Driver Proficiency Program

Welcome to the Carriage Association of America’s Driver Proficiency Program

We hope that your participation in this program will help to increase your awareness and knowledge of driving, how to do so safely and correctly, and earn you a CAA Driver Proficiency Certificate.

The Driver Proficiency Program is based upon an increasing set of skills regarding safety and commonsense horsemanship as relates to driving. It covers choosing, fitting and maintaining the correct harness and vehicle; balancing a cart; grooming and care of the equine; and safe driving practices. A study syllabus is available for each of the three levels. The program has been adapted by the Carriage Association of America (CAA) from the well-recognized British Driving Society’s evaluation program.

In addition to evaluating drivers’ proficiency at the various levels, this program also allows for those interested in becoming driving instructors to accomplish the prerequisites at the levels. This will ensure the standard for traditional driving and horsemanship skills will continue.

How do I get started with the CAA Driver Proficency Program?


If you already care for your horse (pony/donkey/mule), harness it, put to the carriage and drive, then you are well on your way to being ready for Level 1 of the program!

To further your knowledge of basic driving skills and safety, you will need to do the following:

1) Order the Level 1 & Road Driving syllabus from the CAA (cost $18.00 plus postage) www.caaonline.com or call CAA office at 859-231-0971.

2) Study the syllabus. If you drive, you will already know much of the material. Other information that you’ll need to know is readily available from books or internet sources. Practice.

3) Although not required, taking a lesson or clinic with Driver Proficiency Instructor is very helpful! You’ll have a chance to review your skills and understand more about how an evaluation will go. A list of Instructors and Evaluators is maintained on the CAA website (www.caaonline.com).

4) If you are lucky enough to live near an Evaluator, you can set up a private evaluation directly with the evaluator. Otherwise, to keep the travel costs down, it makes sense for a group or driving club to organize a group evaluation session, which can be set up directly with an evaluator of your choice.

5) When you are ready, submit your fee and application form for evaluation to the CAA and schedule your evaluation. The Level 1 and Road Driving evaluation takes about 90 minutes.

Upon successful completion of each level, you will receive a certificate of accomplishment and a pin from the CAA.

Instructors & Evaluators

Patricia Demers

7620 E. Gato de Luna
Prescott Valley, AZ 86315
661-317-4556
Levels 1, 2, & 3 Instructor
Level 1, 2 and 3 Evaluator

Garnet Blatchford

7701 N. 216 St
Elkhorn, NE 68022
(402) 681-6779
Level 1 Instructor
Level 1 Evaluator

Gloria Austin

3024 Marion County Road
Weirsdale, FL 32195
352-753-3062 or 352-408-6788
Levels 1, 2 & 3 Instructor
Level 1, 2 and 3 Evaluator

Kacy Tipton-Fashik

Grand Oaks Resort
3000 Marion County Road
Weirsdale, FL 32195
352-750-5500 x229 or 352-409-1398
Levels 1 & 2 Instructor
Level 1 Evaluator





Melissa Warner

1408 E. Schwartz Blvd
Lady Lake, FL 32159
772-349-5729
Levels 1, 2 & 3 Instructor
Level 1 Evaluator

Theresa D. Burns

17953 K Trail
Perry, IA 50220
515-975-6102
Level 1 Instructor

Andy Marcoux

32 Cottage St
Medway, MA 02053
(508) 298-8504
Levels 1, 2 & 3 Instructor
Level 1, 2 and 3 Evaluator

Holly Pulsifer

11 Waldingfield Road
Ipswich, MA 01938
(978) 356-3655
Level 1 Instructor
Level 1 Evaluator

Terry Pickett

3400 Rock Valley Road
Metamora, MI 48455
810-796-3024
Levels 1, 2 & 3 Instructor
Level 1, 2 and 3 Evaluator

Steve Wood

22131 Sugarbush Rd NW
Elk River, MN 55330
763-441-5335
Level 1 Instructor

Holly Thompson

P.O. Box 207
2233 N. Second St
Pickens, MS 39146
Levels 1 & 2 Instructor
Level 1 Evaluator

Jerry Trapani

PO Box 552
E. Islip, NY 11730
631-277-4967
Levels 1, 2 & 3 Instructor
Level 1, 2 and 3 Evaluator

Steve Holm

P.O. Box 115
Southern Pines, NC 28388
413-822-1267 (mobile)
Levels 1, 2 & 3 Instructor
Level 1, 2 and 3 Evaluator

Michael Wakefield

20172 LeFever Street
Klamath Falls, OR 97603
541-891-1321
Levels 1, 2 & 3 Instructor
Level 1, 2 and 3 Evaluator

Bill Trento

747 Russell Street
Klamath Falls, OR 97603
541-891-1321
Level 1 Instructor
Level 1 Evaluator

Jane Moody

6457 Bufflehead Drive
Bonanza, OR 97623
707-637-3103
Levels 1, 2, & 3 Instructor
Level 1, 2, & 3 Evaluator

Muffy Seaton

254 Whittle Pond Road
Williston, SC 29853
540-454-1092
Levels 1, 2 & 3 Instructor
Level 1, 2 and 3 Evaluator

Elizabeth Keathley

3041 Jim Town Road
Woodbury, TN 37190
615-563-1942
Levels 1 & 2 Instructor

John Greenall

268 Kings Hwy at Blood Hill Road
W. Windsor, VT 05089
802-436-2266
Level 1 Instructor

Kathleen Winfield

Site 12 Box 13 RR1
Millarville, AB
T0L 1K0 Canada
403-931-0389
Level 1 Instructor

Josh Hoyles

6883 196 Street
Surrey, BC
V4N 5Y9 Canada
778-919-2697
Level 1 Instructor
Level 1 Evaluator