Established in 1993, Desert Driving School has been a leading provider of quality driver education programming in the Valley and services the Scottsdale, Cave Creek, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Tempe, Chandler and Glendale vicinity. Over the past 15 years we have seen Phoenix grow and change, with an ever increasing need for comprehensive driving programs to prepare students for larger volumes of traffic and aggressive drivers. As a family-owned and operated company, we have always strived to provide students with personalized service and instruction. Our success has been largely based on referrals with students and their families telling friends and neighbors about their positive experiences with our programs.

Scott Meigh, CEO

Scott Meigh has a bachelor’s degree in education from Central Michigan University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University. He currently teaches American History at Saguaro High School, in addition to owning Desert Driving School. He has a specialized endorsement for driver education through CMU and has worked for 10+ years teaching students how to become safe drivers. As an owner and an instructor of Desert Driving School, Scott’s goals are to help students learn basic and defensive driving skills that will keep them safe on today’s aggressive roads.

Melissa C., Office Manager

Melissa C. is currently the office manager at Desert Driving School. She attends the University of Phoenix to receive her degree in accounting. In addition, Melissa is the mother of three young boys and wants the roads to be safe when she is out there driving with them. She works hard to discuss each student's needs and identify the most beneficial driving program available. Melissa is the backbone of the company and manages day to day issues with ease. She has a strong commitment to customer service and knowledge of the AZ Motor Vehicle Division policies and laws.

Angela Dunbar, Administrative Assistant

Angela is the part-time office assistant here at Desert Driving School. She attends NAU distant learning campus to receive her B.A. in Sociology. In addition to her degree she is working towards a certificate in sign language. As the youngest member of our staff, she remembers her experiences learning to drive. She sees the importance of teens taking driving school and strives to provide each family with the guidance of choosing a package that best fits their needs and hopes to make every one of our students have an enjoyable experience.

Kris Vannett

Kris Vannett has a Bachelor's degree in relationship psychology from the University of Oregon and is currently attending the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute to pursue a degree in Motorcycle Technology. He has had numerous years of experience working with high school and middle school teens as a youth group leader. Kris is very patient and his main goal is teaching safe driving skills to our students.Kris tries to make every lesson fun and practical in how he goes about teaching "real world" driving techniques.

Monica Estrella

Monica has a commercial driver’s license. While Monica drove trucks it gave her a variety of driving experience and extensive knowledge of the rules of the road. She has seen it all out on the roadways and she would like to see fewer accidents on Arizona’s roadways and highways. Monica is very outgoing, energetic, patient, and strives to teach each and every student how to be safe, conscientious drivers.

Karen Roberts ~ Seasonal

Karen Roberts works with visually impaired teens throughout the Phoenix Union High School District. She facilitates support groups on campus, working with teens for 19 years. Her teenage son recently earned his driver’s license. Knowing the issues related to teen drivers first hand, she has a strong commitment to teaching all student drivers as if they were her own, with patience and respect. Her goal is to increase the new driver’s confidence and skill so that each student becomes a safe and defensive driver. Karen typically instructs over the summer.

David Lane ~ On Call

David Lane is an instructor that comes with a unique view on teaching drivers education. He is currently a pilot and a former flight instructor, which has prepared him to work with students with varying skills and needs. His flight school experience has a direct correlation to his teaching style, focusing on safety whether in the sky or on our roadways. David is the father of a young son, whom he teaches awareness and precautions while out in the car. David would like to see less traffic accidents on the road by introducing defensive techniques for our students to use throughout their own driving career.

John Leja ~ On Call

John Leja has a commercial driver’s license and became a truck driver, relocating to Mesa, AZ in 2005. He expanded his on road experience by becoming a professional driving instructor certified by the Arizona MVD to teach behind-the-wheel and permit class instruction. John has a strong commitment to “raising the bar” when it comes to student instruction, focusing on safety and comprehensive skill building. John is also a Level 2 simulator instructor at DrivingMBA.