CDL Instructor - Class A

160 Driving Academy•Goshen, 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. The instructor guides students from pre-trip inspections through yard maneuvers and on-road driving, preparing them to pass CDL testing standards on their first attempt. Training covers both automatic and manual transmissions and follows the academy’s defined curriculum in coordination with fellow instructors and a Lead Instructor. The role includes tracking attendance and student progress, maintaining training records and evaluations, reporting incidents and accidents, and providing additional student support. Instructors help keep the yard and building clean and presentable, assist with truck transfers to repair operations and neighboring yards, and may cover at nearby regional yards when needed. Occasional regional coverage may involve an overnight hotel stay; per diem and mileage are paid in the circumstances described in the posting. The position has a 90-day probationary period focused on safety, compliance, and curriculum adherence. 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 with ten-hour days and alternative shifts, potentially including four-day work weeks. Reliable, on-time attendance is essential. The role requires a student-centered, patient, and professional approach, along with the ability to climb into and out of a tractor cab, sit and stand for extended periods, and demonstrate driving maneuvers.

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 as the 160 Driving Academy location where they are applying.
Manual transmission experience, including a license to operate and the ability to teach manual transmission.
Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) 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 the 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 instructor-licensing requirements.
Complete a 90-day probationary period at hire.
Ability to climb into 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 pass 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 promptly to the lead and corporate.
Work with fellow instructors and the Lead Instructor to deliver a consistent student experience and follow the defined curriculum.
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.
Demonstrate patience and professionalism in working with students.

Benefits

Opportunity for annual merit increases to hourly wage based on business performance.
Monthly shared bonus pool tied to yard first-time pass rates; full bonus eligibility requires 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 for specified regional fill-in work.
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.
Career path from Yard Instructor to Assistant Lead Instructor, Lead Instructor, and Regional Manager.