About Our Driving School

Freedom Driving School provides superior driver education to teens and adults in the Greater Puget Sound area with locations serving South Hill, Puyallup, Graham, Frederickson, Spanaway, Lakewood, Tacoma, Dupont, Federal Way and more. We teach state-certified driver education courses and behind-the-wheel driving lessons at our driving schools in Lakewood, Spanaway, Frederickson, and Puyallup.

Every parent and experienced driver knows that developing good driving habits and techniques begins with a solid driving education. It lies in how well the driver understands that each and every time he takes the wheel, the greatest challenge is "staying in the moment." Life-threatening distractions range from negative altercations to euphoric good news or simply too much media in the car. Focusing the mind each and every time one gets behind the wheel, putting distractions aside, and preparing oneself for the unexpected, requires maturity and wisdom that often eludes young new drivers.

At Freedom Driving School, our mission is to instill lifelong principles for mindful and safe motoring principles that will guide and influence them throughout their entire driving career.

Company Overview

Freedom Driving School provides rigorous, balanced, and intentional driver's education for teen students, adult drivers, and adults relocating from other countries. At FDS we instill life-long skills for safe and mindful driving. We educate drivers on the rules of the road, on how to safely evaluate conditions, and on how to react in a proper manner.

Company History

Freedom Driving School was founded by a pair of brothers, Anthony Brian Davenport and Dana Davenport in 2013. Together they understood the commitment of the state of Washington to driver's education and that they could contribute to that commitment by providing safety instruction and creating sensible drivers. Their vision was to have a quality level of instruction with inspiring educators and that students who completed their education would be prepared to handle driving situations, safely navigate changing situations and conditions, and contribute to the safety and tranquility of driving on the roads.

Beginning in 2021, Bryon Cancil came on board. FDS is now using the newest edition of AAA software and related curriculum. We have implemented state of the art computer systems. Our diversified staff has grown to over 30 individuals who work as a team, and we continue to grow. Freedom Driving School now has a uniformed fleet of late-model American-made Ford sedans, all boasting either an economical 4-cylinder engine or being a hybrid vehicle.  

We are proud to partner with Driver's Ed Solutions for managing our company operating and student informational systems. FDS also partners with other local and family-owned businesses for vehicle maintenance, safety equipment, printing services, etc. We believe in supporting small business.

Management and Owner Team

Freedom Driving School Inc.'s ownership is divided among three people: Anthony Brian Davenport, Dana Taylor Davenport, and Bryon Cancil.

Brian Davenport is a retired, Vietnam Veteran. He has many passions in life and is currently a symphony conductor. His great love of classical music can be seen in the education and conducting of young and professional musicians alike.

Dana Taylor Davenport is a chocolatier and returned missionary. One of his many passions in life is baking, his confections are superb as a master chocolatier.

Bryon Cancil stepped in as the General Manager in 2021. He is directly responsible for obtaining new curriculum, updating computer systems, and updating and maintaining the fleet of vehicles. He manages many of the behind-the-scenes operations which keep FDS running day-to-day. He has carefully chosen a team of individuals to be the connection to the community for the driving school. This team is the face of our daily operations. He entrusts the team members to provide strong education and high levels of customer service. Bryon attended Puyallup School District schools and has maintained his level of commitment to serving the community.

Locations

Freedom Driving School is fortunate to have five current locations providing driver education to students. We will have a sixth location soon which is currently under construction.

South Hill: Our Meridian location is conveniently located in a shopping center called Meridian Center located on the corner of Meridian E and 160th St E with easy access from many side roads. Students from Puyallup, South Hill, Graham, Orting, Eatonville, and Bonney Lake attend our classes. This location provides in-class instruction, behind-the-wheel instruction, and Washington State Department of Licensing Knowledge and Skills Testing. We also have front office administration to answer questions, enroll students, and take payments.

Frederickson: Our Canyon Crossing shopping center location is on the corner of Canyon Road E and 176th St E. It shares space with our affiliated franchise H&R Block. During the off-tax-season, students from Frederickson, Spanaway, Graham, and South Hill attend in-class instruction here.

Spanaway: Our Spanaway Village location is on Pacific Avenue S. Students from Spanaway, Tacoma, and Midland attend our classes. This location provides in-class instruction, behind-the-wheel instruction, and Washington State Department of Licensing Knowledge Testing. 

Lakewood: Our Chambers Creek shopping center location is on the corner of 87th Ave SW and Steilacoom Blvd. Students from Lakewood, JBLM, Tacoma, Steilacoom, and University Place attend our classes. This location provides in-class instruction, behind-the-wheel instruction, and Washington State Department of Licensing Knowledge and Skills Testing. We also have front office administration to answer questions, enroll students, and take payments.

Dupont: Our Dupont location is on the corner of Center Drive and Wilmington Drive. Students from Dupont, JBLM, and Lacey participate in behind-the-wheel drives at this location. This office shares space with our affiliated franchise H&R Block.

Federal Way: Our newest location at the Quad Shopping Center on the corner of 1st Ave S and 330th St. Students from all over Federal Way attend our classes. This location provides in-class instruction, behind-the-wheel instruction, and Washington State Department of Licensing Knowledge and Skills Testing. We will also have front office administration to answer questions, enroll students, and take payments.