Defensive Driving Instructor Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Are you someone who strives for excellence, values accountability, provides the best service, all while reflecting unwavering integrity? Our talented team members across the state follow the behaviors, beliefs and outcomes of these core values to ensure that our vision is met. If you're ready to join the TSTC family and make great memories please complete our application process.
Job Description
The CDL Trainer provides classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction to prepare individuals for their written and practical Commercial Driver's License (CDL) examinations. This role ensures students develop the skills, knowledge, and safety practices required for commercial vehicle operation while adhering to federal and state regulations. Trainers maintain training materials, assess student progress, and support program improvements. This position also administers CDL skills tests and may require travel between training locations.
Starting salary is $57,542.40 USD Annual.
The final salary offer will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.
Equivalent combination of education, training and relevant professional experience will be considered.
Essential Functions
The employee will demonstrate TSTC's Core Values of Excellence, Accountability, Service, and Integrity with internal and external stakeholders, customers, students, and community members.
CDL Instruction & Training: Deliver comprehensive classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction to prepare students for obtaining their Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or other endorsements. Ensure proficiency in vehicle operation, pre-trip inspections, shifting techniques, coupling/uncoupling procedures, and defensive driving strategies.
Regulatory Compliance & Safety Standards
Teach and reinforce state and federal regulations, including FMCSA guidelines, hours of service (HOS), hazardous materials (HAZMAT) handling, and proper load securement. Ensure students understand and comply with all industry standards and safety protocols.
Student Evaluation & Assessment
Conduct skills assessments, written exams, and practical road tests to evaluate student progress. Provide timely feedback and maintain accurate records of student performance, attendance, and certification readiness.
Vehicle & Equipment Maintenance
Perform pre- and post-trip inspections on training vehicles, ensuring operational safety, compliance with DOT regulations, and proper maintenance of training equipment. Address any safety concerns or equipment deficiencies as needed.
Safety & Risk Management
Maintain a structured and safe learning environment by enforcing safety protocols, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring adherence to all training site safety regulations.
Instructional Excellence & Curriculum Enhancement: Demonstrate proficiency in instructional techniques by integrating real-world scenarios, simulation training, and updated industry methodologies. Continuously improve course content and delivery to align with workforce demands.
Record-keeping & Compliance Documentation
Accurately complete and maintain training records, student progress reports, maintenance logs, and certification documentation. Ensure all reports comply with institutional, state, and federal regulatory requirements.
Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
Communicate effectively with students, colleagues, and external stakeholders. Respond promptly to student inquiries providing clear guidance on course expectations, policies, and testing requirements.
Program Development & Institutional Participation
Actively participate in curriculum development, discipline committee meetings, and program improvement initiatives. Align training materials with industry advancements and workforce needs.
Professional Development & Certification Compliance
Stay current with CDL training standards and certification requirements, including, First Aid (including CPR & AED) Certification, Third-Party Examiner Certification, Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) compliance, FMCSA Compliance Training, OSHA Certifications, Vehicle Inspection Training, Skills Assessment and Certification, and ongoing professional development which must be obtained within 6 months of hire.
Travel & Multi-Site Training Support
Travel as required to multiple training locations, ensuring consistent instruction and program delivery across sites.
Education, Experience, & Skills
Required Qualifications
Valid Class A CDL license from a state-approving agency with appropriate endorsements (Passenger, Air brakes, Hazmat) required.
DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate required.
Two years of required commercial driving experience.
One year of required technical skills in vehicle operation and maintenance.
Clean Driving Record: No major accidents within the last three years required.
Note: At TSTC, formal education is valued, but it is not the only measure of readiness. We recognize that relevant professional experience, industry expertise, and demonstrated results can provide pathways equal to or greater than traditional credentials. Degree expectations at each level reflect the common preparation for the role, while experience and proven capability remain essential factors in placement.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred teaching or training experience or demonstrated expertise in conducting both written and practical CDL exams.
Clean Driving Record: No major accidents within the last five years preferred.
Knowledge of Higher Education: Strong understanding of higher education and workforce development landscape.
Accelerated Training: Demonstrated experience in non-credit course/curriculum development with practical involvement in developing and implementing a variety of credit, non-credit and short-term credit programs.
Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree, except in cases where a specific degree is required to meet accreditation standards, licensure requirements, or other legislative or regulatory obligations. This includes, but is not limited to, certain faculty positions and staff roles governed by state or federal educational mandates.
This position may involve moving through campus and instructional areas, working in a range of indoor and outdoor conditions (including shop or lab settings), using standard equipment, and communicating effectively. These activities can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation to support the essential functions of the role. Additional physical or environmental requirements may apply depending on the specific duties of the position.
Core Competencies
Stakeholder Engagement:
Builds and maintains effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels to achieve shared goals and foster a culture of success.
Problem-Solving
Identifies, analyzes, and resolves problems and challenges to drive continuous improvement and innovation with strong critical thinking abilities. Big picture thinker who anticipates future trends and consequences and creates competitive strategies and plans.
Customer Service and Teamwork
Commitment to customer service and teamwork demonstrated through proactive engagement and effective collaboration with stakeholders.
Adaptability and Flexibility
Adapt to changing priorities, work in a fast-paced environment, and handle unexpected situations with poise. Flexibility in adjusting schedules and accommodating shifting demands.
Professionalism & Confidentiality
Demonstrate a high level of professionalism, integrity, and commitment to providing excellent support. Uphold a positive and professional demeanor in all interactions. Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion. Uphold the highest ethical standards and ensure privacy.
Ownership and Accountability
Superior organizational skills and ability to take ownership of deliverable deadlines, ensuring timely and accurate completion of tasks and projects.
Organization and Attention to Detail
This individual displays strong organizational skills and attention to detail, ensuring accurate, timely, and efficient task completion. This includes managing multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, prioritizing effectively, maintaining structured processes, and delivering high-quality results.
Ethical Conduct
Commitment to upholding ethical standards and promoting integrity in all external relations activities.
Extra Duties Statement
This job description outlines the general responsibilities and expectations of the role. It is not intended to include every task or responsibility. Additional duties may be assigned by leadership as needed.
Work Environment & Additional Information
This is an on-campus position that requires employees to be physically present at the assigned campus location as scheduled by their manager.
This role may require occasional travel to different office locations and events
Lifting & Equipment Handling: Lift up to 50 pounds, operate trailer landing gear, and secure loads.
Physical Activity: Frequent climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, and standing for extended periods, including crawling under vehicles and handling tools.
Outdoor Work Conditions: Exposure to varying weather, noise, and hazards associated with heavy equipment.
Demonstration & Stamina: Maintain dexterity, coordination, and endurance to demonstrate safe driving techniques.
This position is full-time, requiring a standard 40-hour work week.
This role is classified as salaried, exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
This position is not ORP eligible.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Texas State Technical College (TSTC), as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination. TSTC is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
Employment Eligibility Verification
If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at TSTC.
Background Checks
A criminal history background check will be required for the finalist(s) under consideration for this position.