How to Become a
Driving Instructor.
A complete guide to licensing requirements, qualifications, and earning potential for driving instructors across all Australian states and territories.
What every instructor
needs Australia-wide.
Despite state-by-state differences, these six requirements apply in every Australian jurisdiction. Get these right and you're most of the way there.
Full driver licence
You must hold a full (open/unrestricted) driver licence — typically for at least 2 years — before applying to become an instructor. Requirements vary slightly by state.
Certificate IV in Transport and Logistics
The TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment or the TLI41225 Certificate IV in Transport and Logistics (Road Transport — Driving Instruction) is mandatory in all states. Approved RTOs offer this course nationally.
Police check
A national police check is required in all jurisdictions. Some states also require a Working with Children Check (WWCC/WWVP/Blue Card/Ochre Card) — mandatory if you teach learners under 18.
Dual-control vehicle
You must teach in a vehicle fitted with dual controls (a second brake pedal accessible to the instructor). The vehicle must be registered, insured, and approved by the relevant licensing authority.
State licensing authority application
Each state has its own application process. You must submit your qualifications, pass checks, and pay the relevant fee to your state transport department.
Licensing requirements
by state.
Each Australian state and territory has its own licensing authority and application process. Check the details for your state below.
WWCC required for learners under 18. Authority issued in Class C (car) or Class R (motorcycle).
Must complete ADI assessment through approved provider.
Blue Card (Working with Children) required. Open QLD licence held for 1+ year.
WWCC required for teaching under-18 learners. Separate Class C and motorcycle authorisations.
Vulnerable Persons screening (Screening Unit SA) required. Vehicle VORT approved.
TAS requires 3 years full licence — longest of any state. Registrable Person Check required.
Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) registration required. CBT-based curriculum.
Ochre Card (Working with Children) required for teaching under-18 learners.
Requirements are subject to change. Always verify current requirements directly with your state or territory licensing authority before applying.
What driving instructors
earn in Australia.
$60–$120 per hour
Typical instructor rates across Australia vary by city and experience. Metropolitan instructors in Sydney and Melbourne often charge more than regional instructors.
Flexible hours
Many instructors work 20–35 hours per week, choosing their own schedule. Peak demand is after school hours, weekends, and school holidays.
Low overhead costs
Your main business costs are vehicle (own or lease), insurance, and fuel. No shopfront or staff required. Most instructors operate as sole traders.
Upgrading your qualification?
Save $200 with ACOFE.
ACOFEL instructors still teaching on a superseded qualification (TLI41222, TLI41221, TLI41218, TLI41216, TLI41210, or an earlier equivalent) can save AUD $200 on an eligible upgrade course to the current TLI41225 Certificate IV in Motor Vehicle Driver Training with our training partner, Australian College of Future Education (ACOFE).
To claim the discount, you must be an active ACOFEL instructor and identify yourself as one before or during enrolment — ACOFEL verifies your status against internal platform records. Full eligibility criteria and conditions are set out below.
Discount Offer — full Terms and Conditions
Australian College of Future Education Driving Instructor Upgrade Course — TLI41225 Certificate IV in Motor Vehicle Driver Training — Discount Offer Terms and Conditions.
This promotional offer is made by Australian College of Future Education (ACOFE), acofe.edu.au — an independent Registered Training Organisation and is not owned or operated by ACOFEL.
This offer applies only to eligible upgrade courses for holders of superseded or older driving instructor qualifications, including qualifications such as TLI41222, TLI41221, TLI41218, TLI41216, TLI41210, or earlier equivalent qualifications recognised by ACOFEL. The offer excludes standard full Certificate IV enrolments not classified by ACOFEL as an upgrade pathway, limited practical courses, and any other course unless expressly stated by ACOFEL.
“Eligible Instructor” means an active driving instructor operating on the ACOFEL platform at the time of enrolment verification. “Eligible Upgrade Course” means an Australian College of Future Education course designed to upgrade or transition an instructor from a superseded or older qualification into the current nationally recognised qualification framework, including TLI41225 Certificate IV in Motor Vehicle Driver Training or any successor qualification recognised by the relevant training authority. “Discount Offer” means the applicable AUD $200 course fee reduction under this promotion.
An Eligible Instructor may receive AUD $200 off the standard advertised enrolment price of an Eligible Upgrade Course where all eligibility requirements are satisfied. To qualify, the individual must: (a) be an active driving instructor on the ACOFEL platform at the time of enrolment verification; (b) hold an eligible older or superseded driving instructor qualification accepted by Australian College of Future Education for upgrade enrolment purposes; (c) meet all relevant state, licensing and regulatory eligibility requirements; (d) enrol in an Eligible Upgrade Course; and (e) quote or request the Discount Offer before or during the enrolment process.
The Discount Offer will only be recognised where the Eligible Instructor identifies themselves as an active ACOFEL driving instructor before the point of enrolment and the status can be verified by ACOFEL through internal platform records.
The Discount Offer applies only to new enrolments made on or after 1 May 2026 unless otherwise determined by ACOFEL in writing. The Discount Offer does not apply retrospectively to existing, prior, or completed enrolments except at ACOFEL’s sole discretion.
The Discount Offer is limited to one discount per eligible enrolment and may not be combined with any other promotional offer, discount, rebate, referral incentive, credit, or special offer unless expressly approved in writing by ACOFEL.
The Discount Offer is personal to the Eligible Instructor, non-transferable, non-assignable, and not redeemable for cash, credit, or any alternative benefit.
The Discount Offer will not apply where the enrolment is incomplete, invalid, misleading, or fraudulent; where the applicant is not an active ACOFEL driving instructor at the time of verification; where the applicant fails to meet course eligibility requirements, withdraws, cancels, or receives a refund; or where ACOFEL declines enrolment for any reason. ACOFEL’s internal records are conclusive in determining eligibility and validity in the absence of manifest error.
ACOFEL may verify identity and compliance with these terms and may withhold, refuse, or revoke the Discount Offer in cases of ineligibility, breach of applicable terms or policies, or suspected fraud, misconduct, or misuse of the promotion.
This promotional offer may be amended, suspended, withdrawn, or replaced at any time at ACOFEL’s discretion, and the applicable discount amount, eligibility criteria, and conditions will be those in effect at the time of enrolment. Changes will not affect discounts already validly applied to completed eligible enrolments prior to the change taking effect.
Nothing in these terms excludes, restricts, or modifies any right, remedy, guarantee, warranty, or other protection available under the Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2, Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth)) or any other applicable law.
Instructor licensing
FAQs.
How long does it take to become a driving instructor in Australia?
The process typically takes 6–12 months from start to finish. The Certificate IV course takes 3–6 months depending on whether you study full-time or part-time. State licensing applications then add a few weeks for processing.
How much does the Certificate IV cost?
Costs vary by RTO (Registered Training Organisation) and state. Expect to pay $1,500–$4,000 for the Certificate IV. Some states have government subsidies available — check your state training authority for fee-free or subsidised options.
Do I need my own car to become a driving instructor?
Yes — you must teach in a dual-control vehicle that meets your state's requirements. Some instructors purchase a new or used vehicle fitted with dual controls; others lease from specialist suppliers. Budget $15,000–$30,000 for a decent dual-control training car.
Can I teach in both manual and automatic cars?
Most state authorisations cover the transmission class of vehicle you'll be teaching in. If you want to teach both manual and automatic learners, you typically need to hold a manual licence yourself and have a manual dual-control vehicle (which can also teach automatic learners).
Is there demand for driving instructors in Australia?
Demand is consistently strong, particularly in major metro areas and outer suburbs. The annual cohort of learner drivers (age 16–25) is large, and ACOFEL's platform gives new instructors immediate access to learners searching in their area.
Can I run my own driving school or must I join a franchise?
You can operate independently as a sole trader. ACOFEL is a marketplace — not a franchise — so you set your own rates, availability, and teaching style. There are no royalty fees or territory restrictions.
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