Our Instructors

Randy & Ruth Zimmer

Founded in 1996, Advantage Driving School began as a modest, single-car operation with a clear mission: to provide exceptional driver education to South San Jose. Driven by the vision of Randy Zimmer—a dedicated educator and respected high school football coach from Leland and Oak Grove—the school has since evolved into Northern California’s largest and most trusted driving institution, boasting a modern fleet of 19 vehicles by 2024.

Over nearly three decades, we’ve expanded our impact across Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Contra Costa Counties, staying true to our core values of professional, affordable, and convenient instruction tailored to both teens and adults. Under Randy’s ongoing leadership, who proudly serves as the President of the Driving School Association of California, Advantage Driving School continuously sets new standards for quality and safety in driver education.

At the heart of our operation is our exceptional team, guided by Ruth Zimmer, who has managed our office with warmth, dedication, and excellence since 2001. Our instructors aren’t just skilled professionals—they’re compassionate mentors committed to each student’s success and safety on the road.

Choosing Advantage Driving School means partnering with experienced professionals dedicated to making every student’s driving journey effective, enjoyable, and confident. We’re more than just a driving school—we’re your trusted ally in achieving driving independence.

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All Instructors Are California State-Certified

Every Advantage Driving School instructor is certified by the State of California after completing a rigorous process, including:

  • Complete and submit various CA DMV forms including Driving School Instructor Occupational Licensing Application and Physician’s Health Report
  • Take and complete a California DMV-approved driving instructor course that includes 40 classroom hours and 20 behind-the-wheel hours
  • Take and pass the California DMV Driving School Instructor Written Examination
  • Fingerprinting – applicants must be fingerprinted by a Department of Justice approved Live Scan electronic fingerprinting service
  • Physician’s Health Report
  • Proof of high school graduation or equivalent

Nick Zimmer

Instructor Since: 2017
Certified: Teens/Adults/ADHD/Seniors
Languages Spoken: English

  • Nick grew up in San Jose.
  • Nick says, “What I like best about being a driving instructor is that I know I am helping drivers learn to drive safely and properly, creating good habits so the road is safer for everyone.”
  • Nick’s hobbies include coaching his daughter’s softball team, golfing, and running his catering business (Duke’s BBQ).
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Michael Alcala

Instructor Since: 2024
Certified: Teens/Adults/ADHD/Seniors
Languages Spoken: English

  • Michael’s hobbies include basketball, badminton, table tennis, and chess.
  • Michael grew up in San Jose and has a degree in accounting from San Jose State University.
  • Michael says, “What I like best about being a driving instructor is that I know I am helping drivers learn to drive safely and properly, creating good habits so the road is safer for everyone.”
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Nick Blozan

Instructor Since: 2024
Certified: Teens/Adults/ADHD/Seniors
Languages Spoken: English

  • Nick grew up in Southern California. Nick has lived in South San Jose for over 20 years. He has worked in tech for two decades in sales and marketing.
  • Nick says, “My goal is to help you pass the test on your first try and more importantly, to assist you in becoming confident to drive anywhere at any time.”
  • Nick has been a sports coach for many years and is a District 12 baseball umpire.
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Albert Carrasco

Instructor Since: 2018
Certified: Teens/Adults/ADHD/Seniors
Languages Spoken: English

  • Albert grew up in San Jose.
  • Albert says, “It’s great to get to know and connect with people while also being able to teach someone a new skill and truly make a difference for them.
  • Albert loves video games, movies, and sports (football, basketball, baseball), and is also a big foodie.

Daniella Crysmire

Instructor Since: 2018
Certified: Teens/Adults/ADHD/Seniors
Languages Spoken: English

  • Daniella grew up in San Jose.
  • Daniella says, “I love teaching students life skills. Driving is a step towards independence”
  • Daniella loves to cook, garden, and watch baseball.
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Noel Estillore

Instructor Since: 2021
Certified: Teens/Adults/ADHD/Seniors
Languages Spoken: English

  • Noel grew up in San Jose.
  • Noel says, “I like developing people into competent drivers. It’s a way for me to give back to the community. My teaching style is technical, giving my students a proper foundation of driving skills.”
  • Noel’s hobbies include performing music, cooking, video gaming, and collecting watches and fragrances.
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Tien Le

Instructor Since: 2023
Certified: Teens/Adults/ADHD/Seniors
Languages Spoken: English

  • Tien grew up in San Jose.
  • Tien says, “What I like best about being a driving instructor is teaching a new generation how to drive safely.
  • Tien loves table tennis, badminton basketball
    and football.
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Gilberto Mercado

Instructor Since: 2024
Certified: Teens/Adults/ADHD/Seniors
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish

  • Gilberto grew up in San Jose and has a degree from San Jose State University.
  • Gilberto says, “What I like best is helping students to learn to drive. I love meeting new people and developing a plan for each student.”
  • Gilberto’s hobby is watch collecting.
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Leisa Johnson

Instructor Since: 2024
Certified: Teens/Adults/ADHD/Seniors
Languages Spoken: English

  • Leisa grew up in the Great Lakes area, Duluth, MN.
  • Leisa says, “When learning to drive, you need to set yourself up for success. Listen to learn, apply, and be consistent in giving your BEST effort. Aim to be the best driver you can possibly be.”
  • Leisa likes photography, kayaking, hiking, and singing.
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Todd Meza

Instructor Since: 2020
Certified: Teens/Adults/ADHD/Seniors
Languages Spoken: English

  • Todd grew up in San Jose.
  • Todd says, “I enjoy passing on my knowledge of driving and spending time with students who want to learn. I also like that I am helping to produce good drivers.”
  • Todd has been a water polo coach at Santa Teresa High School and enjoys fishing with his sons on his boat.
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Bobby Montalvo

Instructor Since: 2024
Certified: Teens/Adults/ADHD/Seniors
Languages Spoken: English

  • Bobby’s hobbies playing golf with his grandkids, gardening, and watching his favorite Bay area sports teams.
  • Bobby grew up in Sunnyvale and went to St. Francis High School. He played football at Santa Clara University
  • Bobby says, “I like being a driving instructor because I get to coach and mentor the next generation of young drivers. It is my mission to make sure all my students know the rules of the road, be as safe as possible, and drive with confidence.”
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Richard Morton

Instructor Since: 2024
Certified: Teens/Adults/ADHD/Seniors
Languages Spoken: English

  • Richard grew in in Palo Alto, CA.
  • Richard says, “What I like best about being a driving instructor is teaching kids how to stay in their lane.”
  • Richard enjoys playing golf. He loves SF Giants baseball.
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Jeff Nowell

Instructor Since: 2024
Certified: Teens/Adults/ADHD/Seniors
Languages Spoken: English

  • Jeff grew up in Wilbraham, Massachusetts, but has lived in San Jose for over 20 years.
  • Jeff says, “I really like working with the kids.”
  • Jeff really likes to travel, He and his wife especially like to travel to Reno or Las Vegas to gamble.
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Jeff Ramirez

Instructor Since: 2024
Certified: Teens/Adults/ADHD/Seniors
Languages Spoken: English

  • Jeff grew up in San Jose and graduated from Oak Grove High School.
  • Jeff says, “I really enjoy seeing my students go from never driving to becoming a confident driver.”
  • Jeffs’s hobbies include golfing, playing poker, and going to the movies. He is also a huge 49ers fan.
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Amar Singh

Instructor Since: 2024
Certified: Teens/Adults/ADHD/Seniors
Languages Spoken: English

  • Amar’s hobbies include working out, going to movies, gaming, and growing vegetables.
  • Amar grew up in San Jose and spent several years working as a DMV examiner for the state.
  • Amar says, “I like to teach and mentor good drivers, making the roads safer 1 student at a time. I keep a positive environment, my student’s success is directly connected to my success as an instructor.”
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Connie Thompson

Instructor Since: 2020
Certified: Teens/Adults/ADHD/Seniors
Languages Spoken: English

  • Connie grew up in Sunnyvale, CA.
  • Connie says, “I like being able to teach young drivers to drive safely. I love a challenge and have ‘ice water’ in my veins.
  • Connie loves to listen to music and watch cartoons.
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Jose Velasco

Instructor Since: 2024
Certified: Teens/Adults/ADHD/Seniors
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish

  • Jose grew up in San Jose and has a degree from San Jose State University.
  • Jose says, “I like how I can teach students the fundamentals of driving while enjoying the lesson. To me, there is nothing more rewarding than ensuring safe drivers are on the road.”
  • Jose likes to enjoy both Football and Futbol, going to the gym, and going out and making new friends.
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Adrian Vo

Instructor Since: 2016
Certified: Teens/Adults/ADHD/Seniors
Languages Spoken: English

  • Adrian grew up in San Jose.
  • Adrian says, “What I like best about being a driving instructor is meeting and teaching the next generation of drivers.”
  • Adrian’s hobbies include weightlifting (he is a certified strength coach), and eating great food.

Office Staff

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Joy Klingler

Customer Service Manager

Joy has provided superb customer service since 2013. She is here to make sure your driving lessons go smoothly. Joy grew up in the Almaden Valley and attended Leland High School. She is married and has a daughter who attends Branham High School.

lisbeth

Lisbeth Ramirez

Bi-lingual Customer Service Representative

Lisbeth provides quality customer service and is fluent in Spanish. Lisbeth has been an important part of our Customer Service team since 2019. Lisbeth grew up in San Jose.

Employment for Driving Instructors

Advantage Driving School is always looking for good driving instructors. Call us at 888-945-0644 to inquire about current opportunities.

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Patient Instructors

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Voted Best Driving School for 10 Years

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In Business 30 Years

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30,000+ Certified Drivers

Read Our Reviews

So I had my driving test at the Santa Clara dmv and prepared with a lesson from Beth. She was absolutely incredible and took me through so many paths in the area, one of which I ended up actually taking, leading me to pass my first try there with only 2 mistakes. Thank you Beth!

- Djoni Ray Muresan

My daughter took 3 lessons to prepare for her driving test. She had Ahasan for her first lesson, then Michael for her last two. Both instructors gave her constructive feedback and Michael prepared her to pass her driving test the first time!

- Jaye L

My daughter had 3 different instructors and all were great! They were kind and helpful and professional. Rescheduling is easy to do either by calling or using their website. I highly recommend Advantage!

- Jennifer Rose

The behind the wheel lessons in Advantage Driving school are a good way to get acquainted with driving a car. My instructor Nathan was incredibly helpful and taught my first behind the wheel lesson

- Val

I scheduled adult lessons for myself. The process was relatively simple and comes with an online course as well. Any questions I had were answered quickly and professionally. My first instructor was Nathan and he was very helpful and able to adapt to my needs. I plan on scheduling more lessons. So far, very happy with this service!

- Kenny Ngo

I bought the teen driving lessons package for my younger daughter for three classes. She took the behind the wheel classes for teens with three different instructors (Adrian, Amelia, and Jeff Nowell), to prepare for the road test. She liked how all of her driving instructors were direct and gave her constructive feedback on her errors throughout her lessons. Outside of class, she also practiced the skills taught by her instructors. She drove for about five times a week for a month and a half.
I also bought the DMV road test review class taught by Jeff Nowell. My daughter said that Jeff helped her a lot with his review before the road test. She passed the road test on her first try.

- Allison Lim