Business Details
10 Years
experience
Your Trusted Driving School in Melbourne's Outer East
Established in 2016, The Drive School is a professional driving instruction service founded by John and Jess Ierufi, who bring over 35 years of combined experience in automotive education and driver training. Our instructors hold certifications including VicRoads Road Smart Approval, Working With Children Checks, and National Police Clearance, ensuring compliance with industry standards. We specialise in tailored driving programs for learners of all ages, including NDIS and TAC participants, with a focus on safe driving methodologies and hazard perception. Our curriculum integrates proactive driving techniques, such as the SEE + THINK + DO risk management cycle, to prepare students for real-world scenarios.With a 95% first-time pass rate for VicRoads tests, we prioritise confidence-building through staged learning environments and modern 5-star ANCAP-rated vehicles. Client testimonials highlight our instructors' patience, expertise in special needs training, and ability to transform nervous learners into competent drivers. We maintain partnerships with VicRoads and deliver fleet driver training programs to reduce workplace road fatalities. Our commitment to transparency, no-hidden-fees pricing, and 24/7 booking accessibility underscores our dedication to customer satisfaction.
Services
Learner Driving Lessons
VicRoads Test Packages
Senior Driver Training
NDIS Driving Programs
Fleet Driver Training
Road Smart Lessons
Overseas Licence Conversion
Mock Driving Tests
Special Needs Instruction
Parking Specialist Courses
Details
- Year established: 2016
Highlights and features
- 35+ years combined instructor experience with VicRoads partnerships
- NDIS and TAC-approved programs for special needs drivers
- 95% first-time pass rate for VicRoads driving tests
- 24/7 online booking with transparent pricing
- Modern 5-star ANCAP-rated vehicles with dual controls
Associations and certifications
- VicRoads Road Smart Approved
- NDIS Registered Provider
- Working With Children Check
- Professional Indemnity Insurance
- Public Liability Insurance
What people say
Best driving instructor
Safe driving skills
Patient and helpful
Highly recommend
Confidence building
Services
Learner Driving Lessons
Structured 60-150 minute sessions developing core driving competencies. Instructors use graduated learning techniques to build confidence in road rules, hazard perception, and vehicle control. Lessons incorporate VicRoads curriculum requirements while focusing on real-world safety scenarios.
VicRoads Test Packages
Comprehensive packages combining driving instruction with official testing. Includes route familiarisation, parallel parking practice, and 3-point turn mastery. Available at Mitcham testing centre with 95% first-time pass rate.
NDIS Driving Programs
Tailored instruction for NDIS participants with Autism, ADHD, and physical disabilities. Certified instructors adapt teaching methods to individual needs using modified vehicles and step-by-step learning frameworks.
Senior Driver Training
Specialised programs for licence renewals including medical review assessments. Focuses on modern vehicle technology adaptation and confidence-building exercises for mature drivers.
Fleet Driver Training
Workplace safety initiatives reducing road incident risks. Customised defensive driving courses for businesses with mobile workforces, incorporating hazard perception and emergency response protocols.
People
John Ierufi
Driver Trainer
With 15+ years automotive industry experience and former RACV Drive School instructor, John specialises in hazard perception training and special needs instruction. Holds Keys2drive accreditation and tactical defensive driving expertise.
Jessica Ierufi
Driver Trainer
Former nursing professional bringing compassionate teaching methods to driving instruction. Specialises in anxiety reduction techniques and NDIS-compliant training programs for learners with Autism and ADHD.
Questions
What areas do you service for driving lessons?
We cover Melbourne's outer eastern suburbs including Kew East, Glen Waverley, Ringwood, and Mitcham. Full list available on our website.
Are your instructors VicRoads accredited?
Yes, we're VicRoads Road Smart Approved instructors with Working With Children Checks and National Police Clearance certifications.
Do you offer NDIS-funded driving lessons?
Yes, we're NDIS registered (Provider ID: 4050057921) offering specialised programs for participants with Autism, ADHD, and mobility needs.
What's included in your VicRoads test packages?
Packages include 60-120 minute lessons with test preparation, parallel parking instruction, and direct testing at VicRoads Mitcham centre.
Can mature learners take refresher courses?
Yes, we provide senior driver training including medical review assessments and modern vehicle operation instruction for licence renewals.
