Pro-Tech Offers 'New School' Approach to Driving

Owners Phil Bassaragh, Keith Donnelly and John Pinto have seen a steady stream of business since opening Pro-Tech Driving School in early February.

Located at 115 Horseneck Road, across from the , Pro-Tech Driving School is a fully insured and bonded school. 

Bassaragh and Donnelly, longtime residents and friends since kindergarten, have found the community to be extremely supportive of their businesses venture.

As a 12-year certified driving instructor, Bassaragh said he enjoys teaching new drivers.

“It's something that I’ve always been involved in and something that I really enjoy," he said.

Donnelly, a officer, brings nearly a decade of experience in law enforcement.

“People like to hear that their child’s lesson is coming from a police officer," Pinto said. "Someone who has full understanding of the law."

The company's most popular service is the 16-year-old Behind the Wheel course, which helps teens obtain their driving permits, as well as complete the state’s required six hours of driving instruction with an accredited driver. Pro-Tech takes a different approach in its instruction with teens, which Pinto described as “new-school."

“The fundamentals are still the same. It’s not what we’re teaching them that’s different, it’s our approach with them that’s different," Pinto said. "When kids are relaxed, they tend to perform better in any area, including driving.”

All of Pro-Tech’s instructors are in their 30s, which they believe allows teens to relate better and feel more relaxed.

“We have a very relaxed learning atmosphere because we do know and understand that this is something very new for teens," Bassaragh said. "I never yell or lose my temper.”

Drivers can expect to learn the developmental basics first, but can expect to learn them in a real residential neighborhood or on local roads, rather than a closed course or parking lot, which, according to Pinto, are smaller and tend to be harder for new drivers to maneuver around.

Pro-Tech is equipped with new, dual-controlled 2012 Hyundai Elantras and do not charge a gas surcharge fee. In addition to its 16-year-old Behind the Wheel program, Pro-Tech offers a variety of services and packages for people of all ages, including a road test prep course, open evaluations, refresher lessons, au pair service and a written test service, all of which include assistance with the completion of any and all DMV paperwork.

Drivers looking to lower their insurance rates, even drivers with clean driving records, can complete an insurance and point reduction class, which can help reduce insurance premiums.

Currently, Pro-Tech offers an online driving test to prepare teens for the state's written exam, which can be accessed through their website. Pro-Tech is also offering a promotional discount for students, as well as discounts for twins or triplets. More information can be found on Pro-Tech's website or by calling their office at 973-316-5161.