CDL Instructor - Class A

160 Driving Academy•Lockbourne, OH

14d•Onsite

About The Position

160 Driving Academy is hiring a Class A CDL instructor to provide hands-on student training at a designated yard. Instructors teach students from pre-trip inspections through CDL testing, both in the yard and on the road, using automatic and manual transmissions. The role works alongside other instructors and a Lead Instructor, follows the academy’s curriculum, and may require occasional coverage at other regional yards. Yard upkeep, such as litter pickup, basic painting, and general tidiness, is also part of the job. Instructors may assist with moving trucks to repair operations or neighboring yards. The position is local and intended for experienced Class A drivers seeking work that keeps them home every night. Most yards operate 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 for ten hours per day, with alternative shifts that may include four-day work weeks. Regional coverage may involve an overnight hotel stay; per diem and mileage are paid in the circumstances described in the posting. Reliable, punctual attendance is essential. New hires have a 90-day probationary period to ensure adherence to safety, compliance, and curriculum requirements. Compensation is $28–$30 per hour, with opportunities for annual merit increases based on business performance. A monthly shared bonus pool is available when a yard averages an 80% first-time pass rate; each first-time pass adds $100 to the pool, which is split among the team and paid monthly. Full bonus eligibility requires an average student rating of 4.7 out of 5. Other compensation includes a $100 accident-free bonus for top 15 yards and additional paid hours for placement fairs and truck care during scheduled downtime. Benefits include shared-expense medical and dental coverage, paid vacation that increases with service, paid time off for a year of perfect attendance, a birthday floating holiday after one year, relocation assistance for qualifying moves, and an instructor referral bonus. The academy provides branded gear and access to yard laptops. The stated career path is Yard Instructor, 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 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 authorization 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 instructor-licensing requirements 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 driving maneuvers.
Reliable, on-time attendance.

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 applicant’s 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 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 to the Lead Instructor and corporate in a timely manner.
Work with fellow instructors and the Lead Instructor to provide a consistent student experience and follow the defined curriculum.
Keep the yard and building clean and presentable, including light upkeep such as litter pickup and basic painting.
Cover for instructors at nearby regional yards in certain emergencies.
Assist with transferring trucks to repair operations and neighboring yards.
Demonstrate patience, professionalism, and a student-focused approach to instruction.

Benefits

Shared-expense medical and dental coverage.
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 birthday floating holiday after one year of service.
$3,000 relocation benefit for moving to a company location 100 or more miles away.
$500 referral bonus per instructor hire.
Branded gear and access to yard laptops.
Opportunity for annual merit increases based on business performance.
Monthly performance bonus pool, subject to yard pass-rate and student-rating conditions.
$100 accident-free bonus for top 15 yards.
Additional paid hours for placement fairs and truck care during scheduled downtime.
Per diem and mileage when applicable for regional yard coverage.