Our Story
We teach with care.
This motto has been the cornerstone of our approach for over 36 years, shaped by a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to excellence.
My inspiration is drawn from two key influences:
Aerospace Expertise: In the aerospace industry, precision and accountability are paramount—defects and errors are simply not acceptable. The work we do in aerospace involves not only strict adherence to safety standards but also root cause analysis and continuous improvement. By meticulously examining every aspect of performance, identifying the underlying causes of issues, and making ongoing adjustments, we ensure the highest levels of safety and reliability. This mindset of constant evaluation and enhancement is something I have carried forward into our driving school philosophy.
European Driving Instruction: My experiences in Germany and broader Europe, where driving is treated as a serious responsibility, have profoundly impacted my approach. In Europe, road safety encompasses much more than just adherence to traffic laws and vehicle control; it also involves understanding psychological factors, such as the challenges of peer pressure, fatigue, stress, and other situational pressures.
At our driving school, we recognize the importance of addressing these psychological elements, teaching our students how to navigate them effectively—whether it's managing peer pressure, driving while fatigued, or coping with stressful driving scenarios. These are essential skills for ensuring a lifetime of safe, confident driving.
This is why I believe our school represents a refreshing approach to driving instruction in Southern California. We are committed to providing far more than the basic requirements for a driving test. Our focus is on equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset that will help them drive safely and responsibly for a lifetime.
There were 2 significant events that impacted my decision to start a driving school:
The first one was in 2007. I was attending classes at West Los Angeles College to be an aircraft mechanic when a father of one of the students walked in. Everyone in the classroom knew it wasn't good news. Our classmate, a 19-year-old beautiful young man had passed away in a motorcycle accident. It's a look on his father's face that I wish not to ever see again. I decided back then if I can and have the means one day, I will do everything so no parents would ever go through that pain.
The second event was in 2016 when I was in hospital in Charleston SC during my employment at Boeing.
I became sick with a liver issue and it was a nurse who saved my life. She genuinely cared about me which changed the trajectory of my life.
And that is my goal with this driving school. I will implement 4 things throughout my school, staff and instructors;
One: Teach with care. We imagine every student is our son or daughter and teach with the same amount of care. We genuinely care about the well-being, comfort, and safety of our students.
Two: We will treat every employee with respect, provide livable wages, and think of them as our family.
Three: I will implement the same principles that makes flying the safest mode of transportation. I will use my experience in Aerospace and Europe to train students to have an accident-free life.
Four: Professionalism. I remember vividly how seriously my instructors in Germany were taking their job as an instructor. They had the same level of respect as a university professor or a policeman and were very respected in the community. I hope to foster such environment for my teachers and students.
Thank you for choosing The Hills Driving School for your driving education needs.
Have fun driving and be safe!
Sincerely,
Kamran Rafizadeh-Ford- The Hills Driving School LLC. Founder