Meet Your Instructor
All of our Instructors are DMV licensed and bonded, but we go far beyond minimum requirements. Each Instructor is trained according to our internal Training Program developed over our years of experience, with continuous review at regular staff meetings and during training conferences with the Driving School Association of California. Many schools have just a few Instructors; we are proud of our experienced and dedicated team whose commitment is to provide you with skills to last a lifetime.
DAN TACKETT - PRINCIPAL INSTRUCTOR
Dan has devoted over 35 years to teaching precision driving, from European
racetracks to California teenagers, from training fleet drivers of passenger vans or limousines to winning a
racing class championship. His background combines a Marketing degree and career in finance with a deep passion
for driving to set very high standards as the Owner and Chief Instructor of the driving schools. Dan also
volunteers as Chief Instructor for the BMW Car Club in San Diego. Dan primarily uses a Toyota Hybrid, but he
also rotates through several cars in our fleet to keep them up to our standards.
LARRY BINNS
Larry has a proud 30-year history as a driving instructor. He developed
and managed the full program for Sears Driving Schools when they started
up decades ago. His students feel very safe as he provides thorough driver
training, clearly showing his vast experience. Larry is very friendly
while taking his role seriously, preparing his students well to develop
lifelong skills and confidently pass their DMV test. Larry teaches
weekdays and weekends in a 53 mpg Toyota Hybrid throughout East County
ALEX CACERES
Alex is a second-generation Instructor whose mother has been teaching
drivers for over 40 years. He absorbed a lot of her skill and dedication
over the years and loves helping new drivers to gain confidence behind
the wheel. Alex works great with people due to his prior career
working in high-end hotels. He teaches in both East County and the
coastal areas, and drives a 38 mpg Toyota Corolla.
JIM GLEASON
Jim has spent over 20 years as an Instructor, developing a versatile
approach to teaching drivers with widely different needs. His vast
experience is appreciated by hundreds of students each year. He understands
the special requirements of senior drivers and people with special
needs, providing patient instruction throughout San Diego County for
seniors, teens and disabled drivers. Jim teaches in an efficient
Toyota Corolla
COLEEN McCABE
Coleen is trained as a Driving Rehab Specialist for teaching disabled drivers,
providing them with new skills to bring mobility and freedom back into
their lives. As an Occupational Therapist, Colleen works with drivers from
16 to those in senior years, and also many combat-wounded veterans.
With her DMV license at American Driving School and association with
Sharp Healthcare, Coleen teaches in both a Buick Park Avenue
(with hand controls and a removable left- foot accelerator) and a new
minivan equipped with hand controls and wheelchair access.
LUCAS POPENEY
Luke is a native Californian who enjoyed teaching drivers how to master a
manual transmission long before he made this his career. Talk about
patience! He is an auto enthusiast who has worked at dealerships
and auto parts stores, with an excellent customer service background.
He really enjoys interacting with new drivers and their parents,
and he lives and works in East County. Luke is very popular with
students as he teaches in a 54 mpg Hyundai Hybrid from our Green Teen fleet
MARK WOLOCATIUK
Mark is a veteran of 28 years with the Jim Russell Racing School,
from mechanic to Chief Instructor to Operations Manager. He has
won several racing championships and has done lots of stunt driving
work for TV, though he promises not to use these skills during
driving lessons! In addition to teaching hundreds of new drivers
for us in North County, Mark still volunteers with an advanced
teen driving program. He also spends several days each year
conducting new vehicle introductions for major manufacturers,
exposing dealers and consumers to the latest performance cars.
His calm approach is much appreciated by his students as they
learn in a 53 mpg Toyota Hybrid.
OFFICE STAFF
Our
Business Office is open weekdays from 8:30-6:00 to answer questions,
schedule lesson appointments for all Instructors, and process
credit card payments. Our Office staff includes Office
Manager Karen Rhoades and Assistant Office Manager Denae Stillwell
who provide helpful support to our Driving School clients, and
they are ready for your call.