CDL Instructor (Class A) $25-$35/hour

Job Overview

John Wheeler CDL School in Mesa, AZ is seeking enthusiastic, motivated individuals to join our team as Behind-the-Wheel CDL Instructors (Class A). This is a hands-on role — you'll be out in the yard and on the road with students, not behind a desk. No prior instructing experience? No problem — we provide comprehensive training.

At John Wheeler CDL School, people's lives and safety come first — always. We run a respectful, safety-first training environment for our students and our team, and we're looking for instructors who share that commitment.

Duties

• Put safety first at all times — protecting the lives and well-being of students, the team, and the public is the #1 priority in everything we do.
• Ensure all training adheres to federal and state DOT standards and safety protocols
• Provide hands-on behind-the-wheel training in the truck yard and on the road, guiding students through practical driving exercises with manual and automatic tractor-trailer trucks
• Teach essential skills such as pre-trip inspection, backing and maneuvering, air brake operation, and safe on-road driving
• Assess student progress through evaluations and provide constructive feedback
• Prepare students for the DMV skills test
• Maintain accurate records of student attendance, performance, and training milestones
• Foster a positive learning environment that builds student confidence

Qualifications

• Valid Class A CDL — required
• Minimum 2 years of Class A commercial driving experience — required (federal FMCSA standard, no exceptions)
• Clean CDL history — cannot have had a CDL cancelled, suspended, or revoked for a disqualifying offense in the last 2 years
• No instructing experience needed — we'll train you
• Strong knowledge of manual transmission tractor-trailers
• Excellent communication skills — able to instruct diverse learners effectively
• Reliable, consistent availability — this role requires dependability
• A genuine commitment to safety and the well-being of every student

Pay

• No prior instructing experience: starts at $25/hr, +$1/hr each month worked, up to $30/hr
• Prior CDL instructing experience: starts at $27/hr, up to $35/hr
• Over time ( we have days, afternoons and weekend schedules)

Join us in empowering the next generation of professional drivers — flexible scheduling, real growth potential, and a team that invests in you.

To apply: Submit your resume and CDL info through Indeed. Questions? Call 602-888-4040. We’ll train you to succeed!

Pay: $25.00 - $35.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20.0 – 60.0 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount

Application Question(s):

• How many years have you driven a manual transmission on a semi?
• What type of equipment have you operated? (dry van, reefer, flatbed, tanker, doubles, etc.)
• What endorsements or restrictions do you have on your CDL?
• When are you available to start?
• Do you have, or are you willing to obtain, an Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card?

Work Location: In person