CDL Instructor - Class A

160 Driving Academy•St Louis, MO

14d•Onsite

About The Position

160 Driving Academy is hiring a Class A CDL instructor to provide hands-on training at a designated yard. The instructor teaches students from pre-trip inspections through CDL testing, including yard maneuvers and on-road driving using automatic and manual transmissions. The role involves working with other instructors and a Lead Instructor, following the defined curriculum, and helping students prepare to pass their CDL exam on their first attempt. Instructors may occasionally cover other regional yards when needed, with hotel stays possible; per diem and mileage are paid for qualifying travel arrangements. The position also includes maintaining training records and the yard’s appearance, reporting incidents and accidents, and assisting with truck transfers to repair operations or neighboring yards. It is local, hands-on work intended for experienced Class A drivers. Most yards operate 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 a week with ten-hour shifts and may offer alternative schedules. Reliable, punctual attendance is essential. A 90-day probationary period applies. Compensation is $28–$30 per hour, with potential annual merit increases and performance-based bonus opportunities. The shared monthly bonus pool is funded when a yard averages an 80% first-time pass rate, with each first-time pass adding $100 to the pool; full bonus eligibility requires an average student rating of 4.7/5. Other compensation opportunities include an 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 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, 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 confirmed residence secured for relocation.
Meet applicable state requirements for instructor licensing.
Complete the 90-day probationary period.
Ability to climb in and out of a tractor cab, sit and stand for extended periods, and demonstrate driving 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 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 when needed, including in certain emergencies.
Assist with transferring trucks to repair operations and neighboring yards.
Maintain reliable, punctual attendance.
Participate in placement fairs and truck care during scheduled downtime when applicable.

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.
Paid day off for the employee’s birthday after one year of service (eight-hour floating holiday).
$3,000 relocation benefit for moving to locations 100+ miles away.
$500 referral bonus per instructor hire.
Branded gear and access to yard laptops.
Potential annual merit increases to hourly wage based on business performance.
Monthly performance bonus pool tied to yard first-time pass rates and student ratings.
$100 accident-free bonus for instructors at the top 15 yards.
Additional paid hours for placement fairs and truck care during scheduled downtime.
Per diem and mileage reimbursement for qualifying travel to other regional yards.