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Defensive Driving Instructor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

BAE Systems

Tech Instructor II

Reston, VA · On-site

$79K - $134K/yr

... defense, security, and aerospace company. We're seeking a highly skilled Mid-Level OSINT Training Instructor to join our dynamic team, supporting our government customer in driving innovation ...

Hampton Roads Transit

Bus Training Instructor

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$50K - $62K/yr

Will conduct defensive driving classes for all newly hired safety sensitive employees. * Conducts passenger assistance training. * Assists with recruitment duties and tests operator applicants.

Gohrt

Bus Training Instructor

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$50K - $62K/yr

Will conduct defensive driving classes for all newly hired safety sensitive employees. * Conducts passenger assistance training. * Assists with recruitment duties and tests operator applicants.

Peraton

AIML Instructor - Senior

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$135K - $216K/yr

... driving process and efficiency improvements across the enterprise. Working alongside operations ... of Defense or Intelligence Community. * Experience integrating AI/ML tools such as Maven Smart ...

Peraton

AIML Instructor - Senior

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

... driving process and efficiency improvements across the enterprise. Working alongside operations ... of Defense or Intelligence Community. * Experience integrating AI/ML tools such as Maven Smart ...

Peraton

AIML Instructor - Senior

Fort Belvoir, VA

... driving process and efficiency improvements across the enterprise. Working alongside operations ... of Defense or Intelligence Community. * Experience integrating AI/ML tools such as Maven Smart ...

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All JobsDefensive Driving Instructor JobsDefensive Driving Instructor Jobs in Virginia

Defensive Driving Instructor information

See Virginia salary details

$6

$21

$39

How much do defensive driving instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for defensive driving instructor in Virginia is $21.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $21.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do defensive driver instructors make?

Defensive driving instructors typically earn between $25,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and whether they work for a driving school or as independent contractors. Many instructors also earn additional income through certifications, group classes, or private lessons.

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.

Can you make a lot of money being a driving instructor?

The earning potential of a defensive driving instructor varies based on location, experience, and the number of students taught. Typically, instructors earn an hourly rate or salary, with full-time professionals making a moderate income, but high earnings are less common without additional certifications or specialization. Income can also depend on whether the instructor works independently or for a driving school.

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 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.

Why are driving instructors leaving?

Driving instructors are leaving due to factors such as low pay, high job stress, and increased regulations that impact their earning potential. Additionally, the rise of online driver education and changing student demand have contributed to workforce shortages in this field.

How do I become a defensive driver instructor?

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

What are Defensive Driving Instructors?

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.
Defensive Driving Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defensive Driving Instructor job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,078 per year, or $21.2 per hour.
Security Driver Training Instructor

Security Driver Training Instructor

All Native Group

Blackstone, VA • On-site

$59K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Summary
We are currently accepting applications for future openings. Please note that there is no specific start date at this time. We will reach out to qualified candidates as positions become available.
Summary
Ho-Chunk Inc. Management Services (HCIMS) is seeking a full-time Security Driver Training Instructor. The Security Driver Training Instructor will serve as an instructor and course manager for security driver training courses with responsibility for planning, organizing, and presenting and/or managing the presentation of one or more of these courses and for evaluating training effectiveness to ensure that objectives are met. The incumbent also serves as a subject matter expert on security/counterterrorist driving, vehicle dynamics, motorcade operations, off road driving and other related areas. The position is based at the U.S. Department of State, Foreign Affairs Security Training Center (FASTC) in Blackstone, VA.
Essential Functions
  • Plans, organizes, and instructs driver training courses;
  • Reviews established training objectives, lesson plans, training materials, and instructional methods prior to the beginning of assigned courses;
  • Researches and reviews current reports related to Diplomatic Security (DS) and introduces applicable information into driver training courses;
  • Resolves problems that occur in the preparation for and during training;
  • Complies with all Federal Law Enforcement Training and Accreditation (FLETA) accreditation standards;
  • Evaluates training effectiveness to ensure that training objectives have been met;
  • Reviews and analyzes trainee evaluations, feedback from other instructors, and personal observations;
  • Identifies need for and assists with revisions to course content and materials or instructional methods as necessary to improve the driver training curriculum effectiveness and quality;
  • Participates in curriculum review conferences;
  • Ensure optimum efficiency in the use of assigned resources;
  • Assists instructors in other security related subjects including terrorist operations, surveillance detection, attack recognition, and motorcade operations;
  • Provides assistance in conducting practical exercises when needed;
  • Presents security awareness briefings to a wide range or audiences;
  • Establishes and maintains liaison with a broad array of law enforcement, security, military, government and civilian organizations interested in or affected by security/defensive driving;
  • Keeps abreast of current security techniques, methods, and procedures in the security/counterterrorist driving, vehicle dynamics, and motorcade operations areas through attendance at training sessions, seminars, and workshops;
  • Assists in scheduling and planning classes by developing and maintaining close contact with program coordinators as well as with other appropriate training entities;
  • Submits training records in a timely manner;
  • Tests/evaluates new training courses and instructional materials;
  • Assists with equipment inventory and maintenance for assigned training programs;
  • Employee will require supervision and has limited opportunity to exercise independent judgment and initiative in the line of work.
  • May be requested and required to participate in Proposal Support functions due to expertise

Supervisory Responsibility
None required for this position.
Work Environment
Ability to work outdoors where conditions may be unpleasant or uncomfortable, irregular and unscheduled hours and with exposure to personal risks
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
  • Operates US government vehicles as necessary in the performance of assigned tasks
  • Ability to complete work requiring regular and recurring physical exertion, including periods of standing, occasional heavy lifting, and irregular hours in both training and protective service operations, at times, during inclement weather
  • Ability to lift and carry heavy equipment and materials while demonstrating physically challenging practical exercises.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position. Typical days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Evening and weekend hours maybe required as needed.
Travel
Periodic local travel (Washington DC and surrounding areas) and occasional overseas travel may be required.
Experience
  • Three (3)- five (5) years of instructor experience (must have taught at least one (1) class per week during that time);
  • Previous Law enforcement or military instructor experience is desired

Education
  • High School diploma; Associates or Bachelors' degree preferred; but demonstrated work experience of eight to ten years in this specific field will be considered
  • Certification as a driving instructor from a law enforcement academy or driver training school/academy

Additional Eligibility Qualifications
  • Intermediate knowledge of security/antiterrorist driving principles and concepts;
  • Intermediate knowledge of vehicle mechanics, engineering, and fabrication;
  • Intermediate knowledge of current protective security methods to provide instruction that is consistent with currently accepted methods and practices;
  • Knowledge of terrorist operations and surveillance detection;
  • Familiarity with the functions, responsibilities, and duties of Foreign Service personnel preferred;
  • Basic knowledge of adult learning principles, course development, classroom and practical instructional presentation methods, and methods for evaluating training effectiveness;
  • Ability to provide in-car and classroom instruction for all aspects of off road and unimproved road driving techniques;
  • Ability to become a DS lead instructor for all driving courses with the exception of tactical motorcades;
  • Ability to immediately analyze, predict, and preclude unsafe driving situations to ensure training exercises are conducted in a safe manner;
  • Ability to establish and maintain liaison with personnel at all levels in order to plan and coordinate assigned responsibilities;
  • Skill in oral and written communications to present training to a variety of audiences and to prepare and present briefings;
  • Must have excellent people and organizational skills;
  • Must possess a valid U.S. driver's license.

Drug Free Workplace
All Native Group is a Drug Free Workplace. It is our policy that all new hires must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen as a condition of employment. In addition, all employees are subject to random drug screens throughout the term of their employment with All Native Group.
Security Clearance
Must possess or be able to obtain/maintain a SECRET security clearance
AAP/EEO Statement
All Native Group is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered without regard to age, sex, race, national origin, religion, marital status or physical disability. However, preference may be extended to persons of Indian descent in accordance with applicable laws.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Compensation and Benefits
The expected compensation range for this position is $85,000 to $87,000 per year negotiable depending upon education and experience. We offer comprehensive benefits that allow you to balance work and life. A benefits summary is available from this link: https://jobs.allnativegroup.com/categories/1/benefits/1/employee-benefits.
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