AT - CDL Driver Trainer

Ancora Education•Florence, SC

About The Position

The CDL Driver Trainer is responsible for driver training functions for the CDL training program at an assigned location. The trainer delivers instruction over the road, on the maneuvering range, and in the classroom, and evaluates students’ progress toward obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License. The role requires field experience, strong communication and leadership abilities, and the physical capability to demonstrate driving and vehicle-inspection tasks. The position works under the guidance and supervision of the Program Director, Lead Driver Trainer, or their designee. The trainer maintains a safe, positive, and professional learning environment; follows institutional policies and applicable federal, state, accreditation, and compliance requirements; safeguards equipment and records; and maintains accurate student progress, performance, and attendance records. The trainer uses provided tools and technology and maintains appropriate confidentiality when working with students, records, and administrative staff. Instruction includes classroom material and written tests, commercial vehicle pre-trip inspections, air-brake tests, driving and shifting skills, and a range of backing and parking maneuvers. The role may involve prolonged periods of standing, walking, driving, and outdoor instruction; repeatedly climbing in and out of trucks; and handling or moving equipment and other loads. The position requires a valid CDL at the required class level, a high school diploma or GED, recent verifiable over-the-road experience, and the ability to meet ongoing DOT medical and drug-testing requirements.

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.
Ability to pass a motor vehicle record (MVR) review and background check, including drug screening.
Ability to pass a road test, as applicable.
Must pass a DOT physical and DOT drug screen, and 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.
Ability to instruct shifting patterns and driving in highway, city, nighttime, daytime, and varied weather conditions.
Knowledge of and demonstrated ability to maintain vehicle equipment.
Motivation, dedication, professionalism, integrity, and enthusiasm for teaching.
Commitment to staying current with industry standards and requirements in the field of instruction.
Interpersonal relationship skills for positive interactions with students, alumni, faculty, and employers.
Proficiency with technology, including Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, and cloud-based applications.
Ability to stand and walk outdoors for 8–10 hours, climb in and out of trucks several times a day, and lift and move up to 50 pounds.
Ability to frequently climb in and out of a cab, bend, squat, kneel, twist, and reach to conduct inspections and navigate tight spaces.
Ability to crank trailer landing gear, handle training and safety equipment, and potentially assist with loading and unloading, if applicable.
Ability to sustain physical activity and remain alert during extended driving and instructional periods and exposure to varying weather conditions.
Must meet DOT physical qualifications required to hold a CDL, with or without reasonable accommodations, as required by federal regulations.

Responsibilities

Promote and maintain a positive, safe, and professional learning environment for students and staff.
Know, follow, uphold, and enforce institutional policies and applicable federal, state, accreditation, and compliance requirements.
Convene assigned classes at their scheduled start and end times.
Safeguard instructional materials, records, and equipment.
Serve as a professional role model and inspire student confidence in the program, faculty, and themselves.
Communicate and interact professionally, courteously, fairly, and objectively with students and fellow employees; maintain appropriate confidentiality.
Maintain professional dress and demeanor, and demonstrate enthusiasm and a willingness to cooperate and collaborate.
Provide advance notice regarding lateness, absence, and vacation schedules during substitute assignments.
Maintain accurate and current student progress, performance, and attendance records using the institution’s required tools and technology.
Remain flexible in meeting the instructional needs of the division or client.
Train students in trucking and driving, including highway and city driving, driving at night and during the day, and driving in different weather conditions.
Administer written tests on classroom material and evaluate grades.
Conduct and teach commercial motor vehicle pre-trip inspections and air-brake tests.
Teach straight-line backing, offset backing to the right and left, 45-degree alley docking, and conventional-side and driver-side parallel parking.
Use effective instructional delivery skills, including eye contact, voice intonation, and varied questioning techniques; draw on personal experience to relate course material.
Use required skills assessments to evaluate student progress toward the skills needed to pass and obtain a CDL.
Demonstrate vehicle operation and related tasks, including inspections, coupling and uncoupling trailers, and maneuvering the vehicle.
Maintain vehicle equipment and stay current with industry standards and requirements for the field of instruction.