RACV Drive School

Fantastic experience: I had a tremendous experience with Winston Trin over five lessons before my test. He communicated clearly, gave accurate and reliable advice, and was reassuring and patient when I found myself getting stressed. If you're preparing for your P plates, absolutely give Winston a call and he'll give you everything you need to pass.

Fantastic experience: Eli Gilarry is the best! Passed my test with 0 issues!! Recommended

Fantastic experience: I had a couple of lessons with Eli Gillary, he was a great instructor, always on time and helped me pass my driving test first time. I could recommend him to anyone looking to book lessons to improve their drive skills.

Fantastic experience: Ayman Takla is a kind, patient and extremely competent instructor. My granddaughter was very nervous to start formal lessons but Ayman was incredibly considerate and calm… She passed her test first time… thank you Ayman

Negative experience: Would not recommend Adi Sethi as a driving instructor. He was unprofessional, and on at least two occasions he would call an hour to the session prior to make me come in earlier/later. Then we would ask for the lesson to be in Epping, not the originally agreed upon lesson in Carlton. The lessons I had were vouchers for 60 minutes, yet Adi said his lessons were 90 and it would need additional payment to cover the remaining 30 minutes. He was passive aggressive and not helpful or supportive in the lessons. When he would finish the lesson (10 minutes earlier I might add) he would drop me off randomly in Epping.

Fantastic experience: My thanks to Eli Gilarry for his exceptionally thorough but relaxed approach to learning to drive. I had a 5 lesson package from the RACV that I used with Eli and by the end I was much more confident and comfortable behind the wheel of a car. Eli is a fantastic conversationalist and kept us both at ease whilst coaching me on important lessons and observations whilst driving. I appreciate his stories and his many strategies. Learning the skills associated with safely navigating my vehicle was a breeze with him. I passed my test first time on Tuesday and know I am well equipped as I continue to practice driving. My heartfelt thanks.

Fantastic experience: Massive thankyou to Brenda from Bundoora/Coolaroo area in Melbourne for her expert guidance with lessons and willingness to help. Our car broke down the day before my son’s driving test and Brenda was kindly able to organize a last minute alternative so my son could still sit his licence. Very grateful.

Negative experience: Absolute waste of time and money! If I could give a zero star rating I would!

Negative experience: Expensive

Fantastic experience: Eli Gilarry Is the best driving instructor. From our very first lesson, his patience and expertise made me feel at ease. He tailored each session to my individual needs, ensuring I built confidence and skill behind the wheel. The lessons were not only informative but also enjoyable, filled with practical tips and constructive feedback. Thanks to Eli Gilarry, I passed my driving test perfectly! I highly recommend Him to anyone looking for a top-notch driving instructor. He is 11/10

Fantastic experience: My instructor was Eli Gilarry - he was absolutely incredible. Eli took me from being too scared to drive on the road to passing my test in my first try in a matter of months. He was always calm, relaxed and full of great conversation which completely got rid of my anxiety and allowed me to feel confident on the road. He rarely ever took control of the vehicle unless necessary, and taught me to develop an instinct for safe driving. 100% recommend!

Fantastic experience: ELI!!!!! Saying thank you is not enough for me to express my gratitude towards how patient and understanding you were in teaching me. You made me feel relax and confident all the time. Thank you so much for your service. Highly recommended!

Fantastic experience: Eli Gilarry is the best driving instructor at the RACV. Our lessons were always so much fun, he was patient and I felt very comfortable driving with him. I learnt so much about a variety of different road rules and regulations in a short time span and looked forward to my lessons with him. Aside from the teaching, I enjoyed our conversations about diverse topics and found Eli to be incredibly engaging. I passed my P's test first try with zero mistakes. Eli has taught my friends and their family members as well and they have all said how lovley and kind he is. I honestly recommend Eli to any person who wants to learn how to drive and how to pass the drive test with flying colours!!

Fantastic experience: After being recommended by a friend, Eli Gilarry made me confident in my driving and after about 8 lessons with him, I passed my test on the first try, learning with him was great as he made driving fun and enjoyable.

Fantastic experience: Eli Gilarry, is one of the best instructors in the RACV drive school. He is calm and very good at teaching, when having a conversation with him as well he is kind and very funny. Would recommened booking him as a instructor

Fantastic experience: My driving instructor was Eli Gillary. Two of my mates recommended him. He was very clear at explaining things, he helped me make sure I was prepared for the test as there were still things I needed to iron out. I passed my test first time I would definitely recommend him if you want to pass.

Fantastic experience: I learnt with Eli Gilarry from no experience at all, he was absolutely fantastic at teaching me safe driving ☀️ Always on time and made the learning experience easy and fun. Would highly recommend him as your inspiration, got my green Ps first go!

Fantastic experience: Eli Gilarry is an absolutely amazing instructor who took me from a complete beginner to passing the test on the first go. He is calm, patient and never took control of the car unless necessary which helped build my confidence. He is also very knowledgeable about all aspects of safe driving. I highly recommend going with him.

Negative experience: The service is horrible, availability of drivers is extremely limited and the lack of communication is appalling with no attempt to find solutions.

Fantastic experience: I was fortunate enough to have Eli Gilarry as my driving instructor. He is an incredible instructor and the reason why I was able to pass my test and have confidence in my driving. I can't recommend him highly enough!

Fantastic experience: My Instructor Eli Gilorry was recommended to me by a friend, I had a few lessons with him, and after almost 6 years trying to get my license he is the reason I passed this time. Always polite and on time, he was absolutely the best instructor i’ve ever had.

Fantastic experience: Eli Gilarry provided a supportive and tailored approach as my instructor - working with me to pass my driving license test. He was always welcoming, professional and punctual. I highly recommend this wonderful driving instructor to all.

Fantastic experience: I booked a few lessons with Eli to prepare for my drive test after hearing a recommendation from a friend about the RACV drive school. Eli massively helped me to fine-tune my driving and prepare me for the test! I would highly recommend him.

Fantastic experience: Automatic driving instructor Nick was super thorough and made me feel comfortable in the car and on the road. I highly recommend Nick as an instructor for anyone and everyone:)

Fantastic experience: Eli Gilarry was a fantastic driving instructor who always showed up on time and was extremely helpful in preparing me for my test which i past first try. I have recommended Eli to all my friends and i recommend him to you aswell.

Fantastic experience: Passed my test thanks to my drive instructor, Eli Gilarry! I found Eli’s contact details on the RACV website. I’m very glad to have done lessons with him. As an overseas driver, who has limited driving experience in Australia (and also very nervous about driving here!), Eli was able to explain the principles behind Australian road rules which made it easier for me to apply theory and principles into practice. Eli is very personable, has a lovely demeanor, knowledgeable, punctual, and is very culturally sensitive - important traits for an effective instructor. Also good for nervous / apprehensive drivers as they do make a big difference ahead of the drive exam! I have definitely learned a lot from Eli and already notice an improvement in my driving and driving confidence. I have already recommended Eli to a friend - cannot recommend him enough! FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS!!!

Negative experience: Had an awful experience, Instructor (Rob, Malvern East) was knowledgable but extremely unhelpful in guiding me through what to do as a first time driver. He would only explain things once then get angry at me when I couldn’t immediately implement them, even though I had only ever driven in that session. I felt completely unsupported and demoralised. I would not recommend this school or my instructor to anyone.

Fantastic experience: My RACV instructor Eli Gilarry was introduced to me by my brother, it was a great time learning to drive with him over the last 2 years. I successfully passed my Ps test first time today!!! He was always punctual and patient and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to my friend Thank you Eli

Negative experience: Extremely disorganised, I ended up requesting a refund as there wasn't a single instructor. I bought 5 lessons fist and completed them with an automatic instructor, it wasn't awful but she was over an hour late once and left me in her car for over 20 minutes while she ran errands. For the next lessons I switched to manual as my parents just bought a manual car, I had one lesson, but the instructor never turned up to my second lesson. I got the confirmation message so I know I booked correctly, but I waited for hours and got no explanation. He never even replied when I tried to contact to reschedule. I called RACV and they seem to have no information on their instructors, couldn't even tell me if he still worked for them. I asked if I could be put in contact with another manual driving instructor but there weren't any available within 10km of where I live. I live in the inner-northern suburbs so I would think such a well-known, established company would have at least someone. I think RACV's system of matching learners to instructors isn't working, as I was left with 4 pre-purchased lessons and no instructor.

Fantastic experience: Ken was an excellent driving instructor, he helped me pass my test on the first go. I would highly recommend his service.

Fantastic experience: Great instructor very patient and calm will help you with every detail to keep notice of while driving along with the fundamentals of driving itself

Negative experience: Booked a bundle of five lessons for our eldest child. Instructor allocated was dreadful - didn’t actually teach, was bad tempered and ruined my child’s confidence. Fortunately we were able to use a different local driving school who were fantastic and noted they get a lot of learners coming to them after their RACV Drive School disappointed them. Would not recommend.

Fantastic experience: My instructor Ken Trin is an amazing instructor throughout the whole entire time of my learning stages, he’s very friendly, encouraging and least of all very helpful. He is my first and only instructor. His method was strict, accurate and precise. I am so excited to have passed my drive test on a manual car first go today. Thank you RACV for the highly recommendation to choose Ken for my intuitions. Yesssss!!!!!

Fantastic experience: Ken, is a very knowledgeable, patient and accomodating instructor. Helped me pass my test on the first attempt. Highly recommended!

Fantastic experience: Ken was the most best driving instructor thank you very much passed manual drive test first go !!!!

Fantastic experience: I wholeheartedly recommend Eli Gilarry as a driving instructor. He is incredibly patient and kind, and gives clear instructions and feedback. I did lessons with Eli as a mature learner driver (late 20’s). He helped me build my confidence with driving, and I am proud to say I passed my drive test. Thanks again Eli, I am incredibly grateful for your guidance and support!

Fantastic experience: Ken Te my instructor for manual lessons very good, got a free faster test out of it, put a good argument for managmemt to ascertain my licence.

Fantastic experience: Ken did quite well at teaching me how to drive a manual, though due to traffic there were some delays in the lessons, as he's covering more area

Fantastic experience: Ken Trin was a great instructor today he helped me a lot with passing my test and also made me very confident with passing it and I passed my manual drive test on first go

Fantastic experience: Ken Trin is always punctual, his information is always informative and his reverse parking is absolutely brilliant. The hour and a half driving lesson felt like 30 minutes, thank you Racv for the referral!!

Fantastic experience: If you’re looking to book lessons with an instructor who’s funny, personable, and a brilliant instructor - make sure you get Nick Havos! Absolute credit to his calling and superb at his job, in addition to being a fantastic person. Cannot recommend highly enough.

Fantastic experience: I took driving lessons with Eli Gilarry in Carlton and he was the best instructor ever! He took me from being a nervous wreck behind the wheel to passing my test on the first try! The kindest, warmest and most reassuring driving instructor ever, so lucky to have learnt how to drive with Eli! Best experience ever and forever grateful for his advice and guidance 10/10!

Fantastic experience: My instructor Ken Trin taught the basics of manual starting off and the manual mechanics and in 4 lessons with him I managed to drive in local and multi lane roads with other cars. Through the tasks I’ve practiced I’ve managed to drive on main roads with less distractions. His techniques were taught miniute by minute and gave feedback for areas I need work on at the time of doing these tasks

Fantastic experience: Ken Trim had lots of great analogies and diagrams to help me throughout my lessons with him. Ken was always on time even though he had to travel to Carlton to meet me. Because of all his effort and encouragement, I was able to ascertain my license and pass on first attempt. Thank you RACV DRIVE SCHOOL for the high recommendation!!!

Fantastic experience: I was lucky to have Eli Gilarry as my driving instructor. His patience and encouragement were key to converting my overseas license to a Victorian one, and I aced the driving test on my first attempt. I highly recommend Eli to anyone in need of a driving instructor – his expertise and supportive approach make the learning experience both effective and enjoyable.

Fantastic experience: Eli was such a great instructor. He has a great attitude, good humour, always on time, and he made it so comfortable while doing lessons and the test. Highly recommend!

Negative experience: It seems the instructors can't even follow simple road rules (not to park across or obstruct a driveway). The instructor was illegally parked for at least 10mins across a driveway and got out and walked across the road leaving the vehicle unattended. I wouldnt trust them teaching Learner drivers when they dont know or can't even follow the rules themselves.

Fantastic experience: Eli definitely the best instructor I ever met. He is very honest, polite, reliable and detail. He always provide constructive feedback. He never put pressure or distract learner during driving. His feedback always clear and detail. He help learner build up confidence to drive safety. I would definitely recommend Eli.

Fantastic experience: Passed my manual drive test first go thanks to the amazing work of my instructor and his constructive teaching. He knew how to make me understand and remember things like no other teacher I have had. He made the most stressful parts of driving, the most fun. Couldn't have done it without him

Fantastic experience: Ken Trin is a top bloke. Very excellent teacher and knows what he doing. goes the extra mile and time to assure that I pass on first try. thank you RACV for your referral to Ken Trin.

Fantastic experience: I had two lessons with Eli Gilarry in Carlton and successfully passed the driver's test with his help. Thank you Eli for your help and I recommend him to anybody looking for an instructor. He was patient, encouraging, taught me all I needed to know whilst making me feel settled with his good sense of humour.

Fantastic experience: Just had my first lesson with Ken Trin who was an amazing instructor and made me feel very comfortable to help me work through an issue driving manual that I had been unable to solve in my 30hours of manual driving, as well as guiding and teaching me how to do my first reverse park. Thanks Ken!

Fantastic experience: Had Eli Gillary as my driving instructor for Carlton. He was very friendly and patient, would certainly recommend!

Fantastic experience: Thank you Tania for all your guidance in preparation for the drivers test :)

Fantastic experience: Would highly recommend Deen. He is a very patient instructor, not only did he help me prepare for the drive test but he made me a safer and more responsible driver.

Fantastic experience: Had Eli as an instructor and made sure I was fully prepared in a calm and safe way. Would 100% recommend to anyone

Fantastic experience: After a couple lessons with Ken. I'm glad to say I was well informed and ready to drive manual. Thanks to his meticulous instructions I was able to pass first time of asking. Thanks Ken!

Fantastic experience: Ken was a great teacher, fully recommend to anybody wanting to learn manual!

Fantastic experience: Ken Trin was absolutely amazing. His manual teaching skills and work ethic is what got me passing on a manual test first go even though it was challenging due to my overseas transfer. Thank you, I can get back to work and continue my daily routine without the stress of morbid thoughts.

Fantastic experience: I have been taking lessons from harry singh in ringwood .he has helped me overcome with my driving anxiety,he is very patient and very calm instructor I recommended him if u are looking to get lessons to become a safer driver

Fantastic experience: Only had about 3 lessons with Ken but prior to that I was on my automatic license and today I am proud to say I have achieved a manual upgrade on my first go. Thank you so much for your effort in coming out this far to see me!

Negative experience: Didn't realise how awful my experience was until I tried another driving school. I had my lessons with Malcolm who spent more time on his phone texting and calling other clients which was very distracting. Not very encouraging and made me feel hopeless at driving.

Fantastic experience: I highly recommend Eli Gillary. I had so many driving instructors before but was not the right one. On the other hand, Eli was very patient, enthusiastic, understanding and calm. His calm manner made me enjoyed the lessons. When I make mistakes, he does not yell but teaches me on how to handle situations. His goal is not just about having his students obtain their license but teaches his students how to be safe drivers and anticipate possible scenarios to avoid road accidents. I highly recommend him!!

Fantastic experience: The information Ken gave was very helpful and I'm confident to pass the test.

Fantastic experience: Eli was an amazing driving instructor who truly values diversity and inclusivity. As an African migrant, I was initially nervous about learning to drive in a new country, but Eli made me feel comfortable and supported every step of the way. He went out of his way to ensure that his teaching methods were tailored to my learning style, and his patience and encouragement helped me to gain the confidence I needed to pass my driving test. I would highly recommend Eli to anyone looking for a supportive, inclusive, and knowledgeable driving instructor.

Fantastic experience: Couldn't have asked for a better instructor with Eli. He was punctual, knowledgeable and friendly. I passed the test first attempt and would certainly recommend him to a friend.

Fantastic experience: Thank you Malcolm for your professional lessons for our son. Your knowledge and friendly lessons are so much appreciated.

Negative experience: Steven Palegeorge was a terrible instructor and made me feel very uncomfortable. He has no patience with you and has an awkward personality.

Fantastic experience: Guys if you ever want to learn safest driving … go for Eli Gillary… I mean I just love the way he teaches •Patience level is incredible • Proper rules will be taught These two are the best things in him… I used to do mistakes a lot but he improved me so much that now I can drive anywhere you want me too… my previous instructor was like you don’t know this and that and sometimes even he was be like why do you want to give a test ? You can’t do anything just demotivated me … but Eli made me believe in myself and he was so very nice … I just recommend him to everyone… Thank you so much

Fantastic experience: If you're from overseas or a bit older I seriously can't recommend Eli enough!!! He's very understanding of cultural differences (I didn't grow up in Australia) and is very kind, patient and an amazing person who knows the road rules back to front and actually explains them to you. I had so many gaps of knowledge despite having had many instructors throughout the years. As a 39-year old woman who never drove I was close to giving up as I kept failing the test. I was extremely nervous but Eli gave me both the skills and the confidence to finally pass the test. Everything he said was useful and clear and things finally made sense after my lessons with him, and I finally got my Ps. I'm over the moon, thanks so much for everything, Eli.

Fantastic experience: Driving was a massive source of anxiety for me, especially as a woman in my late twenties - but after lessons with Eli Gilarry, I found myself actually looking forward to driving! From the very beginning Eli was relaxed and confident, which helped so much. He was able to simplify tasks like reverse parallel parking and other maneuverers so they seemed easy and not frightening at all! We laughed in my lessons and he forgave all my mistakes with a thorough explanation of what to do next time. I passed my driving test on the first go and owe it to him. Thanks Eli!

Negative experience: I booked driving instructor with RACV she just waste my time and my money all the time she shouting at me I took 2 lesson with her I was thinking I forget to drive I have overseas license. I had very bed experience in her profile she was ex Vic road instructor but she have 0 skill to be a instructor I just have guilt why I waste my money.

Fantastic experience: My son was nervous leading up to his driving test but Brenda (who instructs in the northern suburbs - Bundoora and surrounding areas) was an outstanding instructor. We paid for 5 lessons prior to the test and also for another lesson just before the driving test which turned out really well as my son went into the test full of confidence and got his drivers license first go thanks to Brenda’s great tips and instruction. Top class instructor, fully recommend!

Fantastic experience: My son recently had the pleasure of having driving lessons with Trevor O'Connor. Trevor made him feel comfortable and at ease behind the wheel. Trevor's teaching style was very effective, with clear and concise instructions that were easy to follow. Trevor was patient and took the time to explain any areas that my son found challenging and worked with him until he felt confident. Trevor's experience and expertise were evident throughout the lessons, as he imparted valuable tips and advice that helped my son improve his driving skills. Trevor's positive and encouraging attitude made the learning experience enjoyable and stress-free. I highly recommend Trevor to anyone looking to learn how to drive in a positive and supportive environment.

Fantastic experience: Hello, my name Ruma I had the great opportunity to have Winston as my driving instructor and he had been one of the nicest, understanding and supportive instructors i’ve ever had. He was definitely my favourite! Winston always made me feel more confident in my driving and encouraged me to feel good and reward myself when i had done something right. He always made me feel comfortable whilst being directed while driving and I had never felt judged or frowned upon. As someone who got their license quite late in this day and age, I had other past instructors from other companies that made me feel anxious and nervous to make a mistake. Winston had always greeted me with a smile and a couple jokes which always made me feel more relaxed to start driving as well! I would recommend Winston to anyone who needs a driving instructor whether they are a beginner at driving or almost at the end of their learner’s journey. Thank you Winston for all your efforts to make me a better driver and to help me gain my license on my first try! I will always be grateful for that.

Fantastic experience: My drive instructor who i had from RACV was Winston Trin. He was very knowledgeable and has alot of patience. He has taught me so much about the road, for example ,when to turn and change lanes safely . I highly recommend him to any learner . I passed my Ps first go which I thought I never would. I thank Winston for everything .

Fantastic experience: I had the pleasure of having Eli as my driving instructor and I couldn't be more grateful for his expertise and support. Eli is patient, knowledgeable, and always goes above and beyond to help me. He has a unique way of making you feel comfortable and confident behind the wheel, and his lessons are both educational and enjoyable. I highly recommend Eli to anyone looking to become a safe and skilled driver. Thank you, Eli, for everything!

Fantastic experience: Had a very pleasurable experience learning to drive with RACV. My instructor Michael Livne was great and within the span of 2 hours already felt confident enough to drive with minimal assistance. He is a great guy too would definitely recommend.

Fantastic experience: I was recommended Eli Gillary by a friend. Previously driving was a point of anxiety in my life. Eli did the best job of raising my driving confidence after I put it off for years. He’s an outstanding instructor and person with more than enough experience in the field to back him.

Fantastic experience: Good afternoon, My name is Anastasia Stanislaus, and I am absolutely thrilled to say I have just successfully completed my driving test under the guidance of one of your instructors, Winston Trin. I am so grateful to Winston and the RACV drivers school program, for not only teaching exceptional road education, but for also giving me the confidence to drive and take my test when I doubted myself. I had taken many lessons in the past but I never felt fully confident in my ability to drive on the road. When I started my driving lessons with Winston, he immediately made me feel relaxed with his friendly personality and funny jokes. He was also incredibly considerate of my work schedule and found the best solutions for me to take my lessons without any interference with work. Even if you don’t believe in yourself, Winston will believe in you. I had so much self doubt, I never thought I could ever go for my driving test, let alone pass it. But Winston is confident in the way he teaches and drives, and he found that confidence in me too! I passed on my first go and I could never have done it without him. Now I can say that I am able to drive safely with a solid foundation of driving habits. Thank you! Anastasia Stanislaus

Fantastic experience: I had 5 lessons with Winston Trin in the lead up to my driving test, which he came along to; he is a very hard worker and I passed my test on the first attempt :) He taught well and I learnt a lot each lesson! Very helpful and I highly recommend his services!

Negative experience: Very bad instructor, my daughter in law had one lesson only with the instructor Faisal in Deer Park. He was answering phone calls during the driving lesson and swearing after ending the phone call with one of the clients. He shouted at her a lot , didn't respect people, very awful

Fantastic experience: Thank you RACV for referring me to Ken Trin my manual instructor!

Fantastic experience: I had tried Melbourne Driving School before RACV and it was terrible, the driver with MDS kept braking all the time and taking over control of the steering wheel, paid for 5 lessons and only took 3 because I wasn't learning anything and the instructor was rude. Fast forward to RACV that I booked days later through the recommendation of a friend. My instructor was Eli, he was amazing! He shows up on time every time, he is so wise and knowledgeable and if you listen to him you will learn to be a safe and proficient driver and no doubt pass your test. Eli never took control of the wheel, he never braked for me, he always let me make my own mistakes, correct them and then we would go over what happened and how ensure it is avoided moving forward. I passed my test the first time after 5 60 minute lessons with Eli because of his skills and expertise with driving. Thank you Eli for the best learning experience.

Fantastic experience: My instructor is always very helpful

Negative experience: Worst instructor ever. I would never go through the RACV again, and two years later we are still dealing with the fallout from using one incompetent unqualified teacher. Vet your people more.