Alaska Safe Driver Academy

Our SKIDCAR system provides controlled skid training that teaches proper vehicle control techniques. Students learn to identify skid causes, execute recovery maneuvers, and develop muscle memory for emergency situations. The system allows instructors to safely simulate front, rear, and all-wheel skids at low speeds while maintaining complete control through safety mechanisms.

Full-motion VR simulators recreate real driving conditions with customizable weather and traffic scenarios. This technology enables safe practice of high-risk situations like hydroplaning, emergency braking, and collision avoidance. The immersive environment builds confidence through repetitive practice without real-world consequences, ideal for both new and experienced drivers.

Specialized winter driving instruction covers traction management, ice road techniques, and vehicle system operation. Courses teach proper use of electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, and traction control systems in extreme conditions. Training includes practical exercises for skid recovery and emergency maneuvers in snow and ice environments.

Comprehensive new driver programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on training. Curriculum covers traffic laws, vehicle operation, parking techniques, and defensive driving strategies. Courses include 8 hours of classroom learning and 6-10 hours of in-car training using dual-control vehicles for safety.

State-certified road exams conducted by DMV-trained examiners. Services include 30-minute driving assessments that meet Alaska licensing requirements. Students of our academy receive complimentary use of training vehicles for exams conducted at our facility.

With over 20 years of experience since 2003, Brian specializes in advanced driver training techniques. He introduced SKIDCAR technology to Alaska's civilian market in 2015 after recognizing its value in law enforcement training. His expertise spans teen driver education, corporate fleet safety, and winter driving preparation.

Our SKIDCAR system allows controlled skid training with instructor safety overrides, unlike traditional icy parking lot methods. This technology enables precise replication of various skid scenarios at safe speeds while guaranteeing complete control.

Yes, our VR simulators and SKIDCAR technology allow year-round winter driving preparation. You can practice snow and ice handling techniques anytime without waiting for seasonal weather conditions.

Absolutely. While we specialize in new driver education, our SKIDCAR and VR programs benefit experienced drivers seeking advanced vehicle control skills and emergency response training.

All instructors hold SKIDCAR System Inc. certification, the same standard used for Anchorage Police Department and Alaska State Troopers training programs. This represents the highest level of civilian skid control certification available.

Our SKIDCAR system includes three safety mechanisms: instructor-controlled traction override, physical course barriers, and mandatory insurance coverage. VR training provides risk-free simulation of dangerous scenarios without physical vehicle operation.

Full-motion VR systems recreate realistic driving environments with customizable weather and traffic conditions. This technology allows safe practice of high-risk maneuvers while providing immediate feedback through motion, sound, and visual cues.

The team was so responsive and amazing. The training was so in depth and educational. The multiple days of training made it easier to absorb all the information and remember it for my driving time. I had some special circumstances during my driving training and the team was so responsive and accommodating to that. Overall amazing experience with so much great learning. I highly recommend this program.

Amazing experience with this academy! They offered the skid car training I had wanted but I didn't even know if anyone in town was offering it. The classroom training, that's 2 hours. More instruction then competitors, plus the skid car, plus the driver's exam was $5 less than the competitors that offered not nearly as much. We had some special circumstances during the driving time which they accommodated and focused on my daughter having a positive experience. Absolutely wonderful to work with, flexible, caring and informative. And informative. I highly recommend and if I had a second child they would be going here too. Thanks Angie you guys are awesome!

Literally every instructor is nice and calm with you. Very informational but not boring. Just enough to know how to drive. Highly recommend.

I took the instruction class a few years ago to get my permit and they helped a lot! I got my permit. They also helped me in area's where I struggled more in. I came back a couple of days ago to get a refresher lesson on some things I wasn't confident in for my drivers license test and he drove with me for a few hours and gave me tips that I can do to help myself and I passed the following Saturday for my license. They're super nice and caring. I had a lot of anxiety for my test and they worked with me. They want you to succeed and be safe on the road. I will recommend them to anyone.

The instructor was very knowledgeable and friendly. I learned that some of what I thought was good driving practices could actually end up with me getting a ticket. The skid car was fun and was a great hands on tool for learning how to correct loss of control. I would highly recommend Alaska Safe Driver Academy to drivers new and old.

I'm new to Alaska, and not used to the elements here. Even though I've been driving for years, I wasn't sure what to expect on the road. What I learned in one class has helped me immensely. I was taught what it would feel like to hit ice, how to retrain your wheels, and how to focus while doing it, along with many other helpful tips and guides. I can't speak highly enough of the instructor, he was patient, understanding and thorough, and had a fun attitude throughout the class. I highly recommend taking this class. I didn't just gain knowledge from it, I gained confidence on the road.

Truly grateful for Brian and Angie! I signed up my daughter, Tiara, for driving class, at first she didnt like the idea of going and would rather learn by herself and/or from us, but afterwards, she was very glad that she took the class. She told me that she learned a lot both in classroom and hands-on; Brian was an OUTSTANDING instructor and extremely patient with students. Safety is the primary focus throughout the class which I personally appreciated; they teach the class the correct and safe way to drive.

I love Angie for her awesome customer service, very personable and professional. She's very flexible and really worked with us about scheduling. My daughter has been driving great, thanks to this Academy. She looks forward to the Skidcar class in October to help prepare her for whatever situations during winter driving. I highly recommend Alaska Safe Driver Academy to anyone who really wants to learn the correct way to drive taught by these exceptional, high quality and extremely knowledgeable professionals! Thank you so much!

5 Stars! My daughter took the Skidcar training today and she had a blast! She told me that she learned a lot from the training. Brian, best instructor ever, both driver's ed and skidcar, extremely knowledgeable and patient. He taught kids the correct way to drive, always instituting safety first. His teaching skill is very commendable. Skidcar. training is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! It's a must for kids who are getting ready to drive in winter condition; recommended for adults who need to brush up their winter driving skills.

We are extremely grateful for these professionals; exceptional customer service, awesome instructors and great people. Best investment ever and very well worth it. Try it out, you will never regret going to Alaska Safe Driver Academy. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Brian and Angie went above and beyond my expections! As a young adult I knew I needed to enroll myself in a driving school because I was a novice driver. The in-class lesson's were very informative, and the behind the wheel training with Brian was awesome he really takes the time to make sure you are comfortable and safe. Highly recommend this school, it's safe, affordable, and highly professional.

Words can't describe how awesome the man in charge of this school really is. He has major respect and commitment for what he teacher's and passionately shows it off as he teaches in the class room and on the road. He's very serious about safety and explains the reasons behind the habits of safety. Not to mention his school is the only one in the ENTIRE state of Alaska that gives civilians the opportunity to train on a SKID car.

He has told me about his journey to obtaining and bringing up this school, his past employment as an instructor for a different school, and all his hard work to have a space for SKID car training. He is very wonderful and his wife, who graciously works with him, is just as wonderful. The class is split into two four-hour days and then you have lessons. He works with all type of experiences and can get you a driver's test sooner than the DMV can (it does cost forty-nine dollars to take a driver's road test with them, but would you rather pay fifteen dollars for a waiting list?) They were able to give me a test two days after my last driver's lesson. Seriously, you have to choose this school. You won't regret it!

Mr. Knowlton is very knowledgeable and passionate about teaching new drivers. His skid car program is huge bonus for students. My son has been driving with me with his permit for nearly two years and I was skeptical that he would find the class interesting but for my own piece of mind, I sent him to through the program. He learned a lot and really enjoyed it. It's interesting to see the change in his driving technique. I'm far more comfortable with his driving skills now. Thanks!

We signed our 16 year old for driving lesson sand skid car training. We could not be more impressed and pleased with Alaska Safe Driver Academy. Brain always stresses and puts safety first for his students. He taught my son a number of things I never would have thought to teach him or did not know. He also worked with my son on areas where he was having problems. He built up my son's confinance with driving. We HIGHLY recommend Alaska Safe Driver and are telling our friends about them. Thank you Brain!

The instructor Brian is a fantastic teacher who taught my older daughter to drive previously. We sought him out again so my younger daughter could receive his excellent instruction. She loved the class and it was definitely money well spent. She also took the Skidcar class and learned everything she needs to know to be safe on the snow and ice this winter. We highly recommend Alaska Safe Driver Academy.

I recently moved from Utah to Eagle River. I have driven in snow but not ice. I decided to enroll in the skid training provided by this academy. The one hour class room instruction was very instrumental in refreshing memories of driving situations plus some new ideas. Driving the skid car was the VERY BEST training I have ever had. You get. to drive the car as if you are on ice and have no traction front and/or rear.

The instructor Bryon puts you through many different situations and you can keep practicing until you are sure you are comfortable handling that situation. Bryon is an excellent insturctor, patient, even spoken, doesn't get excited even when I was aiming at the trees. I've been in a lot of training and this company does it RIGHT.

It is extremely encouraging to walk into a business and see that the owners have a passion for what they are doing and presenting to their students. Brian is a very skilled and knowledgeable instructor, with a great amount of patience and know how to teach students the skills they need to be more mindful and alert drivers. The classroom is bright, cheerful and clean. I would recommend this school to anyone who wanted to be a safer driver.