Driving Schools in California - Find the Best Driving School Near You

by Selma A. on July 6, 2019
This is the second time we used Bill's Defensive Driving School for the six hours needed for a teen driving license.  The driving instructor was great:  patient, knowledgeable and spent time making the driver feel comfortable.  Also, it was one of the few driving schools that let a parent go with the student on the lessons.

by Liah L. on December 4, 2018
2 stars because Bill was not a very good driving instructor for me. But I'm a little on the fence about Bill's Defensive Driving School. Bill was awful, but Steve was great. Always. Ask. For. Steve.

Steve is patient, kind, and very calm when teaching students. After 4 or 5 lessons with Steve, I now have my license! He was great. But I repeat, ASK FOR STEVE!

My experience with Bill was very different than my experience with Steve. Bill was stressful, rude, and absolutely degrading. Kept making snide comments about if I "knew how gravity works." He never let go of the steering wheel the whole time and kept changing the speed of the car with the pedals on his side so I had no idea what I was doing because whatever I did, he did something different and it made it terribly confusing. I'd never been behind the wheel of a car before and driving with Bill reduced me to tears.

by Kevin L. on September 6, 2018
Both of my kids used Bill's Defensive Driving program and I'm very glad they did. My kids me things they learned from the instructors and both passed their tests on the first try. The day my son took the test we realized we did not have the certificate and Debra and Roland were great. They arranged to meet us at the dmv office minutes before my sons test and they literally saved us. Great people and great service.

by Florence M. on July 12, 2018
The office person(s) are great. (They answer the phone and have good follow up.)
Paul was nice and very helpful. My son learned a lot and was given helpful tips on the upcoming test with the DMV!

by Patty A. on June 7, 2018
Just spent two hours with Steve. I sat in the back while he took my daughter on her 2nd lesson confidently through the Oakland and Berkeley hills. Not beginning driving roads, but he patiently and safely instructed her on the journey. He has a calm and encouraging manner that just radiates confidence to your teen. She came home feeling great about the experience, it was not stressful at all and she learned so much. I would highly recommend asking for Steve specifically - I would give him six stars if I could. :-)

by Alondra R. on May 18, 2017
Sucks , stood up my appointment. They were suppose to arrive to my house at 4pm today for my first driving lesson , but never showed up. Ruined my day , wasted my time. Don't waste your time guys.

by Heidi F. on January 30, 2017
Super helpful in whole process. Great instruction. Patience, professionalism and humor. As a mother I appreciated all. Thanks Frank!

by Margaret J. on January 3, 2017
My son was taught by Frank at Bill's Defensive Driving school in the Marin County area.  Not only was Frank an incredible teacher, personable, funny and very serious, but the team at Bill's Defensive Driving really bent over backwards for us. My son splits time between his Dad's house and mine and due to those circumstances he didn't have his official permit with him for Frank to sign at the last lesson...only the copy that he carried around. My son's DMV test appointment was right after the holidays and we were without the final certificate.  The staff at Bill's Defensive Driving school - Deb and Frank both made us feel like we were part of the family by coordinating a meet up with Frank for him to sign the paperwork and hand out the certificate just in time before the appointment.

Frank also knew all the ins and outs as to where the Corte Madera DMV would test him...which neighborhoods, etc.  This really assisted in calming my son's nerves and allowed for him to only miss 4 points on the test altogether.  HIghly recommend Bill's and definitely request Frank!

by Sloan K. on December 26, 2016
My daughter had her first lesson with Frank today. He was terrific. Knowledgeable, patient, kind and funny. I was in the back seat and was impressed with how quickly  he made my daughter feel
Comfortable behind the wheel and on the highway. We will take more lessons from him for sure.

by William N. on November 22, 2016
Bill is the best teacher by far. He encouraged me (the parent) to join the lesson to gain some insight on how to better instruct my 16 year old son. I actually learned a few things myself. He has a really nice temperament and balanced style of teaching which left both me and my son  really impressed. I used him for a few extra lessons just to make sure my son is as safe as possible once he drives alone. Highly recommend Bill, you will not regret it.

by M C. on October 16, 2016
Bill has taught two of my kids how to drive.  He gives solid memorable instructions.  Parents are invited to ride along to learn as well and reinforce teaching points when driving later with your teenager.  He took both of my girls straight onto winding hilly roads and then the highway their very first time behind the wheel.  While it was a bit nerve-wracking (for me), his teaching approach also gave them a ton of confidence.  
Proud parent of two good drivers.

by Creeker T. on November 8, 2015
We hired Bill for both of my teens and thought he was great! I rode along with both of them for the first few lessons, taking notes so I could use the same language that Bill was using, and reinforce what they were learning for practice time. Not only did that help them - and help me see what they needed to work on - but it gave me an insiders glimpse at how Bill works with his students. He is confident, patient, extremely knowledgable and reads driving situations like the pro that he is. Although we didn't need it, his car is equipped with a brake pedal AND a gas pedal that he can use if he needs to to get away from danger or stop suddenly if need be. I especially appreciate the fact that he clearly cares that his students become safe defensive drivers, not just learn enough to pass the test.

by Maria B. on November 23, 2014
Do not use for au pairs! Poor customer service! Little progress no willingness to accommodate!

We booked in 12 sessions in rapid succession to get our Columbian au pair (had a international drivers license) ready to drive our kids to school. I spoke to Susan in the office at length about my concerns about the language barrier and I suggested a FREE translator app in which would help the instructors with explaining the why in their corrections to my au pair so it would be understood. Susan said all her drivers should have it and ensured that she would make it happen and I was told that every day I would get a progress update. The first instructor Paul didn't call until the second double lesson. He said progress was slow and that my au pair may not have understood. Asked about the translator and he said he would use it next time but Susan never told him. I explained my au pair is very sweet and if asked if she understood she will always smile and say yes, but she still wouldn't understand. Two session later he reports that progress is small and asked if she understood the rules. He said he didn't know and would use a translator ( thus was the 6th session I paid for)   He said he had his "own ways of being understood"!  Was passed to the owner Bill for lessons and he too didn't call until after the 4th lesson--not the deal. No translator used even though he knew she understood little. He offered he regretted that "we should have talked earlier". Bill chastised me and said I should have rode along (I was traveling--was discussed to Susan and Paul) No discount offered for the MASSIVE money wasted or no make up sessions and no accountability. The only reason this review has one star is because they had availability -- but we know why now, don't we!!!

by Rebecca V. on August 20, 2014
Bill's Defensive Driving school is a parent's dream come true!

Bill is an excellent, calm and personable professional who encourages parents to drive along during lessons.  As an experienced driver, I realize how many little things one does automatically while driving.

Bill does and amazing job of breaking down each component of driving skills -- signalling, braking, changing lanes, etc. -- into small steps and then reinforces each skill in subsequent lessons.

I also really like that unlike other driver's programs where there are multiple students in the car (Egads!!! who would want their kid in the back seat while someone else's kids is learning to drive!!??!?) -- with Bill's its just your child. Bill also has a brake AND steering wheel -- just in case (though I do not believe he ever employed either during our son's lessons).

Thank you Bill!!!

by Steve L. on November 16, 2013
Bill's Defensive Driving School = two teenage drivers with defensive driving skills, no accidents, no tickets and situational awareness.

Mom and Dad = more relaxed when the teenagers are behind the wheel, confident that they can safely handle 101 and the twisting Marin roads (as much as a responsible teen can) and happy that they spent their money and time wisely (bonus... they picked up some driving skills refresher points too).

So what to expect...
1. A professional instructor with a low-key, even temperament, that teenagers and parents can relate too.
2. A new, clean, safe and well maintained full size car that has dual mirrors,gas pedals and brakes for Bill to take control and keep your kid safe.
3. Common sense step by step directions and then tips galore (he knows all of the local roads and the types of decisions that the driver will need to make as they encounter the non-conventional situations).
4.  Bill encourages parents to accompany their teen on the training ride; there is nothing to hide and he provides advice on what to practice with your "student driver."
5.  He emphasizes DEFENSIVE driving.
6.  Bill trusts his teaching skills and therefore will expose your teen to all types of roads and conditions; this means 101, North San Pedro Road in China Camp, city streets in San Rafael and Fairfax-Bolinas Road (yes you read that correctly), in what ever weather conditions.  They will experience it, so what not do it during a driving lesson?
7.  Confidence building for the student driver and parent.
8.  A "What to expect at your driving test" during lesson three which will include tips about the expectations of the DMV Driving Inspectors (by facility) and dry-run through the typical test course with commentary about what the student is doing correctly or incorrectly from the Driving Inspectors point of view.

The purpose of his lessons are not directed to pass the driving road test the first time, rather it is to make sure that you are a safe defensive driver.

Thank you Bill.

Good luck to future drivers, please drive defensively.

by Dahli M. on September 30, 2013
We taught our 18 year old how to drive and went on the road with him to help him get ready for the driving exam, but there were some gaps in his knowledge and we felt he needed a lesson or two.  We called Bill's Defensive Driving School and were able to get a Saturday afternoon appointment.  Paul was our instructor.  He was very thorough and we spent two very productive hours with him.  My son and I enjoyed his teaching style and his sense of humor.  My son took his driver's road test 6 days later and passed.  Paul shared with us that he has been teaching people to drive for 29 years!  We are very glad that we chose Bills and got the good fortune to have Paul as our instructor.   Paul was the perfect instructor for my son.  Patient, thorough, kind and funny.  I hope he's still instructing when our 13 year old is ready to start driving.

by Sandra I. on August 6, 2013
My niece is naturally very bold....she took double diamond ski runs the first time she saw them. But driving....another thing. I think it is the responsiblity of having lives in your hands.  So we set up lessons with Bill.  He's calm and patient but stretched her comfort zone a bit.  Two lessons down and her comment was "I'm still a bit nervous, but i'm feeling so much more confident....this was a good idea, Tia."

by Moses N. on February 24, 2013
Bill is a former CHP officer.  On my daughter's first lesson (she had never even sat behind the wheel), he made her drive on the freeway AND over Wolfe Grade in a driving rainstorm.  In all the lessons she had with him, he never let go of the steering wheel, so she never got to feel how it was to really drive the car.  I should mention that my daughter is a cautious and sensible person, and is a safe driver.

by K. S. on September 23, 2011
Very professional, yet very personal and simpathetic.
I had a fantastic instructor who made driving relaxing and easy.
Learned a lot in three lessons and ready to take the test.
Highly recommend these guys.

by Shon Henderson on January 18, 2019
Steve was an excellent driving instructor for my son! I was amazed at how much he could teach him in 2 lessons and will definitely have him take a third lesson before his test. Steve’s manner was very calm which transferred to my son and he was absolutely attentive & gave good advice throughout the lesson. My son drove the entire 2 hours for each lesson and got an incredible amount of diverse experiences. Well worth the money!

by Kurt Robinson on December 18, 2018
Unfortunately, our experience was not very good. Despite the fact my wife is a foreign adult, with absolutely no prior driving experience or working knowledge of basic motor vehicle controls, our instructor Bill (owner of the company) breezed through a very rushed presentation of the seat and mirror adjustments. After a short orientation of the lights, steering wheel and pedals, he insisted we "hit the streets" quickly. My wife was visibly nervous and confused, which he seemed to disregard, leading us onto one of the busiest roads in our area. He ended up doing most of the driving, reaching over to control the wheel and using his brakes and accelerator, more than she was able to do, since he never took the time to let her get comfortable with things. Although I will commend Bill for his thorough knowledge of traffic laws and nuances of defensive driving, he needs to work on his communication skills. He spent too much time joking around, telling stories and poking fun at my wife's nervousness, rather than taking time to realize she would benefit from a slower, more deliberate orientation and introduction to using the pedals and steering wheel. As another reviewer also commented, Bill spent too much time pulling over to talk. Rather than keep things very simple and focused, he seemed as much or more interested in relaying his perspectives to me, in order to ensure I would carry on with his job of instructing her, at times in between lessons. I did learn quite a bit, to his credit. Yet, the person he should have been more focused on was my wife, who felt she did not get much out of the lesson. Additionally, he was not dressed professionally, in my opinion, wearing a sweat suit rather than slacks or jeans and a shirt. Finally, his office staff was not particularly helpful or impressive, as they bungled the appointment time and location, leaving us waiting for almost an hour after our scheduled time and not letting us know until we called them to ask the reason the instructor was late. We have since begun lessons with another company, who sent a very patient, professional instructor, who has succeeded in taking my wife from being a nervous wreck to an eager student. Bill and his group may be good with many others, just not us.

by Maninder Singh on July 18, 2018

by Michael James Aguilar on July 18, 2018
Thank you Steve for making my self esteem in driving solid! It was fun and full of knowledge as well.

by Divya Verghese on July 18, 2018
Paul (Panya) my instructor was great. I have an out of state license and needed help gaining confidence on the freeways in SF. He was very calm and patient and put me at ease. Highly recommend especially for folks like me who haven’t driven for a while and want to get back on the road!

by Elaine DiStefano on July 18, 2018

by mark baird on July 18, 2018
What an exceptional experience! Our son had 3 lessons with Bill. In the first meeting Bill encouraged a parent to join them so we could learn how he teaches a new driver proper techniques. Learning Bill's technique and approach was critical for my Wife and I to help our son gain the driving experience and confidence required for Bay Area driving. Bill advised we save the 3rd lesson until the week prior to our son's driving test. We did, and he passed easily. I actually started using a few of his techniques as well. Thank you Bill.

by Linda Chechopoulos on July 18, 2018
Pan arrived right on time and came to the door to pick up my daughter. She enjoyed her 2 hours with him and asked if she could have him again. He was patient, thorough, and had a good sense of humor. She said the conversation was easy and comfortable for the two hours they were together. She got to practice on the freeways as well as city streets. Thumbs up. We will use this company and Pan again!! We used a different company for her first lesson. They charged half the price, but the teacher was unsatisfactory. He was on his cell phone texting most of the time and gave her no feedback. He even had her run an errand for him. You get what you pay for.

by Isicera Dew on July 18, 2018
Not only does Bill's lessons provide a strong basis for improvement, he also provides recommendations to help you get the most out of your practice driving.

by Kristin Pedersen on July 18, 2018

by Arlene Fischhoff on July 18, 2018
We were very happy with our experience with Bill's Defensive Driving School. The lessons are easy to schedule. The instructor Paul was very competent and made my daughter and son (and their parents) feel at ease.

by Ishaq Alizada on July 18, 2017

by Jenny Lefcourt on July 18, 2017
Frank was amazing! Highly recommend.

by Arthur Lovekin on July 18, 2017

by Kim Koen on July 18, 2017

by Sven Hemmert on July 18, 2017
Frank my daughter's instructor was patient, clear in his teaching methods and overall a fun and interesting guy.

by Jeff Bedrick on July 18, 2017
Great, friendly, experienced instructor. Smooth transaction.

by Beverly libaire on July 18, 2017
My daughter's instructor, Paul, was very good with her. His calm, even manner was reassuring to her as she has refined her driving skills. I also loved their flexibility with regard to scheduling. I definitely recommend this business.

by Puhakka Family on July 18, 2017

by Steve Ulrich on July 18, 2017