Our Instructors

At Panhandle Driving School, our instructor's goals are to excel and strive to be the best. We have earned the positive reputation in the community due to our hard work, passion, commitment, and dedication to ensure the students are learning to be safe and competent drivers.

State Certified Instructors
Bonded and Federally background checked instructors
Most instructors are current or retired Lake Pend Oreille School District teachers
Our instructors have a combined 40 years of experience teaching driver education in Bonner County

Meet our instructors

Julia Klontz

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 Givens

Julia Klontz

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 Neely

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 Bocksch

Robert Neely

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.