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Driver Safety Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

State/Provincial Instructor Certification in at least one of the States/Provincial in the Region ... van drivers and any other position requiring employees to drive a company-owned vehicle, are ...

State/Provincial Instructor Certification in at least one of the States/Provincial in the Region ... van drivers and any other position requiring employees to drive a company-owned vehicle, are ...

State/Provincial Instructor Certification in at least one of the States/Provincial in the Region ... From our school bus drivers and location managers to routers, dispatchers and fleet technician ...

State/Provincial Instructor Certification in at least one of the States/Provincial in the Region ... van drivers and any other position requiring employees to drive a company-owned vehicle, are ...

Teacher

South Elgin, IL · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Classroom Driver Education Instructor Green Light Driving School is seeking a reliable, engaging ... Clearly explain traffic laws, defensive driving techniques, roadway safety, and responsible ...

Teacher

South Elgin, IL · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Classroom Driver Education Instructor Green Light Driving School is seeking a reliable, engaging ... Clearly explain traffic laws, defensive driving techniques, roadway safety, and responsible ...

Valid driver's license and passport required. Why Join the Team * Make a direct impact by helping ... Be part of a team focused on technical excellence, safety, and professional development. * Help ...

Teacher

South Elgin, IL · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Employee discounts Classroom Driver Education Instructor Green Light Driving School is seeking a ... Clearly explain traffic laws, defensive driving techniques, roadway safety, and responsible ...

Showing results 41-60

Driver Safety Instructor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$29

$58

How much do driver safety instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for driver safety instructor in Chicago, IL is $29.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.82 and $32.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a driver safety instructor?

Driver Safety Instructors are professionals who teach individuals how to operate vehicles safely and responsibly. They provide both classroom instruction on traffic laws, defensive driving techniques, and safe driving practices, as well as behind-the-wheel training. Their goal is to help drivers improve their skills, reduce the risk of accidents, and understand the importance of safe driving. Instructors may work with new drivers, commercial vehicle operators, or those required to take safety courses due to traffic violations.

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

To thrive as a Driver Safety Instructor, you need in-depth knowledge of traffic laws, safe driving techniques, and a valid driver's license, often supplemented by instructor certification. Familiarity with driving simulators, instructional materials, and sometimes fleet management software is typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and the ability to adapt teaching methods to diverse learners are crucial soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure effective instruction, promote road safety, and help students develop the skills necessary for responsible driving.

What are some common challenges faced by driver safety instructors during training sessions?

Driver Safety Instructors often encounter challenges such as addressing varying skill levels among participants and overcoming resistance to adopting new safety practices. Additionally, instructors must remain patient and adaptable when unexpected situations arise during behind-the-wheel training. Effective communication and the ability to tailor teaching methods to individual learning styles are key to ensuring all students understand and apply safe driving techniques. Staying up-to-date with evolving road safety regulations also helps instructors provide accurate and relevant training.

What is the difference between Driver Safety Instructor vs Driver Trainer?

AspectDriver Safety InstructorDriver Trainer
CertificationsMay require defensive driving or safety instructor certificationsOften requires commercial driver or specific vehicle operation certifications
Work EnvironmentClassroom settings, driving simulators, on-road instructionOn-road training, fleet vehicles, driving schools
Employer & IndustrySchools, government agencies, safety organizationsDriving schools, transportation companies, fleet operators

Driver Safety Instructors focus on teaching safe driving practices, often in classroom or simulated environments, emphasizing safety protocols. Driver Trainers typically provide hands-on vehicle training, focusing on skill development for commercial or specific vehicle operation. While both roles involve driver education, their settings and certifications differ, with Driver Safety Instructors emphasizing safety education and Driver Trainers concentrating on practical driving skills.

Region Safety Director

Chicago, IL • On-site

First Student, Inc.
School and Employee Bus Transportation • 10K+ employees

Other

Re-posted 5 days ago


First Student rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

First Student

Based on 321 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at First Student

  • 89%

    89% of students say it’s good

    of students say it’s good

  • 88%

    88% say they enjoy their job

    say they enjoy their job

  • 87%

    87% of parents and care-givers say it’s good

    of parents and care-givers say it’s good

Featured by First Student, based on 321 Breakroom Quiz responses from their frontline employees


Job description

Provides safety oversight, day-to-day management, customer interface, and required reporting and compliance mandates (both internal and external) for a specific area within a region. Supports the safety/security of all operational, facility and workshop activities within the region. Provides the regional oversight to support compliance with all company, Federal, State, Provincial, Territorial and Client regulations. Serves as the conduit for the collection and reporting of all safety performance related data from the region.

Major Responsibilities
  • Ensures the safe transportation of passengers to and from their destinations.
  • Measures and monitors compliance with company policies procedures, FTA, FMCSA, DOT, OSHA/OHS, DHS or other applicable Federal, State, Provincial, Territorial and Client regulations. This will include ensuring the training being conducted meets all First Group America Guidelines and is in keeping with best practices.
  • Coordinates the support, roll out and project management of all new safety initiatives, training and other safety activities within their region.
  • Builds positive relationships with employees, local school officials, parents and the community. Resolves safety concerns with employees, local school officials, parents, and the community.
  • In conjunction with the AGM and ASM, supports fair and consistent recognition and/or corrective discipline.
  • Manages and collects all information and data from locations within the regions necessary to complete monthly safety reports in accordance with all deadlines. This includes the RSM preparing the actual reports.
  • Leads by example. Builds and maintains a strong positive Area/Location Safety teams through effective recruiting, on-boarding, training, coaching, team building and succession planning. Prepare and participate in the preparation of staff development plans for each Safety employee who is a member of the Area/Location Safety team. Assess the skills and skill levels necessary to achieve Location Safety objectives. Ensures all on-line learning courses required have been completed by location Safety staff including their own individual completion.
  • Works with the locations to ensure a proper analysis is conducted of each safety event occurring in the region which results in an injury to an employee, passenger, motorist, pedestrian etc. or any other serious safety event which may not have included an injury.
  • Identifies safety trends within the regions/locations and using the trend information to recommend corrective actions.
  • Trains the trainers, safety personnel and managers within the region on all safety programs.
  • Supports the development and creation of any regional written materials including, procedures, safety posters, safety alerts, lesson plans, power point presentations, etc.
  • Promotes new company initiatives and supports changes. Champions new changes or company initiatives within their region. Ensures all safety employees at the locations are supporting the changes or initiatives.
  • Assists with the Risk Department with management and legal support for injuries and collisions within the region. Participate on region claims review calls.
  • Has direct responsibility to ensure proper driving trainer staffing levels. Work closely with operations and HR to identify trainer needs and effectively administer driver onboarding.
Minimum Experience or Skills Required
  • 7 years proven experience in Safety/transportation and/or student transportation or comparable service industry showing a consistent successful upward employment progression with multi-site responsibilities or 5+ years management experience
  • College degree preferred
  • Safety certifications, OSHA 10-hr./30-hr. course preferred
  • Collision Investigation training.
  • Demonstrate leadership, decision-making and team building skills
  • Strong proficiency in computer literacy essential with Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Experience with other software such as timekeeping and payroll systems is preferred.
  • Advanced skills in technology used to manage the operation to include but not limited to FGA approved Smart technology, Apps, encrypted drives, shared drives and other Smart technology.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong organizational, analytical and time management skills
  • Ability to interpret data and perform root cause analysis and assist others
  • State/Provincial Instructor Certification in at least one of the States/Provincial in the Region.
  • Certified Smith System Defensive Driving Instructor.
  • Must be able to lead behavioral change by motivating others and inspiring them to become safety leaders.
  • Incumbent must be able to move about the office and between floors; utilize standard office equipment; access filing system/cabinets; and communicate effectively and efficiently in person or by telephone.
  • Ability to perform job functions in an office or field setting under adverse weather or working conditions.
  • Travel required at least 50% of the time

Compensation ranges from $130,000 - $150,000 starting depending on experience. This role also receives a 20% bonus.

First for a reason:

At First Student, we are a family of 60,000+ employees who take pride in safely transporting more than 5 million students and passengers to and from their destinations each day! Our family of brands include Transco, Total Transportation, Maggies Paratransit, and GVC II. Our employees are at the forefront of safety and innovation; they create and implement the most advanced training and technology the transportation industry has to offer.

In the state of Washington, all technician and driving positions, including but not limited to van drivers and any other position requiring employees to drive a company-owned vehicle, are considered safety-sensitive and are therefore subject to drug and alcohol testing, including cannabis.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. First is also committed to providing a drug-free workplace. First will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, and any other fair chance law. Philadelphia's Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance Poster is at this link or upon request https://www.phila.gov/media/20210423160847/Fair-Chance-Hiring-law-poster.pdf.

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Working at First Student

Perks for frontline workers

From First Student, via Breakroom

  • Competitive pay and paid training

  • Paid holidays, sick time, and paid time off

  • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage options

  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match

  • Career advancement opportunities, including operational, maintenance, management, and leadership roles

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP), including counseling and support services for personal and work-related issues

  • Community impact: Be a trusted figure for students and families

About First Student, in their own words

From First Student

At First Student, we are a team of 66,800 employees dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and efficient student transportation. As the leading student transportation provider in North America, we operate over 530+ locations across the U.S. and Canada. Our family of brands includes Transco, Total Transportation, Maggie’s Paratransit, and GVC II. Our employees are at the forefront of safety and innovation, helping create and implement the advanced training, technology, and transportation solutions our industry has to offer. Our company’s history is rooted in industry innovation, operational excellence, and a shared commitment to putting students first.

Company values

From First Student

• Focus on safety: Safety is at the heart of everything we do

• Foster teamwork: Work together, act with integrity, respect each other, and champion diversity and inclusion

• Care for our students: Ensure our vehicles are welcoming and trusted places where students feel comfortable and secure

• Surpass customer expectations: Go the extra mile to deliver an extraordinary experience for our customers and communities

• Set the highest standards: Continually seek a better way to do things with innovation, sustainable practices, financial discipline, commercial excellence, and operational excellence


What First Student employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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