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Performance Driving Instructor Jobs in Irvine, CA

Orange County Team Driving Academy (O.C.T. Driving Academy)

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Law Enforcement Trained Driving Instructor - Class C

Ladera Ranch, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Driving Academy is seeking an experienced Law Enforcement Driving Instructor to join our team in ... Evaluate driver performance and provide clear, constructive feedback. * Develop individualized ...

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All JobsPerformance Driving Instructor JobsPerformance Driving Instructor Jobs in Irvine, CA

Performance Driving Instructor information

See Irvine, CA salary details

$11.8K

$80.1K

$87.5K

How much do performance driving instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for performance driving instructor in Irvine, CA is $80,064.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,400.00 and $86,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a performance driving instructor?

Performance Driving Instructors are professionals who teach individuals how to drive vehicles at high speeds safely and efficiently, often on racetracks or closed courses. They work with students of varying skill levels, from beginners to advanced drivers, focusing on techniques such as cornering, braking, acceleration, and vehicle control. Their role includes providing classroom instruction, in-car coaching, and feedback to help drivers improve their skills and confidence behind the wheel. Performance Driving Instructors may work at racing schools, track days, or special driving events. They prioritize safety while helping clients maximize their driving potential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a performance driving instructor?

To excel as a Performance Driving Instructor, you need advanced driving skills, in-depth automotive knowledge, and relevant certifications such as racing licenses or instructor credentials. Familiarity with data analysis tools, in-car telemetry systems, and track safety protocols is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to motivate and coach others are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure safe instruction, effective skill transfer, and a positive learning experience for students in high-performance environments.

What are some common challenges performance driving instructors face when working with students of varying skill levels?

Performance Driving Instructors often work with students who have a wide range of experience, from complete beginners to advanced drivers. One common challenge is quickly assessing each student's abilities and adapting teaching methods to suit their learning style while maintaining safety standards. Instructors must also manage nerves and build confidence in novice drivers, while providing constructive feedback and advanced techniques to more experienced participants. Balancing group dynamics and ensuring every student receives personalized attention is essential for a successful and engaging learning environment.

What is the difference between Performance Driving Instructor vs Race Car Driver?

AspectPerformance Driving InstructorRace Car Driver
CertificationsDriving certifications, safety trainingRacing licenses, specialized training
Work EnvironmentDriving schools, track days, corporate eventsRace tracks, competitions, professional circuits
Employer & IndustryDriving schools, automotive eventsMotorsport teams, racing leagues

While both roles involve high-performance driving skills, a Performance Driving Instructor focuses on teaching safe driving techniques and improving driver skills in controlled environments. In contrast, a Race Car Driver competes in races, requiring advanced racing skills, competitive experience, and racing licenses. The instructor's role is educational and safety-oriented, whereas the race car driver is performance and competition-driven.

What are popular job titles related to Performance Driving Instructor jobs in Irvine, CA? For Performance Driving Instructor jobs in Irvine, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Performance Driving Instructor jobs in Irvine, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Performance Driving Instructor jobs in Irvine, CA are:
What cities near Irvine, CA are hiring for Performance Driving Instructor jobs? Cities near Irvine, CA with the most Performance Driving Instructor job openings:
Performance Driving Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Performance Driving Instructor job openings in Irvine, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,064 per year, or $38.5 per hour.

Law Enforcement Trained Driving Instructor - Class C

Orange County Team Driving Academy (O.C.T. Driving Academy)

Ladera Ranch, CA • On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Part-time

Posted 2 days ago

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Job description

O.C.T. Driving Academy is seeking an experienced Law Enforcement Driving Instructor to join our team in South Orange County. This is an excellent opportunity for a current or former law enforcement professional, police driving instructor, EVOC instructor, or highly experienced emergency vehicle operator who is passionate about driver safety and professional training.

The ideal candidate will bring real-world law enforcement driving experience and the ability to teach officers and other professional drivers advanced vehicle-control, defensive-driving, and emergency-response techniques.

Responsibilities

  • Provide professional behind-the-wheel instruction for law enforcement and public-safety personnel.
  • Teach defensive-driving techniques.
  • Train students safe response-driving practices.
  • Demonstrate proper braking, acceleration, lane positioning, vehicle control, and hazard recognition.
  • Teach techniques for managing high-risk and changing roadway conditions.
  • Evaluate driver performance and provide clear, constructive feedback.
  • Develop individualized training plans when needed.
  • Maintain a strong emphasis on safety, professionalism, and risk management.
  • Complete student evaluations and maintain accurate training records.
  • Maintain a professional training environment while representing O.C.T. Driving Academy.

Qualifications

  • Current or former law enforcement officer, police officer, deputy, highway patrol officer, or public-safety professional required.
  • Prior experience as a law enforcement driving instructor, EVOC instructor, pursuit-driving instructor, or emergency vehicle operator required.
  • Demonstrated advanced driving and vehicle-control skills.
  • Experience training or mentoring other drivers is highly desirable.
  • Valid California driver's license with a clean or acceptable driving record.
  • Strong communication and instructional skills.
  • Ability to remain calm, professional, and safety-focused in high-pressure training environments.
  • Ability to pass any required background, driving-record, and company screening requirements.

Preferred Certifications & Training

Candidates with any of the following are encouraged to apply:

  • Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) training
  • California POST-related driver training experience
  • Traffic Enforcement, Accident Investigations, Patrol Operations

Why Join O.C.T. Driving Academy?

O.C.T. Driving Academy has an established presence in Orange County and provides professional behind-the-wheel instruction with an emphasis on developing safe, confident, and defensive drivers. The academy's training approach incorporates law-enforcement-trained instructors and focuses on practical, real-world driving skills.

This position offers the opportunity to use your law enforcement and advanced-driving experience to help develop safer, more capable professional drivers.

Schedule

Flexible scheduling available. Part-time opportunities may be available depending on training demand and instructor availability.

Apply Today

If you have a background in law enforcement, emergency vehicle operations, advanced driver training, or EVOC instruction and want to turn your experience into a rewarding teaching opportunity, we want to hear from you.

Apply now to join O.C.T. Driving Academy and help train the next generation of safer, more skilled professional drivers.

Company Description

O.C.T. Driving Academy is a professional driving school serving South Orange County, dedicated to providing high-quality, safety-focused driver training for individuals and professionals. With experienced instructors and a strong emphasis on defensive driving, advanced vehicle control, and real-world driving skills, we help students become safer, more confident, and better-prepared drivers. Our team also provides specialized training for law enforcement and professional drivers, creating an opportunity for experienced driving professionals to turn their expertise into rewarding work and strong earning potential.