CDL Driver Trainer

Ancora Education•Summerville, SC

About The Position

The CDL Driver Trainer is responsible for driver training functions for the CDL training program at a local campus. The role combines classroom instruction, over-the-road training, and maneuvering-range instruction, and requires demonstrated physical, intellectual, and leadership ability, strong communication skills, and substantial trucking experience. The trainer works under the guidance and supervision of the Director of Education, Program Director, Lead Trainer, or their designee. The trainer promotes a positive and safe learning environment, follows institutional and regulatory policies, serves as a professional role model, and maintains confidentiality and accurate student records. The role includes teaching trucking and driving skills, administering written tests and skills assessments, and evaluating student progress toward obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License. The position involves physically demonstrating vehicle inspections and driving maneuvers, including coupling and uncoupling trailers. It may involve outdoor training in varying weather conditions and extended periods of driving and instruction. The employee must maintain the DOT qualifications required to hold a CDL. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Requirements

Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) at the class level required for the position.
High school diploma or GED.
Three years of verifiable over-the-road experience within the last five years.
Pass an MVR and background check, including drug screening.
Ability to pass the applicable road test.
Pass a DOT physical and DOT drug screen; maintain a valid Medical Examiner Certificate and pass ongoing DOT drug tests when applicable.
Knowledge of and ability to perform pre-trip inspections, air-brake tests, and CDL driving skills, including straight-line backing, offset backing, 45-degree alley-docking, and parallel parking.
Knowledge of shifting patterns and ability to instruct driving on highways and in cities, during day and night, and in different weather conditions.
Knowledge of and demonstrated ability to maintain vehicle equipment.
Motivation, dedication, professionalism, integrity, and enthusiasm for teaching.
Commitment to stay current with industry standards and requirements in the instructional field.
Ability to facilitate learning in the field of instruction.
Excellent presentation skills and ability to present ideas effectively to individuals or groups in a formal setting.
Interpersonal skills to support positive interactions with students, alumni, faculty, and employers.
Technology proficiency, including Microsoft Office suite, Google suite, and cloud-based applications.
Ability to frequently climb in and out of a cab, bend, squat, kneel, twist, and reach for inspections and maneuvering in tight spaces.
Ability to crank trailer landing gear, often weighing over 100 pounds, handle training and safety equipment, and potentially assist with loading or unloading when applicable.
Ability to sustain physical activity and alertness during extended driving and instructional periods.
Ability to meet DOT physical qualifications required to hold a CDL, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Responsibilities

Promote and maintain a positive, safe, and professional learning environment.
Follow and uphold institutional policies and applicable federal, state, accreditation, compliance, and FMCSA requirements.
Convene assigned classes at their scheduled start and end times.
Safeguard materials, records, and equipment; maintain appropriate confidentiality.
Serve as a professional role model and interact fairly, courteously, and positively with students and colleagues.
Provide advance notice regarding lateness, absence, and vacation schedules during substitute assignments.
Maintain accurate, current records of student progress, performance, and attendance using institutional tools and technology.
Remain flexible in meeting students’ instructional needs.
Train students in all areas of trucking and driving.
Administer written tests on classroom material and evaluate grades.
Conduct and teach pre-trip inspections of commercial motor vehicles and air-brake tests.
Teach straight-line backing, offset backing, 45-degree alley-docking, and conventional-side and driver-side parallel parking.
Use effective instructional delivery techniques, including eye contact, voice intonation, and questioning techniques, and draw on personal experience to relate material.
Use required skills assessments to evaluate students’ progress toward the skills needed to pass and obtain a CDL.
Teach shifting patterns and driving in highway, city, day, night, and varying weather conditions.
Maintain vehicle equipment and physically demonstrate inspections, coupling and uncoupling trailers, and vehicle maneuvers.