Florida Driving Academy

Jim Burns is the Founder, President, and Chief Instructor of Florida Driving Academy. A former competitive amateur racing driver, published author, and curriculum developer, Jim brings motorsports experience to a distinctive approach to driver education: teaching the physics of driving and developing vehicle-control competence through purposeful practice.
Expert Training: A multi-time graduate of Brumos Porsche Racing School, where he received instruction from Porsche road-racing legend Hurley Haywood, three-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and five-time winner of the 24 Hours at Daytona.
Proven Racing Experience: Earned an SCCA Competition License and participated in road-racing events and practice sessions under the tutelage of Mick Robinson of Robinson Motor Sports.
Published Author & Curriculum Developer: Author of Safe Drivers Are Made, Not Born: A Driver Training Manifesto and Florida Driving Academy's Foundations I textbook. These works explain the educational philosophy and curriculum behind FDA's distinctive approach to developing driving competence.
Unique Methodology: Teaches Basic Vehicle Dynamics—including grip management, load transfer, braking, steering, throttle modulation, and vehicle rotation—through structured knowledge training, skill acquisition, and skill transfer. FDA's TAACR™ methodology means Teach → Apply → Assess → Correct → Repeat.
Competence-First Mission: Believes that safe driving requires more than knowing traffic laws and operating a vehicle. Jim is dedicated to helping students understand, predict, and deliberately control vehicle behavior, developing the motor skills and judgment necessary for competent public-road driving.

Jim Burns

Meet Jim

Competition Racing Experience #76

Official Certification

View Official License