About Five O Driving School

James is the current owner and operator of Five O Driving School. He has worked as a law enforcement officer since 2010 for the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, and Stallion Springs Police Department, Fresno Police Department, and San Luis Obispo Sheriff's Office. In his law enforcement career thus far, he has served as a senior police officer, senior deputy, rangemaster, tactical handgun instructor, field training officer, terrorist liaison officer, narcotics expert, explorer advisor, and a member of the off-highway vehicle unit, and marine enforcement unit. James is also certified as a Driver Education Instructor. James enjoys teaching safe driving practices as well as bass fishing, riding ATVs, snowboarding, and spending time with his family.

John came up with the idea of using first responders to teach behind-the-wheel driver's training after retiring from a 32-year career with the California Highway Patrol (CHP). For over three decades, he witnessed the impact of poor driving practices on families and the community. Now he's spent over 15 years teaching young drivers how to develop good practices to keep themselves and others safe on the road.

John retired from the Highway Patrol as a sergeant and worked in many central and southern California areas, including Bakersfield, Glendale, Newhall, Tejon, Santa Ana, and Santa Maria. He was a shooting team investigator, MAIT accident investigator, and tire forensic investigator. John was also a Field Training Officer and a certified EMT. When he's not driving a car, he enjoys working on them, especially old collector and muscle cars. He even restored a Highway Patrol cruiser.

John Jamison has taught at Five O Driving School since 2019. John was a Deputy with the Kern County Sheriff’s Office for five years and a police officer with the Bakersfield Police Department (BPD) for over 25 years. During his time at BPD, he held roles as a field training officer, a report writing instructor, and a teacher at the police academy. As a detective with that agency, John worked assignments in burglary, financial crimes, auto theft, and sex crimes. When he’s not teaching new drivers, John enjoys camping and woodworking.

Mark is a retired sergeant from the California Highway Patrol and has been a Five O Driving School instructor since 2016. Mark’s CHP career spanned 34 years, and he served in central Los Angeles, Newhall, Fort Tejon, Bakersfield, Templeton, and Buttonwillow. Mark held positions as a drug recognition expert, training sergeant, rangemaster, and first-line supervisor. His hobbies include motorcycle riding and building 60’s muscle cars.

Tim Quillen has been a driving instructor at Five O Driving School since 2021, following a career at Corcoran State Prison for 18 years. He spent most of his career in Administrative Segregation or the Security Housing Unit, volunteering for overtime shifts to transport inmates to the Bakersfield Hospitals from Corcoran. He holds a Black Belt in Kung Fu San Soo and teaches self-defense to women.

Paul Sisemore has taught at Five O Driving School since 2022. Paul is currently serving as Chaplain for the San Luis Obispo Police Department. A position that he has held since 2015. Paul is a retired Pastor, a missionary to Ukraine, and a nuclear power plant operator. Paul and his wife enjoy mountain biking, hiking, and hanging out with their five teenage grandchildren.

Gary began instructing for Five 0 Driving School in 2023 after enjoying a few years of retirement. For 25 years, Gary served Newhall, Antelope Valley, Bakersfield, and the Grapevine Vehicle Enforcement Facility as a California Highway Patrol officer. He was a field training officer, CPR instructor, MAIT (Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team) Associate, and a DOT-certified commercial inspector. In his free time, Gary enjoys golfing, fishing, furniture reclamation, and spending time with his family.

Ron Sparling started his career right out of high school, joining the Air Force at age 17 and becoming a weapons loader on attack aircraft. He later joined the Department of Defense, serving 29 years at the China Lake Federal Fire Department, the last 12 as the Installation Fire Chief. Starting as a firefighter and filling every position in the fire department, Ron has seen what happens when poor driving habits are demonstrated in real life. Throughout his career, Ron has held various teaching roles and received several certifications, including Fire and Emergency Services Instructor 3 and a part-time Vocational Teaching credential for the State of California.

Ron has been married for 34 years. He and his wife have two children and now reside in Bakersfield after spending 43 years living in Lake Isabella. In his spare time, Ron enjoys spending time with his family, helping others, fishing, and playing golf.

Sean Genovese joined Five O Driving School in 2023, bringing over 20 years of expertise in continuous improvement to the team. Sean has made significant contributions by upgrading the school's business processes and technology, enhancing the customer experience and operational efficiency. He currently manages operations and provides instruction for the Santa Clarita area, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Before joining Five O, Sean worked as a lifeguard and summer counselor at a school in Switzerland before spending 20 years as an engineer in aerospace. He also shares his knowledge as a graduate course instructor in leadership and operations management at California State University, Northridge.

Jennifer has taught at Five O Driving School since 2024. She began a career in law enforcement as a correctional officer at Soledad State Prison before transferring to North Kern where she worked for 9 years. Jennifer spent most of her career guarding inmates who were admitted to the hospital. She also rotated positions throughout the prison as a permanent intermittent officer when not on hospital duty. She enjoys spending time with her family and recently became a grandma to a baby girl.

Julie brings 14 years of experience as an officer with the California Highway Patrol. Throughout her service she has patrolled various counties across California, including San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles, Tulare, Fresno, and Kings. Julie’s specialized roles have included, Field Training Officer and Traffic Investigation Review Officer.

Julie became a driving instructor with the goal of passing on her knowledge to the next generation of drivers. She is committed to helping students develop safe driving habits that will last a lifetime. Outside of teaching, Julie enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and friends, often embarking on long backpacking trips. She looks forward to meeting your family and helping your teen become a confident, safe driver.

Mark Hernandez joined Five O Driving School in 2024, bringing over 27 years of experience from the California Department of Corrections. During his career, Mark held roles as a Correctional Officer, Counselor, and Crisis Response Team member, and also provided On the Job Training for correctional staff.

Mark's extensive background in maintaining safety and order now translates into his teaching, where he is dedicated to helping new drivers learn the importance of responsible driving. When not teaching, Mark enjoys spending time with his family in Arizona and along the Central Coast.

Luis started his career with the California Department of Corrections in 1996, serving for over 26 years. He held various roles, including Correctional Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant, working at multiple facilities such as the Correctional Training Facility Soledad and North Kern State Prison. He was part of the Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) and became an instructor in multiple areas, including Use of Force and First Aid. Now a driving instructor, he enjoys attending church with his family and supporting his daughters at soccer games.

Ken Drucker has been an instructor at Five O Driving School since 2024. He retired from the Los Angeles Police Department after 21 years of service, where he worked as a patrol officer, field training officer, and patrol supervisor. Ken also held roles as a detective, specializing in domestic violence cases, and taught tactical courses to fellow officers.

Before his LAPD career, Ken spent 20 years in the U.S. Air Force as an Aircraft Loadmaster, logging 7,000 flight hours, including missions with NASA. When not teaching, Ken enjoys biking, working out, and spending time with his family. He also volunteers with the California Highway Patrol.

Vanessa Vasquez served as a Deputy Sheriff with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office for five years, working in various roles at the Main Jail, including women’s intake and inmate supervision. Her dedication to safety and structure now informs her role as a driving instructor.

Outside of work, Vanessa enjoys spending time with her kids and family and staying active at the gym.

Carey Edwards retired after 35 years with the Los Angeles Police Department, where he served in a variety of assignments, including Juvenile Division, Narcotics, Traffic Investigations, and the System-Wide Mental Assessment Response Team. Promoted to detective supervisor in 2005, Carey brought leadership and expertise to every role. He also gained additional law enforcement experience with the Monterey Park Police Department and Los Angeles World Airports Police.

Outside of work, Carey is passionate about sharing his knowledge and helping the next generation of safe, responsible drivers.

Valerie joined Five O Driving School in 2025, bringing a strong background in service and discipline from her time in the U.S. Air Force during the Gulf War. She was stationed at Ramstein Air Base in Germany and completed a temporary duty assignment at Incirlik Air Base in Turkey, experiences that shaped her adaptability and commitment to excellence.

Outside of teaching, Valerie enjoys supporting her son’s basketball and volleyball games and traveling to sporting events. A dedicated San Francisco 49ers fan, she brings enthusiasm and discipline to her role as a driving instructor.

Larry has been a Five O Driving School driving instructor since 2024. He retired from the Navy as a Chief Petty Officer after 24 years of service. His prior military experience includes roles as a Hospitalman, Master Training Specialist (MTS), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and Tactical Combat Casualty Care Specialist (TCCC). He has been on 6 deployments for the Navy and the Marine Corps, including Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends and pursuing numerous hobbies, including working on cars, fishing, and collecting Hot Wheels with his son.

Larry came to Five O Driving School in 2025. He retired from the San Luis Obispo Police Department after 23 years in law enforcement. An east coast native, Larry’s law enforcement career began in Washington, DC, with a federal law enforcement agency before moving to the Prince William County Police Department in northern Virginia for three years. Larry’s move to California first took him to the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, where he worked in the unincorporated areas of central and west San Jose, the City of Cupertino, and in the Transit Patrol Division throughout the county for the Valley Transportation Authority. Larry’s last 16 years as a police officer were with SLOPD. Larry has trained other officers throughout his career. He served as a field training officer, introduced the first mobile data computers at PWCPD, and helped implement and maintain mobile technologies in patrol cars at SLOPD.

Larry grew up in the Philadelphia suburbs of southern New Jersey and remains a Philly sports fan. He lives in SLO with his wife, two children, and three dogs

Leo brings over 20 years of law enforcement experience. Leo served at the Lompoc Police Department, where he held various positions of increasing responsibility, including Director of the Police Activities League (PAL) program, Advisor in the Police Explorer program, Field Training Officer, and Motorcycle Officer (12 years). He also served as a Corporal and Acting Watch Commander. Following his tenure with the Lompoc Police Department, Leo transitioned to the private sector, providing Executive Protection services for high-net-worth individuals and prominent celebrities. Beyond his professional endeavors, Leo is passionate about mentoring and development, demonstrated through his extensive experience training police officers, Police Explorers, and now, security personnel. He is an active member of his community, enjoying spending time with his family, participating in outdoor activities, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise.