CDL Instructor - Class A

160 Driving Academy•Nashville, TN

14d•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 their CDL exam. Instructors teach in outdoor yards and on the road using automatic and manual transmissions, working alongside other instructors and a Lead Instructor at a designated yard. The role may occasionally require coverage at other regional yards, with a hotel stay possible; per diem and mileage are paid for qualifying travel. Instructors also help keep the yard and building clean and presentable, assist with moving trucks to repair operations or neighboring yards, and may provide additional support during scheduled downtime. The position offers an hourly wage of $28–$30 plus performance-based bonus opportunities. 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. Some higher-volume yards operate seven days a week with ten-hour shifts and may offer alternative schedules, including some four-day work weeks. Reliable, on-time attendance is essential. New hires complete a 90-day probationary period focused on safety, compliance, and curriculum adherence. Benefits include shared-expense medical and dental coverage, paid vacation that increases with tenure, paid time off for perfect attendance and for a birthday after one year of service, relocation assistance for qualifying moves, and an instructor referral bonus. The company provides branded gear and access to yard laptops. The stated career path is Yard Instructor, Assistant Lead Instructor, Lead Instructor, and Regional Manager. The company encourages veterans to apply and 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 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 to operate and able to teach a 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 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 where licensing is required.
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.

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 instruction 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.
Work with fellow instructors and the Lead Instructor to provide 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 or when coverage is needed.
Assist with transferring trucks to repair operations and neighboring yards.
Attend reliably and on time.

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 floating holiday for a birthday after one year of service.
$3,000 relocation benefit for moving to a location 100 or more miles away.
$500 referral bonus per instructor hire.
Monthly performance bonus pool tied to yard first-time pass results and student ratings.
$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.
Branded gear and access to yard laptops.
Opportunity for annual merit increases to hourly wage based on business performance.