CDL Instructor - Class A

160 Driving Academy•Suffern, NY

10h•Onsite

About The Position

160 Driving Academy is hiring a Class A CDL instructor to train students from their first pre-trip inspection through their CDL exam. Instructors provide hands-on instruction in an outdoor yard and behind the wheel, teaching with both automatic and manual transmissions. The role is based at a designated yard and involves working alongside other instructors and a Lead Instructor. Instructors may occasionally cover nearby regional yards when needed, including possible overnight stays; per diem and mileage are paid for qualifying travel. Yard upkeep, including litter pickup, basic painting, and general tidiness, is also part of the job. The schedule is generally Monday through Friday, either 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. or 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 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. The position has a 90-day probationary period to ensure adherence to safety, compliance, and curriculum requirements. Compensation is $28–$30 per hour, with opportunities for annual merit increases based on business performance. Monthly performance bonuses are available when a yard averages an 80% first-time pass rate: each first-time pass adds $100 to a shared pool, split among the team and paid monthly. Full bonus eligibility requires an average student rating of 4.7 out of 5. Other compensation opportunities include a $100 accident-free bonus for top-performing yards and additional paid hours for placement fairs and truck care during scheduled downtime. Benefits include medical and dental coverage with shared expenses, paid vacation that increases with tenure, paid time off for a full year of perfect attendance, a birthday floating holiday after one year of service, relocation assistance for moves to locations more than 100 miles away, and a referral bonus for instructor hires. Branded gear and access to yard laptops are provided. The career path is Yard Instructor, Assistant Lead Instructor, Lead Instructor, and 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 where they are applying to work.
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 confirmed residence secured for relocation.
Meet 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.
Patience and professionalism when teaching students.
Reliable, punctual 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; the company provides guidance and support to obtain it if required by the state.

Responsibilities

Teach Class A driving skills through hands-on yard training and behind-the-wheel instruction 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 to the Lead Instructor and corporate promptly.
Work with fellow instructors and the Lead Instructor to deliver 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.
Maintain reliable, on-time attendance.
Attend placement fairs and perform truck care during scheduled downtime as needed.

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.
Eight-hour paid day off for a full year of perfect attendance.
Eight-hour birthday floating holiday after one year of service.
$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 based on business performance.
Monthly performance bonus pool based on yard first-time pass rates, subject to student-rating eligibility.
$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 qualifying regional coverage travel.