CDL Class A Instructor

160 Driving Academy•Fort Wayne, IN

9h•$28 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

160 Driving Academy is hiring a hands-on CDL Class A instructor to teach students in an outdoor yard and on the road, from their first pre-trip inspection through their CDL exam. The instructor works at a designated yard alongside other instructors and a Lead Instructor, and may occasionally cover other regional yards when needed. The role also includes light upkeep to keep the yard and building clean and presentable, and transferring trucks to repair operations or neighboring yards. This is local work for experienced Class A drivers, with the schedule generally Monday through Friday. Some higher-volume yards operate seven days a week and may offer alternative shifts, including four-day work weeks. Regional coverage may involve an overnight hotel stay; per diem and mileage are paid for eligible travel. A 90-day probationary period applies to ensure adherence to safety, compliance, and curriculum requirements. Compensation includes opportunities 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, which is split across the team and paid monthly. Full bonus eligibility requires an average student rating of 4.7/5. There is also a $100 accident-free bonus for employees at the top 15 yards, as well as additional paid hours 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 160 Driving Academy location where they apply.
Manual transmission experience, with authorization 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 state requirements for instructor licensing where licensing is required.
Complete the 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 applicant's 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 promptly to the Lead Instructor and corporate.
Work with fellow instructors and the Lead Instructor to deliver a consistent student experience and follow the defined curriculum.
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.
Demonstrate patience and professionalism in a student-centered teaching role.
Attend reliably and on time.
Climb in and out of a tractor cab, sit and stand for extended periods, and demonstrate driving maneuvers.

Benefits

Medical and dental coverage with shared expense.
Paid vacation: one week initially, two weeks after year one, and three weeks after year two.
Eight-hour paid day off for a full year of perfect attendance.
Paid day off for the employee's birthday after one year of service, provided as an eight-hour floating holiday.
$3,000 relocation benefit for moving to a location 100 or more miles away.
$500 referral bonus per instructor hire.
Branded gear, including vests, hats, flashlights, and gauges, and access to yard laptops.
Monthly shared bonus pool tied to yard first-time pass results, subject to eligibility requirements.
$100 accident-free bonus for employees at the top 15 yards.
Additional paid hours for placement fairs and truck care during scheduled downtime.
Per diem and mileage for regional-yard coverage travel, with mileage paid when using a personal vehicle.
Opportunity for annual merit increases to hourly wage based on business performance.