CDL Instructor - Class A

160 Driving Academy•Moline, IL

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 the CDL exam. The instructor provides hands-on training in an outdoor yard and behind the wheel, guiding students through pre-trip inspections, yard maneuvers, and on-road driving using both automatic and manual transmissions. The position is based at a designated yard and works with fellow instructors and a Lead Instructor to deliver the defined curriculum. Occasional coverage at other regional yards may be needed, possibly involving an overnight hotel stay. The role includes monitoring attendance and progress, providing additional support, maintaining accurate records and evaluations, promptly reporting incidents and accidents, and helping keep the yard and building clean and presentable. Instructors may also transfer trucks to repair operations or neighboring yards. A 90-day probationary period applies to ensure adherence to safety, compliance, and curriculum requirements. The work requires reliable, punctual attendance and the ability to climb in and out of a tractor cab, sit and stand for extended periods, and demonstrate driving maneuvers. 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 with ten-hour shifts and may offer alternative schedules, including some four-day work weeks. Compensation includes an opportunity for annual merit increases and a monthly shared bonus pool tied to yard first-time pass rates and student ratings. Additional paid hours may be available for placement fairs and truck care during scheduled downtime.

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 need 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, with authorization 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 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 state instructor licensing requirements where applicable.
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.

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 outdoor yard training on automatic and manual transmissions.
Guide students through pre-trip inspections, yard maneuvers, and on-road driving.
Prepare students to meet CDL testing standards 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 in a timely manner.
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.

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 for a paid day off on the employee's birthday after one year of service.
$3,000 relocation benefit for moving to locations more than 100 miles away.
$500 referral bonus per instructor hire.
Branded gear 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 results, subject to full bonus eligibility requirements.
$100 accident-free bonus for employees at top 15 yards.
Additional paid hours for placement fairs and truck care during scheduled downtime.
Career path from Yard Instructor to Assistant Lead Instructor, Lead Instructor, and Regional Manager.
Per diem and mileage paid for occasional regional-yard coverage when applicable.