WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT US…
“It is no small thing to send your teenage driver off for a few hours of driving lessons with someone you only know through a recommendation. We are grateful for the kind, patient and trustworthy instructors at HomeSafe Driving School. Both of our kids passed the behind-the-wheel test on the first try, and our youngest had only one error. Brad was thorough in his instruction, detailed in what needed improvement and encouraging all along the way. Every experience with office staff /texts/calls was professional and friendly. I highly recommend HomeSafe!”
— Robyn V.
“HomeSafe is an exceptional driving school and I would highly recommend them. My daughter was anxious at first but Brad helped her relax. Scheduling lessons is very easy to schedule online as well.”
— Bob H.
“Andy Becker was such a great driving instructor, I passed my behind-the-wheel exam on my first try and I wouldn't have been able to do it without all of Andy's tips and tricks great guy and great company to work with. The cars were top notch and are probably the best to learn in if you're starting out at 16 like me super clean, super safe, and brake pedals on the instructor side as well as the driver’s side for maximum safety”
— Edwin G.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
HomeSafe Driving School’s aim is to create safe drivers. A "safe driver" is a distinct term that addresses both the hard skills of technical driving and the soft skills of character and attitude development, this includes being more present and or aware of the road, and the people around us. We accomplish this through behind-the-wheel training and values-based, interactive lessons that focus on character and attitude, and how these produce a safe driver. We do the basics exceptionally well, however, we are not content to simply stop there. Our instruction provides opportunities for students to learn beyond the simple do’s and don’ts covered in many driver education programs.
We believe that your most important task is to get You. Passengers. Others. HomeSafe. Our Driving School's in-depth Education and Training is dedicated to doing just that. We are making a positive impact in the lives of young people and their families by providing them with solid driving skills behind the wheel. Our Behind the Wheel Lesson hours are Monday through Sunday, Morning through early evening. Please call our office for availability.
The Drivers Education Training program fulfills the 6-hr DMV requirements for obtaining a driver license. Our encouraging classes go step-by-step to help produce a safer, more confident driver. Learning to drive requires:
Controlling the basic dynamics of the vehicle and interacting with the different forces that act upon the vehicle.
Taking responsibility to get your passengers, other drivers, and you home safe.
Develop proper habits - visual lead-time and scanning.
We cover these skills in four, 90-minute lessons. Pickup and drop off from school, home, or work. Office location is 188 E. 17th Street, Suite 201-B, Costa Mesa, CA (office hours vary from hours of business - please call to make an appointment).
About Us
HomeSafe Driving School is a small business in Costa Mesa, California, and is owned and operated by Brad McDermott.
Brad McDermott has 20 years of extensive road safety expertise as a CHP certified school bus driver and heavy equipment operator in United States Marine Corps. This coupled with over 25 years of experience developing teen's character and working with families as a youth pastor, baseball coach, and ski instructor equip him with key skills for teaching driver's education. He is an Alumnus of Vanguard University, a certified trainer with Culture ROI and is currently Lead Pastor of a small church in Costa Mesa.
While you may find our availability somewhat limited, we are confident that you see that the quality of the instruction and care for our students is the best you will find anywhere. As a small-operated business we are dedicated to training your teen to get HomeSafe.
Meet the Team
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Brad McDermott
OWNER, OPERATOR, INSTRUCTOR
A DMV Certified Instructor and Driving School Operator, Brad has 20 years of extensive road safety expertise as CHP Certified School Bus Driver. As Plane Captain for the A-6 Intruder and F/A18 Hornet jet airplanes and heavy equipment operator in United States Marine Corps, Brad understands how to safely maneuver large vehicles in a dynamic environment. This coupled with over 25 years of experience developing teen’s character and working with families as a youth pastor (and now lead pastor), baseball coach, and ski instructor equip him with key skills for teaching driver’s education.
He is also an Alumnus from Vanguard University and Certified Trainer with Culture ROI.
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Matt Thralls
INSTRUCTOR
Matt Thralls is a DMV Certified Driving Instructor who spent 12 years as a driver with Federal Express before opening his own business and pursuing his passion for coffee and community. During this time, he had the opportunity to coach high school football for 10 years as well as being involved with youth groups and YoungLife. He has a passion for building relationships and mentoring. During his career with Federal Express he maintained a perfect driving record thanks to the company's top emphasis on accident prevention and driving defensively. Currently, Matt enjoys working with his lovely wife and three children ages 18, 16, and 13 in their local coffee shop.
“As a parent of three teenagers, I understand the concerns/struggles for both parents and students during this milestone. My promise is to do my best to build confidence within the student while operating a motor vehicle on-road, enabling them to make that split-second decision to avoid hazards and other dangers. Allowing them to return HomeSafe.”