Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is seeking an experienced Driver Trainer to join our Progressive Training Academy and deliver high quality driver training across our diverse fleet.
This is a permanent, full-time position (37 hours per week) based at out Exeter Airport Training Hub.
Salary: £38220, rising annually to £40,777 (gross) per annum.
Additional allowance: 12% training allowance for delivery outside of standard office hours, payable once all pre-requisites have been completed, and your details have been entered onto the national register for response driving.
Find out more
You’ll deliver and assess driver training from basic to emergency response level, ensuring national standards are met. This is a varied, hands-on role combining instruction, assessment, administration and subject matter expertise.
Key responsibilities:
Deliver driver training and coaching across all Service vehicles, including LGVs, 4x4s. aerial platforms and wildfire units.
Assess drivers at standard and emergency response levels in line with national frameworks.
Support licence acquisition (LGV) and emergency response driving, including night and multi-vehicle training.
Manage and support course participants, ensuring safety, welfare and compliance at all times.
Maintain National Emergency Response Register status and ongoing CPD requirements.
Monitor national developments and provide expert advice to the Service.
Support vehicle introduction, testing and continuous fleet improvement.
Assist with collision investigations and vehicle fault analysis.
Maintain training vehicles to required standards.
What we are looking for:
Experienced driver trainer with strong instructional and assessment skills
In-depth knowledge of emergency response driving standards and legislation.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple responsibilities.
Strong communication skills with the ability to engage at all levels.
Commitment to continuous professional development and Service values.
Why join us:
At Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, your work makes a real difference. Alongside a meaningful career, you’ll benefit from:
Flexible working options.
Generous Pension Scheme and annual leave.
Ongoing professional development.
Health and wellbeing support (including gym access and counselling)
Family friendly policies.
Blue Light membership and discounts and healthcare options.
A supportive and collaborative team culture.
How to apply
If you have any queries or would like to speak to someone and find out more about the role, please contact Tony Hodge our Training Delivery Manager for Driver Training via ahodge@dsfire.gov.uk
Please note that Tony is on annual leave until 12 May 2026, so please email your queries and include your contact details to the email address above, and Tony will come back to you once he has returned to the office.
Closing Date: 23:59 on Sunday 17 May 2026
If you feel you have the skills and experience to become our Driver Trainer please click apply today, we would love to hear from you.
How to apply:
You will be required to complete an application form and submit a document evidencing how you meet the following essential criteria from the Job Description and Person Specification.
We are not able to shortlist for interview from a CV so please evidence the following in full, demonstrating how you meet each of the below essential criteria:
DVSA ADI Registered
LGV Category C for at least 3 years
The ability to demonstrate effective presentation skills for both internal and external customers.
The ability to work both as a member of a team and individually.
The ability to work with, and demonstrate, patience and enthusiasm.
A flexible approach to working hours.
To help you complete this part of the application form please find attached below the word document “Driver Trainer – Essential Criteria for Application” for you to download and complete with your evidence for the above criteria. You can then upload this document when requested when completing your application. Please note that there is a maximum word count of 2000 words (Excluding titles) applied to your evidence document.
Evidence submitted in relation to the essential criteria above will be used for shortlisting applications received.