CDL Instructor - Class A

160 Driving Academy•Goshen, IN

20h•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 the CDL exam. Instructors teach in outdoor yards and on the road, using both automatic and manual transmissions. The role is based at a designated yard and works alongside other instructors and a Lead Instructor; occasional coverage at other regional yards may be needed. Instructors are expected to keep the yard and building clean and presentable, including light upkeep, and may help transfer trucks to repair operations or neighboring yards. The usual schedule is Monday through Friday, either 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. or 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Some higher-volume yards operate seven days per week for ten hours per day and may offer alternative shifts, including some four-day workweeks. The position includes a 90-day probationary period focused on safety, compliance, and curriculum adherence. Reliable, on-time attendance is essential. Compensation is $28–$30 per hour, with potential annual merit increases and performance-based bonuses. When a yard averages an 80% first-time pass rate, each first-time pass adds $100 to a shared monthly pool; full bonus eligibility requires a 4.7/5 average student rating. Other compensation opportunities include a $100 accident-free bonus for top-performing yards and paid hours for placement fairs and truck care during scheduled downtime. Per diem and mileage are paid when applicable for regional coverage, and a hotel stay may be needed. 160 Driving Academy describes itself as the largest CDL training school in the country, with more than 90 locations across 32 states and approximately 20,000 students trained annually. The academy offers a career path from Yard Instructor to Assistant Lead Instructor, Lead Instructor, and Regional Manager. Veterans are encouraged to apply, and the company 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 applicants require five years of Class A CDL experience.
The state where the applicant obtained their driver’s license must be the same state where they are applying to work.
Manual transmission experience, with a license 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 of 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 a confirmed residence secured for relocation.
Meet 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.

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 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 team.
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, basic painting, and general tidiness.
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 reliably and on time.
Participate in a 90-day probationary period to demonstrate adherence to safety, compliance, and curriculum requirements.

Benefits

Medical and dental coverage with shared expenses.
Paid vacation: one week initially, 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 floating holiday for the employee’s birthday after one year of service.
$3,000 relocation benefit for moving to a location at least 100 miles away.
$500 referral bonus per instructor hire.
Branded gear and access to yard laptops.
Monthly performance bonus pool tied to yard first-time pass rates and student ratings.
$100 accident-free bonus for employees at the top 15 yards.
Additional paid hours for placement fairs and truck care during scheduled downtime.
Per diem and mileage for applicable regional coverage.