Delaware Defensive Driving Instructors

In Delaware, defensive driving school can help you become a better driver while also knocking driving points from your license. With fewer driving points, you can get a better auto insurance rate, as well as avoid fines and license suspensions. If you’re a good driver, you can also consider becoming a Delaware defensive driving instruction. Teaching traffic school is a great career choice for many people.

What is a Defensive Driving Instructor?

A Delaware defensive driving instructor, employed by the state, teaches a traffic school classes to drivers of all ages. Defensive driving classes aren’t necessarily for new drivers. The course, which lasts three hours or six hours, depending on the circumstances, is meant to help bad drivers learn from past mistakes.

Keep in mind that although you’ll be a Delaware traffic school instructor, defensive driving school and traffic school are not one and the same. Defensive driving school is a special kind of traffic school sanctioned by the state in order to help drivers improve. Driver’s ed, on the other hand, is for new drivers, and Traffic Survival School is a class ordered in some cases if you commit serious offenses or have many points on your license. A Delaware defensive driving instructor teaches a class somewhere in between driver’s ed and traffic survival school.

What State Agency Regulates Instructors?

The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Delaware Insurance Department jointly regulate Delaware defensive driving instructors. If you want to become a Delaware defensive driving instructor, you  need certification through the Delaware Insurance Department before you can work for a state-approved school.

Steps for Becoming an Instructor

To become a Delaware defensive driving teacher, your first step is to meet the basic requirements, showing proof of age, a clean driving record, and so forth. As part of your application, you will also have to complete tests, both written and on-the-road, to ensure that you’re prepared to teach safe driving to others.

Requirements to Becoming an Instructor

Not just anyone can become a Delaware defensive driving instructor. In order to be hired, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be 18 years old or older

• Have a high school diploma or GED

• Show a clean driving record with no more than four points and no suspensions in the past two years

• Show a clean criminal history background check with no felony convictions in the past four years.

Continuing Education Requirements

Every two years, you are required to submit an application for Delaware defensive driving instructor re-certification. This doesn’t require a ton of continuing education, but you do have to take the following steps:

• Teach at least 12 hours in the past year

• Attend an in-service training seminar or other kind of updating training session

• Submit proof that you still meet all requirements (see above)

• Submit a copy of your driving record

In order to remain a Delaware defensive driving instructor, you must submit your re-certification application between November 15 of the year before and January 31 of the year of your re-certification.

Jobs Opportunities and Income Potential

As a Delaware traffic school instructor, you have multiple job options available. Most teachers are hired by the state. However, you often must work through a private company, meeting their requirements as well as the requirements of the state. Once you have your certification, you can also consider giving private lessons, though these classes are state-approved for driving point removal or auto insurance discounts.

How much can you make as a Delaware defensive driving instructor? That depends on your experience, the location, how much you work, and whether you work full time on salary or part time hourly wages. If you’re interested in becoming a Delaware defensive driving instructor, call the Delaware DMV to find out more.

Keywords: defensive driving instructor (teacher), traffic school instructor (teacher)