Defensive driving instructor vs driving instructor

The differences between defensive driving instructors and driving instructors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a defensive driving instructor and a driving instructor. Additionally, a driving instructor has an average salary of $51,752, which is higher than the $50,250 average annual salary of a defensive driving instructor.

The top three skills for a defensive driving instructor include self-defense techniques, class content and combat. The most important skills for a driving instructor are CDL, DMV, and motor vehicle.

Defensive driving instructor vs driving instructor overview

	Defensive Driving Instructor	Driving Instructor
Yearly salary	$50,250	$51,752
Hourly rate	$24.16	$24.88
Growth rate	-	4%
Number of jobs	24,478	28,948
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 59%	Bachelor's Degree, 42%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	2	2

Defensive driving instructor vs driving instructor salary

Defensive driving instructors and driving instructors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Defensive Driving Instructor	Driving Instructor
Average salary	$50,250	$51,752
Salary range	Between $32,000 And $77,000	Between $33,000 And $79,000
Highest paying City	-	Albany, NY
Highest paying state	-	Massachusetts
Best paying company	-	The University System of Maryland Foundation
Best paying industry	-	Automotive

Differences between defensive driving instructor and driving instructor education

There are a few differences between a defensive driving instructor and a driving instructor in terms of educational background:

	Defensive Driving Instructor	Driving Instructor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 59%	Bachelor's Degree, 42%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Stanford University	Stanford University

Defensive driving instructor vs driving instructor demographics

Here are the differences between defensive driving instructors' and driving instructors' demographics:

	Defensive Driving Instructor	Driving Instructor
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 75.4% Female, 24.6%	Male, 70.3% Female, 29.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Asian, 5.9% White, 61.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 6.0% White, 61.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	12%	12%

Differences between defensive driving instructor and driving instructor duties and responsibilities

Defensive driving instructor example responsibilities.

Lead children's classes, training kids in kicks, punches, self-defense and how to avoid physical confrontations.
Cover the fundamental concepts of chemistry and biology including cell biology, metabolism, microbiology, genetics, evolution and histology.
Complete data entry and execute effective problem/resolution skills for other engineers.-Hand place and test semi-conductor chips on ESD bench.

Driving instructor example responsibilities.

Own and manage a small business as a CPR and first aid instructor and consultant for diverse clients.
make sure they drive truck to dot standards.
Provide knowledge of the road and rules of the law.
Present classroom instructions and on the road practice, instruct students for exams.
Construct an AutoCAD program which offers college credit while still in high school.
Ensure events run smoothly with all details in place for safe and enjoyable events.

Defensive driving instructor vs driving instructor skills

Common defensive driving instructor skills

Self-Defense Techniques, 47%
Class Content, 21%
Combat, 11%
Instruct Children, 9%
Karate, 7%
DMV, 5%

Common driving instructor skills

CDL, 24%
DMV, 17%
Motor Vehicle, 11%
Driver Training, 11%
Drivers License, 6%
Road Safety, 6%

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Defensive Driving Instructor
Defensive Driving Instructor vs Driving Instructor

Updated January 8, 2025

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