Teacher helps people learn the rules of the road

Can you go right on red? What's the speed limit through town? What's the correct way to pass on a highway? If you don't know the answers, you should get to know Jim Moody.

Moody operates A-1 Driving Services in Wasilla. He teaches driver safety courses and defensive-driving courses, a profession he chose after working for the state Division of Motor Vehicles in Anchorage for years.

"I had years of teaching and I enjoyed it, so we came out here and opened about four years ago," Moody said. "Driving is such a necessity up here. There isn't public transportation, and you have to get to work, get to school and to go shopping."

Moody used to live in Eagle River, and he worked in Anchorage for years. About three and a half years ago -- four years this coming March -- he decided to leave the daily grind and move out to the Valley.

"We looked out here and saw there was a market, and we decided to make the move," Moody said. "It takes me about seven minutes to get to work. That's great."

In addition to his experience at DMV, Moody also has experience in the military and in teaching. He said he enjoys helping people drive better, and he sees all sorts of drivers come through the doors.

"Some people are trying to get tickets erased, and some just want to stay current and improve their skills," Moody said. "About 15 percent are kids taking driver-safety courses."

He offers two safety courses -- one for adults and one for teens -- as well as defensive-driving courses. They range from four to eight hours, and some use computer technology.

"We're providing an opportunity to be a better driver, and that's important for everyone on the road," Moody said.

As a driving instructor, Moody has heard his fair share of funny stories and interesting anecdotes, but he isn't quick to share them.

"You hear a lot, but it's not good to pass them off publicly," Moody said with a smile.

So just how good of a driver is Moody? He said he is just like everybody else out there on the roads.

"I've had my share of collisions, but you have to learn from them," Moody said. "That's how we all learn."

And yes, Moody has had a ticket.

"Many, many years ago," he joked. "Nothing recently."