13 Reviews

Middletown Driving School

Red Bank, New Jersey
General Info
Gary Thomson Driving School was established in 2000. After working for Gary for approximately a year and a half George Clayton purchased the driving school December 1st, 2004. At the present time there is a relatively small crew of employees all of which have years of driving instruction experience. Thousands of local sixteen year old students have attended Gary Thomson Driving School and each one is held in high regard. The staff at G.T. driving school takes its seriously that each student is taught the basics and has a level of confidence when they complete their driving lessons. Parents can feel comfortable discussing any issues they have with any one of the instructors or the owner (or both).
Reviews
Gena
3 Jul 2026
REPORT
George is a nice guy but the instructor doesn’t really teach you how to drive, we just use them so my niece can get her drivers permit. I wanted to wait until she got her lic before posting this. Jake... Read More
George is a nice guy but the instructor doesn’t really teach you how to drive, we just use them so my niece can get her drivers permit. I wanted to wait until she got her lic before posting this. Jake was on his phone a lot of not giving her much instruction, she just drove around. My niece told me Jake was texting her mom on a personal level. Not very professional. Read Less
Sarah Marie
9 Feb 2026
REPORT
Thank you Jake and Thank you George!! I had an excellent experience with Middletown Driving School from start to finish. I left a voicemail on Monday evening and received a prompt call back the follow... Read More
Thank you Jake and Thank you George!! I had an excellent experience with Middletown Driving School from start to finish. I left a voicemail on Monday evening and received a prompt call back the following Tuesday. From the very beginning, George was professional, efficient, and accommodating. Because I work full time during the week and rly only able to drive on weekdays, my availability was pretty limited. Despite this, George found ways to schedule my two hours at times that worked for both of us. Originally, I was scheduled to drive with an instructor I had not yet met. When a scheduling change came up, George asked if he could send another instructor, Jake, instead. I agreed and I am very grateful that I did! Jake met me at my workplace and waited in the passenger seat. I was extremely anxious and nervous when I first approached the car especially when I saw he was already in the passenger seat- nearly turned around and canceled LOL. However, I sat in the drivers seat and after just a few minutes of conversation with Jake, I began to feel calm, comfortable, and confident enough to stay behind the wheel. Once we started driving, Jake provided clear, patient, and supportive instruction. He guided me through safely pulling out of my workplace’s busy parking lot and coached me as we drove around Monmouth County. He helped me practice essential skills; parking in front of my home and in my driveway, K-turns, U-turns, and parallel parking. At no point during the lesson did I feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Jake’s corrections were always calm and instructional, never critical or discouraging. Even when I made mistakes or braked abruptly, he remained kind and reassuring. Jake would correct me, tell me exactly what was incorrect, but it never felt like a scolding, it felt like a true learning moment. During one memorable moment when I turned too close toward another vehicle, Jake quickly gained control of the steering wheel and kept us both safe. His response was professional and supportive, and it just reinforced how safe I felt learning with him. I am still grateful for his quick thinking. I cannot recommend Middletown Driving School enough. George’s flexibility and professionalism made scheduling possible despite my limited availability, and Jake’s patience, friendliness and understanding helped me overcome my driving anxiety and successfully earn my license. I am extremely grateful for the experience and will highly recommend this driving school to anyone looking for skilled, compassionate instruction. Read Less
michaelnstone1
20 Nov 2023
REPORT
Johnny was a great instructor for my daughter, he taught her the basics and she was comfortable driving. Scheduling and being in contact during the whole process, picked her up from school and she dro... Read More
Johnny was a great instructor for my daughter, he taught her the basics and she was comfortable driving. Scheduling and being in contact during the whole process, picked her up from school and she drove herself home. I would highly recommend Middletown Driving School. Read Less
CHRISTY TRUAIR
20 Nov 2023
REPORT
I have used Middletown Driving School for both my boys. I have specifically asked for Johnny O for both kids. They were very grateful from what they learned from him, they both passed their test fir... Read More
I have used Middletown Driving School for both my boys. I have specifically asked for Johnny O for both kids. They were very grateful from what they learned from him, they both passed their test first try. I will recommend them to everyone that has a kid that needs lessons. Read Less
Robert Orr
20 Nov 2023
REPORT
My Daughter's instructor Johhny of middletown driving school was amazing. She was really nervous about starting to drive, as I'm sure all kids are, but when she came home home from her first lesson, s... Read More
My Daughter's instructor Johhny of middletown driving school was amazing. She was really nervous about starting to drive, as I'm sure all kids are, but when she came home home from her first lesson, she was as confident as ever. It's a testimate to the professionalism of Johnny as an instructor. She was so excited for next lesson, and once she finished her 6 hours and recieved her permit, she wants to drive all the time now. I have 2 more daughters that will be going to Johnny at middletown driving school. I would recommend Johnny to anyone who needs a driving school. Read Less
M Brawls
5 Feb 2018
REPORT
I have NO idea what the negative poster is talking about. The school is there to teach the practical basics of driving and to satisfy the State's mandatory 6 hours of road time. It's up to the parent... Read More
I have NO idea what the negative poster is talking about. The school is there to teach the practical basics of driving and to satisfy the State's mandatory 6 hours of road time. It's up to the parents to take their kids out and help them get the time & experience necessary to PASS the road test. Both of my kids went through MDS' program - one has her license and the other takes the road test in a few months. First, the owner & office staff could NOT be more courteous, helpful & accomodating - START to FINNISH. John met us at DMV, helped us with the paperwork, then gave my daughter the confidence she needed to get through the written test, passing it without a hitch. He then worked around our busy schedules to fit her in between school, dance & homework. He took her neighborhood driving, getting her accommodated to the streets, with concise instruction & patience. Next, she had Jake for the next two lessons, which built on the first 2 hours with John. Jake took her parallel parking and taught her the "Jake System" (his own :-) ) then took her on the highways & GSP to help build her confidence. She said that Jake was super laid back, had a calming 'no stress' approach, and that she felt very comfortable learning from him. I HIGHLY recommend MDS, and can't imagine how anyone could have a bad experience with them. Furthermore, if they did, they should cite examples and reasons before posting negatively. Read Less
Dennis Gallagher
19 Mar 2017
REPORT
My son was very nervous to get behind the wheel. George the owner assured me that they would make him comfortable and get him driving. After just one lesson my son wants to drive all the time. I highl... Read More
My son was very nervous to get behind the wheel. George the owner assured me that they would make him comfortable and get him driving. After just one lesson my son wants to drive all the time. I highly recommend Middletown Driving school and really appreciate everything the George and his staff did to make this a great experience for my son! We will be sending all of our friends here in the future. Read Less
Debbie Booker
19 Mar 2017
REPORT
Great prices great people thanks George for all you do with these kids
Tara
19 Mar 2017
REPORT
Great prices and great drivers. They take the time and they go over everything. Thank you guys
Jamie Mazzarelli
19 Mar 2017
REPORT
Thanks george for going above and beyond for these kids. Great school and staff
Jill Faulk
12 Nov 2016
REPORT
I could not have had a worse experience with this driving school. I paid over a hundred dollars for basically nothing. The instructor did not let me practice driving before my road test which is EXACT... Read More
I could not have had a worse experience with this driving school. I paid over a hundred dollars for basically nothing. The instructor did not let me practice driving before my road test which is EXACTLY what he was getting paid to do. I HIGHLY considered calling for a refund because the instructor was so awful, but I didn't because I knew it would be pointless and I was not going to get the refund that I deserve. I'm so upset I wasted my hard earned money on this school. I DO NOT RECOMMEND USING THIS DRIVING SCHOOL UNLESS YOU'RE LOOKING TO WASTE MONEY ON HORRIBLE SERVICES. I will be sure to let friends know not to use this driving school and I'll be posting my review on every review site I see Middletown Driving School on. WORST DRIVING SCHOOL IN MONMOUTH COUNTY!!!!!!! Read Less
Linda Mazzarelli-Galya
8 Mar 2016
REPORT
Middletown driving school was excellent. They had so much patience with erin. I will send all my RBC moms over. Thx George
Tara Fraley
3 Jan 2015
REPORT
Amazing place
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(732) 671-8008
565 New Jersey 35
Red Bank New Jersey 7701
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Middletown Driving School

Red Bank, New Jersey
(13)
565 New Jersey 35
Red Bank New Jersey 7701
Gary Thomson Driving School was established in 2000. After working for Gary for approximately a year and a half George Clayton purchased the driving school December 1st, 2004. At the present time there is a relatively small crew of employees all of which have years of driving instruction experience. Thousands of local sixteen year old students have attended Gary Thomson Driving School and each one is held in high regard. The staff at G.T. driving school takes its seriously that each student is taught the basics and has a level of confidence when they complete their driving lessons. Parents can feel comfortable discussing any issues they have with any one of the instructors or the owner (or both).
Gena
3 Jul 2026
REPORT
George is a nice guy but the instructor doesn’t really teach you how to drive, we just use them so my niece can get her drivers permit. I wanted to wait until she got her lic before posting this. Jake... Read More
George is a nice guy but the instructor doesn’t really teach you how to drive, we just use them so my niece can get her drivers permit. I wanted to wait until she got her lic before posting this. Jake was on his phone a lot of not giving her much instruction, she just drove around. My niece told me Jake was texting her mom on a personal level. Not very professional. Read Less
Sarah Marie
9 Feb 2026
REPORT
Thank you Jake and Thank you George!! I had an excellent experience with Middletown Driving School from start to finish. I left a voicemail on Monday evening and received a prompt call back the follow... Read More
Thank you Jake and Thank you George!! I had an excellent experience with Middletown Driving School from start to finish. I left a voicemail on Monday evening and received a prompt call back the following Tuesday. From the very beginning, George was professional, efficient, and accommodating. Because I work full time during the week and rly only able to drive on weekdays, my availability was pretty limited. Despite this, George found ways to schedule my two hours at times that worked for both of us. Originally, I was scheduled to drive with an instructor I had not yet met. When a scheduling change came up, George asked if he could send another instructor, Jake, instead. I agreed and I am very grateful that I did! Jake met me at my workplace and waited in the passenger seat. I was extremely anxious and nervous when I first approached the car especially when I saw he was already in the passenger seat- nearly turned around and canceled LOL. However, I sat in the drivers seat and after just a few minutes of conversation with Jake, I began to feel calm, comfortable, and confident enough to stay behind the wheel. Once we started driving, Jake provided clear, patient, and supportive instruction. He guided me through safely pulling out of my workplace’s busy parking lot and coached me as we drove around Monmouth County. He helped me practice essential skills; parking in front of my home and in my driveway, K-turns, U-turns, and parallel parking. At no point during the lesson did I feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Jake’s corrections were always calm and instructional, never critical or discouraging. Even when I made mistakes or braked abruptly, he remained kind and reassuring. Jake would correct me, tell me exactly what was incorrect, but it never felt like a scolding, it felt like a true learning moment. During one memorable moment when I turned too close toward another vehicle, Jake quickly gained control of the steering wheel and kept us both safe. His response was professional and supportive, and it just reinforced how safe I felt learning with him. I am still grateful for his quick thinking. I cannot recommend Middletown Driving School enough. George’s flexibility and professionalism made scheduling possible despite my limited availability, and Jake’s patience, friendliness and understanding helped me overcome my driving anxiety and successfully earn my license. I am extremely grateful for the experience and will highly recommend this driving school to anyone looking for skilled, compassionate instruction. Read Less
michaelnstone1
20 Nov 2023
REPORT
Johnny was a great instructor for my daughter, he taught her the basics and she was comfortable driving. Scheduling and being in contact during the whole process, picked her up from school and she dro... Read More
Johnny was a great instructor for my daughter, he taught her the basics and she was comfortable driving. Scheduling and being in contact during the whole process, picked her up from school and she drove herself home. I would highly recommend Middletown Driving School. Read Less
CHRISTY TRUAIR
20 Nov 2023
REPORT
I have used Middletown Driving School for both my boys. I have specifically asked for Johnny O for both kids. They were very grateful from what they learned from him, they both passed their test fir... Read More
I have used Middletown Driving School for both my boys. I have specifically asked for Johnny O for both kids. They were very grateful from what they learned from him, they both passed their test first try. I will recommend them to everyone that has a kid that needs lessons. Read Less
Robert Orr
20 Nov 2023
REPORT
My Daughter's instructor Johhny of middletown driving school was amazing. She was really nervous about starting to drive, as I'm sure all kids are, but when she came home home from her first lesson, s... Read More
My Daughter's instructor Johhny of middletown driving school was amazing. She was really nervous about starting to drive, as I'm sure all kids are, but when she came home home from her first lesson, she was as confident as ever. It's a testimate to the professionalism of Johnny as an instructor. She was so excited for next lesson, and once she finished her 6 hours and recieved her permit, she wants to drive all the time now. I have 2 more daughters that will be going to Johnny at middletown driving school. I would recommend Johnny to anyone who needs a driving school. Read Less
M Brawls
5 Feb 2018
REPORT
I have NO idea what the negative poster is talking about. The school is there to teach the practical basics of driving and to satisfy the State's mandatory 6 hours of road time. It's up to the parent... Read More
I have NO idea what the negative poster is talking about. The school is there to teach the practical basics of driving and to satisfy the State's mandatory 6 hours of road time. It's up to the parents to take their kids out and help them get the time & experience necessary to PASS the road test. Both of my kids went through MDS' program - one has her license and the other takes the road test in a few months. First, the owner & office staff could NOT be more courteous, helpful & accomodating - START to FINNISH. John met us at DMV, helped us with the paperwork, then gave my daughter the confidence she needed to get through the written test, passing it without a hitch. He then worked around our busy schedules to fit her in between school, dance & homework. He took her neighborhood driving, getting her accommodated to the streets, with concise instruction & patience. Next, she had Jake for the next two lessons, which built on the first 2 hours with John. Jake took her parallel parking and taught her the "Jake System" (his own :-) ) then took her on the highways & GSP to help build her confidence. She said that Jake was super laid back, had a calming 'no stress' approach, and that she felt very comfortable learning from him. I HIGHLY recommend MDS, and can't imagine how anyone could have a bad experience with them. Furthermore, if they did, they should cite examples and reasons before posting negatively. Read Less
Dennis Gallagher
19 Mar 2017
REPORT
My son was very nervous to get behind the wheel. George the owner assured me that they would make him comfortable and get him driving. After just one lesson my son wants to drive all the time. I highl... Read More
My son was very nervous to get behind the wheel. George the owner assured me that they would make him comfortable and get him driving. After just one lesson my son wants to drive all the time. I highly recommend Middletown Driving school and really appreciate everything the George and his staff did to make this a great experience for my son! We will be sending all of our friends here in the future. Read Less
Debbie Booker
19 Mar 2017
REPORT
Great prices great people thanks George for all you do with these kids
Tara
19 Mar 2017
REPORT
Great prices and great drivers. They take the time and they go over everything. Thank you guys
Jamie Mazzarelli
19 Mar 2017
REPORT
Thanks george for going above and beyond for these kids. Great school and staff
Jill Faulk
12 Nov 2016
REPORT
I could not have had a worse experience with this driving school. I paid over a hundred dollars for basically nothing. The instructor did not let me practice driving before my road test which is EXACT... Read More
I could not have had a worse experience with this driving school. I paid over a hundred dollars for basically nothing. The instructor did not let me practice driving before my road test which is EXACTLY what he was getting paid to do. I HIGHLY considered calling for a refund because the instructor was so awful, but I didn't because I knew it would be pointless and I was not going to get the refund that I deserve. I'm so upset I wasted my hard earned money on this school. I DO NOT RECOMMEND USING THIS DRIVING SCHOOL UNLESS YOU'RE LOOKING TO WASTE MONEY ON HORRIBLE SERVICES. I will be sure to let friends know not to use this driving school and I'll be posting my review on every review site I see Middletown Driving School on. WORST DRIVING SCHOOL IN MONMOUTH COUNTY!!!!!!! Read Less
Linda Mazzarelli-Galya
8 Mar 2016
REPORT
Middletown driving school was excellent. They had so much patience with erin. I will send all my RBC moms over. Thx George
Tara Fraley
3 Jan 2015
REPORT
Amazing place
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