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Driver trainer vs local driver

The differences between driver trainers and local drivers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a driver trainer and a local driver. Additionally, a local driver has an average salary of $48,160, which is higher than the $46,074 average annual salary of a driver trainer.

The top three skills for a driver trainer include CDL, dexterity and training programs. The most important skills for a local driver are CDL, DOT, and post-trip inspections.

Driver trainer vs local driver overview

Driver TrainerLocal Driver
Yearly salary$46,074$48,160
Hourly rate$22.15$23.15
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs844,436786,531
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 31%High School Diploma, 41%
Average age4848
Years of experience22

What does a driver trainer do?

Driver trainers are instructors who teach their clients how to drive. They are often considered experts in driving, and they are credible enough to impart their driving knowledge to clients. They teach their clients the basics of handling a car, the different actions one takes while driving, and the meaning of different street signs. They guide their clients during driving lessons and provide feedback so that their clients can improve. At times, driver trainers also handle driving tests and would rate the clients on their driving skills.

What does a local driver do?

A local driver is responsible for transporting people and goods and services from the distribution centers to various destinations. Local drivers operate vehicles and inspect the engine for any inconsistencies and system defects that may cause delays with the operations. They also schedule vehicle maintenance and repairs, keeping a record of receipts for the management's validation. A local driver must have excellent driving skills and a clean driving record. Additionally, a local driver should possess excellent communication skills, especially on handling customers' inquiries and concerns and escalating high-level complaints.

Driver trainer vs local driver salary

Driver trainers and local drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Driver TrainerLocal Driver
Average salary$46,074$48,160
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $70,000Between $33,000 And $69,000
Highest paying CityPortland, ORSeattle, WA
Highest paying stateOregonMontana
Best paying companyJ. J. Keller & AssociatesMid-South Management
Best paying industryTransportationTransportation

Differences between driver trainer and local driver education

There are a few differences between a driver trainer and a local driver in terms of educational background:

Driver TrainerLocal Driver
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 31%High School Diploma, 41%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Driver trainer vs local driver demographics

Here are the differences between driver trainers' and local drivers' demographics:

Driver TrainerLocal Driver
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 84.7% Female, 15.3%Male, 91.3% Female, 8.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.1% Asian, 3.6% White, 60.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 13.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 3.6% White, 60.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between driver trainer and local driver duties and responsibilities

Driver trainer example responsibilities.

  • Manage delivery locations and execute pickup and delivery routes.
  • Maintain trip logs in compliance with FMCSA regulations.
  • Follow FMCSA requirements for a commercial driver's license.
  • Use of electronic logging system (XATA) and GPS system.
  • Implement the company new hire training program for OTR dry freight drivers.
  • Train new CDL drivers in safety and delivery operations, logbook verification, and route scheduling.
  • Show more

Local driver example responsibilities.

  • Experience in semi driving, logging, managing bills of lading, light maintenance, vehicle inspections.
  • Transport Hazmat air tanks per fmcsa regulations.
  • Full trailer load and LTL delivery and pick up.
  • Assist in planning to ensure loads are ready for OTR drivers.
  • Experience with; dry van, LTL, heavy haul, inter-modal and refrigerate trailers.
  • Deliver propane to residential customers and commercial
  • Show more

Driver trainer vs local driver skills

Common driver trainer skills
  • CDL, 33%
  • Dexterity, 17%
  • Training Programs, 13%
  • Defensive Driving, 11%
  • Emergency Equipment, 10%
  • Customer Service, 3%
Common local driver skills
  • CDL, 22%
  • DOT, 13%
  • Post-Trip Inspections, 9%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • Pallet Jack, 7%
  • Hazmat, 7%

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