Instructors are the most valued members of our training community. Good instructors are hard to find and keeping them is a priority for any school or motor carrier. While all Instructors may be good drivers, they may not have the skills to be the best teachers. This is why CVTA has partnered with Pearson, a world recognized leader in education, to offer two distinct Instructor Certification Programs (ICP) to train, retain, and certify School Instructors and Motor Carrier Trainers.
CVTA is committed to helping you certify and retain the instructors who will make your drivers the best educators they can be. Instructors are the lifeblood of our member schools and extremely valuable to producing quality trained drivers. Powered by Pearson, CVTA’s School Instructor and Motor Carrier Trainer Certification Programs utilizes a self-paced, online education platform to train commercial drivers to become instructors. This makes the driver extremely valuable in an industry that desperately needs good drivers and instructors.
Becoming a certified CDL trainer allows you to teach others the skills needed to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). With the ongoing truck driver shortage, CDL trainers are in high demand. Follow this step-by-step guide to get your CDL trainer certification.
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
To qualify for a CDL trainer certificate you must
- Have a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) for at least 2 years
- Have at least 2 years of experience driving a commercial vehicle
- Have a clean driving record with no recent at-fault accidents or traffic violations
- Pass a background check and drug screening
Some states may have additional requirements, such as completing a defensive driving course or having a high school diploma. Check your state’s guidelines to ensure you meet all prerequisites.
Step 2: Enroll in a CDL Instructor Training Course
Most states require CDL trainers to complete an instructor training course. These courses cover core teaching skills like:
- Adult learning principles
- Curriculum development
- Effective communication
- Student evaluation
- Classroom management
- Behind-the-wheel training methods
Instructor programs are typically offered at community colleges or through commercial driving schools The course duration ranges from 80-160 hours with both classroom and hands-on portions.
To find a program, search for “CDL instructor training [your state/city]” online. Compare costs, curriculums, and schedules to choose the best fit.
Step 3: Study and Pass the CDL Exams
Even experienced drivers need to brush up on CDL exam material before attempting the certification tests Set aside dedicated time to study these key topic areas
General Knowledge:
- CDL rules and requirements
- Vehicle inspection procedures
- Basic vehicle control skills
- Safe operating practices
Air Brakes:
- Air brake system parts
- Performing inspections and tests
- Identifying and troubleshooting problems
Combination Vehicles:
- Coupling and uncoupling procedures
- Turning, parking, and handling combinations
- Managing combination vehicle space
Purchase a CDL study guide and simulator to help you prepare. Take practice tests until you’re consistently scoring over 85% to ensure you’ll pass the real exams.
Step 4: Pass the Required CDL Examiner Tests
To earn your trainer certification, you’ll need to pass several exams administered by your state driver’s license agency.
The tests you must take include:
- CDL General Knowledge written exam
- Air Brakes written exam
- Combination Vehicles written exam
- CDL Road Test (pre-trip inspection and driving skills)
Arrive well-rested and focused on exam days. If you studied diligently, you should pass these tests successfully on the first attempt.
Step 5: Complete the CDL Instructor Certification Exam
After finishing your training course and passing the CDL exams, you’re ready for the final certification test. This written exam covers topics like:
- State CDL regulations
- CDL knowledge exam subject matter
- Behind-the-wheel training techniques
- Record-keeping procedures
- Safety protocols
Using your course materials and CDL study guides, brush up on key concepts before the instructor exam. With thorough preparation, you can pass confidently.
Step 6: Apply for Your CDL Trainer Certificate
Congrats on passing all your exams! Now it’s time to officially apply for certification. Follow your state agency’s procedures to:
- Complete the trainer certificate application
- Submit copies of your driver’s license and course completion certificates
- Undergo fingerprinting and background checks
- Pay any licensing fees
Once approved, you’ll receive your trainer certification document. This allows you to provide CDL training legally under your state’s regulations.
Step 7: Start Your Job Search
Now that you’re fully certified, begin searching for CDL trainer openings in your area. Look for roles at:
- Truck driving schools
- Commercial trucking companies
- Private carrier training programs
- Community colleges
- School districts with bus driver training
Use job sites like Indeed and ZipRecruiter to find openings. Highlight your teaching credentials and CDL experience on your resume and in interviews. With your qualifications, you’ll be a top pick for trainer jobs.
Step 8: Continue Your Professional Development
A CDL trainer certificate opens up an exciting career path. But learning shouldn’t stop once you’re certified. Stay sharp by:
- Reading industry publications like Overdrive magazine
- Attending annual training conferences
- Completing refresher driving courses regularly
- Practicing your teaching and driving skills
- Networking with fellow trainers
Strive to continuously improve your instructional abilities. Mentor new trainers at your workplace. Seek promotions to training management roles over time. With ongoing development, your career options will continue expanding.
Becoming a CDL trainer allows you to positively impact new drivers while earning a great living. It’s a rewarding way to share your knowledge and experience. Follow these key steps to get certified, land a training job, and establish yourself as a top instructor in the commercial transportation industry.
ICP Value to School/Trainers:
- Builds confidence
- Transfer skills from course to class
- Connects theory to real world
- Manageable, convenient
- Engaging, fast moving
- Self-paced program for all users
- Many tips to use immediately
ICP Value to School/Employer:
- Affordable, flexible
- Easy to implement
- Practical tips, solid theory
- Targets instructional skills
How to Get Certified as a CDL Instructor – Driving Academy
What can you learn in a CDL trainer certification program?
In your CDL trainer certification program, you can learn some of the following skills: As a CDL trainer, you teach aspiring CDL drivers how to navigate roads and different vehicle situations safely. CDL requirements for both trainers and trainees ensure that safety has a large emphasis throughout the training program.
How to become a CDL instructor?
Usually, you submit an application and if you fulfill all the minimum requirements, then you can take the Instructor Qualification exam. From there, you can obtain additional training to prepare you for the actual CDL instructor test. 3. Take the CDL instructor certification
What is the CDL certification program?
This Certification Program is designed to help Trainers, who are mentoring newly licensed CDL holders, at the fleet level. While the goals of the program are designed to improve a Trainer’s teaching ability, the nature of the Trainer’s relationship to the employee-driver is different than a school instructor’s relationship to a student.
How do I get a CDL certification?
You can buy certification courses online or from the official DMV association. In addition to studying, consider taking observed driving courses. Driving under observation from an instructor can help you review concepts that may appear in the exam. Related: How To Become a Truck Driver 3. Attend a CDL instructor course
