CDL Instructor - Class A

160 Driving Academy•Seattle, WA

14d•Onsite

About The Position

160 Driving Academy is hiring a Class A CDL instructor to provide hands-on training at a designated yard, working with other instructors and a Lead Instructor. The instructor teaches students from pre-trip inspections through yard maneuvers, on-road driving, and CDL testing preparation on automatic and manual transmissions. The position is local and generally keeps instructors home each night. Occasional coverage at nearby regional yards may be requested; hotel stays, per diem, and mileage reimbursement may apply when traveling for coverage. Yard upkeep, including litter pickup, basic painting, and general tidiness, is also part of the role. The usual schedule is Monday through Friday, either 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. or 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Higher-volume yards may operate seven days per week for ten hours per day, with alternative shifts that can include four-day work weeks. Reliable, on-time attendance is essential. A 90-day probationary period applies to ensure adherence to safety, compliance, and curriculum requirements. Compensation is $28.00–$30.00 per hour, with the opportunity for annual merit increases based on business performance. A monthly shared bonus pool is available when the yard averages an 80% first-time pass rate: each first-time pass adds $100 to the pool, which is split among the team and paid monthly. Full bonus eligibility requires an average student rating of 4.7 out of 5. Other incentives include a $100 accident-free bonus for top-performing yards and additional paid hours 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 requires 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 authorization 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 state requirements for instructor licensing where licensing is required.
Reliable, on-time attendance.
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 through hands-on 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 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.
Coordinate 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 during certain emergencies or when coverage is needed.
Assist with transferring trucks to repair operations and neighboring yards.
Demonstrate patience and professionalism in a student-focused teaching role.

Benefits

Medical and dental coverage with shared expense.
Paid vacation: one week initially, two weeks after year one, and three weeks after year two.
Eight-hour paid day off for a full year of perfect attendance.
Paid birthday day off after one year of service, provided as an eight-hour floating holiday.
$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.
Opportunity for annual merit increases based on business performance.
Monthly shared bonus pool tied to 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 paid when applicable for coverage at another regional yard.