New driving school in South Lake Tahoe offers behind-the-wheel, winter driving, 4 x 4 classes

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is a new locally-owned driving school in South Lake Tahoe. John Gomez, a 24-year resident of the South Shore, has opened the Tahoe Driving Academy. He is offering various driving courses including the California DMV-mandated "Behind-the-Wheel" requirement for new driver’s licenses. In addition to new licenses, the Tahoe Driving Academy will be offering "Winter Driving Classes" to help drivers travel more safely on the snow and ice, an "Introduction to 4x4 Off-Road" for those wanting to get a thrill from their own four-wheel-drive vehicles, and a basic "Troubleshooting Class" educating drivers how to troubleshoot their vehicles when disabled on the side of the road.

When owner, John Gomez heard South Tahoe High was no longer offering driver’s training, he tried to get a confirmation from the school but said he never heard back, gave up, and decided to open his own school to help the community. With no local classes, parents had to spend time driving their teens to three 2-hour lessons in Placerville or Truckee.

After John retired several years ago, he made a promise to himself to dedicate his retirement life to giving back to the community. He has organized numerous charity events to raise money for the Homeless Shelter, Lake Tahoe Boys & Girls Club, Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care, ALS victims, and most recently, organized a charity event with the Upper Montgomery Estates neighborhood raising over $8,000 for the Lake Valley Fire Department after the Caldor Fire.

The Tahoe Driving Academy is focused on helping teenagers drive safely and courteously, giving parents peace of mind knowing their teens are getting the best instruction possible. There will be special pricing for lower-income households as well.

After significant research, and based on reputation, reviews, and pricing, he decided to partner with EZ Way Driving School for the new driver's license portion of the Academy.

"After a great discussion with EZ Way owner, Andrew Georgeson, I knew they were the best company to ensure our students get the best of training," said Gomez. He said Georgeson believes that everyone should have the opportunity to learn how to drive safely which will make our roads safer for all of us. E-Z Way Driving School is a family-owned and operated business established in 1984 out of Auburn, Calif.

To sign up for courses, visit the Tahoe Driving Academy at www.tahoedrivingacademy.com.