Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrice Farmer.
Hi Patrice , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey began in education. I spent over a decade teaching and later serving as an Assistant Principal in Gwinnett County, where I led teams, supported families, and worked every day to help students reach their full potential. During that time, I realized that many of the lessons students needed most were not just in books. They were life skills that prepared them for independence, safety, and responsibility.
The idea for Best Route Driving Academy began while I was teaching my son how to drive. I found so much joy in watching him grow more confident behind the wheel, and it reminded me of the patience and guidance that every learner deserves. Around that same time, my bonus daughter was involved in a car crash. Thankfully, she was okay, but I couldn’t help but think that if she had received professional lessons, she might have had more skills to maneuver and avoid being hit. That experience made the vision clear. I wanted to create a space where students not only learn to drive safely, but also learn to pivot when hard moments come. Whether it’s a tough turn on the road or a setback in life, I want them to have the confidence to pause, readjust, and move forward with purpose.
I believe students often struggle with difficult skills not because they lack ability, but because those skills are new. My goal was to help them realize that they can do hard things, especially when someone believes in them. That belief comes from my own story. I did not graduate from high school on time and had to attend an alternative school to finish. I often wonder if I would have reached success sooner had I received more encouragement to stay consistent and not give up. But I also believe everything happens for a reason. My journey unfolded exactly as it was meant to so that I could inspire others to keep going, even when the road feels uncertain.
What began as a small idea has now grown into a trusted community brand serving families across Snellville and the surrounding areas. Best Route Driving Academy is more than a driving school. It is a place where students learn about resilience, confidence, and responsibility. These skills prepare them not just to drive but to thrive in life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth road… no. Rewarding… yes! Building Best Route Driving Academy is one of the most fulfilling and challenging experiences of my life. I am in a field that is outside of what I studied, which makes every day a learning experience. I am competing with well-established companies, franchise schools, and organizations that have access to state scholarships and resources.
Right now, I am a one-woman band with one car, handling everything from scheduling to teaching. I love being in the car with students and helping them build confidence behind the wheel, but there is so much more that comes with running a business. Budgeting, marketing, following up with families, managing customer service, and cleaning the car are all part of my day.
It is not always easy, but it is always worth it. Every time a student leaves with more confidence or a parent tells me their teen feels ready for the road, it reminds me that the hard work is paying off. The road may not be smooth, but it is taking me exactly where I am meant to go.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Many parents do not want to teach their children to drive, do not know what to teach, or are so nervous to get behind the wheel that they are searching feverishly to find someone to do it for them. That is where Best Route Driving Academy, LLC (BRDA) comes in. Looking at my reviews as a source of data, most families describe me as patient, calm, and encouraging and I take pride in creating that kind of learning environment for every student.
BRDA (DT000753) is a Georgia licensed driving school located in Snellville that focuses on teaching students how to drive safely, confidently, and with purpose. We offer state-approved Joshua’s Law courses, behind-the-wheel lessons, defensive driving, and digital parent-student resources that make the process of learning to drive more engaging and less stressful for families.
What sets us apart is that we teach more than driving. We teach life skills. Every lesson is designed to build confidence, focus, and responsibility both on and off the road. I use my background as an educator to tailor instruction for each driver, focusing on their specific needs and errors to help them improve with patience and understanding. During lessons, I incorporate visual learning through pictures, debrief with parents after the first session, and provide a progress form that outlines what we practiced and areas for growth. Many of our students come in nervous, but by the time they leave, they are proud of what they can do. That transformation is what keeps me passionate about this work.
I am most proud that our brand represents more than passing a test. Best Route is built on faith, perseverance, and community. Our foundation is rooted in Jeremiah 29:11, which reminds us that God has plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future. That message is at the core of everything we do.
We also believe in accessibility and flexibility for families. We offer payment plan options for our most comprehensive package, run specials throughout the year, and align our scheduling with the local school calendar so students can balance driving with academics and extracurriculars.
Looking ahead, we plan to connect students with volunteer opportunities, internships, and growth experiences that strengthen their skills and prepare them for life beyond the road. The name says it all. It is not about taking any route. It is about taking the best route – the one that leads to confidence, safety, and success.
For me, Best Route Driving Academy is not just a business. It is a mission to help young drivers find their confidence on the road and in life.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The best way to reach me is by email at bestroutedrivingacademy@gmail.com. When I am out with students, I do not answer the phone, but I return calls or texts as soon as possible at 404-290-4866.
Those who would like to support or collaborate with Best Route Driving Academy can connect through community partnerships, sponsorships, or local events that align with our mission to prepare confident and responsible teens. Whether it is hosting workshops, sharing resources, or creating opportunities for student growth, I welcome collaborations that make a difference for young drivers and their families.
Pricing:
- Joshua’s Law $485
- 6 Hours Behind the Wheel $390
- 2 Hours Behind the Wheel $135
- Driver’s Improvement $95
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bestroutedriving.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrs.howtodrive
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Best-Route-Driving-Academy-61564858532259/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGxac8pbWnw_3z0mSZWm0lQ
- Other: https://tiktok.com/@mrs.howtodrive
