As a Driving Instructor, you will need to master following:

• adapt to new technology used in cars
• control the performance of the vehicle
• diagnose problems with vehicles
• ensure vehicle operability
• ensure vehicles are equipped with accessibility equipment
• mechanical components of vehicles
• perform defensive driving

More generally, a driving instructor is also versed in:

• adapt teaching to student's capabilities
• apply teaching strategies
• assist students in their learning
• curriculum objectives
• drive vehicles
• encourage students to acknowledge their achievements
• give constructive feedback
• guarantee students' safety
• health and safety measures in transportation
• interpret traffic signals
• monitor developments in field of expertise
• observe student's progress
• park vehicles
• road traffic laws
• show consideration for student's situation
• teach driving practices

It also helps to know the following:

• anticipate change in car technology
• car controls
• conduct water navigation
• customer service
• drive in urban areas
• drive two-wheeled vehicles
• driver's license structure
• fishing vessels
• inspect vessel
• mechanics of vessels
• operation of different engines
• physical parts of the vessel
• teach driving theory
• types of maritime vessels
• use water navigation devices
• vessel electrical system
• vessel fuels
• vessel safety equipment
• vessel stability principles
• adult education
• apply health and safety standards
• assess students
• demonstrate when teaching
• drive automatic car
• driving examinations
• engine components
• learning difficulties
• manoeuvre bus
• manoeuvre heavy trucks
• mechanics
• mechanics of motor vehicles
• operate GPS systems
• operate an emergency communication system
• provide lesson materials
• read maps
• take over pedal control
• types of vehicle engines
• types of vehicles
• use geographic memory
• write work-related reports