Close Rich grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and attended Northeast High School. In 1994, after completing his degree in Electronics at the Philadelphia Wireless Technical Institute, Rich moved to Las Vegas, Nevada.

Since moving to Nevada, Rich has devoted his adult life to perfecting driving safety teaching techniques. He has written Training Manuals and designed defensive driving programs for many companies. He also helped write the Beginning Driver Training Guide for the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. In 2006, Rich was awarded the Dan Miller Lifetime Achievement Award as Nevada’s top instructor. Additionally, Rich is the past president of the Nevada Professional Driving Association holding that title for 5 years.

Rich has been teaching driving for over 30 years. In 2001, Rich opened Northwest Driving School and has taught 1000’s of teenagers and adults to drive safely. In 2014, he passed the torch to Dr. John and Patrick Kenny, long-time friends, who now own and operate the school with Rich as Daily Operations Manager.

Close Dennis grew up in San Diego but attended high school in Las Vegas at Valley High. Dennis attended the University of California, Santa Barbara with a triple major in English, Psychology and Drama. After college, Dennis worked as a legal assistant and then as a secondary English teacher with the Clark County School District.

While teaching, Dennis went on to complete his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from UNLV. Dennis then accepted a position as Professor at UNLV, where he continues to teach to this day, teaching Business Composition. Along the way, Dennis’ interest in education branched out to include teaching students to drive. Since 2007, Dennis has taught people of all ages from high schoolers to adults how to drive safely, follow the rules of the road and become responsible when behind the wheel.

Northwest Driving & Traffic School recruited Dennis to teach over seven years ago. After a brief hiatus, Dennis is back and has assumed the position of senior instructor.

Close Margaret Estrada has become one of Northwest's most popular Driving Instructors. Margaret grew up in Las Vegas and went on to graduate from Basic High School. As a home-town girl, Margaret knows Clark county and its roadways very well. Before becoming a driving instructor, Margaret worked in the retail industry as both an inventory control manager and a store manager.

Her easy going manner and friendliness is apparent when you first meet her. Margaret's commitment to her students is evident in their driving successes. Her student driving school pass rate is 95%!

Northwest Driving & Traffic School recruited Margaret to teach over two years ago. Margaret has earned the position of senior instructor.

Close Amber is, to tell the truth, an animal lover through and through. Amber has spent the last five years taking care of injured and sick animals with a warm and kind heart. While taking care of these animals in need, Amber also extended her helping hands to home bound folks too weak to drive themselves to much needed medical appointments. Additionally, she helped her patients by caring for their daily needs.

It is this warmth of spirit that Amber brings to her role as a driving Instructor for Northwest Driving School. Amber is patient and understanding while being sure and steady behind the wheel. She is excited to teach and eager to high five every student who easily passes their exam on the first go around.

Close Jim is a Las Vegas native who graduated from Rancho High School. He knows the streets, byways and highways of Clark County better than anyone as Jim drove professionally for 12 years. He is fully trained in defensive driving and brings that expertise to each lesson. Jim has worked in the security industry for years in a variety of capacities including armored transportation, healthcare security and at the Nevada Test Site. You are definitely in good hands with Jim as your instructor.

In his spare time, Jim is an avid sports fan and enjoys camping and being in the out of doors.

Jim is excited and ready to help you learn to drive safely while enjoying the experience.

Close Frankie works and karaoke's in Las Vegas but his out-of-doors-heart is still out East. Born in Boston, Frankie loves the snow and mountains. As an avid snowboarder, Frankie has never seen a snow day he didn't LOVE! A graduate from Durango High School, Frankie went on to study architecture and loves to take in all of the amazing buildings that line the Las Vegas Strip and surrounding areas. Frankie loves working with people and making sure they are happy...he has worked in high-end retail, management and in the transportation industry. He remains Northwest Driving School's Office Administrator as well as one of our most requested instructors!

Close Ramona Harris joined Northwest Driving School because she believes that her present calling is to help people who want to become safe drivers. Ramona is originally from the sunshine state of California but has been in Nevada over the last 25+ years. She noticed early on in life that she has a genuine passion for helping others and this has guided her personal and professional path ever since. Although a Cali-Girl, Ramona has grown to love the desert and enjoys spending time with her family, reading motivational books, hiking, visiting beautiful parks, and cooking great meals. I believe the best reward in life is taking your eyes off of yourself and focusing on others. Ramona recognizes that sometimes people don’t know their full potential until they have someone by their side that believes in them. She believes the best reward in life is taking your eyes off of yourself and focusing on others. Her goal at Northwest Driving School... making your driving lessons a rewarding and fun experience!

Close Steven is a Las Vegas native with 20 years of driving experience, and has driven all types of vehicles in nearly half of the 50 states. He has worked in various fields from logistics to administrative, but his real passion is teaching! Most recently working as a Music Instructor, Steven is excited to bring his teaching expertise to the art of defensive driving. He is committed to meeting every student's individual needs, and aims to leave a positive lasting impression to ensure a lifetime of safe driving for all our students.

In his free time, Steven stays busy with his 3 year-old son and his one-too-many pets. As a camping enthusiast he loves exploring the great outdoors, and just so happens to be an expert juggler and a darn good cook.

Close Erik has been a commercial driving instructor in Reno for many years. Very recently, he moved back home to Las Vegas with his wife and children to be closer to the rest of his family. Erik is an exceptional driving instructor with a great attitude towards helping make anyone a better driver. Erik is enthusiastic and excited to share his expertise and knowledge about safe and sane driving with you. NWDS is thrilled to have him a part of our ever growing family of outstanding instructors!