CDL Instructor - Class A

160 Driving Academy•St. Louis, MO

1d•$28 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

160 Driving Academy is hiring an experienced Class A driver to teach students the skills needed to pass their CDL exam. The instructor provides hands-on training in an outdoor yard 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, working with other instructors and a Lead Instructor, with occasional coverage at nearby regional yards as needed. Duties also include maintaining training records, reporting incidents, helping keep the yard and building presentable, and assisting with truck transfers. The position includes a 90-day probationary period focused on safety, compliance, and curriculum adherence. It is local work with a schedule intended to keep instructors home each night, though some assignments may involve regional travel and an overnight hotel stay.

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 require 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 of the 160 Driving Academy location where they are applying.
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 state requirements for instructor licensing where instructor 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.
Patience and professionalism with a student-centric approach to teaching.

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 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 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 when needed, including in emergencies.
Assist with transferring trucks to repair operations and neighboring yards.
Attend reliably and on time.
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 birthday day off after one year of service, as an eight-hour floating holiday.
$3,000 relocation benefit for moving to locations 100 or more miles away.
$500 referral bonus per instructor hire.
Branded gear and access to yard laptops.
Opportunity for annual merit increases to hourly wage based on business performance.
Monthly shared bonus pool tied to yard first-time pass rates and student ratings.
$100 accident-free bonus for top 15 yards.
Additional paid hours for placement fairs and truck care during scheduled downtime.
Career path from Yard Instructor to Assistant Lead Instructor, Lead Instructor, and Regional Manager.