Driving Academy

Welcome to Driving Academy, where we provide a unique driver's education experience for your teenagers. Our behind-the-wheel educators are all active or former Law Enforcement Officers, bringing with them a wealth of experience in various driving conditions. With a combined half a million miles driven, our instructors have encountered all types of weather, emergency, and other situations that can occur while driving. Our commitment is to educate student drivers in traffic laws which govern traffic and regulate vehicles, rules of the road, and most importantly, traffic safety.

At Driving Academy, we understand that learning to drive can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience for young drivers. That's why we go the extra mile to provide real-life examples of how disobeying traffic laws and a disregard for safety can result in traffic tickets, motor vehicle accidents, and injuries. Our approach not only teaches the necessary driving skills but also helps foster a healthy respect for traffic laws and road safety. Moreover, our program provides a fun, informative, and positive experience between young drivers and Law Enforcement, making it one of the best investments you can make for your children's safety.

How We Are Different

When it comes to choosing a driving school, we know that you have options. However, at Driving Academy, we stand out from the rest in several ways. We have a professional look and environment, and our smaller class size of only 20 students allows staff to get to know the students. Students will be a name to us, not a number. We firmly believe that the personal touch makes a difference in the learning experience.

Our staff consists of trained professional drivers who have experience in all kinds of weather conditions and other situations during their careers. Moreover, our instructors are knowledgeable in traffic and other laws and can answer the questions your child may have from an officer's perspective. Furthermore, our program provides an opportunity for young drivers to have a positive interaction with local police officers, creating a positive impression and building trust between law enforcement and the community.

Our Instructors

Our team of experienced instructors is what sets us apart from other driving schools. At Driving Academy, we have a team of highly qualified professionals who bring their unique skills and experience to the classroom and behind the wheel.

• Todd Ferry, Owner & BTW Instructor, has an Associate's degree from WIT in Police Science and five years of experience with the Denison, Iowa Police Department. Todd currently serves as a uniform patrol officer with the Sioux City Police Department.
• Kimberly Mendenhall, Director of Education, has 22 years of experience in education and holds a Bachelor's degree in education from Wayne State College and a Master's Degree in Counseling. Kimberly is a certified classroom drivers education teacher and behind-the-wheel instructor from the University of Northern Iowa.
• Wendy Erickson, BTW Instructor, spent 15 years on the Sioux City Police Department, where she served as a DARE Instructor, started the SCPD Youth Academy, Ropes Course Instructor, CAST Officer, and uniform patrol officer. Wendy currently serves as a deputy with the Woodbury County Sheriff's Department.
• Greg Rose, BTW Instructor, has nine years of experience with the Onawa Iowa Police Department and has served as a DARE Officer, Ropes Course Instructor, CAST Officer, and Uniform Patrol Officer. Greg currently serves with the Sioux City Police Department.
• Keith Burns, BTW Instructor, graduated from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in 1993 and currently serves as a uniform patrol officer with the Sioux City Police Department. Keith has served as a school resource officer (SRO) in both West High and East Middle Schools and juvenile investigator.
• Robert Doenhoefer, BTW Instructor, has six years of experience as a Deputy Sheriff in Dakota County Nebraska and currently serves as a uniform patrol officer with the Sioux City Police Department. Robert has served as a school resource officer (SRO) at North Middle School, and other special assignments include the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) and juvenile investigator.