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Professional Driving Instructor Jobs in Berkeley, CA

Math Instructor / Tutor

Oakland, CA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

... professional development, community impact, and transformative education. Inspired by elite ... What You Will Do (Key Responsibilities) As an Instructor, you will act as a driving force on our ...

Showing results 21-40

Professional Driving Instructor information

See Berkeley, CA salary details

$7

$26

$48

How much do professional driving instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional driving instructor in Berkeley, CA is $26.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.20 and $26.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges professional driving instructors face when teaching new drivers?

Professional Driving Instructors often encounter challenges such as adapting their teaching style to suit learners with varying confidence levels and learning speeds. They must remain patient and attentive, especially with nervous or inexperienced students, while ensuring safety at all times. Instructors also need to stay updated on traffic laws and best practices, and they often work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate students’ schedules. Effective communication and the ability to calmly manage stressful situations are key to overcoming these challenges.

What is a professional driving instructor?

Professional driving instructors are certified individuals who teach people how to drive vehicles safely and responsibly. They provide both theoretical and practical lessons on road rules, traffic laws, vehicle operation, and defensive driving techniques. Driving instructors work with new drivers, those seeking to improve their driving skills, or individuals needing to retake driving tests. Instructors are required to have specialized training and licensing to ensure they are knowledgeable about current regulations and effective teaching methods.

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

To thrive as a Professional Driving Instructor, you need thorough knowledge of road safety, traffic laws, defensive driving techniques, and typically a valid instructor certification or license. Familiarity with dual-control vehicles, driving simulation tools, and record-keeping systems is often required. Patience, effective communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring student safety, clear instruction, and fostering confident, responsible drivers.

What is the difference between Professional Driving Instructor vs Driving School Owner?

AspectProfessional Driving InstructorDriving School Owner
CredentialsRequires driving instructor certification and licensingRequires business licensing, may also need instructor certifications
Work EnvironmentTeaches students in vehicles, driving schools, or training centersManages the overall driving school operations
Employer & Industry UsageEmployed by driving schools or self-employed as freelance instructorsOwns or manages a driving school business

While a Professional Driving Instructor focuses on teaching individuals how to drive, a Driving School Owner manages the entire driving school business, including hiring instructors and overseeing operations. Both roles require relevant certifications, but their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What cities near Berkeley, CA are hiring for Professional Driving Instructor jobs? Cities near Berkeley, CA with the most Professional Driving Instructor job openings:
Infographic showing various Professional Driving Instructor job openings in Berkeley, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,438 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Instructor for Independent Living

East Bay Innovations

Hayward, CA • On-site

$26.78/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

East Bay Innovations
Independent Living Services (ILS) -
Instructor (Full-Time)
About Our Organization:
Established in 1994, East Bay Innovations (EBI) is a nonprofit human services organization that supports people with developmental disabilities, such as intellectual disabilities, autism, and cerebral palsy. Our person centered services support people to live in their own homes, make choices about how they live, work in jobs of their choosing, and enjoy being part of their communities. We seek to further the human rights and empowerment of people with disabilities, and hire people who care about social justice and want to make a difference in the lives of others.
EBI has been named a winner of San Francisco's Top Workplaces Award for 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026!
What does an ILS Instructor do?
The Instructor would work one-on-one with people with developmental disabilities who live on their own, and empower clients to reach their personal goals of independence and community participation. The Instructor would teach life skills in a motivating, personalized, and professional environment. The Instructor would have a caseload of around 5-9 clients. The caseloads are concentrated throughout Alameda County.
This job is a good way to gain experience in the non-profit sector, social work, social services, occupational therapy, mental health, or case management. We seek people who want to make a difference in the lives of others and are both gifted teachers and teachable themselves.
The Instructor receives training to support clients with:
  • Money management
  • Medical, dental, and medication management
  • Basic cooking and meal preparation
  • Utilizing public transportation
  • Locating affordable housing
  • Obtaining and maintaining benefits such as Social Security, Medi-Cal, Medicare, etc.
  • Community involvement and socialization goals
  • Household maintenance

Work Schedule:
  • This is a Full-Time, 40 hour per week position.
  • Work Monday - Friday between the hours of 9:00AM - 7:00PM (driving time included).

Compensation: $26.78 per hour.
Experience:
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Two years of experience working in the field of human services is
  • preferred.

Locations:
  • Working a caseload in the following cities: Oakland, Emeryville, Berkeley, San Leandro, Hayward, and Castro Valley.
  • Our agency supports clients throughout Alameda County.
  • Valid California Driver's License, access to a reliable vehicle, and auto insurance (mileage reimbursement is offered for on the job driving).

Benefits:
  • Medical coverage for those working 30 hours a week or more, with two different providers for you to choose from.
  • Dental and vision coverage for both full-time and part-time staff.
  • Flexible Spending Account & Dependent Care FSA, Commuter, and Parking pre-tax benefits.
  • Voluntary Life, AD&D, Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, and Pet Insurance.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that include free mental health counseling sessions for you and members of your household.
  • 403(b) retirement plan so you can invest in your future.
  • Education Assistance Fund, providing reimbursement for tuition, fees, and supplies for education and self-enrichment courses.
  • Membership in the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1021.
  • Many opportunities for training so you can feel confident in the work you do and prepare for future career opportunities.
  • Paid sick leave for all employees, and paid vacation for full-time employees
  • Paid holidays for all Federal holidays.
  • Mileage reimbursement for on-the-job driving at the IRS rate.
  • EBI offers Additional Language Stipends for staff based on language fluency assessment and client/department/agency needs.
  • Staff appreciation month with a BBQ, a party, daily raffles, and more, to celebrate you and the important work that you do

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program is a federal program that forgives student loan debt for nonprofit employees after 120 qualifying payments. Employees who work at least 30 hours per week for a governmental, 501(c)(3) nonprofit, or other qualifying nonprofit organization may apply to have the balance of their student loans forgiven (tax free) after making 120 monthly payments.
East Bay Innovations is an equal opportunity employer. We will consider all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.