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Defensive Driving Instructor Jobs in New Mexico (NOW HIRING)

Santa Fe County

Activity Program Coordinator

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$45K - $52K/yr

... instructors and performers and secures tools and materials for senior activities; organizes special ... Must complete a Defensive Driving class within thirty (30) days of hire. * Must obtain a Food ...

Santa Fe County

Activity Program Coordinator

Santa Fe, NM

$45K - $52K/yr

... instructors and performers and secures tools and materials for senior activities; organizes special ... Must complete a Defensive Driving class within thirty (30) days of hire. Must obtain a Food Handler ...

Oak Grove Technologies LLC

Role Player

Artesia, NM · On-site

$19.33/hr

... defense contracts and actively supports veterans through sponsorships and events. Driven by its ... support of professional instructors. Reliable, professional role players are essential in ...

Oak Grove Technologies

Role Player

Artesia, NM · On-site

$19.33/hr

... defense contracts and actively supports veterans through sponsorships and events. Driven by its ... support of professional instructors. Reliable, professional role players are essential in ...

Oak Grove Technologies LLC

Role Player

Artesia, NM · On-site

$19.33/hr

... defense contracts and actively supports veterans through sponsorships and events. Driven by its ... support of professional instructors. Reliable, professional role players are essential in ...

All JobsDefensive Driving Instructor JobsDefensive Driving Instructor Jobs in New Mexico

Defensive Driving Instructor information

See New Mexico salary details

$6

$20

$38

How much do defensive driving instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for defensive driving instructor in New Mexico is $20.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $20.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a defensive driving instructor?

Defensive Driving Instructors are professionals who teach individuals how to drive safely by anticipating and responding to potential hazards on the road. They provide classroom instruction and practical driving exercises that emphasize accident prevention, safe driving techniques, and adherence to traffic laws. Their goal is to help drivers reduce the risk of collisions by fostering good driving habits, awareness, and responsibility. Defensive Driving Instructors may work with new drivers, experienced drivers seeking to improve their skills, or individuals required to attend courses due to traffic violations. They are typically certified and must stay updated on laws and best practices in road safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a defensive driving instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Defensive Driving Instructor, you generally need a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and experience in safe driving practices, often supported by instructor certification. Familiarity with state-approved defensive driving curricula, classroom presentation tools, and sometimes online learning platforms is essential. Excellent communication, patience, and the ability to motivate and engage diverse learners are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure students understand and retain critical safety information, leading to safer roads and successful course outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by defensive driving instructors, and how can they be managed?

Defensive Driving Instructors often encounter students with varying levels of driving experience and confidence, which can make it challenging to maintain class engagement and ensure that everyone understands the material. Additionally, instructors may need to address misconceptions or resistance to safer driving habits. Successfully managing these challenges involves using a variety of teaching methods, fostering open communication, and creating a supportive learning environment. Regularly updating your instructional techniques and staying informed on traffic laws can also help you adapt to diverse student needs.

What is the difference between Defensive Driving Instructor vs Traffic Safety Educator?

AspectDefensive Driving InstructorTraffic Safety Educator
CredentialsDriver's license, teaching certification, defensive driving course certificationTraffic safety certification, educational background in traffic safety or public safety
Work EnvironmentDriving schools, community colleges, corporate trainingGovernment agencies, schools, community programs
Industry UsageFocuses on driver skill improvement and safetyFocuses on broader traffic safety awareness and education

While both roles aim to improve road safety, Defensive Driving Instructors primarily teach defensive driving techniques to drivers, often through practical courses. Traffic Safety Educators focus on broader traffic safety awareness campaigns and educational programs. The roles overlap in certification requirements and industry settings but differ in scope and focus.

How do I become a defensive driving instructor?

To become a defensive driving instructor, you typically need to have a valid driver's license, several years of driving experience, and complete a state-approved instructor training program. Some states also require passing written and practical exams, background checks, and obtaining an instructor certification or license before teaching defensive driving courses.

How to become a defensive driving instructor?

To become a defensive driving instructor, you typically need to hold a valid driver's license, have a clean driving record, and complete a state-approved instructor training program. Certification requirements may include passing written and practical exams, and some states require background checks and ongoing education to maintain certification.

Is there still a high demand for defensive driving instructors?

Demand for defensive driving instructors remains steady as driver safety education continues to be important for licensing and insurance requirements. Employment opportunities are often influenced by state regulations, driving school growth, and the need for certified instructors with proper licensing and training. Overall, the role maintains consistent demand in regions with active driver education programs.
Defensive Driving Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defensive Driving Instructor job openings in New Mexico as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,084 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

AES Instructor

Western New Mexico University

Silver City, NM • On-site

$510/wk

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Position Title
AES Instructor
Position Classification
Staff
Employment Type
Part-Time Grant
Benefits
Part-Time (Less than 30 hours) Not Benefitted
Department
Adult Education Services
Summary
Works to increase the educational level of students through non-credit course instruction in Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education/ High School Equivalency, and/or digital literacy courses.
Duties
  1. Provides educational instruction in assigned subject/topic areas to include reading, writing, mathematics, digital skills, career preparation, and other topics as assigned using teaching methods designed for a variety of learning styles and abilities and aligned to CCRS standards.
  2. Responsible for teaching classes, preparing lesson plans, and comprehending assessments in various subject areas to prepare students for the HiSet© and/or GED©, improve basic education skills, and/or develop digital literacy.
  3. Teaches lecture/lab courses in the core subjects as assigned, including Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, Reading, career preparation and/or digital literacy.
  4. Provides a wide range of teaching strategies to a diverse student community based on student assessment results (TABE), data analysis, reflection, observation, implementation, and evaluation.
  5. Provides contextualized instruction to include technology and employability skills.
  6. Uses course texts, outlines, syllabi, and other curriculum materials in accordance with program and state standards.
  7. Participates in curriculum development and program improvement activities including textbook, equipment, and other and instructional material recommendations.
  8. Remains current in discipline(s) taught, of instructional methods and new technologies pertinent to areas of assignment; learn and apply emerging technologies and advances (e.g., computer software applications) as necessary to assist and support student success.
  9. Seeks to create a supportive learning environment that is conducive to helping students reach their personal, academic, and professional goals including contacting absent students, conducting individual conferences, and referring students to program staff for additional support and resources.
  10. Maintains accurate and timely records according to federal, state, and program guidelines, practices, policies, and laws.
  11. Participates in and documents required professional activities.
  12. Participates in activities related to student recruitment, retention, and graduation.
  13. Engages in collaborative meetings and activities to enhance and support program success
  14. Performs other duties as assigned.

Education/Background
High school diploma or GED is required. Bachelor's degree preferred. One year of teaching, tutoring, or training experience in a secondary, postsecondary, or corporate training environment preferred. Specific experience with online instruction and educational technology is preferred. Bilingual (Spanish) preferred
Job Knowledge
Knowledge of adult learning principles and course delivery processes. Ability to plan, organize, implement, evaluate, and modify instructional processes. Ability to teach multiple subjects using a variety of methodologies, ranging from individualized instruction to small groups to whole group lessons. Experience and proficiency in using technology and the internet in the classroom for instructional purposes, including tools such as Google Classroom, Canvas, Khan Academy, Aztec, or other relevant software or resources. Excellent interpersonal skills and organizational skills, including ability to work cooperatively and effectively with a culturally and linguistically diverse range of students and staff. Demonstrated ability to display empathy and positive regard for others in written, verbal, and non-verbal communications. Ability to determine priorities, be self-directed and work with minimal supervision. Must be sensitive to cultural differences within the University and community. Fluent in Microsoft Office Applications.
Working Conditions/ Physical Demands (With or Without Accommodations)
Normal office environment, may travel some within the community when needed. May be required to transport normal office equipment and materials. Ability to comprehend and work with a variety of information from various sources. Able to clearly communicate with a diverse population of individuals. Ability to compose correspondence and reports and remain in a sedentary position for prolonged periods of time. May be required to work additional hours or days depending on circumstances.
Other Requirements
a. Requires a valid driver's license.
b. Required to complete Defensive Driving Course within 6 months. (If applicable to the position)
Location
Silver City-On Campus
Salary Range
Salary per class (30 hours) will be determined by the educational qualification of the instructor: High School $510.00 Associate $570.00 Bachelor $630.00 Master or higher $660.00.
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