Dalmatian Driving School

5.0(22)

Hocking Dr, Ocean Grove, Victoria, 3226

For driver training that is "SPOT ON!"

Dalmatian Driving School in Ocean Grove
Female InstructorPatient with Nervous LearnersGood with TeensTest-Day PackageDefensive DrivingHigh Pass RateNamed Instructors
Lessons:AutomaticManual
Instructors:Michelle Smith, Simon Birrell

Why Choose Dalmatian Driving School?

Dalmatian Driving School is highly rated across 22 reviews for patient, professional instruction with both automatic and manual transmissions available. Simon and Michelle teach defensive driving skills alongside test preparation, with a strong track record of first-attempt passes and positive feedback from nervous learners and parents alike.

About Dalmatian Driving School

Simon Birrell and his team at Dalmatian Driving School have built a near-perfect Google reputation across Ocean Grove, Geelong, and the Bellarine Peninsula since starting in 2011. Both automatic and manual transmission lessons are on offer, with a driving test package that includes a pre-test lesson to steady the nerves and get learners familiar with local test routes around Geelong. Simon is mentioned again and again for his calm, patient, and encouraging approach. Parents consistently praise him for his work with teenagers, several reviews describe sons and daughters passing on their first attempt after his instruction. One learner passed with a clean sheet after just a month of lessons, while another noted how Simon's pre-test support soothed their anxiety on test day. If you're a nervous or anxious learner, that patient teaching style is exactly what many families look for. The school teaches defensive and anticipatory driving, not just test-passing tricks. Reviews highlight that Simon focuses on building skills for safe driving long after the P-plates go on, which reassures parents looking for thorough, responsible instruction. Female instructor Michelle Smith is also part of the team and earns warm mentions from learners. One parent wrote that both Simon and Michelle went well beyond the basics to support their daughter through to her licence. Dalmatian Driving School covers Ocean Grove, Leopold, Barwon Heads, Drysdale, Queenscliff, Point Lonsdale, and surrounding areas across the Bellarine. Weekend lessons run from 7am to 7pm, making it easier to fit driving practice around school and family schedules. The instructors hold Certificate IV qualifications in both driving instruction and training assessment. For learner drivers in the Geelong region searching for calm, thorough, and test-ready instruction, Simon and Michelle have the runs on the board.

Lesson Prices

Published lesson prices from $90
Lesson / PackageDetailsPrice
60 minute lesson60 min$90
90 minute lesson90 min$130
120 minute lesson120 min$170
drive test$290

Prices are published by Dalmatian Driving School and may change — confirm current rates when booking.

Services

  • driving lessons
  • automatic transmission lessons
  • manual transmission lessons
  • drive test package

What Customers Say on Google

Pass Rate

Simon passed a learner with 100% after just a month of lessons, teaching practical systems and manoeuvres with patience and professionalism.

Patience

Parents consistently praise Simon for his calm, patient approach with nervous teenagers; one learner's pre-test nerves were soothed before passing on their first attempt.

Confidence

Instructors teach defensive driving skills for safe, long-term driving, not just test-passing techniques, with both automatic and manual transmission lessons available.

Source: Google Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions About Dalmatian Driving School

Yes, Dalmatian Driving School offers lessons in both automatic and manual transmission vehicles across Ocean Grove, Geelong, and the Bellarine Peninsula. Instructor Simon Birrell is specifically noted for his work with manual learners, families tell us he builds genuine confidence behind the wheel of a manual car, teaching real-world skills rather than just test-passing tricks. Published lesson prices start from around $90, confirm current rates when booking.

Yes, Michelle Smith is a female instructor at Dalmatian Driving School. Both Michelle and Simon Birrell are praised by local families for their patience and professionalism, and for teaching skills that go beyond simply passing the test. This can be particularly important for learners who feel more comfortable with a female instructor or prefer a choice when booking lessons across the Bellarine and Geelong areas.

Dalmatian Driving School services Ocean Grove, Leopold, Clifton Springs, Drysdale, Barwon Heads, Queenscliff, Point Lonsdale, Marcus Hill, Wallington, Moolap, Newcomb, Whittington, St Albans Park, Portarlington, St Leonards, and Indented Head. The instructors know the local test routes around Geelong well, which helps learners feel prepared and familiar with the roads they'll face on test day.

Yes, Dalmatian Driving School offers a drive test package that includes a pre-test lesson with instructor Simon Birrell. Learners tell us this lesson helps calm nerves and builds familiarity with Geelong's test routes before the big day. Families consistently mention that Simon's calm, reassuring approach makes a real difference for anxious learners heading into their driving test.

Absolutely. Instructor Simon Birrell at Dalmatian Driving School is well known among Ocean Grove and Geelong families for his calm, patient, and encouraging style with nervous teens. Parents often mention their sons and daughters passing first go after lessons with Simon, and several have returned with younger siblings. He focuses on building confidence and teaching defensive driving skills that last well beyond the P-plate stage.

Contact Details

Address
Hocking Dr, Ocean Grove, Victoria, 3226

How Dalmatian Driving School Compares

in Ocean Grove

Rated 5.0 at the Ocean Grove average of 5.0
This biz
5.0
Average
5.0

More reviews than 75% of driving schools in Ocean Grove

Defensive Driving — 1 of 1 in Ocean Grove

Opening Hours

Monday
7am-7pm
Tuesday
7am-7pm
Wednesday
7am-7pm
Thursday
7am-7pm
Friday
7am-7pm
Saturday
7am-7pm
Sunday
7am-7pm

Business Details

Service Areas
Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula, Ocean Grove, Leopold, Clifton Springs, Drysdale, Barwon Heads, Queenscliff, Point Lonsdale, Marcus Hill, Wallington, Moolap, Newcomb, Whittington, St Albans Park, Portarlington, St Leonards, Indented Head
Certifications
Certificate IV - Driving Instruction, Certificate IV - Training & Assessment
Years in Business
14+
Pricing
Other packages can be tailored to customer needs. Current fee schedule dated 16-11-23.

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