Qualified driving instructors are essential in all states to provide driver education to teens and other inexperienced drivers. They teach driving laws and safety rules in classroom settings before taking students on the road for hands-on training. Instructors prepare new drivers for the testing required to obtain a driver permit or license. In Florida, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is responsible for certifying driving instructors.

Obtain a Florida drivers license. Take the required written and driving tests at a local Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Take the Driver Performance Analysis System (DPAS) exam. This will evaluate your driving knowledge and abilities. Locate testing providers on the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website.

Complete the 32-hour Driving Instructor Training Course (DITC) through the Florida Safety Council located in Orlando.

Obtain a Florida Department of Law Enforcement criminal history report through your local law enforcement agency or Live Scan facility. The report will document your criminal history in the state's Division of Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Find employment at a Florida driving instruction school. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles requires you provide a letter of employment from the driving school's owner as part of the application process.

Complete the application for driving instructor certification available on the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website. Be prepared to answer questions about your driving history, criminal history, medical conditions and education.

Gather application materials. Include the letter of employment from a driving school, Florida Department of Law Enforcement report and two 1.5 inch, identical photographs. The photographs must show your uncovered head, neck and shoulders.

Mail the application, supporting materials and the application fee to:

Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Bureau of Driver Education and DUI Programs Neil Kirkman Building, Mail Stop 88 2900 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, FL 32399

Complete the instructor agreement form available on the department's website. It must be signed and witnessed. You will be granted the driving instructor certification once the application materials and instructor agreement are processed and approved.