1

Professional Driving Instructor Jobs in Rochester, 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 ...

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

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

People also search for

Professional Driving Instructor information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$6

$21

$38

How much do professional driving instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 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.

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 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.

How much money can you make as a driving instructor?

Professional driving instructors typically earn between $25,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and whether they work independently or for a driving school. Instructors often supplement income through private lessons or additional certifications, and earnings can increase with a higher number of students and advanced skills.

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 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:

CDL Driving Instructor

Finger Lakes Logistics

Farmington, NY • On-site

$26 - $27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Job description

Description:

The Canandaigua Driving School (part of the Leonard's Express Family of Companies) is expanding our operations in Farmington, NY. We are looking for a Class A CDL Driving Instructor. To compensate you for your dedication to the job we offer competitive pay, benefits, and much more.

What is in it for you?

  • Awesome work environment
  • Comprehensive benefits package including medical (Excellus Blue Cross/Blue Shield), prescription drug, vision, dental plan and a wellness program
  • Full Time
  • Day Shift
  • $26 to $27 per hour based on experience
  • Company Paid Life Insurance Coverage
  • 401K with up to 4% match
  • Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
  • On-site gym and gym membership reimbursement

Who is the ideal candidate?

  • Previous driving instructor experience
  • Strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills
  • Displays patience with inexperienced drivers

Don't worry, we will also consider applicants who are/have:

  • Previous education or training experience in any field
  • Will consider those without prior training experience if they have an excellent work record and a positive attitude

Some requirements for this position are proscribed by State Law. Please see the Education, Experience, and Other Requirements section for more information.


*** This position is paid weekly ***


Full Job Details Follow:


The Class A CDL Driving Instructor is responsible for providing instruction in the safe operation of CDL Class A and Class B vehicles at Canandaigua Driving School. All job duties must be performed in a way that promotes safe practices in accordance with Canandaigua Driving School’s established programs and policies.

Essential Duties

  • Provides instruction on functional driving skills such as turns, curves, backing, intersections, etc.
  • Trains student drivers on performing safety inspections
  • Evaluates student drivers daily to determine when they are ready to progress from the range to the road
  • Provides instruction regarding driving on upgrades and downgrades including starting and stopping
  • Maintains a positive work atmosphere
  • Performs additional duties as assigned

Other Duties

  • Patience when instructing the class and efficiently to resolve any issues student drivers may have
  • Excellent communication skills when interacting with new students and experienced CDL drivers
  • Ability to work with students of different skill levels and adapt to their individual needs
  • Must demonstrate good judgment and discretion
  • Must demonstrate leadership and commitment to continuous improvement
Requirements:

Education, Experience, and Other Requirements

  • Be at least 21 years of age
  • Be able to pass a NY DMV written, visual, road sign & road test
  • Must have High School or High School Equivalency diploma
  • Must have a minimum of 2-year CDL Class A driving experience with an active CDL for the preceding 2 years without any suspensions or revocations
  • Must not have been convicted of a felony or crime involving violence, dishonesty, deceit, indecency or degeneracy (per NYS)

Physical and Environmental

The Class A CDL Driving Instructor is primarily located in an outdoor environment with moderate to high noise level. The instructor may be exposed to varying weather and temperature conditions and experience other physical environments while traveling. Physical requirements include:

  • Must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
  • Must be able to bend, kneel or lie down in an outdoor environment
  • Must be able to be on feet, on hard surface, for majority of a shift (i.e. standing and walking while observing students on the range)

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


Benefits

This position offers an excellent benefits package including 401K, health, dental, vision, life insurance, paid time off, and more.


How to Apply

You may apply by using the link in this ad or by calling us at 585-742-2303.


About Us

Integrated Logistics and the Canandaigua Driving School are part of the Leonard’s Express Family of Companies. We are a family-owned transportation provider located in Farmington, NY with additional offices located throughout the United States. We provide transportation solutions for a wide range of customers that encompass many industries. With our nationwide footprint of offices, we are prepared to tailor a solution to fit our clients specific supply chain needs. With our state-of-the-art technology and our dedicated staff, the Leonard’s Express Family is willing and able to provide customers with dependable, diversified and creative solutions that are responsive and cost-effective.


Our company offers a variety of unique and exciting professional opportunities here in New York plus, Delaware, North Carolina, Idaho and across the nation. At Leonard’s you will be joining a team of highly skilled and dedicated individuals. Whether you have a background in Class A driving, customer service, finance, human resources, information technology, maintenance, operations, recruiting, sales, settlements, or safety we have a role for you.


All Leonard's Express Companies are equal opportunity employers, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race/color/religion/sex/national origin/veteran/disability/age/sexual orientation/gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.