Figures from the National Careers Service in the UK reports that new driving instructors can expect to receive between £18,000 and £20,000 in their first year, which equates to around €25,000 to €28,000. Those with greater driving instructor qualifications, such as being certified to provide on-the-road tuition for the more unusual vehicle categories such as A (motorcycles) and CE (vehicles with trailers) can expect to earn more on average, up to around €42,000.

The good news for those wishing to qualify with the Road Safety Authority (RSA) for driving instructor jobs is that the average driving instructor salary has been steadily growing over the past few years. Between 2011 and 2012, for example, the average driving instructor salary rose by a whopping 24 percent, according to a report by My Salary.

What Factors Could Affect my Income?

It’s important to remember that driving instructor jobs vary considerably, and you may find yourself earning more or less than the national average driving instructor salary based on a number of different factors, including:

• Your Driving Lesson Fee - According to a study by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, the average cost of a one hour driving lesson in Ireland is €33. Actual prices vary around the country, with Galway City, Tralee, Limerick City, and Waterford City reporting the lowest hourly rates of €25, and Dublin reporting the highest rates of €45 per hour.
• Hours Worked - The beauty of becoming an approved driving instructor is that you have the option to set your own hours and work at times that are convenient for you. If you own your own driving school or have set up a franchise, your driving instructor salary will be determined by how often you work, and how many clients you are currently working with.
• Vehicle-Based Outgoings - If you own your own driving school in Ireland, you will be responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of your vehicle, including MOT costs and petrol, which you will need to take into account. Typically, the more clients and the more wear and tear, the more you’ll pay out. Additionally, if you run a franchise, you may be required to pay a regular fee for the privilege.

How Much Could I Earn?

If you’re interested in learning more about driving instructor jobs and driving instructor salaries to determine how much you could earn once you’ve successfully completed your ADI training, you may wish to use an online salary calculator which can give a reasonable estimate based on your circumstances. Ireland-based job websites, such as Monster.ie, feature easy-to-use online tools such as a driving instructor salary calculator that can help give you more of an idea of what you can expect to earn.