Driving Instructor at NZ Defence Force, Manawatu-Whanganui

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Join the Defence Driver Training School (DDTS) and play a key role in shaping confident, capable NZDF drivers. As a Driving Instructor, you'll deliver high‑quality driver training, coach learners through safe and effective vehicle operation, and support personnel to gain NZTA licences and Defence Driving Permits.

This is a dynamic, hands‑on role where every day brings new challenges. You'll prepare, deliver, and assess training while promoting a safe, inclusive, and motivating learning atmosphere. If you thrive in a varied setting and enjoy supporting people to succeed, this is your opportunity to make real impact. You'll be confident working independently, collaborating smoothly with fellow instructors, and supporting a wide range of students and soldiers. Flexibility throughout the day is essential as training needs and environments can shift quickly.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver driver training and assessments to NZDF standards, ensuring safe and effective learning.
• Prepare and present engaging lessons using sound instructional techniques and training aids.
• Manage student learning, wellbeing, and performance throughout training courses.
• Maintain strong relationships with training teams and stakeholders.
• Guiding students to achieve their Defence Driving Permit (DDP) for selected military vehicles.
• Review and improve training delivery, adapting to evolving needs and environments.

This role will be primarily based between Linton and Ohakea, with regular travel to Waiouru and other NZDF camps and bases to deliver driver training. The successful candidate will need to be versatile and adaptable in meeting these requirements.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

You'll bring solid instructional ability, strong communication skills, and the confidence to guide learners at all levels. Your resilience and ability to adapt to different environments will help you excel in this fast‑paced training school, where no two days are the same.

Along with being physically fit for on‑road instruction and varied training conditions, you'll draw on your sound judgement, problem‑solving capability, and commitment to continuous improvement to uphold high NZDF training standards.

What You'll Bring:

• Ability to deliver effective training based on sound subject knowledge and adult‑learning principles.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to motivate learners.
• Good computer literacy and willingness to use evolving digital learning platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure while maintaining quality and safety.
• Current Class 1 and 2 Drivers licence (classes 3, 4, 5, and 6 would be desirable) along with D and I endorsements (endorsement F, O, P would be welcomed).

On the job training will be provided in the use of specialist military vehicles.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning – safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.

NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Applications close on Tuesday 14 April 2026.

Use the links on this page where you'll be directed to the Defence Careers website.

Please Note:

• All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description and a Contact Us option for any queries or technical issues.
• Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.
• Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.

NZDF Employees/Members – please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.

NZDF Contractors – please apply via the Defence Careers website.

NZDF Reserves – please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.

Please Note:

To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here's what you need to know:

Low Level Security Clearance

• You must be a New Zealand citizen or you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.
• At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last five (5) years.
• You must have a five (5) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.

If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.