160 Driving Academy
CDL Class A Instructor Trainer
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
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.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
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 Driving Academy appreciates and supports our nation's great veterans who are strongly encouraged to apply.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
We Are An Equal Opportunity Employer
160 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.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to mentor and coach students.
- Basic computer skills for tracking student progress and scheduling.
- Residence in the state you are applying for, or a confirmed residence secured for relocation.
- Must meet all state requirements for instructor licensing where instructor licensing is required.
- 90-day probationary period at hire.
Preferred Experience
- Four or more years of consistent Class A driving experience.
- Prior experience mentoring, coaching, or training drivers.
- Driver Training Instructor certification (we provide guidance and support to obtain it if your state requires it).
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills