Makene's Driving School

Fantastic experience: Huge shoutout to Tim at Makene’s Truck Driving Lessons for getting me across the finish line! The “Mighty Duck” truck and wonderfully calm, chilled Kiwi-Tim were the perfect combination. His steady guidance, patience, and confidence-building approach made all the difference. Thanks to Tim’s expert instruction, I officially have my Medium Rigid Manual license and even scored some Makene’s merch to celebrate! I couldn’t recommend Tim at Malaga highly enough. If you’re looking for a calm, supportive, knowledgeable instructor who genuinely wants you to succeed, he’s your person. I’m so proud to now be able to drive the school bus for our Inclusive Ed students I have a whole new level of empathy for the kids going for their licenses. The time, money, nerves, and sheer determination it takes is no small thing, even for us oldies, I found the testing process extremely stressful as I really wanted to succeed and was so nervous. Also the girls on the phone taking my initial enquiry seemed genuinely nice people as they were always patient and understanding with clear info, as first port of call this, to me, was important and is what made me look no further. What a great team at Rae Makene's Driving School. Thank you

Negative experience: I booked 1 hour of Road Ranger training with Makens and was very disappointed with the experience. The trainer arrived 15 minutes late, which already reduced my booked time. The truck was in very poor condition — the driver’s seat could not be adjusted at all, making it uncomfortable and unsafe to drive. The clutch was extremely hard, far worse than any road ranger truck I’ve driven before. Actual driving time was less than 30 minutes, mostly just going around the block, yet I was charged $170 for a full hour. Overall, the session felt rushed and not worth the money. I expected professional training and a properly maintained vehicle. Unfortunately, this was not the case. I would not return and would not recommend this training provider.

Fantastic experience: I did a 4hr lesson and then a test with Tim . He was absolutely amazing . I passed so that was brilliant but Tim made me feel comfortable and confident driving. I highly recommend

Fantastic experience: After a disappointing experience at West Aus Driver Training where the instructor made some negative comments about Makene's I decided to switch schools. I'm so glad I did! My time with Makene's, especially with instructor Tim, was outstanding. His calm, patient approach created a supportive and positive learning environment that helped me adapt quickly and confidently to the vehicle. Highly recommend Makene's for anyone looking for quality heavy vehicle training in Perth Damir @ Furniture Taxi

Fantastic experience: I completed my MR training and test yesterday. Tim was knowledgeable and provided clear, helpful feedback throughout the session. He was calm and patient, which created a comfortable and supportive learning environment.

Fantastic experience: Great experience with Makene’s driving school today! My instructor was brilliant, had a very calm approach to things, it made me feel at ease behind the wheel. Gave me some good tips to get the job done right, With just a few hours of driving and a test at the end of the day I came out with a pass! Would highly recommend to anyone

Fantastic experience: Mr LANCE ASPINALL was very good trainer. He helps me lot for getting my HR passed. Training/ Accessor and back office staff all were Very good.

Fantastic experience: My instructor was Lee, such a blessing, he taught me everything, any concerns I had he was right there to help me through it, he gave me pointers on what I needed to work on and thats exactly what we did, with the guidance, support and encouragement that Lee gave me I felt more then confident to sit my test. and I was able to pass and obtain my HR-B synchromesh licence, The office staff are amazing,friendly and very accommodating for all your needs, I will be recommending Makene's Driving School to everyone. Thank you

Negative experience: I rang up rto then jobs skills about this rip off place.... BARNEY IS SO UNPROFESSIONAL i did my first ever lesson in hr with ray in 2018-2020 in trucks ray was so nice took his time and i got hr from him in syncromesh the son doesnt have time and teaches mc wrong hes impatient and belittled me about 5x during test Ray every time i use to do something wrong he goes u was nearly there but barney im never up to standard.... They have in their policy that 72 hr no cancellation no refund ive taken pics and taken this to consumer affairs.... They cant take peoples deposit and if the customer has a incident in 72 hrs and notify the business in writing and phonecall they have to change appoitment or refund consumer law i rang them on this rip off rule they make up i reported this to rto.... That makenes have this rule if u cancel or request a change its not law so of they did this to you ring up consumer protection rto told me to report report report....

Fantastic experience: Great company. Even though I did not have a flawless experience i would still highly recommend them. I did my MC licence with them after not being in a HR truck for over 12 years. I was first put with an instuctor that left out things he was meant to teach me and some of the things he did teach me he taught me wrong. His name was Andrew from memory. The 2nd instructor I was put with named Eddie was amazing. Very relaxed in his methods of teaching which in turn helped keep me relaxed as well, which is very important. He taught me everything the correct way and never overcomplicated anything. When my initially booked lessons were over and I was due to sit the test he was very honest in letting me know that he did not feel I was competent and that I still needed more time to learn it. If I had have sat the test at that point in time I now know I would have failed the test and wasted my $300 it costs to do the test. I did 3 hrs of extra lessons which was enough to give me the confidence needed to sit the test and them passed 1st try. When booking my initial lessons and test, the girl in the office made a mistake and booked me in with 2 different instructors which they don't normally do which hindered my learning experience quite alot. I discussed this with them and they accepted their fault and reimbursed me by giving the extra lessons I needed at no cost. Before these extra lessons I was kind of ready to give up on doing the MC and opting to possibly just do HC as I was really struggling with the reversing part. The owners had a very supportive chat with me and convinced me that I was better off to stick with the MC which I am very grateful they did. Overall this company (besides my 1st instructor) have a very supportive nature and are very good at helping you not stress out and overthink what you are there to do. Even other instructors I encountered while I was there were very encouraging in my learning. Highly recommend them and Eddie as an instructor

Negative experience: Would not reccomend... I Drive hr for a living went for mc made to feel very uncomfortable was not given assessment even though i paid i could have done the driving somewhere else dont come here for mc

Negative experience: Would not recommend instructors are good but customer service team and service team has no accountability and don’t know how to act professional. Would not recommend was spoken to with no respect

Negative experience: terrible customer service. no accountability for their own mistakes would not recommend

Fantastic experience: Probably one of only a hand full of people that has had to do MC drivers licence twice! Did it in 2013 and 2025 with these guys and have to say they are the best! Thanks to all the team for not one, but two great experiences!

Negative experience: Was made to feel very uncomfortable during my first lesson which lasted half a day. Was going for a MC and had never driven anything like that before. My trainer would get annoyed at me when I did things wrong as though I should know how to drive this thing. He rang the next day but was to uncomfortable to talk with him. Nobody else tried to ring. They were within their rights but they kept all my money and never offered any back. Can’t afford to try again somewhere else :(

Fantastic experience: The best in the west BJ is a great instructor who made everything easy to understand

Fantastic experience: Fantastic crew, helped me obtain my MC through their 2 day course would highly recommend them!

Fantastic experience: Passed HR-Automatic with them , facilities and car park ok We started training at the time of the appointment straightforward without too much paper work . I got trained by Tim , you can tell ha has years of experience in trucks . I was given clear instructions without too much overwhelming thoughts . The route is easy afterall , just a couple of tricky roundabouts and vehicles parked on industrial estate . I will recommend makene to friends

Fantastic experience: Got my licence through this company, passed on my first attempt, great training which allowed me a great career, always would recommend to anyone and also recommend to all of my friends requiring their HR fair pricing and fair testing.

Negative experience: Bunch of theives. Staff aggressive and rude. Paid $1100 upfront for 1 day HR cousre. They double booked and tried to make me move my date which I'm only in Perth 1 week a month. They cancelled my appointment and kept my money. Never sent a invoice for payment even after asking multiple times. Tried to sort this out professionally but all i was met with was aggression even from the owner. They have now blocked me. Dodgiest company I've ever delt with. They need to be shut down. Already reported to ombudsman to which I've discovered they have multiple reports about them. Please save your money and go elsewhere. DO NOT DEAL WITH THESE THEIVES.

Fantastic experience: I passed my MR test today all thanks to Tim! Thankyou for all the pointers, tips and tricks! And the lovely chitchat along the way.

Fantastic experience: I took the HR day course which I assumed was going to be a group exercise but I was wrong. It was One on one tutoring with a great instructor that picked out my flaws and focused on them he had plenty of great tips and info to share. Prior to the actual test I felt confident and comfortable enough to get the job done and that's what happened. Grinning ear to ear From the ladies in the office to the instructor and assessor I couldnt of asked for better they were all down to earth welcoming people that I'd recommend to anyone after a truck driving school just as it was recommended to me. Hands down 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Fantastic experience: Highly recommend this place, Allan was very patient and helpful, so was the rest of the staff.

Fantastic experience: The only people to go to for truck driver training. A really psitive experience leaving you feel ready and confident for your next position in the workforce

Fantastic experience: I couldn’t have obtained my MR-B license without driving instructor, Eddie. Eddie is an incredibly patient, knowledgeable, empathetic and kind man who never failed to reassure me. He made my lessons fun and lighthearted, and I throughly enjoyed his company. Eddie is one of a kind - there is no one better! Thank you Eddie!

Fantastic experience: Got my HR my first hit after wasted money few other places

Fantastic experience: Great company too deal with Instructors and assessor’s make you feel at ease I never drove a synchromesh before going with this company and passed first time Highly recommend going with them you wont regret it

Fantastic experience: Can’t recommend these guy’s highly enough, All the trainers were friendly, funny and professional, was a great day. Massive thanks to Craig and Ray.

Fantastic experience: great staff and my instructor was topnotch. thank guys

Fantastic experience: Staff are friendly and helpful, trucks are neat, well presented and drive great. Best thing about my experience was allan an instructor here, he has made my experience getting the HR lisence one to never forget. A truly awesome man, thankyou to all staff and Ray for the great work and standards they uphold. 110% recommend Mackene's Driving School.

Fantastic experience: Very professional, friendly and willing to assist on all levels. I highly recommend a 2 day course as it helps enormously with eradicating bad driving habits...(I'm in my 60's and didn't realise how many bad driving habits I had). Special thanks to Craig who's patience and understanding was very appreciated.

Fantastic experience: Craige was very good trainer. He helps me lot for getting my HR passed. Training/ Accessor and back office staff all were brilliant.

Fantastic experience: My Husband and I needed a light rigid license to be able to drive our new F350. Alex our instructor was great and he passed on many of his tips for driving larger vehicles. 10/10 for this driving school

Fantastic experience: Allan was great! He gave me the best possible chance to get my MR license and I passed with flying colours! Highly recommend him as your instructor!

Fantastic experience: I would highly recommend to anyone whoever wants to upgrade the licences, go to the Makene's driving school.The best instructor ever learnt from. Give you the key how you become a good driver. Thanks to the instructor.

Fantastic experience: Highly recommended. All staff are very friendly and professional, especially Allan and Alex trainer and assessor. Thank you very much guys.

Fantastic experience: Amazing, friendly, patient instructors! highly recommended, can’t find better place to get your HR. they are experts to teach their driving skills to the others. The instructor ‍ showed me how I was drive (shown my mistakes) and how I should drive! Thanks so much I really appreciate your patience and support!

Fantastic experience: I had the pleasure of working with Ray’s team over a two day course sitting the MC license, coming from driving only HR vehicles this was a big step/challenge for me. My instructor I give full credit to for my results as he took the time to emphasise on areas were he felt needed addressing the most,he also took the time to accommodate to my individual needs and skill level,not only was he very patient but very professional and down to earth to deal with. I recommend Ray and his team for all your heavy vehicle licensing no matter what skill level you are as they went above and beyond to help me get results Thanks guys I wish I had done it sooner

Fantastic experience: Such amazing staff! Wish I could give this place 10 stars. Lee was a calm and patient instructor who helped me through my nerves! Couldn’t recommend a better place to get your HR. Will definitely be back! Thanks again team! :D

Fantastic experience: great experience friendly and a pleasure to do Hc license with instructors and accessors were professional and informative highly recommend

Fantastic experience: My wife and I needed LR to drive our new GMC AT4 Tow tug. Makene;s were very easy to deal with in the lead up to our lessons. Eddie was a great trainer. He made the whole process very calm and helped keep our stress levels under control. My wife and I would highly recommend Makene’s. Keep up the good work and thanks again to Eddie. See you on the road one day.

Fantastic experience: Aussie bloke took me for my test on Thursday did an Awsome job couldn’t recommend a better instructor! Will most likely return for HR later next year. Thanks guys have a good year

Fantastic experience: Great experience getting my HR License. Very professional staff and the trucks are well looked after and great to drive. Lee the instructor was great with explanations and by the time my assesment came around I had the confidence of passing first time. Would recommend them highly!

Fantastic experience: One off the best training what I have ever experience and this in a real family environment ! Thanks for your good work for RMW Regards Joachim

Fantastic experience: 6 Star⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ definitely recommend to all. My instructor was very knowledgeable in every aspect & the procedures required. His professional & amicable attitude enabled the slight anxiety I was experiencing to subdued which helped me to successfully pass my course. I have 20 years experience from another country and learnt alot of new practical skills that I will definitely adapt & apply. Thanks Ray, Dot & the rest of the team I met

Fantastic experience: I have been refereed by multiple friends to go here , great staff and learning experience, highly recommended place if looking to get your truck license and experience

Fantastic experience: Very good experience. Did the training for MR then the test at DOT. Eddie was fantastic and prepared me very well for the test. Top stuff mate thanks again!

Fantastic experience: Excellent trainers an assessors

Negative experience: Don’t ever let these guys teach you. They are lazy and have no patience. I had 4 lessons with 4 different instructors a few years ago. They kept telling me I was wasting my money

Fantastic experience: Beautiful trucks and top blokes Excellent communication from the phones to the roads Would highly recommend to any and all. Cheers Boys

Fantastic experience: It was a really nice experience and the quality to have a MC license Teaching is good the trainer is excellent little noisy but no complaint. He was trying his best to make me pass at one go. thanks

Negative experience: zero star they all are dodgy trainer , They are not give the proper training to the learner and in the exam they will fail you . waste of money please avoid this kind of driving school.

Fantastic experience: Employees were very professional and amazing. Value for money.

Fantastic experience: I couldn’t recommend these any more Alan the trainer was so professional & such a good teacher thanks again

Fantastic experience: After a bad experience with another company i contacted makenes. These guys are top class and very professional. I actually enjoyed the day, the guys walked me through it and i am now able to start my new position. Top class company, many thanks.

Fantastic experience: If had the option of 6 stars would give it. Really great communication from the start and my assessor / instructor Alex was awesome. Alex explained things in a method you could understand quickly even after years of bad habits. I passed my driving test pretty easily after that. Thanks to the team huge shout out to Alex though - legend mate. Garrett ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Fantastic experience: excellent service & well professional staff. highly recommended. thanks

Fantastic experience: Great trainers and awesome assessments, lovely team, had an awesome day

Fantastic experience: Got my HR had a great teacher Paul, if you need your HR makenes is the place to go, Thanks guys!

Negative experience: Never felt more ripped off in my life. Out of the 15 hours of training I paid for I received only 9 before being made to take the test despite stating that I needed more practice reversing a trailer as I had never done so before. But hey, they already had my money, so that was obviously all that mattered to them.

Fantastic experience: Great place, great instructors, got my HR ticket all done in one day

Fantastic experience: It really was an excellent experience. It can be quite daunting doing your truck licence, they're so big, however the staff that work there really do clam you down and have the patience to show you how to do things right. The truck drove like new and I passed first time.

Fantastic experience: Great instructors

Fantastic experience: The staff (trainers, assessors and admin) were all very friendly, professional and knowledgeable. The training was first class and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Makene’s Driving School for your heavy vehicle driver training.

Fantastic experience: Alex was a great instructor, I think he was gobsmacked I passed tho lol

Fantastic experience: Thank you for everything especially Fiona who is the face of the front desk ,I'm so glad we made the trip from kalgoorlie to Perth you rock girl you placed me with an awesome trainer name Paul , I did a one day course for my MC . Paul guided me thru my assessment at the same time picking up my bad habits , correcting and explaining what not to do . Paul is very passionate and experience at what he says and does . If you want to achieve your goals go to Makene Truck Driving Course , I promise you you won't be disappointed and there prices are more affordable than anywhere else . Cheers One Love One Heart❤❤❤

Fantastic experience: Excellent facility and amazing people. From booking to training to skill test...All went so smoothly. Highly recommend......Craig is the one who trained me.

Fantastic experience: Everyone was very polite, and friendly. I would highly recommend them to others. Due to their quality instruction i was able to pass my LR test on the first attempt. 10/10 would go back if i needed to upgrade to a larger truck

Fantastic experience: Great bunch of guys down there! Very clear & helpful in all aspects of dealing with them! I would highly recommend this company to anyone interested in abstaining a truck licence. 10/10

Fantastic experience: Sat my HR road ranger then my MC 18 months later both with makenes was nervous before both but professional, relaxed staff were excellent at calming me and took there time to show me how to drive. Instructors and office staff were nice and I would highly recommend to anyone. I also had limited experience both times and took two day course would recommend for anyone that is lacking experience.

Fantastic experience: Great place to go and get your Hr licence well priced would go back and so an up grade

Fantastic experience: A great team of people in the front office and very helpful driving instructors and assessors i would recommend Mekene's to anybody who wants a truck licence from Mick Slater

Fantastic experience: Whether you are new to trucks, looking to upgrade your licence or get further training these are the guys to go to. If you are from outside Perth it is worth the trip to the big smoke to train with these guys. We are a married couple who came in from the country to do truck training and assessment at Makene’s (Gnangara) and are so glad we did. Before our arrival we dealt with Dot and the girls in the office over the phone who were really great and clear communicators. Once we were in the trucks we got to have training from BJ, Paul and Alex who were all fantastic. The combination of great knowledge and the ability to keep us relaxed while learning was something very special indeed. If you listen to the instruction given and action it, you will be set for success with these guys. In our time with Makene's Tim got MC and Paulina HR. We look forward to returning again in 12 months for Paulina to take the next step in her truck driving journey!!!!

Fantastic experience: Friendly staff and professional instructors with a wealth of knowledge. I would highly recommend them to anyone.

Fantastic experience: ELizabeth chancy

Fantastic experience: Got my HR a few weeks back. Been recommending them to everyone. Because everyone asks where I got my HR. These guys are awesome friendly, nice, down to earth, great staff. They teach you lots and help you learn. Definitely I recommend them to everyone.

Fantastic experience: Very helpful and friendly office staff also brilliant training. Highly recommended 5 star

Fantastic experience: Really great company! My instructor Alex was an absolute legend - he made me feel very comfortable and relaxed and was a great teacher. The whole process was easy and they organised the invoice for my company with no issues. Every person I spoke to was incredibly helpful and easy going and it made the experience that much better for me. Would highly recommend this company to anyone.

Fantastic experience: Ray Makene’s.... Such an amazing crew! Everyone was super friendly and helpful from the very first point of contact! Makene’s provided a comfortable and safe learning environment... easy-going and professional instructors and assessors ... and a relaxed, yet very informative training day. I could not recommend this company, or their staff any more highly! From the girls in the office, to the instructors and assessors - thank you so much! I was so nervous about it all, but that all left as soon as I met everyone. Both my trainer and assessor were warm, relaxed, professional and very experienced at what they do. For those just starting out like myself, to those more experienced... definitely can’t recommend these guys enough! Thanks again Makene’s!

Fantastic experience: Very helpful and easy to get on with.

Fantastic experience: Had a fantastic experience with Makene's. Very professional, from start to finish, and most of all made me feel welcome. Which eased my nerves before the practical driving exam. Thank you very much

Negative experience: This school took 500bux form me doing my MR license and never teach me nothing based on how to drive a truck and then took me DOT do test. They never teach me how to break the truck or when to break the truck Never give me a run down how to change gears When change up or down they expect you to figure it out How to use the clutch move truck

Negative experience: dodgy

Fantastic experience: This driving school deserves a credit more especially to the trainers, because they don't prepare you to pass the test only but to make you a good truck driver.. Very professionally and friendly .. Assessors are strict which I think is right to the public and for other road users.

Fantastic experience: I PASSED!!! Highly recommend ray makenes driving school!! They teach you how to drive a road ranger the way it's supposed to be driven, If you're chasing a good instructor i highly recommend eddie! He may be a lil rough around the edges at first with telling you how to drive but trust me it's the way you want to be trained, i can't thank these guys enough for all they gave me!! All staff are friendly and treat you soo good!! Once again makenes!! Thank you soo much!!! I will be back for my MC!

Fantastic experience: I did my MR licence with Alex and Ray, and yesterday I passed with flying colours! :) Alex was an excellent, patient and knowledgeable instructor, and his teaching not only helped me in the truck, but I believe helped me improve my day to day driving too! I would also highly recommend that anyone who wants/needs to learn takes the time to do some lessons over a week or two - I started with the two-hour course and failed the test miserably on the first go, it wasn't anywhere near enough time. It's tempting to try and "get it done" and may seem cheaper, but trust me, taking the time to do a few lessons and give yourself time to absorb what you have learnt makes a huge difference. On my second go at the test, I nailed it. Overall, I was really happy with Makene's customer service and help in getting me my MR licence, I'll see you again soon for my HR road ranger!

Fantastic experience: Amazing experience with Makene's driving school, very dedicated and knowledgeable instructors. I just passed my HR automatic road test yesterday. The instructors and the receptionists were all extremely friendly, professional and definitely provided the assistance I needed. I would highly recommend starting your truck driving career with Makene! Ciao

Fantastic experience: I will say theyr verry verry good people up there if you want truck licence HR Mr Lee light hc this is the best place I have ever been 110%

Fantastic experience: Great place friendly staff and good instructors highly recommend to anyone looking to get or upgrade their truck licence

Fantastic experience: I was put on to Ray Makene's through a friend who said they are worth a go. I live 4 hours away from Perth and the local trainer to me was unavailable for the next month. I got in touch with Dot via email who responded straight away and was more than helpful, and flexible to be able to fit me in because I was travelling. I had Alex as a trainer who was great and managed to get me up to scratch to pass my Road Ranger. Overall great experience.

Fantastic experience: Had Alex as an instructor, took the time and was patient to teach me a road ranger gearbox. Knew where I needed work and focused on that. Recommend highly

Fantastic experience: Highly recommended very good instructors and friendly staff

Fantastic experience: I went to Makene's after coming from another RTO who stiffed be pretty good. From the first phone call Dot helped me out from start to finish walking me through the process of doing my HR road ranger license through them she was an absolute angel and made sure I had everything I needed. Once I was in the Truck the instructor was down to earth and not matter how many times he had to tell me to slow down he never got annoyed, all the way through to my final examination Makene's was wonderful and I will be recommending them to all the boys. Thanks Makene's Tom

Negative experience: Very dodgy training school. I had poor experience with them. They are not friendly while giving you training and also ask you more lesson more lesson.

Fantastic experience: Just received my MC license yesterday, cannot recommend Makene's Driving School enough... great helpful friendly staff. If you're looking for an awesome heavy vehicle driving school these are the guys to go to!

Fantastic experience: Awesome driving school

Fantastic experience: I pass my HR driving test today when I start first the instructor said get two more lessons and I did really well specially Alene was good guy thanks makenes for my hr licence really recommend

Negative experience: Old and crappy trucks to learn in the one I had didn’t have a working speedo was using gps for speed then got failed for speeding but was assured that with one more lesson and test and of course more money that I would pass couldn’t help but feel it was a scam would not recommend to anyone minus ten stars

Fantastic experience: Great instructors and very helpful staff. Would definitely recommend. Cheers Guys

Fantastic experience: Highly recommend going to Makene's driving school for your hr licence. Great knoledge and great teaching methods. The office staff are very helpful and friendly. My trainer Paul was great and Eddie the assessor was awsome, I'll defiantly be coming back for my mc licence. Thanks guys