CDL Instructor - Class A

160 Driving Academy•Kokomo, IN

19h•Onsite

About The Position

160 Driving Academy is hiring an experienced Class A driver to teach students the skills needed to earn their CDL. The instructor provides hands-on training at a designated outdoor yard and on the road, guiding students from pre-trip inspections through yard maneuvers and driving practice to CDL testing. Instructors work with a team and a Lead Instructor, follow the defined curriculum, and may occasionally cover at other regional yards when needed. The role also includes light yard and building upkeep and helping transfer trucks to repair operations or neighboring yards. This local role is designed for 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.; higher-volume yards may operate seven days a week with ten-hour days and alternative shifts. Reliable, punctual attendance is essential. Occasional regional coverage may involve an overnight hotel stay; per diem and mileage are paid in the circumstances described in the posting. A 90-day probationary period applies, with adherence to safety, compliance, and curriculum requirements. Compensation is $28–$30 per hour plus bonuses. The company offers an opportunity for annual merit increases based on business performance, a monthly shared bonus pool tied to yard first-time pass rates and student ratings, and an accident-free bonus for top-performing 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 where they are applying to work at a 160 Driving Academy location.
Manual transmission experience; must be licensed to operate and able 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 requirements for instructor licensing where such licensing is required.
Complete the 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.

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 the physical activities required to enter and exit tractor cabs and sit or stand 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 for 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 locations 100 or more miles away.
$500 referral bonus per instructor hire.
Branded gear and access to yard laptops.
Monthly shared bonus pool based on yard first-time pass rates, subject to student-rating eligibility.
$100 accident-free bonus for the top 15 yards.
Opportunity for annual merit increases to hourly wage based on business performance.
Additional paid hours for placement fairs and truck care during scheduled downtime.
Per diem and mileage paid for qualifying regional coverage.