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Driving Instructor Jobs in Evanston, IL (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Regional Yard Manager

Niles, IL · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

... instructor experience. * Fleet, facility, or equipment management experience. * Experience supporting regulatory audits and inspections. WHY 160 DRIVING ACADEMY We train the people America runs on.

... driving ROI through thoughtful programming, operational excellence, and seamless service. The Arch ... The Group Fitness Instructor is responsible for delivering high-quality group fitness and exercise ...

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Driving Instructor information

See Evanston, IL salary details

$5

$20

$37

How much do driving instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for driving instructor in Evanston, IL is $20.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $20.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a driving instructor?

Driving instructors are professionals who teach individuals how to safely operate vehicles and prepare them for driving tests. They provide instruction on traffic laws, road safety, and practical driving skills. Driving instructors may work with new drivers, individuals seeking to improve their driving, or those needing specialized training. They assess student progress and tailor lessons to individual needs. Becoming a driving instructor typically requires certification and a valid driver's license.

What do driving instructors do?

Driving instructors teach students how to drive safely and follow traffic laws. As a driving instructor, your job duties include creating lesson plans for classroom instruction, giving students hands-on driving practice, and providing feedback to students on how they can improve. You need strong teaching and communication skills to help your students learn essential driving concepts and methods. Driving instructors usually find jobs teaching first-time drivers who are preparing for their driver’s license test or experienced drivers who want to drive different vehicles, such as motorcycles or commercial vehicles.

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

To thrive as a Driving Instructor, you need a thorough understanding of traffic laws, vehicle operation, and teaching techniques, typically supported by a valid instructor's license and a clean driving record. Familiarity with driving simulation tools, dual-control vehicle systems, and learner assessment platforms is also important. Patience, clear communication, and strong interpersonal skills help build student confidence and address learner anxieties. These skills are essential for ensuring students' safety, promoting effective learning, and fostering responsible driving habits.

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

Driving instructors often encounter students with varying confidence levels and learning speeds, which can make lesson planning and progress tracking a challenge. Additionally, instructors must remain patient and alert while ensuring safety in unpredictable traffic situations. Effective communication, ongoing professional development, and building rapport with students can help manage these challenges. Collaborating with other instructors for support and best practices also contributes to a positive and successful teaching environment.

What is the difference between Driving Instructor vs Driving Examiner?

AspectDriving InstructorDriving Examiner
Required CredentialsDriving Instructor qualification (e.g., ADI license)Driving Examiner qualification (e.g., DVSA certification)
Work EnvironmentTeaching learners in vehicles, driving schools, or on-roadAssessing candidates at testing centers or on-road
Employer & Industry UsageDriving schools, independent instructorsGovernment testing agencies, DVSA
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for career paths in driver trainingRelated to testing and certification process

Driving Instructors focus on teaching learners how to drive and prepare them for driving tests, while Driving Examiners assess and certify candidates' driving skills during official tests. Both roles require specific qualifications and are integral to driver training and licensing processes, but they differ in responsibilities and work environments.

How quickly can you become a driving instructor?

Becoming a driving instructor typically requires completing a training course that lasts several weeks to a few months, depending on the program and licensing requirements. Candidates must also obtain a valid driving license, pass written and practical exams, and meet age and experience criteria before starting to instruct learners.

Is there a high demand for driving instructors?

The demand for driving instructors is generally steady and can vary by region and economic conditions. Factors such as new driver licensing requirements, population growth, and the availability of driving schools influence job opportunities for driving instructors. Certification and experience can also impact employability in this field.

What job categories do people searching Driving Instructor jobs in Evanston, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Driving Instructor jobs in Evanston, IL are:

What cities near Evanston, IL are hiring for Driving Instructor jobs?

Cities near Evanston, IL with the most Driving Instructor job openings:

Infographic showing various Driving Instructor job openings in Evanston, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,666 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Region Safety Director

First Student

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


First Student rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 318 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 78 rated education support services


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.

Company Description

About us
An industry leader famous for our yellow school buses and service and safety excellence, we’ve provided student transportation services to schools for over 100 years. Continually investing in the services of the future, we’re proud to be part of FirstGroup America – the largest provider of safe, reliable and sustainable surface passenger transportation services in North America.

Industry leader
We safely operate more than one third of all contracted school buses in North America.
Together our 50,000 school buses travel nearly 600 million miles per year — the equivalent of 1,200 round trips to the moon.
We operate in around 550 locations throughout 38 U.S. states and 8 Canadian provinces.

Innovation
We were the first school bus company to utilize global positioning systems (GPS), so at any one time we know where all of our buses are and how fast they’re travelling.
Passionate about safety, we’ve installed Safety Crossing Gates on the front of all of our school buses and use the Child Check-MateTM electronic reminder system to make sure no sleeping children remain inside a bus at the end of each route.

Awards & recognition
We won the Occupational Excellence Achievement Award from the National Safety Council two years in a row.
Dedicated to safety, FirstGroup received the National Safety Council’s (NSC) Green Cross for Safety Medal - the highest award for safety in North America.

Teamwork and trust
It takes a diverse team of skilled professionals to provide a safe, effective and efficient student transportation system. From our school bus drivers and location managers to routers, dispatchers and fleet technician mechanics, the work we do every day makes a big impact on the daily lives of students, parents, local communities and school district partners.

We’re very proud of our elite team of over 55,000 dedicated, caring and diverse professionals. And they are the #1 reason we’re trusted by over 1,400 school districts - more than any other provider. Everybody here plays their part in creating a positive school bus experience.

Our culture
We live and breathe our vision and values. They are embedded in our culture and drive our commitment to our customers and communities. Our culture fosters growth and promotes respect, reliability, responsibility and safety. And we recruit people who share these values and will work together to build strong and trusting partnerships in the communities we serve.

Safety – Although our safety record is twice as safe as the industry average, we continually seek out opportunities to enhance our operational and safety initiatives.
Learning – Through our learning culture that spans over 550 locations, we receive and share insight from our people to enhance our service now and in the future.
Making a difference - By doing our job well, we make a positive impact on many lives – including the millions of students who travel with us every school day.
Careers for all – We’re an Equal Opportunity Employer and an Employer of Choice.
By consistently encouraging and supporting an open dialogue with our people and partners, we’re able to share new ideas and develop new ways to meet the needs of our customers and passengers. At First Student, you’ll feel empowered to serve your community. So join the team and start to make a difference.


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