How to hire a truck driver instructor

How to hire a truck driver instructor, step by step

Here's a step-by-step truck driver instructor hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a truck driver instructor job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new truck driver instructor
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the truck driver instructor you need to hire. Certain truck driver instructor roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect truck driver instructor also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   This list shows salaries for various types of truck driver instructors.

   Type of Truck Driver Instructor	Description	Hourly rate
   Truck Driver Instructor	Heavy and tractor–trailer truck drivers transport goods from one location to another. Most tractor–trailer drivers are long-haul drivers and operate trucks with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) capacity—that is, the combined weight of the vehicle, passengers, and cargo—exceeds 26,000 pounds... Show more	$15-30
   Driver/Mover	A driver/mover is responsible for preparing and arranging items for delivery from the distribution center to assigned destinations. Driver/movers assist with loading and unloading merchandise using various warehouse tools and equipment... Show more	$11-21
   Driver	Drivers are responsible for safely transporting people, packages, or goods from one destination to another. They should be familiar with the different routes that may be taken to reach the desired goal... Show more	$10-25

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • OTR
   • DOT
   • Safety Regulations
   • Federal Motor
   • DMV
   • Defensive Driving
   • Commercial Vehicles
   • Classroom Training
   • Road Test
   • Classroom Teaching
   • Uncouple Trailers
   • Drive Trucks

   Responsibilities:

   • Check all load documentation for accuracy, inspect load and receive required signatures for pickup and delivery.
   • Instruct on the use of the rules of the road.
   • Work with students on range skills as well as road and classroom.
   • Transport oil safely, after testing oil.for bsw, to offloading stations
   • Test gravity and BSW of samples to ensure oil is good to load.
   • Maintain open communication via CB radio for additional instructions.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your truck driver instructor job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A truck driver instructor can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, truck driver instructors' average salary in tennessee is 41% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level truck driver instructors 48% less than senior-level truck driver instructors.
   • Certifications. A truck driver instructor with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a truck driver instructor's salary.

   Average truck driver instructor salary

   $46,410yearly

   $22.31 hourly rate

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   Entry-level truck driver instructor salary

   $33,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 25, 2025

4. Writing a truck driver instructor job description

   A good truck driver instructor job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a truck driver instructor job description:

   Truck driver instructor job description example

   At Central Carolina Community College, we create transformative lifelong learning opportunities! We expect all employees to find ways to remove barriers to student success and provide all students a pathway to achievable dreams. Our employees are charged to recognize the challenges we face and to respond to them with empathy, understanding, and a willingness to help.
   
   The purpose of this position is to counsel and instruct students in a professional manner and appearance. Proficient in skills as they relate to operations of over-the-road, commercial motor vehicles. Prioritize workload and maintain organized records. Work well under pressure and take initiative. Utilize the computer in daily operations. Meet and confer with individuals and groups concerning a variety of subjects including confidential matters. Knowledge of effective teaching concepts. Knowledge of current school laws and state and federal regulations. Provide quality customer service to students, faculty, and staff. Responsibilities include student recruitment, planning and implementing the assignment of students the curriculum materials and standards. The position maintains relationships with the North Carolina Trucking Association, NC Department of Motor Vehicles, and assures meeting Federal Motor Carrier standards.
   
   Incumbent will be housed at Central Carolina Community College. Position may be required to travel between service regions of Central Carolina, Sandhills, and Randolph Community Colleges.
   
   Diversity Policy: Central Carolina Community College believes the college experience is greatly enriched through diversity; therefore, the college encourages diversity of thought within the student body and staff. Furthermore, the college seeks to promote awareness of diversity and the respect for all individuals, and the college pledges to adhere to this mission in its relationship with the community. Essential Duties
   * Instruct classes up to 27 hours per week
   * Teaches classes; counsels and advises students.
   * Be a team player.
   * Maintain a positive attitude.
   * Follow all policies and procedures of the Truck Driver Training Program and College.
   * Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
   * Learn methods and techniques related to training of students
   * Work with and train students from varying backgrounds and cultures
   * Train students using the methods and techniques prescribed by the TDT Program
   * Follow the chain of command as it pertains to department structure
   * Other duties as assigned.
   * Prepare and deliver instructional activities that facilitate active learning experiences
   * Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities
   * Prepare classroom and range for class activities
   * Instruct and monitor students in the use of learning materials and equipment
   * Use relevant technology to support instruction
   * Observe and evaluate student's performance and development
   * Provide appropriate feedback on work
   * Encourage and monitor the progress of individual students
   * Maintain accurate and complete records of students' progress and development
   * Update all necessary records accurately and completely as required by laws, policies and school regulations
   * Prepare required reports on students and activities
   * Manage student behavior in the classroom and on the range by enforcing rules and procedures
   * Maintain daily attendance sheet
   * Communicate necessary information regularly to students and colleagues regarding student progress and student needs
   * Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor or management.
   * Remain abreast of new professional developments and opportunities for truck driver training
   * Maintain relationships with the NC Department of Motor Vehicles and regional partners
   * May serve as Third-Party Examiner for CDL.
   * Recognizing and respecting the variety of experiences and contributions represented by all of our students, employees, and community, the Truck Driver Training Program Adjunct Instructor will encourage a learning environment where everyone is supported and valued for their unique perspectives and experiences and will foster and promote the participation of all members of our diverse communities.
   
   Minimum Requirements
   
   Required educational background:
   
   Minimum HS Diploma/GED
   
   Required kind and number years of work experience:
   
   A current CDL License with all endorsements necessary to operate a Class A vehicle for which training is to be provided and at least 2 years of experience driving a Class A vehicle.
   
   Exception:Behind-The Wheel Training Range Instructor and/or Theory Instructor must have previously held a CDL Class A license for which training is to be provided and at least 2 years of experience driving a Class A vehicle. The previously held CDL must not have been cancelled, suspended, or revoked.
   
   Meet the North Carolina State CDL qualifications (Have not been convicted of a felony, or convicted of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, in the ten years immediately preceding the date of application, not had a revocation or suspension of his driver's license in the two years immediately preceding the date of application, not have had convictions for moving violations totaling seven or more cumulative points within three years of the date of application).
   
   OtherRequirements:1) Driver-specific application for employment (§391.21); 2) Original motor vehicle record (MVR) requested from state(s) within 30 days of hire (§391.23); 3) Road test or road test exception: • Road test form and certificate conducted by your motor carrier (§391.31(g)), or • Road test certificate conducted by another motor carrier within the past 3 years (§391.33(a)(2)), or • Photocopy of a CDL accepted in lieu of road test - not applicable if hired to operate doubles, triples, or tankers. (Note: No subsequent copies of license renewals required.) (§391.33(a)(1)); 4) Background investigations (§391.23): Drivers hired before October 30, 2004: General employment verifications sent to all former employers for the 3 years prior to the application date or a record of a good faith effort; or q Drivers hired on or after October 30, 2004: Safety Performance History data from all former DOT-regulated employers for the 3 years prior to the application date or a record of a good faith effort. This form must be maintained in accordance with §391.53 (secured, limited access) and may be in a separate Driver Investigation History File; and if applicable, any driver rebuttals to the Safety Performance History data and responses to the rebuttals from the former DOT-regulated employers. 5) The following documents are to be included in the DQ file for three years from date of execution: • Medical certificate or MVR showing that driver is medically certified (§391.43(g)): • Medical exam certificate, original or a copy, for all non-CDL drivers; or • Medical exam certificate, original or a copy, kept for up to 15 days, until the • CDL/CLP driver's MVR can be obtained, showing current medical certification status; or • Current MVR showing CDL/CLP driver's medical certification status. • If applicable, documentation of any variance, exemption, or waiver from the physical qualification standards (§391.51(b)(7)); • Verification that medical examiner was listed on National Registry (for exams conducted after May 20, 2014) (§391.51(b)(9)); • Annual motor vehicle record (§391.25); • Annual review of driving record (§391.25); and • Annual list of violations from driver (§391.27). • The DQ file and Driver Investigation History file must be retained for 3 years after a driver leaves your employment. 6) The following documents are also required and kept in the DQ file, but are not applicable to all drivers: • Longer Combination Vehicle (LCV) Driver-Training Certificate (§380.401); and • Entry-level driver training certificate (§380.509(b)).
   
   Required knowledge, skills and abilities:
   
   Must possess KSA's required to provide oversight of a regional CDL Training program including, but not limited to curriculum design/delivery, equipment management and maintenance.
   
   Required license or certificate:
   
   CDL required
   
   Exception:Behind-The Wheel Training Range Instructor and/or Theory Instructor must have previously held a CDL Class A license for which training is to be provided and at least 2 years of experience driving a Class A vehicle. The previously held CDL must not have been cancelled, suspended, or revoked. Preferred Requirements
   
   * Teaching experience at the community college or four-year college. On-line teaching experience - Full or Part Time

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5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find truck driver instructors for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your truck driver instructor job on Zippia to find and recruit truck driver instructor candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit truck driver instructors, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new truck driver instructor

   Once you've found the truck driver instructor candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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