CDL Instructor - Class A

160 Driving Academy•Town of Clay, NY

23h•$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 outdoor yards and on the road, covering pre-trip inspections, yard maneuvers, and driving with both automatic and manual transmissions. The role is based at a designated yard and works alongside other instructors and a Lead Instructor, with occasional coverage at other regional yards. The instructor tracks student attendance and progress, maintains training records and evaluations, reports incidents and accidents, and follows the Academy's curriculum, safety standards, and compliance requirements. The role also includes basic upkeep of the yard and building, such as litter pickup, painting, and general tidiness, and may involve transferring trucks to repair operations or neighboring yards. A 90-day probationary period applies. The usual schedule is Monday through Friday, either 7:00 AM–3:30 PM or 8:00 AM–4:30 PM. Some higher-volume yards operate seven days a week with alternative shifts. Regional coverage may require an overnight hotel stay; per diem and mileage are paid in those circumstances as described.

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 as the 160 Driving Academy location where they are applying.
Manual transmission experience, including being licensed to operate 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 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 instructor-licensing requirements 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 Academy provides guidance and support to obtain it if required by the state.

Responsibilities

Teach Class A driving skills through hands-on training 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 the 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 deliver a consistent student experience and follow the defined curriculum.
Keep the yard and building clean and presentable, including light upkeep.
Cover for instructors at nearby regional yards when needed, including certain emergencies.
Assist with transferring trucks to repair operations and neighboring yards.
Demonstrate patience and professionalism while teaching and mentoring students.

Benefits

Opportunity for annual merit increases to hourly wage based on business performance.
Monthly shared bonus pool tied to yard first-time pass rates, with full eligibility requiring a 4.7/5 average student rating.
$100 accident-free bonus for top 15 yards.
Additional paid hours for placement fairs and truck care during scheduled downtime.
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 birthday day off after one year of service, provided as an 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.
Per diem and mileage when regional coverage requires travel, as specified in the posting.