CDL Instructor - Class A

160 Driving Academy•Medina, OH

14d•Onsite

About The Position

160 Driving Academy is hiring an experienced Class A driver to teach students the skills needed to pass their CDL exam. Instructors provide hands-on instruction in outdoor yards and on the road, teaching pre-trip inspections, yard maneuvers, and driving on automatic and manual transmissions. The role is based at a designated yard, working with fellow instructors and a Lead Instructor; occasional coverage at other regional yards may be required. This is local work with a schedule designed to keep instructors home every night, though occasional regional coverage may involve an overnight hotel stay. Instructors track student attendance and progress, provide additional support, and maintain training records, evaluations, and documentation. They follow the defined curriculum and report incidents and accidents promptly. The position also includes helping keep the yard and building presentable through light upkeep, assisting with truck transfers to repair operations or nearby yards, and supporting placement fairs and truck care during scheduled downtime. A 90-day probationary period applies to ensure adherence to safety, compliance, and curriculum requirements. The typical schedule is 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, ten hours per day, with alternative shifts that can include four-day work weeks. Compensation is $28–$30 per hour, with potential annual merit increases and performance-based bonuses. Additional paid hours may be available for placement fairs and truck care. Per diem and mileage are paid when applicable for regional coverage. The company offers medical and dental coverage with shared expenses, paid vacation, attendance and birthday paid days off, relocation assistance for eligible moves, and referral bonuses. Career progression is available from Yard Instructor to 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 need five years of Class A CDL experience.
The state where the applicant obtained their driver’s license must be the same state as the state where they are applying to work.
Manual transmission experience, including being 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.
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 state requirements for instructor licensing where 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 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 promptly.
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 when needed, including in certain emergencies.
Assist with transfers of trucks to repair operations and neighboring yards.
Support placement fairs and truck care during scheduled downtime.

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.
An eight-hour paid day off for a full year of perfect attendance.
An eight-hour paid 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.
Opportunity for annual merit increases to hourly wage based on business performance.
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 the top 15 yards.
Additional paid hours for placement fairs and truck care during scheduled downtime.
Per diem and mileage when applicable for regional coverage.
Branded gear and access to yard laptops.
Career path from Yard Instructor to Assistant Lead Instructor, Lead Instructor, and Regional Manager.