CDL Instructor - Class A

160 Driving Academy•Duvall, OH

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 examination. The instructor teaches in an outdoor yard and behind the wheel, using both automatic and manual transmissions, and works at a designated yard alongside other instructors and a Lead Instructor. The role may occasionally require coverage at other regional yards, including possible hotel stays; per diem and mileage are paid when applicable. Yard upkeep, such as litter pickup, basic painting, and general tidiness, is also part of the position. The schedule is generally 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 with ten-hour days, including alternative shifts and some four-day work weeks. Reliable, on-time attendance is essential. The role includes a 90-day probationary period focused on safety, compliance, and adherence to the curriculum. Compensation includes an opportunity for annual merit increases based on business performance and a monthly shared bonus pool tied to first-time student pass results. When a yard averages an 80% first-time pass rate, each first-time pass adds $100 to the pool, which is divided among the team and paid monthly; full bonus eligibility requires a 4.7/5 average student rating. Additional compensation includes a $100 accident-free bonus for employees at the top 15 yards and paid hours for placement fairs and truck care during scheduled downtime. 160 Driving Academy reports more than 90 locations across 32 states, training approximately 20,000 students annually, with an overall 88% average first-time pass rate. The company describes a career path from Yard Instructor to Assistant Lead Instructor, Lead Instructor, and Regional Manager. It is an equal opportunity employer and encourages veterans to apply.

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 state of the 160 Driving Academy location where they are applying.
Manual transmission experience, including a license to operate and the 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 applicable state requirements for instructor licensing.
Complete a 90-day probationary period at hire.
Ability to climb in and out of a tractor cab, sit and stand for extended periods, and demonstrate maneuvers.
Reliable, on-time attendance.
Student-centric approach, patience, and professionalism.

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 applicant’s state.

Responsibilities

Teach Class A driving skills through hands-on instruction 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.
Keep the yard and building clean and presentable, including light upkeep such as litter pickup and basic painting.
Cover for instructors at nearby regional yards in certain emergencies or when regional coverage is needed.
Assist with transferring trucks to repair operations and neighboring yards.
Attend placement fairs and perform truck care during scheduled downtime when needed.

Benefits

Medical and dental coverage with shared expense.
Paid vacation: one week to start, two weeks after the first year, and three weeks after the second year.
An eight-hour paid day off after 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 a location more than 100 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 tied to yard first-time pass rate, with full bonus eligibility requiring a 4.7/5 average student rating.
$100 accident-free bonus for top 15 yards.
Additional paid hours for placement fairs and truck care during scheduled downtime.
Per diem and mileage when filling in at another regional yard, as applicable.