CDL Instructor - Class A

160 Driving Academy•Kokomo, IN

1d•$28 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

160 Driving Academy is hiring a Class A CDL instructor to provide hands-on training at a designated yard, working with other instructors and a Lead Instructor. The instructor guides students from pre-trip inspections through yard maneuvers and on-road driving, preparing them to meet CDL testing standards. Training covers automatic and manual transmissions. The role includes tracking attendance and student progress, maintaining training records and evaluations, reporting incidents and accidents, and following the defined curriculum. Instructors help keep the yard and building clean and presentable, may cover at nearby regional yards when needed, and may assist with moving trucks to repair operations or neighboring yards. Occasional regional coverage may involve an overnight hotel stay; per diem and mileage are paid under the stated conditions. A 90-day probationary period applies. 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, including alternative schedules that may offer four workdays and three days off. The role is local and described as keeping the instructor home every night, though occasional regional coverage may require an overnight stay. Compensation includes an opportunity for annual merit increases based on business performance, a monthly shared bonus pool tied to yard first-time pass results and student ratings, and a bonus for the top 15 accident-free yards. Additional paid hours may be 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 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 160 Driving Academy location where they apply.
Manual transmission experience, with a license 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 applicable state requirements for instructor licensing.
Ability to climb in and out of a tractor cab, sit and stand for extended periods, and demonstrate maneuvers.
Student-centric approach, with patience and professionalism.

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 on 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.
Attend reliably and on time.
Participate in the 90-day probationary period.

Benefits

Medical and dental coverage with shared expense.
Paid vacation: one week to start, two weeks after one year, and three weeks after two years.
Eight-hour paid day off after a full year of perfect attendance.
Paid day off for the employee’s birthday after one year of service, provided as an eight-hour floating holiday.
$3,000 relocation benefit for moving to a location 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 based on yard first-time pass performance, subject to full eligibility requiring a 4.7/5 average student rating.
$100 accident-free bonus for instructors at the top 15 yards.
Additional paid hours for placement fairs and truck care during scheduled downtime.
Per diem and mileage payment for certain regional yard coverage, with mileage paid when using a personal vehicle.