CDL Lead Theory Instructor

 

About Skilled US: 

At Skilled US, we help adults change their lives through education, career training, and workforce readiness. We operate a full-service, brick-and-mortar adult education campus that combines high-quality instruction, career pathways, and wraparound support to help students succeed in training and employment. We are a student-first organization guided by our core values: Students First, Respect, Determination, Continuous Improvement, and Gratitude. Our work is fast-paced, mission-driven, and focused on meeting both learner needs and workforce demands.

Position Summary
The CDL Lead Theory Instructor delivers classroom-based commercial driver training that prepares adult learners for the Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) knowledge exam, the CDL Class A knowledge exam, and entry into a career behind the wheel. This role is dedicated to FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) theory instruction — general knowledge, air brakes, combination vehicles, pre-trip inspection procedures, and hours-of service/FMCSA regulations— delivered entirely in the classroom.

This is a full-time, Monday–Friday position. The instructor builds the technical knowledge, regulatory literacy, and professional habits — attendance, accountability, and communication — that learners need to succeed both on the knowledge exam and on the road.

The CDL Theory Curriculum — Heart of This Role
This is an FMCSA ELDT theory-instruction role. The instructor delivers the classroom curriculum that satisfies the theory component of Entry-Level Driver Training for the Class A CDL, and prepares learners for the CLP and CDL knowledge exams administered by the state. All learner completions are documented per FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) requirements.

CDL Theory topics taught include:

• General Knowledge (vehicle systems, driving safety, basic operation)
• Air Brakes (system components, inspection, and operation theory)
• Combination Vehicles (coupling/uncoupling theory, doubles/triples awareness)
• Pre-Trip Inspection (classroom/knowledge component)
• Hours of Service (HOS) and FMCSA regulations
• Whiteboard/classroom test preparation for the CLP and CDL knowledge exams
• Endorsement theory as applicable (e.g., Tanker, Hazmat awareness)
• Holds — or completes within the first year — FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) theory-instructor eligibility for the Class A CDL curriculum.
• Coordinates closely with the Yard/Behind-the-Wheel Instructor to ensure a seamless transition from classroom theory into range and road instruction.
• Differentiates delivery for adult learners at varying reading and math levels without lowering the standard required to pass the knowledge exam.

Key Responsibilities
Curriculum, Instruction & Credentialing

• Plan, prepare, and deliver FMCSA ELDT-aligned CDL theory curriculum in a classroom setting.
• Provide instruction in general knowledge, air brakes, combination vehicles, pre-trip inspection theory, and hours-of-service/FMCSA regulations.
• Administer knowledge assessments and practice exams; track learner readiness for the CLP and CDL knowledge exams.
• Maintain accurate records of theory-instruction hours and completions per FMCSA
• Training Provider Registry (TPR) requirements.
• Assess student learning outcomes and adjust instructional methods to meet learning objectives for each cohort
• Maintain and renew required licensure and TPR theory-instructor eligibility through ongoing continuing education.

Coordination with Yard/Behind-the-Wheel Instruction

• Coordinate scheduling and learner progress tracking with the Yard/Behind-the-Wheel Instructor so learners move from theory into hands-on training without delay.
• Communicate learner strengths and knowledge gaps to the Yard/Behind-the-Wheel Instructor ahead of each learner's transition into range/road training.
• Participate in joint program planning to keep classroom theory and hands-on instruction aligned to the same curriculum standards and testing timeline.

Program Development, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain accurate student records, including attendance, assessments, and knowledge-exam readiness.
• Assist in developing and improving CDL theory curriculum in alignment with FMCSA and state licensing standards.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal guidelines for workforce-training programs (e.g., WIOA Title I & II).
• Implement best practices for compliance tracking and reporting, and support continuous-improvement initiatives that expand access and outcomes for underserved communities.
• Stay informed on changes to FMCSA regulations, ELDT req