CDL Class A Instructor Trainer

160 Driving Academy•Commerce City, CO

3d•Onsite

About The Position

160 Driving Academy is hiring a hands-on CDL Class A Instructor Trainer to teach students in outdoor training yards and on the road, preparing them for CDL testing. The instructor works at a designated yard alongside other instructors and a Lead Instructor, with occasional coverage at nearby regional yards. The role also includes light upkeep to keep the yard and building clean and presentable, and assistance transferring trucks to repair operations or neighboring yards. This local role is intended for experienced Class A drivers and generally keeps instructors home each night, though occasional regional coverage may require an overnight hotel stay. Reliable, on-time attendance is essential. A 90-day probationary period applies to ensure adherence to safety, compliance, and curriculum requirements. Compensation is $26–$28 per hour, with an opportunity for annual merit increases based on business performance. A monthly shared bonus pool is available when a yard averages an 80% first-time pass rate: each first-time pass adds $100 to the pool, split among the team and paid monthly. Full bonus 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 and additional paid hours for placement fairs and truck care during scheduled downtime. When traveling to another regional yard, per diem is paid, and mileage is paid when using a personal vehicle. Most yards work Monday through Friday, either 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. or 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Some higher-volume yards operate seven days a week for ten hours per day, with alternative shifts that may include four-day workweeks and three days off. Benefits include shared-expense medical and dental coverage; paid vacation starting at one week, increasing to two weeks after year one and three weeks after year two; an eight-hour paid day off for a full year of perfect attendance; an eight-hour floating holiday for an employee’s birthday after one year of service; a $3,000 relocation benefit for moving to a location 100 or more miles away; and a $500 referral bonus per instructor hire. Employees receive 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 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.
Clear 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 where applying, or confirmed residence secured for relocation.
Meet state requirements for instructor licensing where such licensing is 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 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 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.
Attend 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.
Eight-hour floating holiday for the employee’s birthday after one year of service.
$3,000 relocation benefit for moving to a location 100 or more 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 performance bonus pool based on yard first-time pass rates, subject to student-rating eligibility.
$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 yard coverage.