CDL Class A LEAD Instructor Trainer

160 Driving Academy • Oceanside, CA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

160 Driving Academy is the largest CDL training school in the country, with a strong history of success and a wide reach across the United States. As a Lead CDL Class A Instructor, you will be responsible for overseeing daily training operations, mentoring instructors, and ensuring student success from enrollment to CDL testing. This role involves hands-on work in the yard, on the road, and collaboration with instructional staff to maintain training consistency, safety, and high first-time pass rates. It offers a local leadership opportunity for experienced Class A drivers looking to transition into a career focused on coaching and developing new drivers and instructors, with the benefit of being home every night.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Class A CDL with a minimum of 24 months of verifiable Class A tractor-trailer driving experience. (Exception – The State of Nevada requires 5 years of Class A CDL experience.)
• Safe driving record with an MVR free of major violations.
• Knowledge of the rules of the road and local state laws.
• Reliable and trustworthy to show up daily on time and ready to lead your team.
• Ability to pass DOT physical and DOT-mandated drug and alcohol screening.
• Strong leadership, communication, mentoring, and coaching skills.
• High level of patience and the ability to deal with difficult and stressful situations calmly.
• Basic computer skills for scheduling, reporting, and tracking student progress.
• Must reside in the state you are applying for or have confirmed relocation housing secured.
• Background check clearance required.
• Must meet all state instructor licensing requirements where applicable.
• Manual transmission experience with the ability to teach manual operation.
• Ability to adapt instruction and coaching to different learning styles.

Nice To Haves

• Leadership or supervisory experience in transportation or training environments.
• Prior experience mentoring or training instructors and students.
• Four or more years of consistent Class A driving experience.
• Driver Training Instructor certification (when required by the state, we will assist with getting the certification).
• Knowledge of FMCSA regulations and CDL training/testing standards.

Responsibilities

• Mentor and support CDL instructors to ensure effective and consistent training delivery.
• Oversee student instruction including pre-trip inspections, yard maneuvers, and road driving.
• Promote safety, professionalism, and compliance throughout all training activities.
• Monitor student progress and assist instructors with CDL exam preparation strategies.
• Track training effectiveness and provide coaching and feedback to instructors.
• Maintain accurate documentation, evaluations, attendance records, and training reports.
• Work collaboratively with instructors and leadership to maintain consistent curriculum standards.
• Assist with scheduling, operational coordination, and instructor coverage when needed.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and professional training yard and facility.
• Support truck transfers to repair operations and neighboring yards when required.
• Exhibit patience, professionalism, and a student-focused approach to leadership and instruction.
• Lead your team in carrying out company policies and operation procedures.
• Reporting of all incidents and accidents to corporate in a timely manner.
• Dealing with emergencies in a professional and calm manner.
• Ability to climb in and out of tractor cabs, demonstrate maneuvers, and remain active throughout the workday.
• Complete a 90-day probationary period to ensure adherence to safety, compliance, and curriculum standards.
• Additional requirements that apply specific to the role may be requested.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage (shared expense).
• Paid vacation: 1 week to start, 2 weeks after year 1, 3 weeks after year 2.
• Paid holidays and PTO.
• 8-hour paid day off for perfect annual attendance.
• Paid birthday holiday after 1 year of service.
• $3,000 relocation benefit for eligible moves over 100 miles.
• $500 referral bonus per instructor hire.
• Branded gear and access to yard laptops and equipment.
• Career path opportunities: Yard Instructor -> Assistant Lead Instructor -> Lead Instructor -> Regional Manager.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED