Business Details
25 Years
experience
Your Trusted Driving School in Seattle for Safe & Confident Drivers
Defensive Driving School has been a trusted leader in driver education since 2001, combining decades of expertise from legacy institutions like Seattle Driving School (established 1945) and Kirshner Driving School (established 1949). Our certified instructors bring real-world experience to every lesson, teaching defensive driving techniques that reduce collisions and tickets. We offer personalized training programs tailored to individual needs, including specialized plans for students with ADHD, autism, or anxiety. Our curriculum emphasizes safe driving habits, traffic law comprehension, and advanced technologies to prepare drivers for real-world conditions.With over 30 locations across Washington and a fleet of modern, well-maintained vehicles, we provide a controlled learning environment that builds confidence gradually. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our 10,000+ annual students and partnerships with state and national driver education organizations. We prioritize customer satisfaction through transparent communication, flexible scheduling, and a proven track record of producing safe, responsible drivers. Our teams dedication to continuous improvement ensures we remain Washingtons largest and most respected driving school.
Services
Teen Driver Education
Adult Driving Lessons
License Testing Services
Collision Avoidance Training
Simulator-Based Instruction
Individualized Driving Plans
Driver Improvement Courses
Knowledge Test Preparation
Stick Shift Training
Special Needs Driving
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- Certified instructors with decades of combined experience in driver education.
- Personalized driving plans for neurodiverse learners and special needs students.
- Modern fleet of training vehicles maintained to the highest safety standards.
- Proven curriculum developed through collaboration with national safety organizations.
- Over 10,000 satisfied students annually across 30+ Washington locations.
What people say
Invaluable class
Great instructors
Helped achieve better skills
Safe learning environment
Highly recommend
Services
Teen Driver Education
Our teen driving courses combine classroom instruction with hands-on training to build safe, confident drivers. Students learn traffic laws, hazard recognition, and defensive driving techniques through a structured curriculum approved by Washingtons Department of Licensing. With 30+ locations statewide, we offer flexible scheduling and experienced instructors dedicated to reducing teen collisions.
Adult Driving Lessons
Adult learners receive personalized instruction tailored to their experience level, from first-time drivers to those needing refresher courses. Our certified instructors focus on road rules, vehicle control, and real-world scenarios to prepare students for licensing exams and everyday driving challenges in urban and rural environments.
License Testing Services
We offer official Washington State Department of Licensing knowledge and skills tests at multiple locations. Our examiners provide a streamlined process for permit and license acquisition, using modern vehicles and standardized evaluations to ensure compliance with state requirements for drivers of all ages.
Collision Avoidance Training
This specialized program teaches advanced techniques for preventing accidents through risk assessment and emergency response drills. Participants practice evasive maneuvers, skid control, and hazard perception in controlled environments using simulation technology to reinforce defensive driving principles for improved road safety.
Simulator-Based Instruction
Our driving simulators replicate real-world conditions including adverse weather, heavy traffic, and emergency situations. This technology-enhanced training allows students to develop critical decision-making skills in a safe setting before on-road practice, improving preparedness for challenging driving scenarios.
People
J.C. Fawcett
President and Instructor/Examiner
With 25+ years in traffic safety, J.C. leads Defensive Driving Schools operations and instruction team. A former private pilot and youth sports coach, he brings a passion for teaching and safety to driver education.
Bridget Johns
Administrator and Instructor/Examiner
Bridget has served as an instructor and administrator since 2001. She holds a BA in English and TESOL certification, specializing in teaching young drivers and promoting road safety through community engagement.
Verla Kirshner
Lead Instructor/Master Examiner
With 20+ years of experience, Verla specializes in teaching teenagers and international drivers. She previously worked in special education and brings a patient, adaptive approach to driver training for diverse learners.
Tyson Smith
Instructor/Examiner
A former U.S. Army vehicle trainer and law enforcement officer, Tyson applies military precision to driver education. He focuses on situational awareness and defensive techniques to prepare students for high-pressure driving situations.
Nataliya Gonzalez
Office/Instructor/Examiner
Nataliya combines 10+ years of teaching experience with driver education expertise. Fluent in English and Russian, she works with multilingual students and specializes in adaptive instruction for learners with unique needs.
Questions
What driver education courses do you offer?
We provide teen and adult driving courses, collision avoidance training, simulator-based instruction, individualized driving plans, and license testing services for all skill levels.
How many locations do you operate in Washington?
We have over 30 locations across King, Pierce, Snohomish, Spokane, and other counties, including Bellevue, Seattle, Everett, and Spokane Valley.
Can I schedule driving lessons online?
Yes, use our Schedule Agent portal to book lessons, tests, or consultations. We recommend using Google Chrome for registration and scheduling.
Do you offer specialized driving programs?
Yes, we create individualized plans for students with ADHD, autism, anxiety, or other special needs to ensure effective, comfortable learning experiences.
What payment options are available?
We accept credit card payments and checks. A $250 deposit is required for teen courses, with remaining balances due two weeks after class starts.
Are your instructors certified by the state?
All instructors are certified by Washington’s Department of Licensing and undergo regular training updates to maintain the highest teaching standards.
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