CDL Class A Instructor Trainer

About the Role

160 Driving Academy is the largest CDL training school in the country — 14 years strong, 90+ locations across 32 states, training roughly 20,000 students a year with an overall 88% average first-time pass rate. Our instructors are why. As a CDL Class A Instructor Trainer, you teach students from their first pre-trip inspection to the day they pass their CDL exam — in the yard, and behind the wheel. You will be based at a designated yard, working alongside a team of instructors and a Lead Instructor. From time to time, you may be asked to fill in at other regional yards when coverage is needed. Keeping your yard clean and presentable — light upkeep such as litter pickup, basic painting, and general tidiness — is part of the role.

Responsibilities

• Teach Class A driving skills using hands-on training in outdoor yards on automatic and manual transmissions.
• Guide students step-by-step through pre-trip inspections, yard maneuvers, and on-road driving.
• Prepare students to pass CDL testing standards on the first attempt.
• Track student attendance and progress; provide additional support when needed.
• Maintain accurate training records, evaluations, and documentation.
• Reporting of all incidents and accidents to your lead and corporate in a timely manner.
• Work closely with fellow instructors and your Lead Instructor to deliver a consistent student experience and follow our defined curriculum.
• Help keep the yard and building clean and presentable
• Cover for other instructors at nearby regional yards in certain emergencies.
• Assist with the transfer of trucks to repair operations and neighboring yards for use.
• Student-centric approach to teaching with ability to exhibit patience and professionalism.
• Ability to climb in/out of a tractor cab, sit and stand for extended periods, and demonstrate maneuvers.

Requirements

Additional requirements that apply specific to the role may be requested. A 90-day probationary period to ensure adherence to safety, compliance and curriculum.

Benefits

• Medical and dental (shared expense).
• Paid vacation: 1 week to start, 2 weeks after year 1, 3 weeks after year 2.
• 8-hour paid day off for a full year of perfect attendance.
• Paid day off for your birthday after 1 year of service (8 hours floating holiday)
• $3,000 relocation benefit for moving to our locations 100+ miles away.
• $500 referral bonus per instructor hire.
• Branded gear (vests, hats, flashlights, gauges) and access to yard laptops.
• Career path: Yard Instructor ? Assistant Lead Instructor ? Lead Instructor ? Regional Manager.

Pay

Our Compensation Opportunity for annual merit increases to hourly wage based on business performance. Monthly bonus pool payout: When your yard averages an 80% first-time pass rate, every first-time pass adds $100 to a shared 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.

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM or 8:00 AM - 4:30PM for most yards. Higher volume yards sometimes run seven days a week, ten hours per day — opening alternative shifts including some four-day work weeks with three days off. Occasional fill in at another regional yard. There is a possibility to stay over in a hotel. Per diem paid, and mileage is paid if you are using your own vehicle. Students depend on their instructors being present. Reliable, on-time attendance is core to the role.