CDL Instructor - Class A

160 Driving Academy•San Bernardino, CA

1d•$28 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

160 Driving Academy is hiring an experienced Class A driver to teach students the skills needed to pass their CDL exam. The instructor provides hands-on training in an outdoor yard and on the road, covering pre-trip inspections, yard maneuvers, and driving with automatic and manual transmissions. The position is based at a designated yard and works alongside other instructors and a Lead Instructor. Occasional coverage at nearby regional yards may be requested, potentially requiring an overnight hotel stay. The role also includes light yard and building upkeep and helping transfer trucks to repair operations or neighboring yards. Most yards operate Monday through Friday, either 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM or 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Higher-volume yards may operate seven days a week, ten hours per day, with alternative shifts that can include four-day workweeks. Reliable, punctual attendance is essential. 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 and a shared monthly bonus pool tied to yard first-time pass rates and student ratings. Additional compensation may include an accident-free bonus for top-performing yards, and paid hours for placement fairs and truck care during scheduled downtime. The position offers a career path from Yard Instructor through Assistant Lead Instructor and Lead Instructor to Regional Manager.

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 applicants must have 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 are applying.
Manual transmission experience, including licensure 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 all applicable state requirements for instructor licensing.
Ability to climb in and out of a tractor cab, sit and stand for extended periods, and demonstrate maneuvers.
Reliable, on-time attendance.
Complete a 90-day probationary period.

Nice To Haves

Four or more years of consistent Class A driving experience.
Prior experience mentoring, coaching, or training drivers.
Driver Training Instructor certification; guidance and support to obtain it are available if required by the state.

Responsibilities

Teach Class A driving skills 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 provide a consistent student experience and follow the defined curriculum.
Help 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 while coaching students.

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 for a full year of perfect attendance.
An eight-hour paid birthday day off after one year of service, provided as a floating holiday.
$3,000 relocation benefit for moving to locations 100 or more miles away.
$500 referral bonus per instructor hire.
Branded gear and access to yard laptops.
Opportunity for annual merit increases based on business performance.
Monthly shared bonus pool based on yard first-time pass rates, with full bonus eligibility requiring a 4.7/5 average student rating.
$100 accident-free bonus for instructors at the top 15 yards.
Additional paid hours for placement fairs and truck care during scheduled downtime.