HELP SHAPE SAFER ROADS

ONE STUDENT AT A TIME

Whether you’re already certified or just curious about what it takes, we’re excited to help you take the wheel of a meaningful new career in driver education

START YOUR INSTRUCTOR TRAINING SOON!

We’ll guide you through everything you need to know about becoming a certified instructor.

First things First: How?

Being a Driving Instructor is an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling career path. However, there are prerequisites you must meet. They are as follows:

  • Be at least 21 years old
  • Have a valid driver’s license for at least five years
  • Have a clean driving record
  • Have a High School Diploma or GED equivalent
  • Submit a certified medical examination from the past 90 days
  • Pass a Live Scan Fingerprint Background Check (BCI &FBI)
  • Complete Class D Driver Training Instructor Training (with our training managers!)
  • And, of course, have a passion for teaching and mentoring

Want to Find out More?

Why be an instructor with ODS?

Get Paid Weekly at Industry Competitive Rates

Flexible Part/Full-time Hours

Make a Real Difference in Young Driver’s Lives

Tuition Assistance for Instructor Certification

Be Part of a Growing Team

Room for Advancement

Earn Bonuses and be Recognized

Incentive Programs

Learn More on Our Careers Page

INSTRUCTOR INCENTIVE PROGRAM 

The Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO) is offering a monetary incentive in the amount of $1,500 to any new driving instructor trainee that: obtains an original Class D driving instructor license, pursuant to paragraph (E) of rule 4501-7-05 of the Ohio Administrative Code, between September 26, 2025 – June 30, 2026; holds that license for at least 3 months; and actively trains students during that 3-month period. This new incentive is intended to attract potential, new instructors to the driver education field; therefore, only new instructors who meet the aforementioned criteria will be eligible.

The instructor will need to fill out an incentive request form on the OTSO website once they have met all criteria. OTSO will confirm the instructor’s eligibility through the Driver Education Training System (DETS) and their affiliated driving school(s). Once approved by OTSO, the instructor will receive the $1,500 incentive in approximately 30 days.

Eligibility Requirements—The Instructor must:

OTSO will confirm all the information provided in DETS and with the driving school(s) and it must match in order to receive payment This incentive will be available from January 1, 2026 – June 30, 2026, provided that sufficient funds are available to OTSO for the payment of the monetary incentive.  The Instructor Incentive Program may be terminated by OTSO at any time if funding becomes limited. The webform to apply for the incentive will be available January 2, 2026.

How to Become an Ohio Driver Training Instructor?

The Ohio Driving Instructor Training consists of state-mandated requirements designed to prepare you for certification as a Class D Driving Instructor. In Ohio, instructors may choose a split license, meaning you can be certified to teach Behind-the-Wheel only or complete training for both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction.

This program includes everything you need to meet state requirements and begin teaching students.

THE PROCESS

APPLY

We run state-approved certification training to qualified candidates.

ATTEND

You’ll be fully trained, certified, and teaching students with our full support.

LICENSE

We here at OFFICIAL Driving School provide the preparation and cover your application fee.

JOIN

You'll be fully trained, certified, and teaching students with the full support of OFFICIAL Driving School.

Training Requirements

To become a licensed instructor, you’ll complete a sequence of training and supervised practice:

  • Basic Instructor Course – core knowledge and orientation for new instructors
  • Classroom Instruction Training (if pursuing full license) – observation and practice co-teaching in a real classroom environment
  • Behind-the-Wheel Training – observation, co-teaching, and supervised practice instructing students in a vehicle
  • Practicum / Supervised Student Teaching – hands-on teaching under the oversight of a Training Manager

Total training is approximately 60+ hours, depending on the pathway you choose (Behind-the-Wheel only or full instructor).

What's Included?

  • Classroom training (virtual or in-person, depending on pathway)

  • Behind-the-Wheel observation & supervised instruction

  • Ohio state curriculum & compliance education

  • Certification preparation for Class D licensing

  • Mentorship & onboarding into the ODS team

Quality First & Ohio Law
Under Ohio law, all driver education instructors must complete licensing requirements with a state-approved provider. Official Driving School offers a pathway to certification with the assistance of experienced training managers which is essential for gaining a driver instructor license in Ohio.

Ready to Get STARTED?

If you're curious about joining our team of Driving Instructors, or have more questions—
We’d love to hear from you!

Please email us at jobs@officialdrivingschool.com to apply!

Scroll to Top