What does a driver trainer do?
Driver trainers are instructors who teach their clients how to drive. They are often considered experts in driving, and they are credible enough to impart their driving knowledge to clients. They teach their clients the basics of handling a car, the different actions one takes while driving, and the meaning of different street signs. They guide their clients during driving lessons and provide feedback so that their clients can improve. At times, driver trainers also handle driving tests and would rate the clients on their driving skills.
Driver trainer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real driver trainer resumes:
- Manage delivery locations and execute pickup and delivery routes.
- Maintain trip logs in compliance with FMCSA regulations.
- Follow FMCSA requirements for a commercial driver's license.
- Use of electronic logging system (XATA) and GPS system.
- Implement the company new hire training program for OTR dry freight drivers.
- Train new CDL drivers in safety and delivery operations, logbook verification, and route scheduling.
- Develop training plans for OTR trainers and implement continuous process improvement with training managers and staff.
- Instruct employees in areas of driving, safety, hazmat, computer usage, and company procedures.
- Train drivers on how to properly load trucks, operate GPS units, and properly file paperwork to guarantee accurate deliveries.
- Maintain HAZMAT endorsement and specialize glass certification.
- Drive tractor-trailer combination applying knowledge of commercial driving regulations, to transport and deliver general commodities.
- Communicate with dispatch and other drivers, using a CB when need.
- Answer commercials and general calls, also look for parts on AutoZone systems and place orders for customers.
Driver trainer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 33% of Driver Trainers are proficient in CDL, Dexterity, and Training Programs. They’re also known for soft skills such as Hand-eye coordination, Hearing ability, and Physical health.
We break down the percentage of Driver Trainers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- CDL, 33%
Led OTR training, Safety and Skills Center, and first seat of all new trainee drivers hired from CDL schools.
- Dexterity, 17%
Second to none manual dexterity with superb hand eye coordination and physical strength.
- Training Programs, 13%
Recruited new employees in implemented training programs to indoctrinate new officers with company culture and safety procedures.
- Defensive Driving, 11%
Emphasized accident prevention by teaching defensive driving techniques.
- Emergency Equipment, 10%
Performed safety check of vehicles before driving to ensure mechanical safety and emergency equipment in good working order.
- Customer Service, 3%
Have developed excellent relationships with customers, and have been recognized and awarded for customer service above and beyond company requirements.
Common skills that a driver trainer uses to do their job include "cdl," "dexterity," and "training programs." You can find details on the most important driver trainer responsibilities below.
Hand-eye coordination. One of the key soft skills for a driver trainer to have is hand-eye coordination. You can see how this relates to what driver trainers do because "drivers of heavy trucks and tractor-trailers must be able to coordinate their legs, hands, and eyes simultaneously so that they will react appropriately to the situation around them and drive the vehicle safely." Additionally, a driver trainer resume shows how driver trainers use hand-eye coordination: "second to none manual dexterity with superb hand eye coordination and physical strength. "
Hearing ability. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling driver trainer duties is hearing ability. The role rewards competence in this skill because "truck drivers need good hearing." According to a driver trainer resume, here's how driver trainers can utilize hearing ability in their job responsibilities: "transport and deliver customer goods while adhearing to strict deadlines and safety regulations for professional drivers. "
Physical health. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of driver trainers is physical health. This skill is critical to many everyday driver trainer duties, as "federal regulations do not allow people to become truck drivers if they have a medical condition, such as high blood pressure or epilepsy, which may interfere with their ability to operate a truck." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "schedule and transport new hires for drug screenings and dot physicals. "
Visual ability. A big part of what driver trainers do relies on "visual ability." You can see how essential it is to driver trainer responsibilities because "truck drivers must be able to pass vision tests." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical driver trainer tasks: "maintained education in successfully, handling hazardous materials; visually recognized colored labels and placards. "
The three companies that hire the most driver trainers are:
- US Foods191 driver trainers jobs
- Active Day/Senior Care22 driver trainers jobs
- Core-Mark International14 driver trainers jobs
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Compare different driver trainers
Driver trainer vs. Maintenance truck driver
A commercial truck driver is primarily in charge of transporting and delivering cargo, ensuring efficiency and timeliness. Their responsibilities include driving for long durations, coordinating with logistics staff, handling documentation, and maintaining the safety of cargo. There are also instances where they must liaise with clients, unload and load cargo, and keep records of all transactions. Furthermore, as a commercial truck driver, it is essential to conduct regular maintenance checks on vehicles and adhere to the traffic laws and regulations for a safe and productive work environment.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between driver trainers and maintenance truck driver. For instance, driver trainer responsibilities require skills such as "dexterity," "training programs," "defensive driving," and "emergency equipment." Whereas a maintenance truck driver is skilled in "plumbing," "routine maintenance," "preventive maintenance," and "dot." This is part of what separates the two careers.
On average, maintenance truck drivers reach similar levels of education than driver trainers. Maintenance truck drivers are 2.6% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Driver trainer vs. Commercial truck driver
A tractor-trailer driver is responsible for picking up and delivering goods and services from distribution centers and warehouses to different locations across the country as required. Tractor-trailer drivers manage the best route planning to prevent delays. They should also have extensive knowledge of the mechanical industry, inspecting the vehicle's condition regularly, repairing any inconsistencies, and replacing defective components to ensure smooth operations. A tractor-trailer driver must have excellent communication and organizational skills, responding to the clients' inquiries and concerns and escalating complaints to management for immediate resolution.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real driver trainer resumes. While driver trainer responsibilities can utilize skills like "dexterity," "training programs," "defensive driving," and "customer service," commercial truck drivers use skills like "good time management," "safety issues," "safety equipment," and "asphalt."
Commercial truck drivers may earn a higher salary than driver trainers, but commercial truck drivers earn the most pay in the transportation industry with an average salary of $59,816. On the other hand, driver trainers receive higher pay in the transportation industry, where they earn an average salary of $41,269.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Commercial truck drivers tend to reach similar levels of education than driver trainers. In fact, they're 0.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for driver trainers in the next 3-5 years?
Don Lefeve
President & Chairman of the Board, CVTA
Driver trainer vs. Tractor-trailer driver
A transportation driver is responsible for transporting people and goods from one place to another. A transportation driver must have a clean driving record to operate vehicles carefully and efficiently. Transportation drivers must ensure that the passengers are safe and comfortable during the trip and that goods are in proper condition to avoid damage and defects. They should strictly adhere to the transport schedules and assigned routes to avoid delays of operations. A transportation driver should also understand maintenance basics of vehicles to perform repair and reconditioning of any engine malfunction.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a driver trainer is likely to be skilled in "dexterity," "training programs," "defensive driving," and "customer orders," while a typical tractor-trailer driver is skilled in "dot," "pallet jack," "fmcsa," and "safety procedures."
Tractor-trailer drivers earn the highest salary when working in the transportation industry, where they receive an average salary of $58,745. Comparatively, driver trainers have the highest earning potential in the transportation industry, with an average salary of $41,269.tractor-trailer drivers typically earn similar educational levels compared to driver trainers. Specifically, they're 1.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Driver trainer vs. Transportation driver
Types of driver trainer
Updated January 8, 2025
