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, Owner

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 9+ years teaching students how to become safe drivers. As a co-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.

Michele Meigh, Office Manager

Michele Meigh has a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Central Michigan University. She currently works as the office manager of Desert Driving School. As office manager, Michele wants to assist families in choosing the driving program best suited to fit their student’s needs. As the mother of two small children, Michele wants safe drivers sharing the roads with her and feels that new drivers need comprehensive training to build their confidence and competence.

Janette Fogel, Instructor Manager

Janette Fogel managed a driving school in Texas and was a teacher prior to moving to Arizona. She has a double major in Driver's education and Physical education from the University of Illinois. She has 8 years of driver training experience and is currently certified by the Arizona MVD to teach behind the wheel and classroom instruction. In addition, Janette manages, trains, and evaluates Desert Driving School instructors with her focus on continuing education. Janette has two teenagers that are newly licensed drivers out on our roadways. By teaching each student as if they were her own, she hopes that students will move beyond the basics and become more skilled, aware, and knowledgeable drivers.

Melissa C., Administrative Assistant

Melissa C. is currently the Administrative Assistant 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.

Dave Kephart

Dave Kephart is an Arizona attorney and brings a strong legal perspective to driver education. He has extensive knowledge of Arizona traffic laws and works to provide students with strategies for safe driving practices. He wants students to improve their awareness and decision making skills on the road, so they can become responsible drivers.

John Leja

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.

Joe Chelar

Joe Chelar is a disabled veteran, having served 8 years in the Army. In the military, he received numerous drivers badges, driving awards, and certifications for safety. He moved to the Phoenix area from Kansas, where he was a school bus driver. Joe currently attends MMI to pursue a degree in the motorcycle mechanics field and is certified as a driving instructor through the Arizona MVD. His goal is to put his military driving experience to good use by helping students become conscientious, safe drivers.

Jonathan Fong

Jonathan Fong attended Arizona State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education. He has been teaching for 3 years as an elementary physical education teacher. He currently is working in the Mesa School District, as well as finishing up his Master’s Degree in Bilingual and Multicultural Education through NAU. He has a 2 year old son who is his pride and joy. His goal as an instructor is to teach each student the knowledge and skills so that they can become the safest drivers in a variety of situations

Karen Roberts

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.

David Lane

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.