CDL Class A Instructor Trainer

160 Driving Academy•Orlando, FL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

160 Driving Academy is hiring a hands-on CDL Class A Instructor Trainer to teach students the skills needed to pass their CDL exam, from pre-trip inspections through yard maneuvers and on-road driving. Instructors work at a designated yard alongside other instructors and a Lead Instructor, and may occasionally cover other regional yards. The role also includes keeping the yard and building clean and presentable, assisting with truck transfers, and maintaining training records and documentation. A 90-day probationary period applies to ensure adherence to safety, compliance, and curriculum. Most yards operate Monday through Friday, either 7:00 AM–3:30 PM or 8:00 AM–4:30 PM. Higher-volume yards may operate seven days a week for ten hours per day, with alternative shifts that may include four-day work weeks. Occasional regional coverage may involve an overnight hotel stay; per diem and mileage are paid when applicable. Reliable, on-time attendance is essential. Compensation is $28–$30 per hour, with opportunities for performance bonuses and annual merit increases based on business performance.

Requirements

High school graduation certificate or equivalent.
Valid Class A CDL and at least 24 months of verifiable Class A tractor-trailer driving experience; Nevada applicants must have 5 years of Class A CDL experience.
The state where the applicant obtained their driver’s license must be the same state as the location where they are applying.
Manual transmission experience, including being licensed to operate and able to teach manual transmission.
Motor Vehicle Record free of violations.
Ability to pass a DOT physical and DOT-mandated drug and alcohol screening.
Background check clearance.
Strong communication skills and ability to mentor and coach students.
Basic computer skills for tracking student progress and scheduling.
Residence in the state of application, or confirmed residence secured for relocation.
Meet state requirements for instructor licensing where licensing is required.
Reliable, on-time attendance.
Ability to climb in and out of a tractor cab, sit and stand for extended periods, and demonstrate driving maneuvers.
Complete a 90-day probationary period at hire.

Nice To Haves

Four or more years of consistent Class A driving experience.
Prior experience mentoring, coaching, or training drivers.
Driver Training Instructor certification; the company provides guidance and support to obtain it if required by the state.
Knowledge of FMCSA and state regulations related to CDL training and testing.

Responsibilities

Teach Class A driving skills in outdoor yards using automatic and manual transmissions.
Guide students through pre-trip inspections, yard maneuvers, and on-road driving.
Prepare students to meet CDL testing standards and pass on their first attempt.
Track student attendance and progress and provide additional support when needed.
Maintain accurate training records, evaluations, and documentation.
Report incidents and accidents promptly to the Lead Instructor and corporate.
Work with fellow instructors and the Lead Instructor to deliver a consistent student experience and follow the defined curriculum.
Keep the yard and building clean and presentable, including light upkeep and general tidiness.
Cover for instructors at nearby regional yards in certain emergencies or when coverage is needed.
Assist with transferring trucks to repair operations and neighboring yards.
Attend placement fairs and perform truck care during scheduled downtime when needed.

Benefits

Medical and dental insurance with shared expense.
Paid vacation: one week to start, two weeks after year one, and three weeks after year two.
Eight-hour paid day off for a full year of perfect attendance.
Paid day off for the employee’s birthday after one year of service, provided as an eight-hour floating holiday.
$3,000 relocation benefit for moving to a location more than 100 miles away.
$500 referral bonus per instructor hire.
Monthly shared performance bonus pool tied to yard first-time pass rates and student ratings.
$100 accident-free bonus for employees at the top 15 yards.
Additional paid hours for placement fairs and truck care during scheduled downtime.
Per diem and mileage reimbursement for applicable regional coverage travel.
Branded gear and access to yard laptops.
Opportunity for annual merit increases to hourly wage based on business performance.
Career path from Yard Instructor to Assistant Lead Instructor, Lead Instructor, and Regional Manager.