How to Become a Driving Instructor: Requirements by State

To become a driving instructor, you usually need to be at least 21, hold a valid driver's license for several years with a clean record, pass a background check and state exams, and work for a licensed driving school that applies for your instructor license. The exact age, years of driving, training hours and fees depend on your state.

Below is a side-by-side look at five states, followed by the steps most new instructors go through.

Key takeaways

• New York, New Jersey and California set the minimum age at 21. Texas requires three years of licensed driving in good standing.
• Most states tie your license to a licensed school. In New York, the certificate only lets you teach for the school listed on it.
• Expect a criminal background check, a knowledge exam and, in several states, a driving test.
• Instructor licenses must be renewed, often every one or two years, sometimes with continuing education.

Requirements at a glance

	New York	New Jersey	Texas	California
Minimum age	21	21	Not stated on TDLR's apply page	21
Driving history	License valid 2+ years in the class you teach; no suspension or revocation in last 2 years	At least 4 years of driving experience	Class A, B, C or CDL held 3+ years in good standing (not a learner or provisional license)	Valid California license
Education	High school diploma or equivalency	May need proof of qualifications	Not stated on apply page	High school diploma or equivalent
Training	30-hour in-car methods course (MCCII)	Not specified on the MVC page	Not stated on apply page	60-hour operator training for internet-only providers
Exams	Vision, road sign, written and instructor driving test	Law knowledge, driving test, vision screening	Background check	Written exam
Fee	$10 to reapply after a failed test	$75 initial instructor license	$50 application	$30 application + $30 license + $1

Always check the agency page itself; these rules change.

New York

New York issues a Driving School Instructor Certificate (form MV-524) to people employed by a DMV-licensed driving school. You must be 21, have a high school diploma or equivalency, and have no felony convictions or convictions for crimes involving violence, dishonesty or similar offenses.

You complete the 30-hour Methods and Content Course for In-Car Instruction (MCCII) at an approved community college or driving school, then pass a vision test, a road sign test, a written test and a behind-the-wheel instructor's driving test (you provide the car). A school official files your application online and includes a lifetime driving record no more than 30 days old.

The certificate only covers the school named on it. To teach the 5-hour pre-licensing course, you also need a 30-hour teaching techniques course and at least one year as a behind-the-wheel certified instructor.

Renewal: Under the regulations, an original certificate expires at the end of the 12th month after issuance, and renewals are valid for up to two years. DMV lists a $20 fee for a two-year renewal and requires fewer than 7 points and fewer than 3 reportable crashes in the last 24 months. More detail is in New York Driving Schools: Licensing and 5-Hour Course Approval.

New Jersey

The MVC requires instructors to be at least 21 with at least four years of driving experience. Applicants take special testing of law knowledge, a driving test and visual screening, and must submit to a criminal history record check. The school's application packet lists a $75 fee for each initial instructor license, and each instructor fills out their own application and fingerprint notification form.

New Jersey schools also need a supervising instructor with 500 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction and a three-credit college course. See New Jersey Driving School License: MVC Requirements.

Texas

TDLR licenses driver education instructors. You need a current Texas Class A, B, C or CDL license held at least three years in good standing, with no suspension or revocation in that time. You submit fingerprints through the IdentoGo service, pass a criminal history check and pay a $50 non-refundable fee.

Licenses are valid for one year. Renewal costs $25, and you must complete at least 2 hours of continuing education each license cycle in driver education, driving safety or instructional techniques. Read more in Texas Driving School License: TDLR Requirements Explained.

California

The California DMV licenses instructors who are employees of a licensed driving school. The instructor license page lists:

• Age 21 or older and a valid California driver's license
• Proof of high school graduation or equivalent
• A Live Scan background check and a physician's health report (DL 546A)
• A written exam on traffic laws, safe driving, first aid, teaching methods for minors and driving school rules. Fail three times and you start over with a new application and fee.

Renewal applicants may submit a certificate for an approved 18-hour continuing education program instead of retaking the exam. California also has a separate Independent Driving Instructor license for small cities without a licensed school. More in California Driving School License: Owner and Operator Rules.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania instructors work for private driver training schools licensed by the Department of Education. State law requires a written theory exam and a practical driving exam. The written test has 55 multiple choice and two short answer questions, with a minimum passing score of 50. Passing earns a card that approves you for the PennDOT practical test. Staff applicants also need a child abuse clearance, a three-year driving abstract and criminal background checks, and the instructor license fee is $30. See How to License a Private Driver Training School in Pennsylvania.

The usual path, step by step

1. Check your driving record. Recent suspensions, revocations or too many points can stop you before you start.
2. Find a licensed school to work for. In most of these states the school files or supports your application.
3. Complete required training. For example, New York's 30-hour MCCII.
4. Pass background checks. Fingerprints or Live Scan are standard.
5. Pass the exams. Knowledge, vision and driving tests vary by state.
6. Carry your license. Texas and New York require instructors to have their license or certificate with them while teaching.
7. Renew on time. Track your expiration date and any continuing education.

What parents should know

If you are a parent reading this, the takeaway is simple: driving instructors are licensed individually, not just schools. It's fair to ask to see an instructor's license. For more on vetting a school, read Questions to Ask Before You Pay a Driving School.

FAQ

How old do you have to be to be a driving instructor?

In New York, New Jersey and California the minimum is 21. Texas requires that you have held a full license for at least three years in good standing.

Can I teach driving on my own without a school?

Usually not. Most states license instructors through a licensed school. California has a separate Independent Driving Instructor license, but only for cities with fewer than 50,000 people and no licensed driving school, in counties under 400,000 people.

How long does a driving instructor license last?

Texas instructor licenses last one year. New York's original certificate expires at the end of the 12th month, and renewals last up to two years.

Do driving instructors need continuing education?

Some states require it. Texas requires at least 2 hours each license cycle. California lets renewing instructors take an approved 18-hour program instead of the exam.

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