CDL Instructor - Class A

160 Driving Academy•Liverpool, NY

22h•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 yard maneuvers and on-road driving, preparing them to meet CDL testing standards. The role works alongside other instructors and a Lead Instructor, follows the company curriculum, and may require occasional coverage at other regional yards. It also includes light yard and building upkeep, such as litter pickup, basic painting, and maintaining general tidiness, as well as assisting with truck transfers to repair operations and nearby yards. The typical 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 for ten hours per day and may offer alternative shifts, including four-day work weeks. Occasional regional-yard coverage may involve an overnight hotel stay; per diem and mileage are paid for applicable travel. Reliable, punctual attendance is essential. The position includes a 90-day probationary period. Compensation is $28–$30 per hour, with possible annual merit increases based on business performance. The monthly shared bonus pool is funded when a yard averages an 80% first-time pass rate, with $100 added for each first-time pass; full bonus eligibility requires an average student rating of 4.7 out of 5. A $100 accident-free bonus is available to employees at the top 15 yards. Additional paid hours are 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 requires five years of Class A CDL experience.
The state where the applicant obtained their driver's license must be the same state as the state where they are applying to work.
Manual transmission experience, including licensure to operate and the ability 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 state instructor licensing requirements where licensing is required.
Complete a 90-day probationary period at hire.
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 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 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.
Assist with transferring trucks to repair operations and neighboring yards.
Attend reliably and punctually.
Demonstrate driving maneuvers and perform duties requiring climbing in and out of a tractor cab, and sitting or standing for extended periods.

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 after 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 100 miles or more away.
$500 referral bonus per instructor hire.
Branded gear and access to yard laptops.
Monthly performance bonus pool, subject to yard pass-rate and student-rating conditions.
$100 accident-free bonus for employees at the top 15 yards.
Additional paid hours for placement fairs and truck care during scheduled downtime.
Opportunity for annual merit increases to hourly wage based on business performance.
Per diem and mileage reimbursement for applicable regional-yard travel.