CDL Instructor - Class A

160 Driving Academy•San Bernardino, CA

14d•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. Instructors teach in outdoor training yards and on the road, using automatic and manual transmissions, and work with other instructors and a Lead Instructor to deliver a consistent experience and follow the academy’s curriculum. The position is based at a designated yard, with occasional coverage at other regional yards when needed. Instructors also help keep their yard and building clean and presentable, including light upkeep such as litter pickup, basic painting, and general tidiness. The schedule is generally 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 shifts and possible alternative schedules, including some four-day work weeks. Occasional 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 a core expectation, and the role includes a 90-day probationary period focused on safety, compliance, and curriculum adherence. Compensation is $28–$30 per hour, with opportunities for annual merit increases based on business performance and performance-based bonuses. Benefits include medical and dental coverage with shared expense, paid vacation that increases with tenure, paid time off for perfect attendance and a birthday after one year, relocation assistance, and an instructor referral bonus. The academy also 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 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 a license 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 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.
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 maneuvers.
Adhere to safety, compliance, and curriculum requirements.

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 employer 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 to the Lead Instructor and corporate in a timely manner.
Work with fellow instructors and the Lead Instructor to follow the defined curriculum and provide a consistent student experience.
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 punctually.

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.
An eight-hour paid day off for a full year of perfect attendance.
A paid birthday day off after one year of service, provided as an eight-hour floating holiday.
$3,000 relocation benefit for moving to a location more than 100 miles away.
$500 referral bonus per instructor hire.
Branded gear and access to yard laptops.
Monthly shared bonus pool when the yard averages an 80% first-time pass rate; each first-time pass adds $100 to the pool, split across the team and paid monthly.
Full bonus eligibility requires a 4.7/5 average student rating.
$100 accident-free bonus for top 15 yards.
Additional paid hours for placement fairs and truck care during scheduled downtime.
Per diem and mileage reimbursement when applicable for regional yard coverage.