CDL Class A Instructor Trainer

160 Driving Academy•Houston, TX

About The Position

160 Driving Academy is hiring a CDL Class A Instructor Trainer to teach students practical Class A driving skills from their first pre-trip inspection through their CDL exam. Training takes place in outdoor yards and on the road, using both automatic and manual transmissions. The instructor is based at a designated yard, works with other instructors and a Lead Instructor, and may occasionally provide coverage at nearby regional yards. The role also includes keeping the yard and building clean and presentable, including light upkeep such as litter pickup, basic painting, and general tidiness. The position is local and hands-on, intended for experienced Class A drivers. Most yards operate Monday through Friday, either 7:00 AM–3:30 PM or 8:00 AM–4:30 PM. Some higher-volume yards operate seven days a week for ten hours a day, with alternative shifts that may include four-day work weeks. Occasional regional coverage may require an overnight hotel stay; per diem and mileage are paid in the circumstances described in the posting. Reliable, on-time attendance is essential. A 90-day probationary period applies to assess adherence to safety, compliance, and curriculum. Compensation is $25–$26 per hour, with performance bonus opportunities. The monthly shared bonus pool is funded when a yard averages an 80% first-time pass rate, with each first-time pass adding $100 to the pool; full eligibility requires a 4.7/5 average student rating. Other compensation opportunities include a $100 accident-free bonus for employees at the top 15 yards, annual merit increases based on business performance, and additional paid hours for placement fairs and truck care during scheduled downtime. The role offers medical and dental coverage with shared expense, paid vacation that increases with tenure, a paid day off for a full year of perfect attendance, and a birthday floating holiday after one year of service. Other offerings include a relocation benefit for eligible moves, referral bonuses for instructor hires, branded gear, and access to yard laptops. The stated career path is Yard Instructor, Assistant Lead Instructor, Lead Instructor, and Regional Manager.

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 160 Driving Academy 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.
Clearance through a background check.
Strong communication skills and the 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 required.
Complete a 90-day probationary period at hire.
Ability to climb in and out of a tractor cab, sit and stand for extended periods, and demonstrate driving maneuvers.
Reliable, on-time attendance.

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 other documentation.
Report incidents and accidents promptly to the Lead Instructor and corporate.
Work with fellow instructors and the Lead Instructor to provide a consistent student experience and follow the defined curriculum.
Help keep the yard and building clean and presentable, including light upkeep.
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.
Maintain a patient and professional, student-centered approach to teaching.

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 birthday day off after one year of service, provided as an eight-hour floating holiday.
$3,000 relocation benefit for moving to a location 100 or more miles away.
$500 referral bonus per instructor hire.
Branded gear, including vests, hats, flashlights, and gauges, and access to yard laptops.
Opportunity for annual merit increases to hourly wage based on business performance.
Monthly shared performance bonus pool tied to yard first-time pass rates and student ratings.
$100 accident-free bonus for top 15 yards.
Additional paid hours for placement fairs and truck care during scheduled downtime.
Per diem and mileage reimbursement when applicable for regional coverage.