet of vehicles. You just need a passion for helping others, a desire for freedom, and a solid start with the right training.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re serious about a career change and want to become a driving instructor in Melbourne / Victoria, check out the TLI41222 Certificate IV in Motor Vehicle Driver Training offered by Intelligent Training Solutions. We deliver this course across Australia, including right here in Melbourne.
Visit our course page to learn more: https://www.its.vic.edu.au/tli41222-certificate-iv-in-motor-vehicle-driver-training-2/