CDL Class A Instructor

160 Driving Academy•Fort Wayne, IN

16d•Onsite

About The Position

160 Driving Academy is seeking an experienced Class A driver to train students in CDL driving skills at a designated yard. The instructor teaches students from their first pre-trip inspection through their CDL exam, using hands-on instruction in the yard and behind the wheel. Instructors work with a team and a Lead Instructor, follow the defined curriculum, and may occasionally cover other regional yards when needed. The role also includes light yard and building upkeep, such as litter pickup, basic painting, and general tidiness, and may involve transferring trucks to repair operations or neighboring yards. The position offers local work intended to keep instructors home every night, although occasional regional coverage may require an overnight hotel stay. A 90-day probationary period applies. The usual schedule is 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 for ten hours a day, with alternative shifts that can include four-day work weeks. Reliable, on-time attendance is a core expectation. Compensation is $28–$30 per hour, with possible annual merit increases and monthly shared bonuses 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 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 location where they are applying.
Manual transmission experience, including 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.
Background check clearance.
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 all state requirements for instructor licensing where 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.

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 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 their 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 punctually.
Demonstrate driving maneuvers and perform the physical activities required for instruction, including climbing in and out of a tractor cab and sitting or standing for extended periods.

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 locations 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 bonus pool when the yard averages an 80% first-time pass rate; each first-time pass adds $100 to the pool, split across the team and paid monthly. Full bonus eligibility requires a 4.7/5 average student rating.
$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 using a personal vehicle for occasional regional yard coverage.