Meet the Test Drive Instructors

Professional. Experienced. Dedicated to Safe, Confident Drivers.

Ms. Kerri Larson

Ms. Larson has served as a career firefighter in Marshalltown since 2010. She loves working with students in a new environment and enjoys seeing their progress from the first drive to the last.

Marshalltown Police Chief Chris Jones

Chief Jones brings over 20 years of law enforcement experience to Test Drive. He focuses on helping students build confidence and understand how safe-driving principles apply to real-life situations on the road.

Mr. Gary Mertens

With 29 years of driver's education experience, Mr. Mertens offers students a deep well of knowledge. His background includes teaching, behind-the-wheel instruction, bus driving in downtown Chicago, and earning a master's degree in linguistics. He values the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in students' lives.

Mrs. Shirley Faircloth

Mrs. Faircloth brings more than 30 years of experience in the Juvenile Court System. She has provided behind-the-wheel instruction both publicly and privately and finds it rewarding to teach skills that help build lifelong safe driving habits.

Mr. Mark Bohan

With over 30 years of teaching, coaching, and driver's education experience, Mr. Bohan provides instruction that is second to none. He has taught both on campus and off campus in Marshalltown since 1996 and enjoys teaching a subject with immediate real-world impact.

Mr. Stephen Frese

A Marshalltown native and a certified teacher for nine years, Mr. Frese believes every student can learn and deserves the opportunity to become a licensed driver. His goal is to help create a safer community for everyone.

Mr. Robert Bartels

Mr. Bartels is a veteran teacher currently in his first year at South Hardin High School. He has taught driver's education since 2012 and social studies since 2014. He enjoys building relationships with students as they learn one of life’s most important skills.

Mr. Steve Hoffman

With over 30 years of experience as a police officer, Polk County Deputy, and Marshall County Sheriff, Mr. Hoffman brings extensive real-world knowledge to Test Drive. He believes new drivers need thorough instruction in all road and right-of-way rules—not just how to "stay out of the ditches."

Mr. Tim Holmgren

Mr. Holmgren has worked in the Marshalltown School District since 2003 and has taught driver's education for eight years. He enjoys connecting with students outside the traditional classroom and teaching skills that have immediate relevance to their lives.

Mr. Christian Carrazco

Mr. Carrazco is a certified teacher and behind-the-wheel instructor in his 10th year of teaching in Marshalltown’s dual language program. He values the opportunity to positively influence students and is committed to making a difference through driver education.