DriveBuddy
To teach someone to drive a car for money in Victoria, you need a Driving Instructor Authority (DIA) issued by Safe Transport Victoria. Unlike NSW, Victoria lets you complete your qualification first and then apply for the authority — and there's government funding that can cut the course cost significantly. Here's the full path, the real numbers, and the questions people ask most.
The qualification you need
You must hold the Certificate IV in Transport and Logistics (Road Transport – Car Driving Instruction). Safe Transport Victoria recognises the current code TLI41222 (and earlier codes TLI41216/41218/41221); the newer TLI41225 is what most RTOs now deliver. It's run by Registered Training Organisations and covers teaching method, lesson planning and assessment.
Eligibility and checks
- Licence: you must hold a valid Victorian driver licence.
- Medical: you must meet the medical standards for commercial vehicle driving (Austroads Assessing Fitness to Drive 2022), reassessed at least once every three years.
- Traffic history: you must pass a traffic history check and can't have serious or frequent traffic offences.
- Working with Children Check: required if you plan to teach students under 18 on a regular basis.
The steps, in order
- Complete the Certificate IV with an RTO (including the in-car assessments).
- Pass your medical to the commercial standard and complete your checks.
- Apply to Safe Transport Victoria for your Driving Instructor Authority.
- Set up your business — dual-control car, instructor insurance and an ABN — and start teaching.
What it costs and how long it takes
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certificate IV course (full fee) | ~$3,600–$5,800 |
| Certificate IV (government-subsidised, eligible Victorians) | ~$3,300 |
| Driving Instructor Authority (3 years) | $605 |
| Learn-to-drive insurance (per year) | up to ~$2,000 |
On time: course delivery ranges from about eight weeks full-time to twenty-four weeks via online/blended study. The DIA is valid for three years.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Driving Instructor Authority (DIA)?
It's the licence Safe Transport Victoria issues that legally allows you to teach a person to drive a car for payment in Victoria. You can't charge for lessons without it.
How much does the DIA cost and how long does it last?
$605, valid for three years, as set under the Road Safety (Driving Instructors) Regulations 2020.
Do I need a medical?
Yes — you must meet the commercial vehicle medical standard and be reassessed at least every three years.
Is funding available for the course?
Yes. Eligible Victorians can access a government-subsidised Certificate IV place, reducing the course cost to around $3,300.
How much can I earn?
Independent Melbourne instructors commonly charge around $65–$80 an hour, but that's gross of car, fuel, insurance and the cost of finding students. See driving instructor earnings for the take-home maths.
Once you hold your DIA: get students
With your authority in hand, the next job is filling your calendar. List with DriveBuddy to reach learners searching in your area — no lock-in contracts, no franchise fees, and you only pay when you earn. Then read how to get more driving students.
Want the national picture or another state? See our guide to becoming a driving instructor in Australia.