instructors

Julia is an owner/instructor here at Panhandle Driving School. She is passionate about helping North Idaho’s youth become safe, knowledgeable and confident drivers. She grew up here in Sandpoint and feels this profession is the perfect way to give back to the community that helped raise her. The safety of Idaho public roadways is a top priority for the Klontz family and they are excited to help your teen gain the knowledge and experience they need to succeed. 

Mike is a retired Sandpoint High School teacher and baseball coach who has been a drivers education instructor for over 25 years in the state of Idaho. He brings extensive knowledge and experience to the PDS team and a great passion for safer roadways. 

Robert is currently an English teacher for Sandpoint High School and is involved in many youth organizations such as Cub Scouts and SAFL Football programs. He has been a drivers education instructor since 2005 and teaching at the secondary level since 1999. 

Ken is a former employee of the City of Sandpoint who joined our team in 2017 to continue helping this community. With three teenage kids of his own he is passionate about helping to provide a fun, safe and efficient learning program for our young drivers. 

Rick recently retired from Litehouse Foods after over 35 years of dedication to the company and this community. He has been a Sandpoint resident for over 40 years, raising his family and coaching countless baseball teams here. Rick joined this team in 2020 bringing a spark of excitement for teaching our student drivers. He has quickly become one of the students favorites on our team helping new drivers gain knowledge and confidence behind the wheel.

Dave has been a Sandpoint Police officer since 2001 and brings professional, working knowledge of Idaho code and rules of the road to this team. He is currently the School Resource Officer for Sandpoint Middle School and the local elementary schools too. When Dave fully retires from SPD summer 2022 we will be fortunate to have him full time on our team. He brings many years of experience as a trainer / instructor and now as added "driver education instructor" to his long list of skills and ways he contribute to our community.