CDL Class A Instructor Trainer

160 Driving Academy; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 48,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental (shared expense)

Paid vacation: 1–3 weeks depending on

8-hour paid day off for perfect attend

Paid birthday day off after 1 year (8h

$3,000 relocation benefit (100+ miles)

$500 referral bonus per instructor

Branded gear and yard laptops

Career path: Yard Instructor → Lead/区域

Job summary

160 Driving Academy is the nation’s largest CDL training network, with 90+ yards and 32 states. We seek a CDL Class A Instructor Trainer to teach students from pre-trip inspections to passing the CDL exam, in yards and on-road.

You’ll join a team of instructors, with occasional shifts at regional yards and light yard upkeep responsibilities. This local, hands-on role offers home every night and a compensation plan with merit-based hourly increases and a team bonus pool when standards are met.

Qualifications

• High school graduation certificate or equivalent.
• Valid Class A CDL with at least 24 months of verifiable Class A tractor-trailer driving experience.
• The state where you obtained your license must match the applying location.
• Manual transmission experience and ability to teach it.
• MVR clean with no violations.
• Pass DOT physical and drug/alcohol screening.
• Background check clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Teach Class A driving skills in outdoor yards on automatic and manual transmissions.
• Guide students through pre-trip inspections, yard maneuvers, and on-road driving.
• Prepare students to pass CDL testing standards on the first attempt.
• Track attendance and progress; provide additional support as needed.
• Maintain training records, evaluations, and documentation.
• Report incidents to lead and corporate promptly.
• Collaborate with instructors to deliver a consistent student experience.
• Keep the yard and building clean and presentable.
• Cover for other instructors at nearby yards during emergencies.
• Adhere to a 90-day probationary period focusing on safety and curriculum.

Skills

CDL Class A

Instructor Training

Teach in yard & on road

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Description

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. This is local, hands-on work for experienced Class A drivers ready to trade the long-haul life for a role that keeps you home every night and pays you for outcomes that matter.

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.

Our 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.

What You Will Do At 160 Driving Academy

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

Our 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.

Why Work At 160 Driving Academy?

We train the people America runs on. With 90+ yards across 32 states and the highest training volume of any CDL school in the country, we're growing where the industry is growing — which means real career paths for our people, not just our students. If you've spent your career behind the wheel and you're ready to use what you've learned to launch other drivers' careers, we want to talk. 160 Drivers Academy appreciates and supports our nations' great veterans who are strongly encouraged to apply. We Are An Equal Opportunity Employer160 Driving Academy is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Requirements

Our Required Credentials

• High school graduation certificate or equivalent.
• Valid Class A CDL with a minimum of 24 months of verifiable Class A tractor-trailer driving experience. Exception – The State of Nevada requires 5 years of Class A CDL experience.
• The state where you obtained your driver’s license must be the same state where you are applying to work at a 160 Driving Academy location.
• Manual transmission experience — licensed to operate and able to teach manual transmission.
• Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) free of violations.
• Ability to pass DOT physical and DOT-mandated drug and alcohol screening.
• Background check clearance required.