CDL Yard Instructor/Trainer

Driving Academy; Wayne (NJ); On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance stipend

401(k) with company match

Paid time off, holidays, and sick-leaf

Ongoing professional training and dev.

Job summary

Driving Academy in Wayne, New Jersey, is seeking a CDL Yard Instructor for a full-time, on-site role. You will work hands-on in the training yard, teaching pre-trip inspections, backing maneuvers, and vehicle safety while guiding students to build confidence and master essential skills.

The position emphasizes patient instruction, real-time feedback, and a stable schedule with local hours. Valid CDL, 2+ years driving, and clear communication are required; health benefits and retirement planning

Qualifications

• Valid Class A CDL with a clean driving record.
• 2+ years of commercial driving experience.
• HS diploma or equivalent.
• Strong verbal communication and patience with learners.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather and lift up to 25 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Teach pre-trip and in-cab inspections according to CDL testing standards.
• Coach backing and parking skills: straight back, offset left/right, and parallel with/without trailers.
• Demonstrate vehicle controls and basic maintenance concepts.
• Lead simulator lessons, administer practical skills tests, and evaluate student progress.
• Track practice hours and maintain training records.
• Move equipment around the yard, inspect vehicles, refuel trucks, and report maintenance needs.
• Uphold and model all yard safety policies and procedures.

Skills

Verbal communication

Patience

Teaching/training

Safety-focused mindset

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Full-time Wayne, New Jersey On-site $23 - $25/hr

Posted Monday, 10/26/2026

Overview

Every professional driver remembers the instructor who gave them the confidence to master the yard and pass their road test. As a CDL Yard Instructor, you will be that crucial mentor. You will work hands-on with students in our training yard, guiding them through pre-trip vehicle inspections and essential backing maneuvers.

If you have solid experience behind the wheel and want to step away from long-haul routes into a regular, local schedule, this role lets you share your knowledge, teach valuable skills, and help students launch rewarding careers.

What Success Looks Like

Success in this role means creating a safe, patient, and encouraging learning environment where students move from nervous beginners to confident drivers. On a daily basis, you will demonstrate maneuvers, observe practice runs, and provide clear, real-time feedback that helps students improve.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Teach students how to perform thorough pre-trip and in-cab inspections according to CDL testing standards.
• Coach backing and parking skills, including straight back, offset left/right, and parallel left/right (with and without trailers).
• Demonstrate proper vehicle controls and explain basic maintenance concepts.
• Lead simulator lessons, administer practical skills tests, and evaluate student progress.
• Track student practice hours and maintain accurate training records.
• Move equipment around the yard, conduct routine vehicle checks, refuel trucks, and report any maintenance needs.
• Uphold and model all yard safety policies and procedures.

Requirements

Must-Have Qualifications

• Valid Class A CDL with a clean driving record.
• At least 2 years of commercial driving experience.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong verbal communication skills and the patience to work with learning drivers.
• Ability to meet physical demands: working outdoors in all weather conditions, standing for extended periods, climbing in and out of vehicles, inspecting underneath equipment, and lifting up to 25 pounds.

Nice-to-Haves

• Passenger endorsement and no manual transmission restriction.
• Previous experience in teaching, professional training, coaching, or law enforcement.
• Fluency in additional languages.

What We Offer

• Health insurance stipend
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off, paid holidays, and sick leave
• Ongoing professional training and development opportunities