Driving school teacher

What does a driving instructor do? – Tasks and work environment

A driving instructor teaches students both theory and practical driving to enable a driver's license for passenger cars. The daily work involves planning and conducting driving lessons, explaining traffic rules, guiding students through different traffic situations, and closely monitoring their development. Besides practical driving lessons, the instructor is responsible for theory lessons, tailoring instruction to the student’s needs, and ensuring all requirements for the driving test are completed. The work environment is varied and takes place both in the car and in the classroom, often with quick shifts between different students and driving conditions. The profession involves close contact with people, great responsibility for safety, and requires good pedagogical skills.

Salary development over time

Driving instructors have experienced relatively stable salary development in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,838 SEK per month. In 2023, the salary increased to 39 000, representing a rise of about 5%. In 2024, the average salary slightly decreased to 37 293, which is a decline of just under 4% compared to the previous year. This variation can be explained by changes in demand, competition for positions, and the industry’s overall salary trends. Despite these fluctuations, the profession remains on a stable salary level, and demand for driving instructors continues to be high, which can help maintain salary levels over time.

Driving instructor salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 37 293 SEK/month
• Lowest/Highest salary: Data not available
• Hourly wage: 224 SEK/hour (based on 166 working hours/month)
• Gender differences: Specific data not available
• Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

To become a driving instructor, a special education and good knowledge of traffic safety and pedagogy are required. The training is often vocational and includes both theory, practical training, and final examination. To be accepted, a valid driver’s license with a good driving record, some driving experience, and sometimes upper secondary school credentials are necessary. After completing the training, the instructor must apply for approval from the Swedish Transport Agency.

• Formal education: Traffic instructor training (1–1.5 years at a vocational university)
• Certification: Approval from the Swedish Transport Agency
• Practical training: Included as a mandatory part of the education
• Prerequisites: Driver’s license for passenger cars and some driving experience
• Tips for choosing: Select training providers with a high pass rate among students

Common benefits and compensations

Driving instructors are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, occupational pension, flexible working hours, and sometimes employee discounts on car-related services. Some employers also provide further training and skills development, as well as bonuses linked to performance or the number of students.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a driving instructor varies by region, but nationally, job opportunities are considered plentiful. At the same time, there is a paradoxical recruitment situation where difficulties in finding qualified instructors coexist with high unemployment or part-time work within the profession. Challenges include demands for pedagogical patience, stress management, and handling rapidly changing workdays. Technological developments and changes in traffic regulations also require continuous further education and adaptability.

Tips for those who want to become a driving instructor

To succeed as a driving instructor, good pedagogical skills and a genuine interest in helping others develop are important. Patience is crucial when students make mistakes or are nervous behind the wheel, so practicing staying calm under pressure is beneficial. Being communicative and clear in instructions and feedback makes it easier for students to understand and improve. Flexibility and the ability to adapt teaching to individual needs are appreciated by both students and employers. Additionally, being organized and able to plan lessons efficiently is helpful, especially when managing many students simultaneously. A positive attitude and the ability to motivate others contribute to a safe and inspiring learning environment. Finally, good teamwork skills facilitate collaboration with colleagues and others within the driving school.

Key facts about driving instructors

• Education level: Vocational university education (1–1.5 years)
• Work environment: Varied environment, both in cars and classrooms
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment nationwide
• Number of job openings: 434 within the profession
• Certification: Approval from the Swedish Transport Agency required

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a driving instructor, opportunities include advancing to training manager, specializing in areas such as risk education, or further training to become a traffic school manager. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast, job opportunities are plentiful, and demand for the profession is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. At the same time, there is a paradoxical recruitment situation with both difficulties in finding the right competence and some unemployment within the group. Industry development is influenced by societal trends, technological shifts, and increased demand for alternative driver’s license training, opening new career opportunities and specializations.

Frequently asked questions about driving instructors

• What is the average salary of a driving instructor?
  - The average salary is 37 293 SEK per month.
• How do you become a driving instructor?
  - It requires traffic instructor training at a vocational university and approval from the Swedish Transport Agency.
• What are the job responsibilities of a driving instructor?
  - Main tasks include teaching theory and practical driving, planning lessons, and monitoring students’ progress.
• What is the job market like for driving instructors?
  - The job market is good with great opportunities for employment nationwide.
• Are there different specializations within the profession?
  - Yes, it’s possible to specialize in areas such as risk education or become a training manager.
• What education level is required?
  - A vocational university education of 1–1.5 years and certification from the Swedish Transport Agency are required.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Pedagogical skills, patience, flexibility, and good communication are key qualities.