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Defensive Driving Instructor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$80 - $85/hr

Department of Defense (DoD) strike/fighter aircraft * Strong organizational and time management ... Weapons school graduate, test pilot school graduate, former weapons school instructor, TPS, or FRS ...

Showing results 21-40

Defensive Driving Instructor information

See Virginia salary details

$6

$21

$39

How much do defensive driving instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 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.

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 much does a defensive driving instructor make?

A defensive driving instructor typically earns between $25,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and whether they work for a driving school or independently. Many instructors also earn additional income through certifications or specialized training programs.

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.

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. Strong communication skills and knowledge of traffic laws are essential for this role.

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. Opportunities are often available through driving schools, community programs, and online platforms, especially in regions with high vehicle usage. Certification in defensive driving techniques and good communication skills are typically required for employment.

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.

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 teaching experience. It is important to stay updated on state-specific regulations and obtain any necessary instructor certifications.
Infographic showing various Defensive Driving Instructor job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,078 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

AIML Instructor - Senior with Security Clearance

Peraton

Fort Belvoir, VA • On-site

$129K - $177K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 224 rated it services


Job description

About Peraton Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees solve the most daunting challenges that our customers face. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure. About The Role Empower the Next Generation of Space Operators with AI/ML Capabilities - Help prepare the next generation of space operators to succeed in one of the most challenging national security environments. As an AIML Instructor supporting a critical space warfighting mission, you will play a vital role in developing the operational expertise, technical proficiency, and mission readiness of personnel responsible for protecting national security space assets. As a member of a dedicated training team, you will deliver world-class instruction and hands-on learning experiences that enable operators, intelligence professionals, and mission protection specialists to leverage cutting-edge AI/ML tools with confidence in a contested and rapidly evolving space domain. Your expertise will directly influence operational effectiveness by ensuring personnel are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and workflows required to integrate AI/ML capabilities into their daily mission execution. Beyond instruction, you will help shape the future of operational training by developing innovative courseware, documenting AI/ML workflows, and driving process and efficiency improvements across the enterprise. Working alongside operations, engineering, and mission leadership teams, you will serve as a trusted technical resource, helping bridge the gap between emerging AI/ML technologies and operational application. Successful candidates are passionate educators, lifelong learners, and mission professionals who thrive in dynamic environments and are committed to advancing warfighter readiness through the thoughtful integration of AI/ML tools and continuous improvement of training, tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). Key Responsibilities * Provide formal instruction on AI/ML tools available to classified operations, ensuring personnel develop the proficiency needed to apply these capabilities effectively within their operational work centers.
* Integrate AI/ML tools into tailored work areas, customizing implementation approaches to align with mission-specific workflows, data environments, and operational requirements.
* Document AI/ML workflow procedures, best practices, and lessons learned to drive process and efficiency improvements across the organization.
* Develop and maintain engaging training materials, courseware, lesson plans, and instructional documentation that support AI/ML proficiency and mission readiness.
* Serve as a technical subject matter expert on AI/ML platforms, tools, and applications relevant to classified space operations.
* Identify and communicate training gaps, workflow deficiencies, and opportunities to further leverage AI/ML capabilities to enhance mission effectiveness.
* Participate in training reviews, operational update briefings, strategic planning sessions, and mission-focused demonstrations.
* Provide supplemental instruction, mentorship, and individualized training support to operators as AI/ML tools and mission needs evolve.
* Collaborate closely with operations, intelligence, engineering, and mission protection teams to ensure AI/ML training and integration efforts remain aligned with current and future mission objectives.
* Maintain advanced proficiency in AI/ML systems and continuously adapt training programs to reflect emerging technologies, tools, and mission requirements.*This position is contingent upon contract award.* Qualifications Required Qualifications * Minimum of 16 years w/o a degree or 14 years with AS/AA or 12 years with BS/BA or 10 years with MS/MA or 8 years with Ph.D.
* 3+ year of formal instructor, trainer, or curriculum development experience.
* Demonstrated experience working with AI/ML tools, platforms, or applications in an operational or analytical environment.
* Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
* Active TS/SCI clearance with adjudicated polygraph.Preferred Qualifications * 5+ years of experience supporting space operations, intelligence analysis, or related mission areas within the Department of Defense or Intelligence Community.
* Experience integrating AI/ML tools such as Maven Smart System or similar platforms into classified operational workflows.
* Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical concepts into effective, mission-focused training programs.
* Experience managing training programs, qualification standards, or operational certification processes.
* Strong proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and instructional content development tools.
* Experience working with military and civilian personnel across multiple organizations, disciplines, and leadership levels.Why This Role Matters AI and machine learning are transforming how national security missions are planned, executed, and assessed. As an AIML-1 Senior Instructor, you will be at the center of that transformation ensuring that the operators and analysts protecting our nation's most critical space assets are equipped to harness these capabilities with speed, precision, and confidence. Work Location: Fort Belvoir Details Target Salary Range: $135,000 - $216,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Benefits Statement: Peraton offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, health savings account, short/long term disability, EAP, parental leave, 401(k), paid time off (PTO) for vacation, and company paid holidays. A full listing of available benefits can be viewed at https://www.careers.peraton.com/benefits. Application Statements: The application period for the job is estimated to be 30 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in the role and the Company. During the review of your application, you may be required to participate in an on-camera interview, as well as participate in a process to verify your identity. EEO:Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.

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About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017