Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Driving School in Portland, ME
Bartley's Driving School has been dedicated to driver education since 1972, providing comprehensive training programs designed to equip students with essential road skills. Our experienced instructors, including owner Nelson Bartleya retired Portland Police Department Lieutenant with expertise in accident reconstructionprioritize safety, confidence, and compliance with state regulations. We offer flexible scheduling, personalized attention across four convenient locations, and a state-licensed curriculum combining 30 hours of classroom instruction with 10 hours of hands-on driving practice.Our commitment to quality education extends to installment payment plans, private lessons for road test preparation, and gift certificates for special occasions. Serving communities across Cumberland, Portland, Yarmouth, and beyond, we ensure students meet Maines licensing requirements while fostering responsible driving habits. With decades of experience and a focus on individualized learning, we remain a trusted choice for drivers of all ages.
Services
Driver Education Courses
Private Driving Lessons
AAA Blended Program
Road Test Preparation
Gift Certificates
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- We offer over 50 years of combined driver education experience.
- Our instructors provide personalized attention across four locations.
- Flexible scheduling accommodates students' availability.
- State-licensed curriculum meets Maine licensing requirements.
- Installment payment plans make training accessible and affordable.
Services
Driver Education Courses
Our state-licensed driver education program includes 30 hours of classroom learning and 10 hours of hands-on driving practice. Designed for students aged 15+, the curriculum covers defensive driving tactics, traffic laws, and real-world road scenarios. Flexible scheduling ensures accessibility for all learners.
Private Driving Lessons
Tailored private driving lessons focus on road test preparation and skill refinement. Instructors work one-on-one with students to build confidence in challenging driving conditions. Lessons are scheduled individually to accommodate personal availability and specific learning needs.
AAA Blended Program
The AAA Blended Program combines in-person classroom sessions, online learning, and hands-on driving instruction. It includes a parent-student orientation, six hours of classroom education, 10 hours of driving practice, and a final exam. This flexible option allows self-paced online study within a structured framework.
Gift Certificates
Gift certificates provide a practical solution for special occasions. Available in customizable amounts, they cover course fees or private lessons. Recipients gain access to quality driver training while givers benefit from a thoughtful, experience-based gift.
Road Test Preparation
Specialized road test preparation services help students master permit and license exams. Instructors simulate official testing scenarios, focusing on maneuver precision, rule adherence, and confidence-building. Hourly sessions target specific areas needing improvement before official evaluations.
People
Nelson Bartley
Owner/Instructor
Nelson Bartley founded Bartleys Driving School after 37 years as a Portland Police Department Lieutenant. He holds a Social Studies degree from the University of Southern Maine and completed advanced accident reconstruction training at Northwestern Traffic Institute.
Questions
What is the minimum age for driver education?
Students must be at least 15 years old when starting the course, per Maine State Law.
Do you offer flexible scheduling options?
Yes, we provide flexible driving times and schedule lessons individually to accommodate your availability.
What payment methods are available?
We accept full payment upfront or a two-installment plan ($300 each). Gift certificates are also available.
Are private driving lessons available?
Yes, we offer hourly private driving lessons focused on road test preparation and skill development.
Which areas do you serve?
We serve Cumberland, Portland, Yarmouth, Gray, Freeport, Windham, and surrounding Maine communities.
What is the AAA Blended Program structure?
The program includes a parent orientation, six classroom hours, 10 driving sessions, online learning, and a final exam.
Reviews (5)
Ernesta Kennedy
Sep 11, 2021
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Nelson and his team are all wonderful, friendly and professional. The driving was complete in a timely manner and I was impressed by where the driving took place; a great mix of rural, city and highway driving. My oldest son had a great experience and my middle son is already signed up for his turn.
Anne Mikkelsen
Jun 04, 2021
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Outstanding driving school--from in-class instruction to hands-on driving lessons, particularly mastery of turns, parking (especially parallel parking), highway driving, rules of the road, and safety! Highly recommend a road-test review with instructor from this school shortly before taking test. Their students who do the road-test review pass 90+ percent of the time.
Louise McDaniell
May 03, 2021
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They were mostly teaching lessons on back roads, not in the city. The skills that are necessary to learn and practice for driving were not reviewed nearly enough. They just want to get you in and out as quickly as possible. I'm really disappointed.
Lauryn Casey
Apr 20, 2021
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Bartley's Driving School made it super easy to get my permit and it feels like it went by so fast! (even during these unprecedented times). Scott Dunham was the absolute best and Mr. Bartley made it super easy to schedule driving times that worked within my schedule. I'm sad to have it over because I looked forward to learning with Scott, driving with Steve or Jeff (wonderful instructors, super sweet, and taught me well). Taking my class through them made me feel prepared to hit the road once the classes were over.
Sandy Doona
Apr 08, 2016
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My son Jim & my daughter Kristina both attended Bartley's Driving School. I am pleased to say they are both great drivers today! Thank you Bartley's Driving School
