Driving Instructors You Can Trust
Drivers Ed Direct believes that our quality instructors are a vital part of the learning experience.
Therefore, we follow the most rigorous screening standards in the industry to determine which instructors are suited to make your teenager's
driving experience successful. In addition to hiring our instructors by committee, we conduct Department of Justice background checks,
Livescan database verifications, third party drug tests, and, we require that our instructors have all had prior experience working with
teens in an educational and/or community service capacity.
To see what we demand from our highly qualified instructors, or to inquire about becoming an instructor yourself, read our instructor requirements here.
The Best Driving Instructors in California
With almost 15 years' experience providing behind-the-wheel drivers training, Drivers Ed Direct instructors have taught tens of thousands of teenagers how to drive safely in the greater Los Angeles area.
Drivers Ed Direct spends over 60 hours training each instructor, with a focus on helping instructors:
- Develop an expert understanding of the California Vehicle Code.
- Develop a mentoring/coaching style of instruction that builds student confidence.
- Always exercise patience, courtesy, and a desire to help the student.
- Conduct themselves in a highly professional manner at all times.
Meet All of Our DMV Licensed Driving Instructors
Get to know our crew and learn a little about what makes each of our instructors uniquely qualified:
Movie: 2 Fast 2 Furious, A Walk to Remember, The Notebook, The Outsiders, Roll Bounce
Music: Death Cab for Cutie, Silversun Pickups, Muse, Taylor Swift, Depeche Mode
Hobby: In my free time I enjoy baking, hiking and spending as much time with my family.
Other Languages: Spanish
I am a hardworking, patient and caring individual who has worked and mentored children and teenagers in different areas of self-development. I've helped create an environment where my students can express themselves freely and provided them early academic support.
Thoughts on teaching: Teaching begins with me. I am a big believer in leading by example, and I enjoy teaching my students that it's ok to make mistakes, but progress comes with taking that mistake and learning from it and moving on.
Thoughts on the environment: Earth is our home, and I'm resolved in developing good habits that allow me to do my part in protecting our environment and it all starts at home with my everyday activities.
Movie: The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, Charade, A Face in the Crowd, The Big Lebowski, Five Easy Pieces
Music: Led Zepplin, Pink Floyd, Derek & the Dominos, Wilson Pickett, Creedence Clearwater Revival
Hobby: I enjoy playing basketball and ping-pong, reading, watching movies, and eating good food (which is not always the same as eating healthy food).
Prior to becoming a driving instructor I was a math tutor, and helped many students survive their Pre-Calculus and Calculus courses.
Thoughts on teaching: Teaching is a great way to continue learning. When I try to explain something to students I gain a better understanding of the material, as well as a greater understanding of myself. Interacting with students is rewarding, because each one looks at the world in a totally unique way.
Thoughts on the environment: I like the environment. I want to get to know it. I don't want to kill it. I think littering is shameful.
Movie: The Shining, Revenge of the Sith, The Truman Show, Whiplash, Last Year at Marienbad
Music: Beirut, The White Buffalo, Frank Sinatra, Charles Aznavour, Pink Floyd
Hobby: My favorite pastime hobbies are: playing hockey both roller and ice, swimming at the beach, playing video games with friends, collecting cards, learning about film, and driving through the city.
Other Languages: Spanish
From a young age I have always loved helping my friends with varying activities in order to ensure they excelled in what they enjoyed. This transpired into hockey where at a young age I began coaching teams of differing ages. I consider myself patient and love problem solving which further grew my passion for teaching. I always make sure that all my students feel included because I feel being able to connect with one another is one of the key factors to having a fun but instructive class.
Thoughts on teaching: When it comes to teaching, I personally feel connecting with the students is key. I don't believe in one person spouting facts while the other attempts to cram it in, instead I try to develop a special bond in which both teacher and student come to a solution together. It's very similar to my coaching style in which I don't tell someone what to do, but instead help them figure it out so they don't have to rely on me telling them over and over. I think this method is better for students because they no longer feel like they need an instructor with them at all times in order to be confident behind the wheel.
Thoughts on the environment: I believe in trying to save the environment as best as we can as individuals, not just for the future generations but for our own as well.
Movie: Marvel Movies, Ocean's Eleven, Superbad, Star Wars, Samurai X
Music: Kendrick Lamar, Daft Punk, DJ Snake, Crown City Rockers
Hobby: On my free time, I enjoy playing video games like Tekken, Street Fighter and Smash Bros. I also enjoy video editing, animation, podcasting and tinkering with computers.
At a previous job, I trained new hires. I am calm and easy going, but also very thorough. Many of my trainees became trainers themselves.
Thoughts on teaching: I find it fun to teach people the things that I know. I also think it's very important that they learn correctly and are efficient and accurate. I try my best to explain things in many different ways so that nothing is misinterpreted and is understandable from any situation. Knowledge is power.
Thoughts on the environment: Save a little bit of the world now so that there's a little bit for someone else in the future. I can't wait for solar power and electric cars to be more a thing.
Movie: Star Wars, Superbad, The Matrix, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Napoleon Dynamite
Music: The Weeknd, Lana Del Rey, J. Cole, Lisa Hannigan, Banda MS
Hobby: Food: be it cooking, baking, or eating (by far the best part). Love finding new restaurants and trying new cuisines. I enjoy nature, so going out for a run or a hike up in the mountains is always welcome. Always up for a museum, an art exhibit, or a quirky spot, as well as a good show.
Other Languages: Spanish
Since high school I volunteered at schools working with young children, always finding it a joy to be able to help young ones learn something new. After college I worked for LAUSD working with special needs students. I have been able to work with all age groups, from pre-K all the way to seniors. I was able to learn the value of patience and open clear communication in the learning process. Most recently I worked with blind and low vision students helping them in different subjects from geometry to US history.
Thoughts on teaching: Simply stated: we learn something new every day; be it something amusing or trivial, or something useful and beneficial. I honestly enjoy both. I enjoy being able to teach someone a random fact, a piece of trivia that may not be entirely of use, but is just fun to know. But what I truly delight in is being able to share a piece of knowledge that a person can use. Something that can improve their life, even in the slightest.
Thoughts on the environment: The Earth is our home, the only one we got. We need to work towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. That takes each one of us putting in our part. And even the smallest contributions of many can eventually make a change.
Movie: Thor Ragnarok, Hobbs & Shaw, Avengers Endgame, Coco, Black Panther
Music: The Neighbourhood, Halsey, Lana Del Rey, Billie Eilish, J Balvin
Hobby: In my free time I enjoy saltwater fishing, going out for a jog, or just driving around town listening to music.
Other Languages: Spanish
Throughout high school I would volunteer with kids at a summer camp as part of the staff at the local community park. I would help host many events for the kids and plan activities that would be both fun and educational.
Thoughts on teaching: I believe knowledge is power. Teaching is essential and is done throughout everyone's lives. It builds up character, confidence, and makes us grow into who we are today. It's great how you can share your knowledge, experiences, and ideas so you can help others.
Thoughts on the environment: I am an outdoors person, so I always try to do my part in preserving the environment by always picking up after others and myself. Industrialism has taken over our world and environment and created more pollution than we can handle, affecting not only humans but also affecting present and future animal species. I am convinced a small change can make a big difference and everyone can do their part in preventing more pollution and further destruction.
Movie: The Great Gatsby, Superbad, Gone Girl, The Equalizer
Music: Kid Cudi, A$AP Rocky, Bee Gees, Frank Ocean
Hobby: In my free time, I enjoy going on hikes, trying new food, going on day trips, reading, and being close to the water whether it's the ocean, a river, or a lake.
Throughout high school I was part of a peer advocate program which trained us in guiding and mentoring students struggling in school and/or in their personal lives. I've also taught swim lessons to various age groups. Both of these practices have taught me to treat all individuals with patience, respect, and encouragement.
Thoughts on teaching: Sharing knowledge is one of the greatest accomplishments that keeps the world moving in the right direction. I strive to leave my students feeling confident, knowledgeable, safe, and observant on and off the road. To assure I'm able to mold my students into mature drivers I find it important to tailor my teaching style to different types of learning styles.
Thoughts on the environment: Spending my free time outdoors brings me a tremendous amount of peace and it is our responsibility to do our part in allowing future generations to enjoy the outdoors the same way we do today. Although we may feel like our efforts to reverse the damage that has been done to our environment are useless, it is crucial that we give our earth a fair chance at life each and every day.
Movie: Jurassic Park, King Kong, Harry Potter, Analyze This, Norbit
Music: Metallica, System of a Down, Coheed and Cambria
Hobby: In my free time, I enjoy going deep sea fishing and lake fishing. I also enjoy reading books about historical events and people who have achieved great things.
Other Languages: Armenian
As a young adult, I taught martial arts to kids ranging from the ages of four to fifteen.
Thoughts on teaching: I believe teaching is much more than just giving simple instructions and directions. Teaching is something you have to feel and express differently with every individual. I take a simple, easy going, and understanding approach to my teaching. I like to analyze the needs of every student and identify their strengths, and my goal is to solidify their strengths, eliminate weaknesses, and give them confidence.
Thoughts on the environment: I believe we need to protect our world and care for all life on this planet, but first we must learn to care for each other and do right to our brothers and sisters in humanity. If we cannot help ourselves, how can we help our planet?
Movie: Apollo 13, Forrest Gump, Star Wars Saga, Tron, Transformers
Music: The Beatles, Queen, Frank Sinatra, Death Cab for Cutie, Foo Fighters
Hobby: Star gazing with my telescope, Basketball, Hiking, Jogging, Roller Blading
Other Languages: Spanish & currently learning French
I interned for 6 months at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA working with students of all ages helping them understand the importance of space exploration and manned space flight. I also tutored teens in Astronomy, Science and Biology.
Thoughts on teaching: Even before being an instructor with Drivers Ed Direct I loved teaching and mentoring those around me. Something I would say to my students at NASAs JPL is that anything is possible as long as you believe it is possible. With practice, determination and conviction you can achieve your goals and that is how I approach my students behind the wheel.
Thoughts on the environment: Our home planet Earth is like a beautiful jewel in the universe and unfortunately we don't take care of it as well as we should. I firmly believe that all of us have a responsibility as tenants on this beautiful planet. We need to personally do our part to help the environment and start with the small things that may not seem to matter at first.
Movie: The Big Lebowski, Romeo & Juliet, Silver Linings Playbook, Annie Hall, Almost Famous
Music: Adele, Fiona Apple, Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin, White Stripes
Hobby: In my free time I love to craft, bike ride, hike, and go to the beach.
I have a lot of experience relating to teenagers because I am the mother of a teen. The most experience I have gathered is simply in the day to day dealings of being a mother, guardian, coordinator, coach and teacher. Every day as a parent you wear each of these hats. I have learned how to best relay information that will be listened to and retained. I know the art of choosing which areas to focus on and how to correct the students without them feeling criticized. I understand that learning to drive can be intimidating and overwhelming for some and I will help them build their confidence and skill equally.
Thoughts on teaching: I am a patient, kind and easy going instructor. I realize the importance of learning the safest and most efficient way to drive. These are learned skills and behaviors that you will carry with you throughout your life. I want students to be knowledgeable, confident and safe drivers for themselves and their passengers.
Thoughts on the environment: I believe if everyone puts forth effort into making our world as healthy and clean as possible, we will all benefit.
Movie: The Godfather 1 & 2, Rear Window, The Princess Bride, Amelie, What We Do In The Shadows
Music: Zero 7, David Bowie, ska/reggae, funk, classical
Hobby: Working on my photography portfolio, gardening, going to museums/galleries, watercolor painting, fishing, reading, and attending car shows
As a parent of a recent high school graduate, I have spent many past years as a parent volunteer in the classroom and in the school library. More importantly, with the role of being a parent comes the experience of being encouraging, supportive, patient, and understanding along with the teachings and interactions.
Thoughts on teaching: I was raised in a family of professional drivers and had been taught early on the importance, safeties, and know-hows of driving. Being on the road with my dad in his semi-truck taught me so many valuable lessons. Ones I still adhere to till this day. I'd like to be able to give that back to my students ... building them up to be responsible, knowledgeable, skillful, and alert drivers.
Thoughts on the environment: Reduce, reuse, recycle, repeat.
Movie: Baby Driver, La La Land, Good Fellas, Point Break, Shaun of the Dead
Music: Caroline Rose, Thunder Cat, BBNG, Gorillaz, Magdalena Bay
Hobby: In my free time I enjoy learning to edit videos, collecting all sorts of enamel pins, playing videogames with friends, trying new restaurants with family, and making candles.
Other Languages: Spanish
Throughout my time at the university, I was always very eager to help students learn how to use any piece of equipment in the classroom. I believe that a hands-on approach was always an ideal method to get students engaged and would make any material exciting to learn.
Thoughts on teaching: In terms of instructing, I believe that every moment is a teaching moment and that we can strive for nothing but the best. Each step along the way when learning something new should be encouraging and have us keep moving forward to achieve our next goal.
Thoughts on the environment: If even the smallest insects play a key role in any ecosystem, just think about what sort of impact we have on our environment. We have to do our part!
Movie: Step Bothers, Pulp Fiction, Dark Knight Trilogy, John Wick Trilogy, Marvel Movies
Music: Slipknot, NEFFEX, Kendrick Lamar, 21 Savage, Pantera
Hobby: I'm a full time competitive Muay Thai Boxer, gym enthusiast and practitioner, love to run and hike, food lover and discoverer.
Other Languages: Spanish
I have been coaching people in boxing and kickboxing for 10 years; I've also trained teammates for up and coming competitions on Amateur and Professional levels. I also do personal training for finesses and strength training.
Thoughts on teaching: In my experience as a coach/instructor, I have learned that failure can teach us many things about ourselves. In our early stages of life, when we fell, we learned to get back up. With that you build strength to stand tall and walk. That concept can apply to almost anything in life, every time you fail you learn to recover. You can build character, strength, commitment and work ethic. Failure can spawn creativity, motivation and tenacity. When you bring all of that together you are sure to achieve unequivocal success.
Thoughts on the environment: As human beings we hold the key to our very own survival, with that responsibility we should be held accountable for the very livelihood of this planet. It should be our duty to protect and preserve the very ecosystem we need to continue living.
Movie: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, John Carpenter's The Thing, and all the Star Wars prequels
Music: Kanye West (pre-2017), Childish Gambino, Miguel, Aaliyah, MF DOOM and all his pseudonyms
Hobby: I'm a huge fan of all things outdoors, so I love hiking, stargazing, camping, and currently learning how to fish! When I'm not channeling my inner John Muir, I love painting, drawing, and cooking!
Other Languages: Spanish
I remember what it was like my very first semester of Chemistry 101, how intimidating and challenging the subject was. I knew the best way to retain information was by teaching someone else, and soon I found myself organizing study groups for classmates in need of extra help. It was this experience that led me to tutor general chemistry and statistics during my years in college and gave me the foundation necessary to excel in educating others.
Thoughts on teaching: As an educator, I believe in creating an environment that makes the student feel safe, heard, and comfortable to ask questions, make mistakes, and have fun! Teaching any subject is a process that requires patience and adaptability; no two students learn the exact same way and it's crucial to acknowledge and adapt to each individual student's way of learning to provide the best experience possible. Learning how to drive can be difficult, but how we approach this feat together shouldn't be.
Thoughts on the environment: I love being outdoors and seeing just how green the Earth really is. Future generations deserve to enjoy our national parks as much as we do and everyone, from the individual to the corporation, plays a part in making that happen. No action is too small. Remember to bring in your reusable bags and fill your reusable water bottles!
Movie: The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight Rises, A Walk to Remember, Marvel movies, Coach Carter
Music: John Legend, NIKI, Khalid, Jorja Smith, Justin Timberlake
Hobby: I love to play sports, specifically basketball, and also enjoy rooting for the LAKERS! In my down time, I like hanging out with friends and trying out new restaurants. I also enjoy playing video games and watching all kinds of movies.
Other Languages: Spanish
Even in high school I always enjoyed helping out others no matter the subject. This love for teaching led me to help tutor my younger brother and my friends' siblings in a variety of subjects, trying to make the learning process enjoyable. Later in life I started coaching basketball using the skills I learned because of my love for the game.
Thoughts on teaching: I believe making the teaching or coaching environment fun, relaxed, and friendly will yield the best results. We're all different and learn at a different pace, so it's necessary to adapt to every student's individual needs. Using patience to make for a safe and fun learning experience is what I strive for.
Thoughts on the environment: I love the outdoors... from walking on sandy beaches to hiking through the mountains. I truly believe everyone has to do their part to keep our planet clean. If just a few more people did so, we would see a huge difference.
Movie: Titanic, Fast and Furious, The Pursuit of Happyness, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
Music: Beyonce, Kendrick Lamar, Shakira, Mariah Carey
Hobby: In my free time I enjoy tinkering with cars, exercise, trying new foods and traveling the world.
Other Languages: Armenian
I used to train volunteers that would donate their time to the elderly living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Also, I used to coach my little brother's soccer team.
Thoughts on teaching: I believe that people learn best when they are in a happy and comfortable environment. Therefore I prefer a more relaxed teaching style where we slow down to a pace that is ideal for the individual. A bit of guidance, patience and explanation gets the job done.
Thoughts on the environment: I feel that we all hold an important responsibility in preserving our environment. There are many little things we can change in our daily lives that will go a long way for the future well-being of our planet.
Movie: Iron Man, Big, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Spider Man, Norbit
Music: Depeche Mode, U2, Madonna
Hobby: In my free time I enjoy working out in the gym, hiking and bike riding. I love spending quiet times at home watching movies and playing a variety of games with my family.
Other Languages: Armenian
I am a calm and patient individual who has had over 30 years of experience driving. I enjoy teaching and working with children and adults of all ages. I moved to California with my family in 1980 and lived in Glendale and Burbank area most of my life. Over the years, I have had several jobs, but always enjoyed teaching the most. I mentored young kids, teenagers and younger adults with various projects while raising two kids and being actively involved in their lives. My wife and I give unconditional love and attention to our kids and that connection helps me understand and relate with my students better. With my easy going personality and positive attitude, my lessons are sure to be fun and interactive.
Thoughts on teaching: Teaching a student how to drive and be a safe driver is an experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Recognizing the fact that a novice driver may be very nervous and scared, it is my job to make sure that the student feels safe and secure knowing that I will do my best to provide that level of comfort. I believe in a soft and positive reinforcement approach to teaching. Building upon the basic skills and progressing forward with positive reinforcement will give the student that safe and secure feeling and make them a safer driver.
Thoughts on the environment: Plant a tree, recycle and do your share to preserve our environment today, so it will stay healthy and strong for future generations to enjoy.
