Are you looking for a career change? New Career or to become self-employed?

Bliss Drive Perth offers a comprehensive instructor training program in the northern suburbs of Perth, primarily in the suburbs surrounding Joondalup.  Our comprehensive training with Sarah will lead you to own your own business or become a contractor with quick accreditation.   Intensive training is also available.   

How long does it take to become a driving instructor?

Usually, it can take between 6 and 12 months to become a driving instructor. Our dedicated Instructor trainer Sarah will prioritise your lessons and can schedule these in her diary to suit your timeline.

“In theory, if you were switching careers, you could spend a dedicated two weeks of intensive training on the road with theory study in your own time and then another four weeks perfecting your technique and spending time out on lessons with a qualified instructor with students,” said Sarah Tonks, founder of Bliss Drive Perth.  

“If you are looking for a career move or fitting in around kids or existing commitment and scheduling lessons in at one or two a week, it will take longer, but this way, you can maintain your current role and train. For your new career at the same time, or be able to budget effectively by investing in a driving instructor training course where you can spread the cost over a longer period,"  She said.

How much can I earn as a driving instructor?

The rate will vary depending on your route, independent contractors, employees, or business owners.  But demand for instructors is at an all-time high, and being a good instructor creates demand for you through recommendations or referrals.   Instructors can earn anywhere from $65 to $75 per hour.  

Am I eligible to become a driving instructor?

To become a driving instructor, you need to be at least 21 years old and have had a full driving licence for over three years.

The Motor Vehicle Drivers Instructors Act 1963 (WA) sets out the requirements for a driving instructor's licence in Perth, including A current Western Australian driver's licence. Minimum of 3 continuous years experience driving the vehicle class you wish to teach. Medical fitness standards.

“If someone is interested in learning more about becoming a driving instructor, I recommend an informal chat to discuss the start-up costs, pros and cons involved,” said Sarah. “It’s a big commitment in time and financials, and by speaking with me, they can find out all about the positives and negatives of becoming a driving instructor in Perth.”

Sarah believes that the type of personality that really puts students at ease and therefore make good driving instructors are friendly, approachable and reliable.  These are all key qualities for a driving instructor. A clean, modern and safe car is also essential. 

What are the pros and cons of being a driving instructor?

There is plenty of work out, meaning a steady income for instructors. Prices have been increasing for lessons with the rise in fuel costs and demand for lessons.

However, more demand comes with more stress, so it is important you have a good self-care system to manage stress and have a clear picture of when you want to work and set boundaries to ensure you maintain a work/life balance.

What does the test consist of?

In addition to the seven steps shown on the DoT website on the practicalities of becoming a Driving Instructor in Perth, you will have to go through the following steps with Bliss Drive Perth to be ready to take your test with DoT: 

Theory

There are several theory tests you may be required to complete:

• General driving instruction theory (all vehicle classes) must get 140 out of 150 questions correct to pass.

Practical

The Department of Transport will arrange for a Practical Driving Assessment and Instructor's Practical Test.

Overall the practical driving element takes about 3 hours and involves the practical driving assessment, which is similar to the test taken by learner drivers but tested to a higher standard and the instructor's practical test which assesses your ability to teach a learner driver.  

Vehicle

If you use a vehicle with dual controls to provide instruction, you will need to ensure that its licence is also current and that the vehicle is roadworthy.

Should I join a company or be an independent driving instructor?

This is the biggest decision you make once you become a driving instructor. There is no right or wrong answer you may only wish to teach a few hours a week or you may wish to be on the road for 2 weeks and then take a week off.  You can either set up as a sole trader with your own business, or subcontract to another business or be an instructor with a driving school. You’ll usually still be classed as self-employed, whatever you decide.

Sue has been a driving instructor with Bliss Drive Perth and completed her instructor training in Joondalup with Sarah. 

"Becoming a driving instructor is something I wanted to do for a long time, but with young children and finances; it was never a good time until I decided it would be an ideal opportunity with the children at school.  The training took me about a year as I had to manage my time and budget over this period to train for my new career.  Becoming a driving instructor has been the best decision.  I am in charge of when I work and how long I work and being on the road meeting new people and celebrating with them when they pass has been a joyous job.  The feedback I see on Google Business makes every lesson worthwhile, and the student's face when they find out they have passed is priceless.  I miss the students when they pass, but it is never long until their lesson slot is replaced by a new student eager to learn how to be safe on the road." Said Sue

Robin has been a driving instructor with Bliss Drive Perth and completed his training in Joondalup with Sarah.

"When I first came to Perth, I went straight into my trade of building, out in the hot sun for up to 12 hours a day.  I now sit in an air-conditioned car, helping students to feel confident and safe learning to drive.  I love my job now, and I can schedule my time to spend time with the kids, go surfing before or after school and spend time with my wife for lunch or coffee during the day.  I would not have been able to do that with a traditional role.  I love the flexibility, I love being out and about around Perth, and I really do feel fantastic when a student passes their PDA, and I know that they are a safe driver with the skills needed to drive in Perth.

We have had instructors complete our training and come on to drive for Bliss Drive Perth, like Sue and Robin;  We also have had learner instructors who have completed their training and gone on to begin their own businesses.  While we would love you to stay with us, we understand everyone is unique, and we will support you in your training regardless of where you will begin your career as a driving instructor.  

We would love the opportunity to chat with you to discuss how you could be on the road, managing your own income and helping students pass their PDA safely and confidently in 2023 and beyond.  Please call Sarah on  0412 302 551