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Professional Driving Instructor Jobs in Rochester, NY

Petco

Grooming Salon Manager

Pittsford, NY

Career development and growth opportunities, such as Grooming Mentor and Grooming Instructor Job ... Interact professionally and effectively with pet parents, provide exceptional customer service ...

Petco

Grooming Salon Manager

Batavia, NY

Career development and growth opportunities, such as Grooming Mentor and Grooming Instructor Job ... Interact professionally and effectively with pet parents, provide exceptional customer service ...

Petco

Grooming Salon Manager

Pittsford, NY · On-site

Career development and growth opportunities, such as Grooming Mentor and Grooming Instructor Job ... Interact professionally and effectively with pet parents, provide exceptional customer service ...

Petco

Grooming Salon Manager

Henrietta, NY

Career development and growth opportunities, such as Grooming Mentor and Grooming Instructor Job ... Interact professionally and effectively with pet parents, provide exceptional customer service ...

Petco

Grooming Salon Manager

Henrietta, NY · On-site

Career development and growth opportunities, such as Grooming Mentor and Grooming Instructor Job ... Interact professionally and effectively with pet parents, provide exceptional customer service ...

Petco

Grooming Salon Manager

Batavia, NY · On-site

Career development and growth opportunities, such as Grooming Mentor and Grooming Instructor Job ... Interact professionally and effectively with pet parents, provide exceptional customer service ...

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All JobsProfessional Driving Instructor JobsProfessional Driving Instructor Jobs in Rochester, NY

Professional Driving Instructor information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$6

$21

$38

How much do professional driving instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional 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.

How much do top driver instructors make?

Top professional driving instructors can earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the number of students they teach. Income may also include bonuses or commissions for high performance and additional certifications. Experienced instructors with a strong reputation and advanced skills tend to earn higher salaries.

What qualifications do you need to be a driver trainer?

To become a professional driving instructor, candidates typically need a valid driver's license, relevant driving experience, and completion of a certified instructor training program. Some regions also require passing written and practical exams, background checks, and obtaining an instructor certification or license. Strong communication skills and knowledge of traffic laws are essential for the role.

What is the going rate for a driving instructor?

The average hourly rate for a professional driving instructor typically ranges from $20 to $40, depending on location, experience, and certification level. Instructors may also earn additional income through private lessons or driving school employment, often working flexible hours to accommodate students' schedules.

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 are professional driving instructors?

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.

Can you make a lot of money being a driving instructor?

Professional driving instructors can earn a competitive income, especially with experience, a good reputation, and working in high-demand areas. Earnings often depend on factors such as the number of students, hourly rates, and whether they work independently or for a driving school. Some instructors supplement income through private lessons or advanced certifications.

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.

Professional Driving Instructor jobs near you
Immediate Opening! Class A Driving Instructor

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 9 days ago

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.