Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the course take?
Duration of the course depends on the experience you bring to the course, the amount of practice you do and how quickly you learn. Your instructor will tailor the training to suit you as a learner, working quickly through the things you understand and slowly through the ones you don’t. Our trainers want to get you through as swiftly as possible but always maintaining our high standards.
We believe it takes time to become a skilled driving instructor. We recommend the most effective time frame is around 2-4 months. A committed student can complete the course in as little as 4 weeks. It can be spread it across a longer period if it suits your needs ( your RTA eligibility advice expires after 18mths).
Do I need my own car?
All practical lessons must be in a dual control car. You may use your trainers car for the duration of the course or your own. You would benifit from having your own ca rwith dual controls to practice in . Your trainers car can be hired for the final practical assessment for your Driving Instructors Licence if necessary.
English is not my first language will I find the course too difficult?
Many students have successfully completed the Trent Education Driving Instructors course that speak English as a second language. We have a reading and writing tasks test that you can sit at home to check whether your English is at a standard to complete the course. Please open and print the document at the bottom of this page once you have completed it, return it to the postal address included on the front page of the test. The course is not taught in any other language.
How much will the course cost me in total?
The practical component of the Trent education training package is competency based. This means time taken and cost will vary from student to student, depending on ability, experience and practice. The average number of practical course hours is aprox 34. Some can complete the course in as little as 20 hours and some it may take 50 hours or more.
Below is a table showing examples of the variation in overall costs for the course
Theory Practical Assessment TOTAL
$620 (20 hr @ $75 p/h) $1500 $180 $2255
$620 (34 hrs@ $75 p/h) $2550 $180 $3305 (this is the average student cost)
$620 (50 hrs@ $75 p/h) $3750 $180 $4505
What are my job prospects after I finish the course?
There is always a demand for well trained instructors. After completing your course with Trent you will be capable of self employment as an instructor or work for any driving school Australia wide. There are employment opportunities occurring continuously in the industry to teach the growing numbers of young people in the community.
What areas can I do my training in?
Our trainers cover the greater Sydney area. We go as far north as Wyong, west to Penrith and south to Sutherland. Please check with the skills centre for availabiliy of trainers in your area.
I don't live in Sydney how can I do the course?
Our course is can be completed by both sydney and regional students. Country applicants complete the theory component at home then travel to sydney to complete the practial sessions in block periods eg. over a series of weekends or a week once a month. Our trainers are flexible and will try hard to accomodate your needs.
I have certificate IV in training and assessment does this help me at all?
Yes a certificate IV in Training and Assessment receives Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for the course as will any accredited course that has been completed.
Trent Education's course is competency based education so we are able to assess current competency and give recognition of prior learning as you work through the course. We also use accelerated progression to complete the course if you are already competent. You will be given the opportunity to demonstrate that you have the required knowledge and skill to accelerate through the course.
Trent_version_of_reading__writing_tasks.pdf [146.61K]