About us
Our Mission Statement
In developing the curriculum for our school, we came up with the slogan “We Teach Beyond the Test”.
This means we are not your typical driving school that teaches how to drive a straight line to the nearest DMV to pass a cookie cutter test. We take the time to help you understand how and why the vehicle works. We spend time teaching cone patterns and different maneuvers to assist in accident avoidance. We teach proper backing and parking, both parallel and perpendicular. These are areas where the majority of accidents occur. Yes, we also spend time driving on the interstate, highways, downtown Raleigh, and back country roads.
Thank you for taking the time to research us and we look forward to serving your needs here at Benson Driving School.
Our Staff

Keith Kitcher
Owner/Instructor
Hello, my name is Keith Kitcher. I am a happily married God-fearing man that’s been blessed with the most awesome wife and children.
I was born and raised in California. After high school, I served in the U.S. Navy. In 1995, I followed my childhood dreams and began a career in Law Enforcement. During my career, I have served as a Drug Recognition Expert, K-9 Handler, Drug / Gang Task Force Officer, DUI Task Force Officer, School Resource Officer, and a Field Training Officer (training other police officers). For nine of those years, I served in the Traffic Enforcement Unit.
During that time, I had a lot of good experiences. How could you not enjoy getting paid to ride a Harley-Davidson all day in the California sun? Unfortunately, I got to see some not so good times. These unfortunate incidences were typically the result of bad driving and poor decision-making.
It was during these times, I decided that one day I would like to be a driving instructor in an effort to assist people of all ages to become better drivers.

Deana Kitcher
Owner/Instructor
Hi there, my name is Deana Kitcher. I was born and raised in California, but have traveled across the U.S. multiple times in my life. We’re blessed to have landed in Johnston County!
I enjoy assisting in the classroom and helping students understand the importance of safety.

Fred Forthofer
Instructor
My name is Fred Forthofer, I have been teaching people how to drive for many years. I am originally from Ohio, and moved to NC with my 13 brothers and sisters when I was young. I’ve been blessed with an amazing wife and wonderful children.
My background includes many experiences with motor vehicles, including thousands of hours in the repair shop with my dad, a mechanic, and tens of thousands of miles on the road with other jobs. I enjoy teaching teens the ins and outs of situations on the road, and my goal is to make sure they are armed with the tools they need to operate safely.

Joseph Forthofer
Office Manager
Hi! My name is Joseph Forthofer. I’m a native North Carolinian and have spent most of my life right here in Johnston County.
I manage registrations, scheduling appointments, payments, and everything in between. I also assist in the classroom from time to time.
I’ve always been a man with strong beliefs and a desire to know and uphold the truth. I think that common sense and creative thinking can make a positive change in our world, and I hope to be part of that change.
I hope to help everyone I come in contact with in this business, and create good connections with our clients. If you ever have any questions, just give me a call!

Katherine Kitcher
Chief of Operations

KJ "Deez Nuts" Kitcher
Fleet Manager
Keith Jr. is the nuts and bolts of the Benson Driving School operation, by keeping the growing fleet well-maintained!

Sylvia Lee
Instructor
Having grown up in the country, serving as a volunteer EMT-I with Four Oaks Rescue Squad, and being employed with Duke Life Flight on their ground units, I came to Benson Driving School with many years of driving experience ranging anywhere from tractors and four wheelers to personal vehicles and Emergency vehicles! I was also employed as a dispatcher for Johnston County for 18 years, (3 with 911 and 15 with the Sheriffs Office.)
After serving my Community/County in such capacities throughout the years, I know how important it is to instill safe driving practices in our teens and I am honored to be a part of setting that foundation for all the youth I come in contact with through this new venture with Benson Driving School.

Aubrie Haverdink
Instructor
Hello! My name is Aubrie Haverdink. I have lived in North Carolina for almost my whole life, and love that I get to call this beautiful state my home. I love helping students grow their knowledge and come to enjoy the driving experience as well as growing their confidence behind the wheel!

Gary Bridges
Instructor
Hi! My name is Gary Bridges. I’m a native North Carolinian and have spent most of my life in Johnston County.
I’m a retired Lieutenant with the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, and was a volunteer with Clayton Area Fire and Rescue and 50-210 Rescue squad. I’ve been a public servant my entire adult life.
During my career, I’ve had to travel to many unfortunate scenes. As a result, I have a passion for life, and I want everyone to live a long and prosperous life. I have a passion for teaching young adults, and have taught many of them the proper rules of the road.
In my spare time I enjoy cycling and being outdoors. I love to laugh and have fun, and my faith is very important to me.
I hope to guide everyone in the right direction towards a safe driving career.

Holly Mangum
Instructor
Holly is a passionate instructor who brings a lot of laughs and joy to the classroom or the car!
Deedee McLamb
Instructor
Biography coming soon…

Frank Williams
Instructor
Biography coming soon…
Craig Faircloth
Instructor
Biography coming soon…