Kelly Johnson: Driving Home Safety
Drive Safe Thomasville Opens to Serve Local Drivers
Thomasville now has a locally owned driving school.
Kelly Johnson has opened Drive Safe Thomasville, providing driver education for teens and adults after completing certification and hands-on training in 2025. Johnson said the idea to start her own school began during a New Year’s Eve reflection on her future.
“The idea of carving out my own place in the transportation industry took shape on a New Year’s Eve, during a quiet moment of reflection about my future… I realized my purpose was to teach and to pass along the skills of safe, responsible driving to others.”
Johnson learned that driver trainer certification opportunities are offered only once a year and immediately applied. With financial support from her uncle and encouragement from her husband, she completed the required 80-hour training course over Juneteenth weekend in 2025.
She then completed hands-on training under Kim Cates, owner of Drive Safe 365 in Archdale.
“In a moment of humility and wisdom, she encouraged me to consider opening my own school, noting the growing backlog in both state programs and public schools.”
After six months as a driver and substitute instructor, Johnson opened Drive Safe Thomasville. Cates helped finance the purchase of school assets and continues to support the school as a substitute teacher and behind-the-wheel trainer.
Johnson said business coaching through Self-Help Credit Union and the Self-Help Business Training program helped her navigate early challenges.
“If I had to name one, it would be the challenge of building the team and choosing apps for daily operations.”
As a commercial driving school, Drive Safe Thomasville offers state-approved curriculum and provides both package-based and à la carte services for teens and adults.
“I tout my ability to ‘talk nervous drivers off the edge’… at the end of my services the teens and adults are ever grateful and admit to feeling much better about getting behind the wheel.”
Johnson has also opened the Vocational Vault Training Center, LLC, a rental classroom and meeting space in Thomasville for facilitators, podcasters and professionals. She credited startup coaching from the Smart Start Program at the Enterprise Center of Winston-Salem during this period of growth.
Johnson said her decision to open both businesses in Thomasville reflects her long-standing community involvement.
“In my town of Thomasville, I can truly say that I have done the work and sewed my seeds… It only made sense that I plant my feet here in Thomasville.”
More information
drivesafetville.com
