Mountain’s Driving School keeps young drivers safe

Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
ON THE ROAD — Theodore “Bud” Mountain, back, takes a break from his driving lesson with Hannah Streinz Monday afternoon. Mountain has been teaching youngsters the rules of the road for more than a decade. Mountain’s Driving School may be reached by calling 532-9900, and a new class starts each month.
By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
    Putting safe drivers behind the wheel of a car is what Mountain’s Driving School has been doing for the last 12 years.
    Theodore “Bud” Mountain decided to make a career change in August of 1999 when he took over a driving school in Dexter from his former teacher. Mountain had been in management for 21 years with the Dexter Shoe Company and 14 years with the Dexter Police Department.
    “It was time for a change,” he said. “My first class had approximately 10 students, which I felt was a good size for me to be able to give personal attention to each student. It was not much different than it is now. I like the hands-on approach.”
    In January 2000, Mountain had his first business opportunity in the County to teach drivers’ education at Greater Houlton Christian Academy.
    “My nephew, who was attending school there, had no access to drivers’ education,” Mountain explained. “So, I told Mr. Jago [former GHCA Headmaster] if they could get enough  students interested in a class, I would come and teach it.”
    Before Mountain even had his first class of 12 completed, the demand for another class was being voiced.
    “Later that summer, I received a phone call from a parent living in Linneus who wanted to know if I would be interested in coming back up,” Mountain said.
    Mountain’s second class was in October 2000 at the Linneus Snowmobile clubhouse with 26 students.
    After seeing a need for his services, Mountain and his wife, Lyn, discussed opportunities in Houlton.
    “Houlton offered everything I needed for my job, such as downtown driving, ease to the interstate, good highway driving and plenty of back roads. The people in general were so genuine, very friendly and made us feel welcomed.”
    The Shiretown reminds Mountain of the way Maine used to be, “laid back and looking out for each other,” he said. “Plus the fact that my wife’s twin sister, Lee Williams, lived up this way didn’t hurt.”
    Mountain’s Driving School opened March 2001 and operated on Court Street for its first five years, offering drivers’ education on an every-month basis.
    Settling into their lives in Houlton, the Mountains looked for a home and found one where classes could be conducted on 43 High St.
    “After a small remodeling project on the house, our classroom was ready to go,” Mountain said.
    Since opening his business 10 years ago in Houlton, Mountain has seen changes within the County.
    “I was the first private driving school in Houlton and both [local] high schools were still offering drivers’ education,” he explained. “One high school no longer has the drivers’ ed program, which is understandable with today’s school budgets, and another private driving school started.”
    Noting that competition is good, Mountain advises parents and students to shop around and get the most for their money.
    “I offer 12 years of experience with over 350,000 miles of incident-free driving with students,” he said.
    Mountain is also assisted by Shawn Campbell, who came onboard last November.
    “Shawn fills in when he’s needed and is a huge asset to me personally when I need some time off,” Mountain added.
    Mountain’s Driving School offers a new class each month of the year.
    “This is my only job, I take it very seriously,” Mountain explained. “Your child’s safety is my priority. I teach defensive driving. I use my law enforcement background to enhance the learning of my students. Our driving is based on one-on-one instruction. I have found that students generally are more relaxed and are apt to ask questions.”
    Mountain’s Driving School has also added a motorcycle permit program, with two locations — Houlton and a new site in Millinocket. The program is an eight-hour class and the participant receives his/her permit at the end of the class. Cost is $100, which includes the permit. Mark Chamberlain is the instructor for the motorcycle program.
    “Mark does a super good job,” Mountain said. “He adds a lot of life’s experiences to the class.”
    The Mountains don’t regret their decision to move north.
    “The last 10 years in Houlton have been great,” Mountain said. “My wife and I have met a lot of nice people along the way. We would like to thank the town of Houlton for such a warm welcome and a big thank you to all the parents and students to whom we have had the privilege to serve. We are looking forward to many more years in the County.”
    Mountain’s Driving School may be reached by calling 532-9900.