CDL Class A Instructor Trainer

160 Driving Academy•Waukegan, IL

13d•$28 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

160 Driving Academy is hiring a CDL Class A Instructor Trainer to teach students the skills and procedures needed to earn a Class A CDL. Based at a designated training yard and working with other instructors and a Lead Instructor, the trainer provides hands-on instruction in outdoor yards and on the road, using automatic and manual transmissions. The role supports students from pre-trip inspections and yard maneuvers through CDL testing, and includes monitoring attendance and progress, maintaining training records, and reporting incidents and accidents. The position also involves keeping the yard and building clean and presentable, helping transfer trucks to repair operations or nearby yards, and occasionally covering at other regional yards. Some coverage assignments may involve an overnight hotel stay; per diem and mileage are paid as described. A 90-day probationary period applies to confirm adherence to safety, compliance, and curriculum requirements. Instructors are expected to be reliable and on time, and able to climb in and out of tractor cabs, sit and stand for extended periods, and demonstrate driving maneuvers. 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, ten hours a day, with alternative shifts that can include four-day work weeks. Compensation includes hourly pay, potential annual merit increases based on business performance, and a shared monthly bonus pool tied to yard first-time pass rates and student ratings. Additional paid hours may be available for placement fairs and truck care during scheduled downtime.

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 of 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.
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 instructor licensing requirements where instructor 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 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.

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 in a timely manner.
Work with fellow instructors and the Lead Instructor to deliver 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.
Assist with transferring trucks to repair operations and neighboring yards.

Benefits

Medical and dental coverage with shared expenses.
Paid vacation: one week to start, two weeks after year one, and three weeks after year two.
An eight-hour paid day off after a full year of perfect attendance.
An eight-hour paid birthday floating holiday after one year of service.
$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.
Potential annual merit increases to hourly wage based on business performance.
Monthly shared bonus pool tied to yard first-time pass rates, with full eligibility requiring a 4.7/5 average student rating.
$100 accident-free bonus for employees at top 15 yards.
Additional paid hours for placement fairs and truck care during scheduled downtime.
Per diem and mileage reimbursement for regional yard coverage as described.