Instructors

Meet the instructors at Roadrunner Driving School.

Mark James

Owner, Behind-the-Wheel Instructor, and Driver’s Education Classroom Instructor

Get Drivers Education in-class and in-person with Sonoma County’s most popular Instructor.
Mr. James brings a high energy, accomplishment-based curriculum that will ensure your
new driver knows the 73 road rules critical for success on the permit test and as they begin their
driving experience. In four days, your student gains the purpose, scope, logic and function of the
driving rules system that promotes safety and intelligent operation of roadway vehicles.

Mr. James has been a behind-the-wheel instructor since 2014.

Brian Zander

Behind-the-Wheel Instructor

Brian Zander has been a behind-the-wheel instructor since 2022. Brian is a retired California Firefighter, who, when he’s not teaching new drivers, spends his time cycling around Sonoma County.

Miriam Bernal

Behind-the-Wheel Instructor

When she’s not driving school busses, Miriam has jumped into the world of driver’s education. She speaks both English and Spanish, and is a friendly, encouraging instructor.

Leslie Allyn

Founder, Retired

I began teaching Driver Education and Driver Training for other driving schools in 1993. I felt there was a lack of quality instruction, integrity, and service in the industry, so I opened Roadrunner Driving School in 1997.

My background includes traffic accident investigation at Santa Rosa Police Department and completion of Defensive Driving and Emergency Vehicle Operations Courses at the California Highway Patrol Academy. I drove a tractor trailer for several years making deliveries between San Jose and Fort Bragg, and I drove a school bus in Sonoma County for 4 years.

When I was sixteen, and newly licensed, I often hauled several horses to Annadel State Park or Point Reyes National Seashore to ride for the day. A couple of horses in a trailer behind you will teach you to drive safely up and down hills, on winding roads, on the freeway and at night.