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Driving Instructor — Driver Education
All 50 states and DC require licensing for driving instructors to ensure public safety on the roads. Requirements include training hours, background checks, driving experience, and passing written and practical examinations. Fees, CE hours, and behind-the-wheel certification requirements vary by state.
51
Total States
50
License Required
51
BTW Cert Required
8.4 hrs
Avg CE Hours
Becoming a licensed driving instructor involves meeting education and experience requirements, completing state-approved training, passing examinations, and maintaining ongoing compliance with continuing education standards.
Driving instructor candidates must complete a state-approved training program ranging from 24 to 60 hours depending on the state. Training covers traffic laws, defensive driving techniques, teaching methodology, student assessment, vehicle safety, and emergency procedures. A high school diploma or GED is the minimum education requirement, along with a valid driver's license held for 3-5 years.
Most states require a criminal background check and a clean driving record review for driving instructor applicants. This typically includes no DUI/DWI convictions, no reckless driving charges, and limited moving violations within a specified period. Many states also require fingerprinting as part of the background check process.
Driving instructor candidates must pass both a written knowledge examination and a practical driving skills test. The written exam covers traffic laws, teaching methodology, and safety procedures. The driving skills test evaluates the candidate's ability to safely operate a vehicle and demonstrate proper instruction techniques. Some states require separate BTW certification.
Side-by-side fees, hours, exams, and timelines across all 50 states. Sort by cost, hours, or any column.
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| State | License Req. | BTW Cert. | CE Hours | Total Fees | Confidence | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama(AL) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $100 | high | March 2026 |
| Alaska(AK) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $100 | high | March 2026 |
| Arizona(AZ) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $150 | high | March 2026 |
| Arkansas(AR) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $75 | high | March 2026 |
| California(CA) | Yes | Yes | 18 | $61 ($30 application + $1 family support + $30 license fee) | high | March 2026 |
| Colorado(CO) | Yes | Yes | 0 | $50 | high | March 2026 |
| Connecticut(CT) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $100 | high | March 2026 |
| Delaware(DE) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $75 | high | March 2026 |
| District of Columbia(DC) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $150 | high | March 2026 |
| Florida(FL) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $25 | high | March 2026 |
| Georgia(GA) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $100 | high | March 2026 |
| Hawaii(HI) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $100 | high | March 2026 |
| Idaho(ID) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $100 | high | March 2026 |
| Illinois(IL) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $50 | high | March 2026 |
| Indiana(IN) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $10 | high | March 2026 |
| Iowa(IA) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $75 | high | March 2026 |
| Kansas(KS) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $75 | high | March 2026 |
| Kentucky(KY) | Yes | Yes | 4 | $20 | high | March 2026 |
| Louisiana(LA) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $10-$20 | high | March 2026 |
| Maine(ME) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $200 | high | March 2026 |
| Maryland(MD) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $75 | high | March 2026 |
| Massachusetts(MA) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $150 | high | March 2026 |
| Michigan(MI) | Yes | Yes | 12 | $45 | high | March 2026 |
| Minnesota(MN) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $50 | high | March 2026 |
| Mississippi(MS) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $75 | high | March 2026 |
| Missouri(MO) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $75 | high | March 2026 |
| Montana(MT) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $0 | high | March 2026 |
| Nebraska(NE) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $75 | high | March 2026 |
| Nevada(NV) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $150 | high | March 2026 |
| New Hampshire(NH) | Yes | Yes | 9 | $75 | high | March 2026 |
| New Jersey(NJ) | Yes | Yes | 6 | $75 | high | March 2026 |
| New Mexico(NM) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $75 | high | March 2026 |
| New York(NY) | Yes | Yes | 12 | $150 | high | March 2026 |
| North Carolina(NC) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $266 | high | March 2026 |
| North Dakota(ND) | Yes | Yes | 12 | $75 | high | March 2026 |
| Ohio(OH) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $10 | high | March 2026 |
| Oklahoma(OK) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $75 | high | March 2026 |
| Oregon(OR) | Yes | Yes | 15 | $150 | high | March 2026 |
| Pennsylvania(PA) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $75 | high | March 2026 |
| Rhode Island(RI) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $17.50 | high | March 2026 |
| South Carolina(SC) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $75 | high | March 2026 |
| South Dakota(SD) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $50 | high | March 2026 |
| Tennessee(TN) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $75 | high | March 2026 |
| Texas(TX) | Yes | Yes | 2 | $50 | high | March 2026 |
| Utah(UT) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $75 | high | March 2026 |
| Vermont(VT) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $75 | high | March 2026 |
| Virginia(VA) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $100 | high | March 2026 |
| Washington(WA) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $250 | high | March 2026 |
| West Virginia(WV) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $75 | high | March 2026 |
| Wisconsin(WI) | Yes | Yes | 8 | $75 | high | March 2026 |
| Wyoming(WY) | No | Yes | 0 | $0 | high | March 2026 |
Driving instructors often work alongside other licensed professionals in education and transportation. Explore related licensing requirements.