Performance Driving Instructor Jobs in Detroit, MI

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 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.

Our Required Credentials

• High school diploma 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.
• Safe driving record with an MVR free of major violations.
• Knowledge of the rules of the road and local state laws.
• Reliable and trustworthy to show up daily on time and ready to lead your team.
• Ability to pass DOT physical and DOT-mandated drug and alcohol screening.
• Strong leadership, communication, mentoring, and coaching skills.
• High level of patience and the ability to deal with difficult and stressful situations calmly.
• Basic computer skills for scheduling, reporting, and tracking student progress.
• Must reside in the state you are applying for or have confirmed relocation housing secured.
• Background check clearance required.
• Must meet all state instructor licensing requirements where applicable.
• Manual transmission experience with the ability to teach manual operation.
• Ability to adapt instruction and coaching to different learning styles.

Preferred Qualifications

• Leadership or supervisory experience in transportation or training environments.
• Prior experience mentoring or training instructors and students.
• Four or more years of consistent Class A driving experience.
• Driver Training Instructor certification (when required by the state, we will assist with getting the certification).
• Knowledge of FMCSA regulations and CDL training/testing standards.