Education · 1 of 5
The path
Short, and controlled entirely by your state. Check your own state's rules before anything else.
- 1
Meet the basics
Now
Most states require you to be at least 21, hold a license for several years, and have a clean driving record with no serious violations.
- 2
Background check
2 to 6 weeks
Fingerprints and a criminal record check, because you sit alone in a car with minors.
- 3
Instructor training course
1 to 6 weeks
A state approved course covering teaching methods, traffic law and in-car instruction. Texas, for example, licenses instructors through its Department of Licensing and Regulation.
- 4
Written and driving exams
1 day
A knowledge test on traffic law and teaching, plus a demonstration of your own driving.
- 5
Get licensed and start
Weeks
The state issues your instructor license or certificate. In New York the Department of Motor Vehicles licenses both driving schools and their instructors.