CDL Class A Instructor Trainer

160 Driving Academy•Peoria, IL

8d•Onsite

About The Position

160 Driving Academy is hiring a CDL Class A Instructor Trainer to teach students practical Class A driving skills, from pre-trip inspections through CDL exam preparation. The role is based at a designated training yard and involves outdoor yard instruction and behind-the-wheel training on automatic and manual transmissions. Instructors work with fellow instructors and a Lead Instructor to follow the defined curriculum and provide a consistent student experience. Occasional coverage at other regional yards may be required, and the role may involve staying overnight in a hotel; per diem and mileage are paid for qualifying travel as described in the posting. The position also includes maintaining accurate student records, evaluations, and documentation; reporting incidents and accidents promptly; keeping the yard and building clean and presentable; and assisting with truck transfers to repair operations or neighboring yards. Instructors must be dependable and punctual, and must be able to demonstrate driving maneuvers and safely enter and exit a tractor cab. A 90-day probationary period applies. The stated schedule for most yards is Monday through Friday, either 7:00 AM–3:30 PM or 8:00 AM–4:30 PM. Higher-volume yards may operate seven days per week for ten hours per day, with alternative shifts, including some four-day work weeks. The hourly salary is $28–$30, with performance bonus opportunities.

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 five years of Class A CDL experience.
The state where the applicant obtained their driver’s license must be the same state as the state where they are applying to work.
Manual transmission experience, with a license to operate and ability 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 all state requirements for instructor licensing where instructor licensing is required.
Ability to climb in and out of a tractor cab, sit and stand for extended periods, and demonstrate maneuvers.
Reliable, on-time attendance.
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 through hands-on training 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 the first attempt.
Track student attendance and progress and provide additional support when needed.
Maintain accurate training records, evaluations, and documentation.
Report incidents and accidents to the Lead Instructor and corporate promptly.
Work with fellow instructors and the Lead Instructor to follow the defined curriculum and deliver a consistent student experience.
Keep the yard and building clean and presentable, including light upkeep such as litter pickup, basic painting, 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 work reliably and on time.

Benefits

Medical and dental coverage 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 locations more than 100 miles away.
$500 referral bonus per instructor hire.
Branded gear and access to yard laptops.
Opportunity for annual merit increases to hourly wage based on business performance.
Monthly shared bonus pool when the yard averages an 80% first-time pass rate; each first-time pass adds $100 to the pool, split across the team and paid monthly. Full bonus eligibility requires a 4.7/5 average student rating.
$100 accident-free bonus for top 15 yards.
Additional paid hours for placement fairs and truck care during scheduled downtime.
Per diem and mileage paid when using a personal vehicle for qualifying travel.