About First Gear Driving School
First Gear Driving School is owned and operated on a foundation of more than 20 years in emergency services, with firsthand knowledge of what it takes to keep people safe on the road. That background shapes the way we teach by combining practical skills, real-world awareness, and a commitment to building confidence behind the wheel. Our goal is not just to help students pass a test but to prepare them to be safe, capable drivers for life.
At First Gear, community is at the heart of everything we do. Being locally rooted means we care deeply about the families and young drivers we serve. Every lesson is designed with safety, responsibility, and confidence in mind because we believe that better drivers make stronger communities. Driving is a milestone, and we are here to make sure it starts with the right foundation.
Our School
How We Teach
We adapt to every learning style by blending interactive lessons, hands-on practice, and multiple teaching methods to make driving safe, engaging, and effective.
Where We Teach
All classroom sessions are held at the Juanita Pohl Center in Tualatin, and all behind-the-wheel lessons start and end there for convenience and consistency.
Why We Teach
We teach because, with decades of EMS and fire experience, we know what it takes to keep people safe and create an inclusive space that builds real-world driving skills and confidence.
Meet Your Instructor
Cameron Carpenter, Owner & Lead Instructor
In addition to owning and serving as the lead instructor for First Gear Driving School, Cameron also works as the Lead Paramedic Instructor at the College of Emergency Services.
With 20 years of experience in Emergency Medical Services, both as a paramedic and a firefighter paramedic serving as an engineer, he has witnessed far too many lives lost to traffic accidents. That experience drives his commitment to being part of the solution, starting with educating new drivers. First Gear Driving School was founded on that vision of safer roads through stronger driver education.
Cameron and his family are deeply rooted in Tualatin and take pride in being active members of the community. Outside of teaching, he can often be found helping in the garden at Bridgeport Elementary, enjoying Oregon’s beautiful outdoors, or cheering from the sidelines at his children’s sporting events. His passion is working with developing drivers in the community and equipping them to become safe, confident, and responsible behind the wheel.
More Information
Where we meet:
Juanita Pohl Center
8513 SW Tualatin Rd
When we meet:
Classroom Sessions
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Behind-the-Wheel Sessions
Saturdays & Sundays, times vary