Every state offers defensive driving courses and traffic schools to help drivers learn to better navigate the roads. Alaska is no different. If you enjoy helping others and are passionate about safe driving, you might find a career as an Alaska defensive driving instructor extremely satisfying. Becoming a teacher is easier than you may think.

What is a Defensive Driving Instructor?

First of all, it is important to differentiate the different between an Alaska defensive driving instructor and an Alaska traffic school instructor. Both teach others about safe driving. However, defensive driving school is a special kind of traffic school that is given to people who wish to reduce their license points and insurance rates.

Traffic school, on the other hand, is a catchall term that can describe not only defensive driving school, but also traffic survival school (a mandatory driving program for major offenders) and driver’s ed (classes given to new drivers when they are first learning). So, while defensive driving school is a form of traffic school, an Alaska defensive driving instructor is a special kind of teacher.

Once you take the steps to become an Alaska defensive driving teacher, you can work at a state-approved facility, at a high school, or even privately in some cases. There are tons of job options available in Alaska’s driving schools.

What State Agency Regulates Instructors?

Alaska defensive driving instructors are closely regulated to ensure that students are getting only the best direction. In this state, defensive driving schools technically under the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, or Alaska DMV. So, if you are interested in this kind of job, you can contact your local Alaska DMV branch to find out more information.

Steps for Becoming an Instructor

Before you can apply to be an Alaska defensive driving instructor, you must take and pass a number of tests. These test include information on the following:

• Traffic laws

• Driving Safely

• Operating a vehicle

• Commercial vehicles

• Teaching techniques

• Driving school laws

• The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation

You can take the test again after waiting a week if you fail, but you can only take it twice within a 12-month period. In addition to passing tests, before you apply, you have to have completed at least 40 hours of college-level (or the equivalent) training in driving or classroom teaching.

You’ll then apply for a license, and you’ll take part in an interview with the Alaska DMV to ensure that you’re ready for teaching. A department representative will review the application and approve or deny you within 60 days.

Requirements to Become an Instructor

On top of passing your tests and having at least 40 hours of driving instructor education, you must meet a number of minimum requirements, including the following:

• Pay an application fee

• Be at least 25 years old

• Be an Alaska license holder for at least 2 years

• Submit two sets of fingerprints

• Have no traffic violations for at least two years

• Have no suspensions or revocations for at least five years

• Have no convictions for reckless driving for at least five years

If you want to be an Alaska traffic school instructor for commercial classes, you more have at least five years of experiences driving commercially in the last seven years. Commercial information is not a part of defensive driving, but this is a good certification to get if you meet the requirements.

Continuing Education Requirements

As an Alaska defensive driving instructor, you must make sure that your certification is always up to speed – no pun intended! Licenses are renewed on January 1 every year. You must apply and pay the application fee at least 30 days in advance. You may also be required to take refresher courses routinely in order to ensure that you’re the best Alaska defensive driving instructor possible.

Job Opportunities and Income Potential

An Alaska defensive driving instructor can look for a job at any of their local state-approved driving schools. In order for a defensive driving class to count toward removing license points and lowering insurance, the state DMV has to license the school.

Before you go through the trouble and expense to get your license, check to see if there are options available to you where you live. Although this is a specialized skill, driving schools aren’t as plentiful as they are in other states. You’ll have an especially hard time finding a job in northern Alaska. However, if you do find a job, the income potential is more than enough to live comfortably in this state. So, if you enjoy teaching others crucial skills, becoming an Alaska defensive driving instructor might be right for you.