About Us

On International Women's Day March 8, 2024 three sisters took the 8 hour drive (and leap of faith) to North Carolina to buy the first of many cars in the NextGen Driving School fleet. 

The name NextGen was carefully chosen to reflect the fresh, positive approach we bring to driving education. Kelcey, Julie, and Christy—known affectionately as "The Brennan Girls"—spent years at D.G. Driving School, with 9, 7, and 4 years of experience, respectively, until they closed. Throughout their time, they noticed a consistent reaction from students: a sigh of relief. Whether it was the warm welcome or the comforting presence, students often expressed how much they appreciated seeing a new, friendly face and hearing a positive voice.

At NextGen, we carry that same energy into every lesson. We focus on keeping our instructors and our students engaged with optimism and a calm demeanor because, let’s face it—no one wants a stressed-out driving instructor! Our goal is simple: to create a positive, stress-free environment where our students can feel confident and prepared behind the wheel.

Kelcey, Julie, and Christy’s journey began at D.G. Driving School, where they worked as office managers under the guidance of the LEGENDARY Doug Gardner. The original D.G. office was a small space in Dave Gardner’s (Doug’s father) garage, but it quickly became a local hub. Everyone in the community knew the Gardner family, and D.G. Driving School was the go-to place for all their driving needs. It was there that the girls had the privilege of learning from the best in the business.

In December 2023, Doug made the well-deserved decision to retire and officially close the chapter on the D.G. name. Doug had become like a second father to the girls, and his legacy inspired them to continue what he started. With a shared passion and deep respect for the community, they knew it was time to take the next step. And so, NextGen Driving School was born!

At NextGen Driving School, safety and comfort are our top priorities, which is why we’ve carefully selected a fleet of Toyota Corollas ranging from 2024 to 2025 models. Each vehicle is equipped with advanced features to ensure a smooth and secure learning experience for every student. Our cars come standard with lane assist, backup cameras, dual brakes, and dual mirrors—providing an extra layer of safety and ease for both the student driver and the instructor.

You can feel confident knowing you’re learning in a well-maintained, reliable vehicle. Let’s hit the road safely and confidently with NextGen! 🚗💨