CDL Class A Instructor Trainer

160 Driving Academy•Commerce City, CO

4d•$26 - $28•Onsite

About The Position

160 Driving Academy is hiring a CDL Class A Instructor Trainer to teach students the skills needed to pass their CDL exam, from pre-trip inspections and yard maneuvers to on-road driving. The instructor works at a designated yard alongside other instructors and a Lead Instructor, and may occasionally fill in at nearby regional yards. The role includes maintaining a clean, presentable yard and building, assisting with truck transfers, and supporting a safe, consistent training experience. This is local, hands-on work for experienced Class A drivers, with instructors generally home every night. Most yards operate 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 with ten-hour days and may offer alternative shifts, including some four-day work weeks. Regional coverage may occasionally require an overnight hotel stay; per diem and mileage are paid in the circumstances described in the posting. Reliable, on-time attendance is essential. Compensation includes the opportunity for annual merit increases to hourly wages based on business performance. A monthly shared bonus pool is available when the yard averages an 80% first-time pass rate: each first-time pass adds $100 to the pool, which is split among the team and paid monthly. Full bonus eligibility requires a 4.7/5 average student rating. Top 15 yards can receive a $100 accident-free bonus. Additional paid hours are available for placement fairs and truck care during scheduled downtime. The position has a 90-day probationary period focused on safety, compliance, and following the curriculum. The academy offers medical and dental coverage with shared expenses, paid vacation, an attendance-based paid day off, a birthday floating holiday after one year, relocation assistance for eligible moves, and an instructor referral bonus. Branded gear and access to yard laptops are provided. 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 requires 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 applicable state requirements for instructor licensing where required.
Complete the 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.

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 yard training 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 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 reliably and on time.
Demonstrate patience and professionalism while taking a student-centric approach to teaching.

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.
Eight-hour paid day off for a full year of perfect attendance.
Eight-hour birthday floating holiday after one year of service.
$3,000 relocation benefit for moving to locations 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 wages based on business performance.
Monthly shared bonus pool tied to yard first-time pass rates and student ratings.
$100 accident-free bonus for instructors at top 15 yards.
Additional paid hours for placement fairs and truck care during scheduled downtime.
Per diem and mileage for occasional regional yard coverage under the conditions described.