CDL Class A Instructor Trainer

160 Driving Academy•Waukegan, IL

12d•Onsite

About The Position

160 Driving Academy is hiring an experienced Class A driver to teach students the skills needed to pass their CDL exam. The instructor provides hands-on training in outdoor yards and on the road, covering pre-trip inspections, yard maneuvers, and driving on automatic and manual transmissions. The role is based at a designated yard, working with other instructors and a Lead Instructor, with occasional coverage at nearby regional yards. It also includes keeping the yard and building clean and presentable, including light upkeep, and helping transfer trucks to repair operations or neighboring yards. The position is local and is described as allowing instructors to be home every night. Most yards operate Monday through Friday, either 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. or 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Higher-volume yards may operate seven days per week for ten hours per day, with alternative shifts that can include four-day work weeks. Occasional regional coverage may involve an overnight hotel stay; per diem and mileage are paid in the circumstances described in the posting. Reliable, on-time attendance is essential, and a 90-day probationary period applies. Compensation is $28–$30 per hour, with opportunities for annual merit increases and performance bonuses. When a yard averages an 80% first-time pass rate, each first-time pass adds $100 to a shared monthly bonus pool; full bonus eligibility requires a 4.7/5 average student rating. The posting also describes a $100 accident-free bonus for the top 15 yards and additional paid hours for placement fairs and truck care during scheduled downtime. Benefits include shared-expense medical and dental coverage, paid vacation that increases with tenure, paid time off for qualifying perfect attendance, a birthday floating holiday after one year, relocation assistance for qualifying 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 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 location where they apply.
Manual transmission experience, including licensure 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.
Clearance through a background check.
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 applicable state requirements for instructor licensing where required.
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 applicant's state.

Responsibilities

Teach Class A driving skills through hands-on outdoor-yard training on 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 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.
Participate in the 90-day probationary period and adhere to safety, compliance, and curriculum requirements.

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 birthday floating holiday 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.
Opportunity for annual merit increases to hourly wage based on business performance.
Monthly shared bonus pool tied to first-time student passes, subject to the stated yard pass-rate and student-rating conditions.
$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 in the circumstances described for regional coverage.
Branded gear and access to yard laptops.