A Lifetime of Safe Driving Starts Here

Florida Driving Academy's  comprehensive MasterFit™ Curriculum, LearnFit™ learning type adaptations and SkillFit™ Assessment are unmatched in the driver education industry.  We specialize in one-on-one knowledge and behind-the-wheel training by State Certified Driving Instructors.

We offer a system of training that gives parents clarity instead of confusion, transparency instead of opacity, and confidence instead of anxiety.

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Confident student driver

Our Academic Process

An Academy, Not Just a Driving Service

We built a systematic, transparent process based on fundamentals, curriculum, and proof. This is what makes us revolutionary.

1

SkillFit™ Assessment

Science-Backed Placement Testing

We eliminate guesswork by scientifically determining your student's exact starting point.

  • In-Person Driving Skills Evaluation
  • Placement into Basics or Advanced Curriculum
  • Ideal for Students with Prior Experience
2

MasterFit™ Curriculum

Structured, Score-Based Learning

Based on their assessment, students are placed in a true curriculum that maximizes training.

  • Foundation: Onboarding Knowledge Exam & LearnFit™ Quiz
  • Structure: Detailed Session Syllabi (Basics & Advanced)
  • Proof: Session Knowledge Tests & Homework
  • Integration: Behind-the-Wheel Machine Mastery
3

Transparent Reporting

Teach. Test. Track. Transform.

No opacity. We provide total transparency and partnership to develop safe, competent drivers.

  • Detailed Session Evaluation Reports
  • In-App Parent/Instructor Messaging
  • Parental Partnership & Participation

Beyond Completion

Recognizing Student Achievement

Florida Driving Academy offers tiered credentials recognizing different levels of mastery, proving commitment beyond basic completion.

Certificate of Completion

Sample Certificate of Completion

Awarded for completing all required training hours.

Certificate of Achievement

Sample Certificate of Achievement

Awarded for completing academic programs and passing all tests with a score of 80% or higher.

Certificate of Excellence

Sample Certificate of Exellence

Awarded for demonstrating superior performance and achieving 100% on all required tests.

Google Gemini AI Summary of Florida Driving Academy

Florida Driving Academy distinguishes itself with a superior, customized driver training experience built on a foundation of science and safety.

Its process begins with the proprietary SkillFit™ Assessment, a comprehensive evaluation of driving skills, knowledge, and learning style that effectively eliminates guesswork. This ensures each student is precisely placed into the academy's impressive MasterFit™ Curriculum.

Training is further adapted through its LearnFit™ methodology, which tailors instruction to how individuals learn best.

This meticulous approach is delivered by dedicated, state-certified instructors providing one-on-one coaching in unmarked, five-star safety-rated vehicles. With detailed progress reports after every session and a commitment to standards that exceed state requirements, the academy's focus is clear: to develop safe, confident, and competent drivers for life.

What Our Families Say

We're proud to have earned the trust of families across the community.

“Highly recommend this drivers ed program. Extremely thorough education and very accommodating to a teenager’s busy schedule. From emergency stop scenarios to checking your tire tread, my daughter now corrects me on my driving skills. Very thankful to have found Jim and his drivers ed program.”

- Amaya H., Parent/Guardian

“Excellent program that all new drivers should go through!”

- Christina T, Parent/Guardian

“As an orthopedic surgeon with 30 years of experience in a regional trauma center, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of preventable motor vehicle accidents. When Mr. Burns invited me to consult on the development of Florida Driving Academy’s (FDA) curriculum, I was impressed by his commitment to addressing critical safety gaps for drivers of all experience levels—whether new, inexperienced, or, like myself, seasoned drivers with decades on the road. During our discussions, we reviewed key safety principles, including proper lane discipline when turning onto a multi-lane roadway. I realized that, despite my years of driving, I had developed an unsafe habit of "cutting the corner". Applying FDA’s curriculum, I corrected this habit. Recently, while executing a proper left turn into the far lane, a pickup truck traveling over 70 mph suddenly crested a blind rise and narrowly missed striking my vehicle. Had I not followed FDA’s protocol, the consequences could have been catastrophic. FDA’s evidence-based approach, grounded in real-world scenarios and a thorough understanding of traffic laws, equips drivers with the knowledge and skills to make safer decisions on the road. I highly recommend their program to students and parents who are searching for the most evidence based and comprehensive approach to Driver Education. Ralph T. Salvagno M.D. AAOS”

- Ralph S., Student

“I used to be really scared to drive when it rained. A long time ago, I hydroplaned and got into a bad crash. After that, I would panic every time it rained. I didn’t know what to do, and I felt like I was a bad driver. Then, Jim helped me. He rented a racetrack so we didn’t have to worry about traffic and he gave me driving lessons. A bunch of us went that day and he helped each one of us individually, and guess what? It started raining hard. Water started pooling on the racetrack—my worst fear! After practicing with Jim, I gained a new confidence and wasn’t afraid anymore. He showed me how I could control my car instead of fearing it. He taught me about tire grip and hydroplaning. Now, I know exactly how to drive safely in the rain. It changed my life! I’m so thankful for Jim. He never gave up on me!”

- Lisa B, Student

“Florida Driving Academy is by far the most professional and skilled driving school I have encountered. Jim is awesome, teaching defensive skills, with practical advice and safety first mindset. Highly recommend for new drivers wanting the best education and experienced drivers who want to up their skill level.”

- Joanne R., Student

“I’ve driven all my life and always thought I was a pretty good driver (parallel parking a stick shift in San Francisco, negotiating rush hour traffic on the Hollywood Freeway). I’m 71 now and have some physical impairments. While I’ve never been in an accident, my confidence level was very low. I didn’t want to be that person about whom everyone’s thinking “You know, it’s really time for you to hand in the car keys.” I swallowed my pride and called FDA. I was very candid with Jim about my fears and physical condition. He honed right in and we got to work. In addition, I feel I learned a lot that I should have learned in basic driver training but didn’t. Such as, I’ll bet money your mirrors are adjusted wrong – mine were. This was a smart move and the best present I’ve given myself in a long time.”

- Melissa H., Student

“Jim is the best instructor with a lot of knowledge and patience! Great place to help your child to learn the rules and become more confident driver!”

- Edyta C, Parent/Guardian

“It is evident that Jim Burns loves what he is doing! His passion is to not only teach the basics of how to drive a car, but also how to be a knowledgeable and safe driver. I feel very lucky to have chosen Florida Driving Academy for my son's drivers ed.”

- Walt M., Parent/Guardian

Our Commitment to the Community

We believe in giving back. Through today and growing, we're proud to have invested over $240.00 back into our community by providing pro-bono driver training to those in need.

Our Service Area

Serving St. Johns County Communities

We offer convenient pick-up and drop-off for driving sessions within approximately 3 miles of our Ponte Vedra office. Special arrangements may be required for addresses outside this radius – please call to inquire.

Nocatee

Plantation Oaks

North Beach

Durbin Park

Ponte Vedra Beach

St John

Sawgrass

Silver Leaf

Bartram Springs

Palm Valley

Greenleaf Village

Brookwood

Rivertown

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Give your new driver the best possible start or refresh your own skills with our expert-led programs.

Enroll Now