Truck Driving Trainer
Reports To: Director / Program Coordinator, Training Institute
Department: Training Institute
Location: State Center Community College District - Herndon Campus or designated driving site
Employment Type: Part-Time / Hourly (Not to Exceed)
Wage Rate: $55.86-$81.80 per hour (Trainer Level VI-X, depending on experience and qualifications)
POSITION SUMMARY:
The State Center Community College District's Training Institute is seeking skilled and safety-focused Truck Driving Trainers to deliver high-quality classroom and hands-on instruction in its Class A Commercial Driver License (CDL) training program. Trainers are responsible for teaching both Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Theory and Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) instruction to prepare students for the California CDL Class A licensing exam.
This position emphasizes safety, compliance, and job readiness, combining classroom lessons on FMCSA/DOT regulations with practical instruction in pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, public road driving, and simulator exercises. The ideal candidate will have extensive industry experience, a valid Class A CDL, and a strong commitment to student success and workforce development.
The Training Institute accepts applications continuously to build a pool of qualified CDL trainers for future cohorts. Trainer Level (VI-X) placement is based on driving experience, instructional skill, and program leadership contributions.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Instruction & Student Training
- Deliver classroom instruction covering vehicle systems, hours-of-service, trip planning, defensive driving, and California CDL testing standards.
- Provide hands-on training in all phases of the CDL curriculum, including pre-trip inspections, basic control skills, coupling/uncoupling, and on-road driving.
- Adapt teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles and experience levels.
- Conduct simulator training and skills reinforcement as needed to prepare students for real-world
conditions.
Test Preparation
- Prepare students for the California Class A CDL skills and knowledge exams, ensuring they understand state and federal regulatory requirements.
- Instruct students on proper truck and trailer inspection procedures, basic control skills, coupling/uncoupling, and real-world driving scenarios.
Safety & Compliance
- Maintain strict adherence to FMCSA, DOT, and California DMV safety and testing regulations.
- Enforce all safety protocols during yard and road training sessions, ensuring student and equipment safety.
- Evaluate student readiness before transitioning to advanced maneuvers or on-road driving.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards.
Equipment & Yard Management
- Inspect and prepare training vehicles daily to ensure they are clean, fueled, and compliant with DOT inspection standards.
- Report any mechanical or safety issues promptly.
- Assist with equipment scheduling, simulator use, and coordination of training sessions and DMV testing appointments.
Student Mentorship & Evaluation
- Track and document student attendance, progress, and skill development.
- Provide consistent, constructive feedback to help students strengthen driving skills and professional habits.
- Support students in CDL test preparation and job readiness, including industry expectations and safety culture.
Program Collaboration & Quality
- Collaborate with fellow trainers and program staff to maintain consistency and quality in course delivery.
- Participate in instructional meetings, refresher sessions, or professional development as scheduled.
- Mentor new trainers or assistants when assigned and contribute to continuous program improvement.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- License: Valid California Class A Commercial Driver License (CDL) with a clean driving record and a current DOT medical card.
- Experience: Minimum of 5 years of recent Class A driving experience; prior instructional or training experience preferred.
- Certifications:
o Must meet California DMV qualifications to instruct CDL students.
o Completion of a Driver Trainer or Instructor Certification Program preferred (e.g., PTDI, CVTA, or DMV-approved).
- Education: High school diploma or GED required; completion of a CDL or commercial driving training program preferred.
- Knowledge: Familiarity with FMCSA, DOT, and California DMV regulations and testing procedures.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Proficient in both classroom theory and hands-on CDL training for manual and automatic transmissions.
- Knowledge of current trucking industry trends, logbook/HOS rules, and defensive driving techniques.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to motivate and support adult learners.
- Deep understanding of safety, compliance, and industry best practices.
- Ability to assess and adapt to student performance and learning needs.
- Physical ability to climb into truck cabs, conduct inspections, and work outdoors for extended periods.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be available for flexible scheduling, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends as needed.
- Must pass a background check and drug screening in accordance with DOT and SCCCD policy.
- Must maintain a valid CDL, medical card, and any required certifications while employed.
- Must be able to travel to designated training and DMV testing sites.
TRAINER LEVEL PLACEMENT (VI-X):
Trainer level and hourly rate will be determined based on:
- Total years of commercial driving and/or instructional experience
- Demonstrated teaching effectiveness and professionalism
- Instructor certifications or endorsements
- Leadership contributions to program delivery and safety standards
TO APPLY (Continuous Pool):
The Training Institute accepts applications on a continuous basis to build a pool of qualified Truck Driving Trainers. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications, based on their submitted resume and cover letter, will be selected for an interview and may be asked to deliver a sample teaching demonstration or driving evaluation.
Submit the following to:
Required application materials:
- Resume
- Cover letter describing relevant Class A driving, training experience, and instructional qualifications
- Copies of current licenses, certifications, and medical card
To apply, visit: https://tinyurl.com/2mjhybcn
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