Business Details
Your Trusted Connecticut Driving School
Rae's Driving School has been dedicated to providing personalized driver education in Connecticut for over two decades. Founded by experienced instructors Mike Monaghan and Mark Maturo, our approach ensures students receive consistent, individualized attention throughout their training. Mike brings 20 years of Connecticut DMV licensing expertise and a Master Commercial Instructor certification, while Mark contributes over 25 years of full-time driver education experience. We specialize in both teen and adult programs, including state-mandated 8-hour drug/alcohol safety courses and behind-the-wheel training. Our success stems from prioritizing student needs without regard to age or special requirements, maintaining a high license acquisition rate.We offer flexible scheduling options and on-site DMV testing coordination for 16-21 year-olds. Our instructors' qualifications extend beyond road safety, with Mike holding a Merchant Mariner license and CPR certification. We serve Madison, North Haven, Stonington, and Waterford areas, combining local expertise with comprehensive instruction. Our commitment to safety extends to educating parents about graduated licensing laws and teen driving risks. With thousands of successfully licensed drivers, we remain focused on delivering quality instruction that meets both regulatory standards and individual learning needs.
Services
Teen Driving Courses
Adult Driver Education
License Testing Services
Drug/Alcohol Safety Program
Behind-the-Wheel Training
Highlights and features
- Instructors provide consistent, one-on-one guidance from start to finish
- Maintain high success rates through individualized student attention
- 20+ years DMV licensing expertise and Master Commercial Instructor certification
- Specialized programs for both teen and adult learners
- On-site DMV testing coordination for eligible students
Associations and certifications
- Connecticut DMV Licensed Instructor
Services
Teen Driving Courses
Structured programs for 16-17 year-olds meeting Connecticut's licensing requirements. Options include 38-hour comprehensive courses with classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training, or accelerated 8-hour safety programs. Parent participation mandatory in both tracks. Courses prepare students for DMV testing while emphasizing safe driving habits through specialized curriculum.
Adult Driver Education
Tailored instruction for drivers 18+ seeking first-time licenses or license reinstatement. Includes mandatory 8-hour drug/alcohol safety course and behind-the-wheel lessons. Program meets state requirements for new drivers and accommodates international license holders. Flexible scheduling available with certified instructors experienced in adult learning needs.
License Testing Services
On-site DMV testing for 16-21 year-olds completing driver education requirements. Includes vehicle provision for road tests and scheduling assistance. Special 2-hour training sessions prepare students for testing. For older applicants, arranges DMV testing with vehicle support. Streamlined process reduces wait times compared to standard DMV procedures.
Drug/Alcohol Safety Program
State-mandated 8-hour program covering alcohol's physiological effects on drivers, BAC measurement, and impaired driving consequences. Combines documentary materials with prevention strategies. Required for all first-time drivers under 18 and newly implemented for adult applicants. Available weekly with flexible weekend scheduling for different age groups.
Behind-the-Wheel Training
Customized driving instruction with certified professionals focusing on road safety and test preparation. Sessions available for both teen and adult learners. Includes vehicle familiarization, traffic navigation, and DMV testing procedures. Instructors provide real-time feedback to develop defensive driving skills and confidence in various road conditions.
People
Mike Monaghan
Owner and Instructor
Connecticut DMV Licensed Instructor with 20 years' experience, holding Master Commercial Instructor certification. Also licensed Merchant Mariner with US Coast Guard and CPR/First Aid certified. Specializes in personalized driver education and safety training.
Mark Maturo
Instructor
Full-time driver education specialist for over 25 years with degree from Southern Connecticut State University. Focuses on comprehensive teen driver training and state licensing requirements. Contributes to high student success rates through individualized instruction methods.
Questions
What driver education options exist for Connecticut teens?
We offer 38-hour comprehensive courses (classroom + driving) and accelerated 8-hour programs. Both meet DMV requirements with parent participation mandatory. Includes drug/alcohol safety education.
Can adults obtain licenses through your program?
Yes, we provide 8-hour mandatory safety courses and behind-the-wheel training for adults 18+. First-time drivers must complete our program before obtaining licenses through DMV coordination.
Do you offer DMV license testing?
We coordinate on-site DMV testing for 16-21 year-olds completing our courses. Older applicants can schedule through DMV with our vehicle support. Testing requires prior training session completion.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, checks, and credit cards. Payment options vary by program - 8-hour courses have discounted cash rates while full programs offer online payment convenience for $599-$250 fees.
Are there insurance discounts for completing courses?
Our 38-hour program qualifies for potential insurance discounts. Check with individual providers for specific savings. The 8-hour course does not qualify for discount programs according to state regulations.
