Suncoast Defensive Driving School

Specialties

Suncoast Defensive Driving School is the only AAA Approved Driving School in this area, specializing in private defensive driver training for students of all ages. All sessions include pickup and drop off using our fleet new modern hybrids, Toyota Prius C or Honda Civic Hybrids. We also offer a full range of driving evaluations for senior or medically required situations. Our service areas include, all Sarasota and Manatee Counties, 7 days a week.

We also offer online traffic classes for traffic tickets though our website.

Authorized teenSMART dealer.

History

Established in 2003.

After 13 years of instructing as a Porsche High Performance Driving Instructor and 5 years as the Chief Instructor, President and instructor, Bill Rowell decided to share his experienced background with the population of Sarasota and Manatee Counties by opening Suncoast Defensive Driving School in 2003.

After starting with only 1 car and 1 instructor, Suncoast Defensive Driving School now has 3 cars on the road 7 days a week. The growth of Suncoast is the result of having the 5 most experienced male and female instructors available in this area who love to teach life saving skills to students of all ages.

In addition to still actively instructing with The Porsche Driving School, Bill is also a certified Tire Rack Street Survival Coach The Street Survival program teaches young drivers advanced car control techniques in the safety of Sebring International Raceway.

Meet the Business Owner

Bill R.

Business Owner

Originally from Canada with a past that includes commercial piloting and business, owner/​instructor Bill Rowell moved to Sarasota in 1989. While operating 2 Canadian based business, Bill purchased his first Porsche in 1989 and joined the Porsche Club of America. His love for piloting anything, drew him into high performance driving and finally instructing with the Porsche High Performance Driving School. From 2002 — 2007, Bill was the Chief Instructor with PCA and from 2003 — 2008 actively raced his 1972 Porsche 911 in the Historic Sportscar Series.

Still actively instructing with Porsche, Bill recently added another certification, Tire Rack Street Survival Coach. The Street Survival Program teaches new young drivers advanced levels of car control, extreme braking exercises, avoidance exercises and skid pad, to name a few

In addition to his passion for driving and the love of operating his business, you can find him indulging in his other passion 3 times a week, ice hockey.