Driver Trainer
Closing in 14 days (23 August 2026 11:59 pm)
Job details
Salary: Grade 6: £38,220 or Grade 8: £48,226 pro rata
Employer: Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service
Location: Exeter, Devon,
Contract type: Permanent
Working pattern: Part time
Closing date: 23 August 2026 11:59 pm
About the job
Key information
Location: Service Training Academy, Exeter Airport.
Contract: Permanent, Part Time (22.2 hours / 3 days per week).
Salary: This role is available at two levels, depending on your qualifications and experience.
- Grade 6: £38,220 rising annually to £40,777 per annum (pro-rata)
- Grade 8: £48,226 rising annually to £51,356 per annum (pro-rata) + 12% training allowance (pro-rata).
Make a Difference Behind the Wheel
We’re looking for motivated and professional Driver Trainers to help ensure our Firefighters and staff have the skills, confidence and qualifications to operate a diverse fleet of emergency and specialist vehicles safely and effectively.
This is a rewarding opportunity to play a vital role in public safety while working within the largest non-metropolitan Fire and Rescue Service in England.
What will I be doing?
Grade 8 Driver Trainers will deliver learner, standard and emergency response driver training in line with National Occupational Standards and Fire Sector Authorised Professional Practice. You will be registered to deliver emergency response driver training and assessment, supporting operational readiness across the Service.
Grade 6 Driver Trainers will deliver non-response driver training and assessments, including LGV licence acquisition, specialist vehicle familiarisation and driver development programmes. Successful candidates will be supported to progress through response driving and instructor qualifications, with salary progression to Grade 8 upon successful completion.
Key responsibilities:
You will:
- Deliver high-quality driver training, coaching and assessments across a range of Fire Service vehicles.
- Support LGV licence acquisition and driver development programmes.
- Assess driver competence and maintain accurate training records and evidence portfolios.
- Promote safe driving practices and support driver risk management initiatives.
- Provide familiarisation training for new and specialist vehicles.
- Work closely with Fleet, Health and Safety, Risk and Insurance teams on vehicle incident reviews and investigations.
- Support the evaluation, testing and introduction of new vehicles and equipment.
- Ensure training vehicles remain safe, compliant and roadworthy.
- Maintain professional standards through continuous professional development and national best practice.
- Champion the Service’s values, including equality, diversity, inclusion and wellbeing.
Additional Grade 8 responsibilities:
- Delivering emergency response driver training and assessment.
- Maintaining National Emergency Response Register accreditation and associated CPD requirements.
- Conducting emergency response driving assessments and maintaining compliance with national quality assurance standards.
- Supporting operational response activities when required.
What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?
You’ll be an experienced Driver Trainer with excellent communication and coaching skills, capable of building confidence and competence in learners while maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism.
You will be comfortable with working independently, making informed decisions, and adapting your approach to meet a range of learner needs and operational requirements.
What is in it for me?
In return you’ll receive a rewarding career and an excellent benefits package including:
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Generous Local Government Pension Scheme
- More than five weeks of annual leave (pro-rata)
- Family-friendly policies.
- Free gym access and fitness support.
- Learning and development opportunities.
- Blue Light Membership and associated discounts.
- Benenden Health membership options
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
- Access to Firefighters Charity
- Cycle to Work Scheme
Supporting documents and information
If you are passionate about developing others and wat to help keep our communities safe, we would love to hear from you.
Apply now!
Closing Date: 2359hrs Sunday 23 August 2026
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Tony Hodge – Training Delivery Manager (Driver Training), on 01392 872293 or via ahodge@dsfire.gov.uk
The successful candidates must have the right to work in the UK before commencing employment.