Behind the Wheel Instructor - Driver’s Education

Behind the Wheel Instructor - Driver's Education

Under the general supervision of the Health and Physical Education Coordinator, the Behind the Wheel (BTW) instructor will execute the teaching objectives for learning safe driving skills as outlined by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The purpose of BTW instruction is to provide students the opportunity to gain the skills and experience needed to pass the road skills evaluation to be a licensed driver and to build students' capacity for lifelong, conscientious, and safe driving habits.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Show sustained effort and enthusiasm for developing responsible, young drivers
• Update and prepare paperwork as necessary for student registration
• Coordinate with caregivers and students to schedule BTW training through each high school's designated contact, both prior to the sessions and throughout the required 14-session program
• Collect parent permission forms and verify that all signatures have been provided for the caregiver and student
• Ensure that the student driver has a valid Virginia learner's permit when operating the vehicle
• Track the attendance of all students enrolled in each session
• Track and assess each student's driving performance daily, providing feedback on their progress and areas for improvement
• Communicate progress to students and recommend specific driving skills to practice at home
• Maintain accurate records by updating each student's individual driving card with ratings and comments, and sending progress reports home as needed
• Submit required driving records, daily logs, road skills evaluation, and special notes of interest to the RPS Behind the Wheel office
• Educate caregivers about their rights and responsibilities as they pertain to the students' freedoms as a new driver
• Complete and issue a copy of the Temporary Driver's License (TDL-180) to the caregivers of students who have successfully completed the BTW program, the school the student attends, and the DMV
• Model safe, appropriate passenger behavior as the instructor in the vehicle, refraining from the use of cell phones or other devices
• Provide minimal distraction to the observing student and driver, and provide assistance / intervention to the driver when necessary
• Assumes responsibility for own professional growth and development by attending appropriate professional meetings, workshops, and conferences and keeping current with the literature and new research findings
• Maintain everyday vehicle upkeep; including but not limited to: washing in and outside assigned vehicle; gas and monitor vehicle maintenance
• Contributes to team efforts by accomplishing related tasks as needed or assigned

Qualifications:

• A high school diploma is required
• Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age and hold a valid Virginia driver's license upon which the Department of Motor Vehicles has not levied more than six (6) demerit points (copy of pertinent DMV records must be provided prior to time of hire and must be provided annually)
• Must show proof of completed Driver's Education Training Program, which consists of EDU 114 and EDU 214, OR a valid Virginia teaching certificate with a Driver Education endorsement
• Must have a three-year driving record upon which the Department of Motor Vehicles has taken no corrective action immediately prior to approval as a teaching paraprofessional
• Ability to work both inside and outside the vehicle in all weather conditions as deemed safe
• Basic knowledge of how to safely address various dashboard warning lights and basic vehicle maintenance
• Efficiently communicate verbal and written directions and feedback to students, caregivers, and the Coordinator of Health and Physical Education
• Ability to keep meticulous and legible records