If you’re exploring a new career path and have a passion for road safety and teaching, becoming a driving instructor in Victoria can be a fulfilling choice. Whether you’re interested in flexible hours, self-employment, or working with a registered driving school, the pathway is well-structured and achievable within a few months.
This guide outlines the essential qualifications, training, licensing steps, and common questions around income and requirements to help you understand what it takes to become a certified driving instructor in Victoria.
To legally work as a driving instructor in Victoria, you must meet several criteria governed by Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria (CPVV).
The key requirements include:
These checks and qualifications are in place to ensure instructors are safe, knowledgeable, and professional.
This nationally recognised qualification ensures instructors have the technical knowledge and teaching skills to train learner drivers safely and effectively.
It’s important to ensure the course you enrol in is recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and satisfies CPVV requirements.
Enroll in the TLI41222 Certificate IV in Motor Vehicle Driver Training – car specialisation only.
Prepare
Submit the Driving Instructor Authority Application to Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria (CPVV) with all your documents.
Once approved, you’ll be issued a licence to instruct learners in Victoria.
The training usually spans 12 units and can be completed in under 6 months, depending on the provider and student availability.
Additional out-of-pocket costs include police checks, WWC, and medical exams.
The earning potential depends on your work style (self-employed vs employed), location, and schedule.
| Work Type | Estimated Hourly Rate | Annual Earnings (Full-Time Equivalent) |
| Employed Instructor | $70–$80/hr | $75,000 – $95,000 |
| Independent Operator | $75–$85/hr | $85,000 – $100,000+ |
Driving instructor earnings are generally higher in regional areas due to demand and flexibility.
Typically 3–6 months, depending on the course delivery and your availability.
It’s achievable with dedication. The training is structured, and support is available through the course. Requirements like medical and police checks are standard.
It depends on the nature of the offence. CPVV assesses applications on a case-by-case basis.
Yes, but you can only instruct in automatic vehicles. A manual licence and manual training are required to teach manual cars.
Minor infringements may not disqualify you, but CPVV will assess your complete traffic history.
Yes. It offers flexible hours and the chance to remain active in a mentoring role.
Once licensed, you can operate independently by marketing your services or registering with booking platforms.
Raja Advanced Career Training Pty Ltd trading as Matrix Training | RTO No. 46068
