The best driving schools in Wagga

What do you look for when searching for a driving school? Image: Supplied

While driving is almost second nature to most, it certainly doesn’t start out that way. For many, learning to drive takes time, patience, and plenty of practise.

Whether you are refreshing your skills, new to Wagga’s roads, or seated behind the wheel for the first time, you are likely to have one thing in common. And that is the guidance and instruction of an experienced and accredited driving school.

As their name suggests, driving schools are all about learning to drive. Offering a combination of theoretical and practical instruction, they provide students with the skills and competencies needed to drive. From understanding road rules and vehicle handling through driver safety, they ensure preparedness for testing and on-road thereafter.

If you’re looking for a driving school in Wagga then you have come to the right place! We’ve selected our pick of the Riverina’s best – read on below to find out more.

What makes a great driving school?

Great driving schools ultimately produce great drivers. They impart their knowledge, wisdom, and technique to ensure their pupils are well equipped for the road ahead. If you’re looking for a driving school, the following considerations may be help:

• Qualified & reputable. All driving instructors here in Wagga, and state-wide must hold a current driving instructor’s licence and working with children check. Moreover, they must also hold a Certificate IV in Transport and Logistics, specialising in Car Driving and/or Heavy Vehicle Instruction. It is also worth noting that further requirements exist for those offering Heavy Vehicle instruction, notably HVCBA Finally, consider a driving schools reputation. Review learner testimonials, online feedback, and be sure to ask around. Often, the best driving schools come recommended from family, friends, and colleagues alike.
• Incredible instructors. As individual instruction is central to all driver training, the calibre and quality of instructors must be a priority. Naturally depth of experience is key; as is breadth; ensuring that all manner of driving training is delivered at the highest standard. Equally as important is an instructor’s style, and how it suits a student’s individual learning requirements or needs. Communication skills are a must, and personal attributes like patience are also important. Finally, those fluent in languages other than English may wish to consider seeking an instructor that can teach accordingly.
• Specialised learning. While some driving schools specialise in specific license types, others are geared to suit training for all ages and abilities. Either way, the best driving schools offer specialised modes of learning to suit their clientele. From first-time drivers to experienced heavy vehicle handlers; consider your needs and seek out a driving school accordingly. Not only does this ensure a skills match; it also gives each pupil the best chance of success.
• Multiple methods. Great driving schools deliver rounded training using various techniques and methods. While a combination of theoretical and practical training is most certainly a part of this, the best schools take this further. In doing so they expand on important components such as safety and defensive driving techniques. After all, making risk assessments and handling challenging situations are all important facets of driving itself.
• Convenient. Last, but by no means least consider the convenience of a driving school’s overall offering. Investigate the locations in which services are offered; availability; and flexibility in times of change. Look for things like real time availability, penalty free cancellations, and easy rescheduling, Moreover, consider the types of vehicles in which driving lessons will be taught and whether this matches need.

The best driving schools in Wagga

Region Riverina has combed through online reviews and recommendations to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.

To be listed in our Best of Wagga series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Region Riverina and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.

NRMA Driver Training Wagga

As a name synonymous with New South Wales roads, NRMA is one of Australia’s largest member-owned mutual organisations providing a range of services for some 2.6 million members across the community. Founded in 1920 and driven by a focus on better roads, NRMA offers roadside assistance, insurance, and related lifestyle services and products. With a natural affinity to keep people moving safely on the road, they have developed specialised driver training schools throughout the state, and right here in Wagga.

NRMA Driver Training Wagga specialises in a range of driver instruction programs for all ages and skill levels. Uniquely placed in the local market, it offers the benefits that come with a local team, with the added advantage of being backed by one of the nation’s most prestigious brands.

Run by power duo, Francene Carroll and Linda Roesler, NRMA Driver Training Wagga brings a strong slate of credentials to the table. With decades of experience between them, they come as fully certified and accredited instructors offering individual lessons, Keys2Drive, and Safer Drivers courses. Add to this a lengthy past career in the NSW Police Force, and a strong community focus as professional educators amongst students and other groups, they show immense passion for they do.

The lessons themselves vary from 60 minutes to 3 hours in duration, with 90-minute ongoing lessons highly recommended. Lessons are available for learners; those wishing or needing to refresh their skills; and those requiring older driver assessment.

With a host of convenient pick up and drop off locations and attractive member discounts, NRMA Driver Trainer Wagga is hard to beat.

Lee Hesky shared this glowing review on Google, “What you teach saves lives! Thank you for such professional instruction. the Safer Driving Course is a great course and great value for money.”

Town & Country Learner Driving School

With a focus on superior service and personalised instruction, Town & Country Learner Driving School have earnt a wonderful reputation within the region. Instructors come with completed certifications, accreditations, and checks for added peace of mind.

Boasting a choice of manual or automatic vehicles, an online booking system, and convenient pick up and drop off, their kind learning environment works to create confident drivers.

Indika Grey shared this sentiment on Google, “Excellent instructor, deep knowledge of the driving test as well and good driving practices for safety.”

Wagga Drive Smart Driving School

As one of the Riverina’s leading independent driving schools, Wagga Drive Smart have a stellar track record providing their students with a sound learning experience. Run by owner-operators Adam and Donna Drosd, lessons encompass all aspects of learner driving from new drivers through to international licence conversion.

Conducting lessons in supplied vehicles they offer convenient pick up and drop off services. With personalised lesson plans, competitive pricing, and numerous packages, they are an excellent choice.

Dave Cook shared this feedback on Google, “I was really pleased with my experience. Adam was excellent and gave clear and knowledgeable guidance. We had a plan and I ended up passing first time so I would recommend Wagga Drive smart to anyone.”

DBA Driving Academy

Run by certified and accredited instructor Damien, the DBA Driving Academy’s ethos is to ensure their students dream, believe, and achieve their driving goals.

Boasting an extensive list of credentials, Damien has been a driving instructor for the New South Wales Police Force for over a decade, with over fifteen years as a fully operational Highway Patrol Officer. Applying the Keys 2 Drive method with a supplied vehicle and a wealth of firsthand expertise, DBA Driving Academy is one of the regions best.

Hayley McDermott had this to say on Google, “Absolutely amazing, had my first driving lesson and came back home more confident then ever, I highly recommend DBA driving Academy”

Your experience with driving schools in Wagga

Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.

Have you had experience with any of the driving schools listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.