Greg and Jodie Mangan have been driving enthusiasts for many years, participating in Sports Car Club of America events including Road Rallies and Solo II racing.  In Greg’s younger days, drag racing cars and motorcycles also helped make him understand the importance of proper car preparation and handling.

Greg’s career path in hotel and private club management left him unfulfilled, and while Jodie has enjoyed success as a jewelry artist, both Greg and Jodie have maintained their interest in everything automotive.

The impetus for starting Drive for Life Academy was a series of articles in Autoweek magazine that highlighted the alarming teen driving statistics.  After reading the articles over and over, Greg and Jodie felt “called” to open a driving school that would help give the necessary instruction to young drivers that will help them have a long, safe driving career.

Greg and Jodie both attended the necessary AAA classes to become certified to teach the AAA Driver Improvement Program, and hired Tim Conway as lead instructor to get the school off the ground.  Tim had 30 years of driver education experience, and really helped Greg and Jodie learn the ropes.  As often happens, Tim eventually moved on to another opportunity.

In the summer of 2009, along came Eric Matson, a 25 year police veteran who made the great decision to retire early and head to Tennessee to escape the brutal Wisconsin winters.  During his outstanding police career Eric had the opportunity to work with the D.A.R.E program for many years and he developed the ability to communicate with teens in a way that most people can only imagine.  He has a passion to teach teens the key processes and techniques that will keep them safe as they begin driving on their own.

In early 2010, Patricia Mesa joined the Drive 4 Life Academy teaching staff to help us teach students that didn't speak English well.  Patricia is only with us part-time, and helps out when needed.  If you know someone that doesn't speak much English but has a desire to learn to drive, let us know!

The latest additon to the Drive 4 Life Academy team is Tom Marsh.  Tom is a retired UPS truck driver and has over 2,500,000 miles without a traffic ticket or chargable crash.  That's right...over 2.5 MILLION miles without a ticket!!  Tom has a passion for teaching our students the SAFE way to drive, and is doing great both in class and behind the wheel.

The State of Tennessee Driver's Instructor License numbers are below:

Greg Mangan        3584
Jodie Mangan       3586
Eric Matson          3585
Paticia Mesa         3658
Tom Marsh           3673

Drive 4 Life Academy, Inc. is proud to be a member of ADTSEA (American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association).  Being a member of this organization gives us access to the latest trends in teaching and provides a network of the best driving educators in the country! 

One Outstanding Success!

Dear Greg,
I would like to thank you for the excellent driver training that you have provided for my son, Alex.  I believe the skill that you have taught him will last a lifetime.

Alex took your course shortly before his 16th birthday.  He already had months of permit driving under his belt and felt that he would be able to pass the License Test without incident.  However, after the 1st session at Drive 4 Life Academy he realized just how much he did not know about driving and Tennessee Motor Vehicle Laws.

His enthusiasm throughout the weeks of your course did not wane.  I was very pleased to hear him repeat rules of the road, he learned from you, while he drove.  After each class he would share the new things he learned by correcting some of my driving habits.  I am thrilled we now have a driving school in Knoxville where young drivers can go and learn without being bored or intimidated.

His confidence level has been raised with the knowledge that you have provided him.  I imagine he will remember your course throughout his driving life and will maintain the high standards you set for him.

Once again, thank you for your commitment to teaching young drivers in Knoxville.

Sincerely,
J. Neil


AND ANOTHER...

I used to be a 'teach yourself' kind of guy but through experience have found great benefit in professional training, be that one hour, one lesson, or many hours and lessons.  There is usually one key take-away from every class I've attended.  In motorcycle rider education it was the position of my wrist on the throttle.  In your class, it was how to adjust the mirrors to eliminate the blind-spot.  I've passed that one on to many of my friends and they too are amazed.  I feel much more confident that my son has the tools to be a safe driver as a result of your training program and would highly recommend it to new and experienced drivers as well.