CDL Instructor - Class A

160 Driving Academy•Seattle, WA

1d•$28 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

160 Driving Academy is hiring a hands-on Class A CDL instructor to train students from their first pre-trip inspection through their CDL exam. The instructor teaches in outdoor yards and on the road, using automatic and manual transmissions, and works from a designated yard alongside other instructors and a Lead Instructor. Occasional coverage at other regional yards may be required, with possible hotel stays; per diem and mileage are paid when applicable. The role also includes keeping the yard and building clean and presentable, light upkeep, and helping transfer trucks to repair operations or neighboring yards. A 90-day probationary period applies to assess adherence to safety, compliance, and curriculum. Most yards operate 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 per day, with alternative shifts that can include four-day work weeks. Reliable, punctual attendance is essential. Compensation includes opportunities for annual merit increases and a monthly shared bonus pool tied to first-time student pass rates and student ratings. Additional paid hours may be available for placement fairs and truck care during scheduled downtime. The company describes a career path from Yard Instructor to Assistant Lead Instructor, Lead Instructor, and Regional Manager. Veterans are encouraged to apply. 160 Driving Academy is an equal opportunity employer.

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, including being licensed and able 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 the ability to mentor and coach students.
Basic computer skills for tracking student progress and scheduling.
Residence in the state of application, or a confirmed residence secured for relocation.
Meet all state requirements for instructor licensing where licensing is required.
Ability to climb in and out of a tractor cab, sit and stand for extended periods, and demonstrate maneuvers.
Reliable, on-time attendance.
Completion of a 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 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 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 other 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 such as litter pickup, basic painting, and general tidiness.
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 patience and professionalism in a student-centered teaching approach.

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.
An eight-hour paid day off after a full year of perfect attendance.
An eight-hour floating holiday paid day off 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, including vests, hats, flashlights, and gauges, and access to yard laptops.
Opportunity for annual merit increases to hourly wage based on business performance.
Monthly shared bonus pool payout tied to yard first-time pass rates and student ratings.
$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 for certain regional yard coverage, as applicable.