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Driving Instructor Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

160 Driving Academy

CDL A Instructor Trainer

Rochester, NY · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

About the Role 160 Driving Academy is the largest CDL training school in the country -- 14 years ... Our instructors are why. As a CDL Class A Instructor Trainer, you teach students from their first ...

160 Driving Academy

CDL A Instructor Trainer

Rochester, NY · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

Description About the Role 160 Driving Academy is the largest CDL training school in the country ... Our instructors are why. As a CDL Class A Instructor Trainer, you teach students from their first ...

Tarian

Security Officer (Armed)

Rochester, NY · On-site

$31/hr

Valid driver's license and ability to meet Tarian company driving guidelines if applicable (for ... instructor * Ability to demonstrate a working knowledge of the Tarian company Firearms policies ...

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All JobsDriving Instructor JobsDriving Instructor Jobs in Rochester, NY

Driving Instructor information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$6

$21

$38

How much do driving instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for driving instructor in Rochester, NY is $21.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $21.35 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.

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.

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 region. Candidates must also obtain relevant licenses and pass assessments, including a background check and driving tests, which can extend the timeline. Overall, it usually takes around 3 to 6 months to become fully qualified as a driving instructor.

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 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.

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.
More about Driving Instructor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Driving Instructor jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Driving Instructor jobs in Rochester, NY are:
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What job categories do people searching Driving Instructor jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Driving Instructor jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Driving Instructor jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Driving Instructor job openings:
Driving Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Driving Instructor job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,867 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Immediate Opening! Class A Driving Instructor

Leonard's Express Inc

Farmington, NY • On-site

$27 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Leonard's Express rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description:


Join a Team That Invests in You


Canandaigua Driving School is growing, and we’re looking for a Class A CDL Driving Instructor to help train the next generation of safe, confident commercial drivers. If you enjoy teaching, mentoring, and making a real impact, this is a rewarding opportunity with excellent pay, stability, and full benefits.


This is a full-time, day-shift position located at our Farmington, NY training facility.


What’s In It for You
  • A supportive, team-oriented work environment
  • Competitive hourly pay: $27–$28/hr (based on experience)
  • Weekly pay
  • Comprehensive benefits package including:
    • Medical (Excellus Blue Cross/Blue Shield)
    • Prescription, dental, and vision coverage
    • Wellness program
  • 401(k) with up to 4% company match
  • Company-paid life insurance
  • Paid Time Off + Paid Holidays
  • On-site gym + gym membership reimbursement
Who Thrives in This Role

We’re looking for someone who:

  • Has previous driving instructor experience
  • Communicates clearly—both verbally and non-verbally
  • Shows patience and professionalism with new drivers

We also welcome applicants who:

  • Have teaching or training experience in any field
  • Have no formal training background but maintain an excellent work record and a positive, coachable attitude
What You’ll Do

As a CDL Instructor, you’ll provide hands-on and classroom instruction to help students safely operate Class A and Class B commercial vehicles.


Essential Duties
  • Teach core driving skills: turns, curves, backing, intersections, etc.
  • Train students on proper safety inspections
  • Evaluate student progress and determine readiness for road instruction
  • Provide instruction on upgrades, downgrades, starting, and stopping
  • Maintain a positive, encouraging learning environment
  • Perform additional duties as assigned
Additional Expectations
  • Demonstrate patience and professionalism with students of all skill levels
  • Communicate effectively with both new and experienced drivers
  • Adapt teaching methods to individual learning styles
  • Exercise sound judgment and discretion
  • Show leadership and a commitment to continuous improvement
Requirements:

(Some requirements are mandated by New York State law.)


Education & Experience
  • At least 21 years of age
  • High School Diploma or High School Equivalency
  • Minimum 2 years of Class A CDL driving experience with an active CDL and no suspensions or revocations in the past 2 years
  • Must pass NY DMV written, visual, road sign, and road tests
  • Must not have been convicted of a felony or crimes involving violence, dishonesty, deceit, indecency, or degeneracy (per NYS regulations)
Physical Requirements

This role involves outdoor instruction in varying weather conditions. You must be able to:

  • Occasionally lift/move up to 50 lbs
  • Bend, kneel, or lie down outdoors as needed
  • Stand and walk on hard surfaces for most of the shift while observing students


How to Apply


Apply directly through this posting or call us at 585-742-2303.


About Us

Canandaigua Driving School is part of the Leonard’s Express Family of Companies, a family-owned transportation provider headquartered in Farmington, NY with locations nationwide. We deliver dependable, creative, and cost-effective transportation solutions across a wide range of industries.


We offer diverse career opportunities across New York, Delaware, North Carolina, Idaho, and beyond—whether your background is in driving, operations, maintenance, safety, HR, IT, finance, recruiting, or customer service.


Equal Opportunity Employer

All Leonard’s Express companies are equal opportunity employers. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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