OUR INSTRUCTORS
At Drive Smart Academy, our licensed driving instructors are passionate about teaching safe and defensive driving techniques. Each instructor undergoes thorough background checks and training to ensure your safety and peace of mind. We are dedicated to empowering our students with knowledge and skills to become confident and responsible drivers. As a fully licensed and insured Academy, we take in our personalized approach to instruction, ensuring that each student receives the attention and guidance they need to succeed.
Meet the Team
Owner/Operator/Instructor
Lei Lani Winniman
Hi, I’m Lei Lani – the owner, operator, and current instructor here at Drive Smart Academy. I used to work at Bakkers Driving School until the owner Roderick Stansbery unexpectedly passed away. Because of this I started my own driving school with a mission to provide a calm, supportive, and empowering space for new drivers of all ages.
Learning to drive can be intimidating, especially if you struggle with anxiety — I understand that deeply. I actually taught myself how to drive when I was younger, and that experience shaped my patient and encouraging teaching style today. I want every student to know: If I could learn on my own all those years ago, you can absolutely thrive with the right guidance — and I’ll be with you every step of the way.
Whether it’s your first time behind the wheel or you’re working through driving nerves, my goal is to help you feel confident, capable, and ready for the road. I bring kindness, calmness, and care into every lesson, and I believe in celebrating progress, not perfection.
Drive Smart Academy isn’t just about passing a test — it’s about building real-life driving skills with support you can trust.