CDL Instructor - Class A

160 Driving Academy•Village of Suffern, NY

23h•$28 - $30•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. The instructor teaches in outdoor yards and on the road, using both automatic and manual transmission vehicles, and works at a designated yard alongside other instructors and a Lead Instructor. Occasional coverage at other regional yards may be requested, potentially involving an overnight hotel stay. Mileage is paid when using a personal vehicle, and per diem is provided for such coverage. The role includes tracking student progress, maintaining training records, communicating incidents and accidents, following the defined curriculum, and helping keep the yard and building clean and presentable. Instructors may also assist with transferring trucks to repair operations or neighboring yards. The job requires reliable attendance and compliance with safety, curriculum, and other requirements during a 90-day probationary period. The position involves climbing in and out of a tractor cab, sitting and standing for extended periods, and demonstrating driving maneuvers. Most yards operate Monday through Friday, either 7:00 AM–3:30 PM or 8:00 AM–4:30 PM. Higher-volume yards may operate seven days a week, with ten-hour shifts and alternative schedules, including some four-day workweeks. Compensation includes opportunities for annual merit increases, shared monthly bonuses based on yard first-time pass rates and student ratings, and additional bonuses or paid hours in certain circumstances. The company describes a career path from Yard Instructor to Assistant Lead Instructor, Lead Instructor, and Regional Manager.

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 location where they are applying.
Manual transmission experience, including authorization 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 through 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.
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 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.
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.
Demonstrate patience and professionalism in a student-centered teaching role.

Benefits

Medical and dental coverage with shared expense.
Paid vacation: one week initially, two weeks after year one, and three weeks after year two.
An eight-hour paid day off after a full year of perfect attendance.
An eight-hour paid birthday day off after one year of service, as a floating holiday.
$3,000 relocation benefit for moving to locations 100 or more miles away.
$500 referral bonus per instructor hire.
Branded gear, including vests, hats, flashlights, and gauges, and access to yard laptops.
Opportunity for annual merit increases to hourly wage based on business performance.
Monthly shared bonus pool when the yard averages an 80% first-time pass rate; each first-time pass adds $100 to the pool, with full bonus eligibility requiring a 4.7/5 average student rating.
$100 accident-free bonus for employees at the top 15 yards.
Additional paid hours for placement fairs and truck care during scheduled downtime.
Per diem and mileage reimbursement for regional yard coverage as described.