Akademia Driving School NYC

Fantastic experience: I had an amazing experience with Akademia Driving School NYC! From the 5-hour class to the driving lessons and finally the road test, their team was professional, supportive, and truly dedicated to helping me succeed. I passed my road test on the first try, and I couldn’t have done it without their guidance. A special shoutout to Victor, who drove us to the road test and made the experience even more memorable. His encouragement and blessing before the test were such a meaningful moment that I’ll never forget. I highly recommend this school to anyone looking to build confidence and skills on the road. Thank you for everything!

Fantastic experience: Excellent service! I took three classes at the academy to prepare for my road test and passed the test on the first try. Highly recommended!

Fantastic experience: I passed

Fantastic experience: I would highly recommend this school to any new drivers, the teacher Ismeal was very patient and was informative in what I needed to improve on so I can be ready for my road test.

Negative experience: I was gracious enough to give this driving school a chance. I had a 12 lesson package. They did not care if I learned to drive as long as I was paying for a package. Needless to say I did not learn very much from them. I am highly upset and feel duped. Those packages are not cheap. Very expensive. The staff were very casual and nonchalant because they were getting paid regardless. No matter how sociable I was they were like robots. There was only two instructors that were human. And that was another issue. There was a different guy every single time so one knew my progress I had to tell them. It was just horrible. I will not recommend this place to anyone ever.

Fantastic experience: The best driving school hands down! I booked a package of 10 lessons, I was super nervous coming from Ferrari driving school(which is horrible & expensive, always pairing you up with a different instructor which isn’t helpful). But here at Akademia, they took there’s time. My instructor Ishmael was AMAZING. He kept the radio on while driving so it was never awkward silence, making sure I understand what I was doing. He was always so calm which made me feel that I could conquer this task. Also shout out to him for the parking pointer, it worked like a charm! I can say I took my road test and passed!!!. So happy I chose this school. I will be back for high way lessons :)

Fantastic experience: Excellent school all instructors very helpful and knowledgeable. Special thanks to Victor and Raph at the front desk. I will highly recommend to everyone

Fantastic experience: Good Drinig School, I get my Lincence here.

Fantastic experience: My daughter got her lincence in Akademia Driving School. The best school in town.

Fantastic experience: I got my license here, good driving school. Highly recommend.

Positive experience: They lack communication skill and are were not willing to help me after I paid for a service after explaining multiple times the service wasn’t working

Fantastic experience: I passed my road test in the first attempt! I took my beginners lessons and the instructors are so professional and help me with my fears… Thanks to their expert guidance and patience. They really made the class very enjoyable with positive and encouraging attitude. Thanks to Akademia

Fantastic experience: This driving school is the best in Spanish Harlem! I pass my test after taking the package of 10 lessons, 5hr class and car for the test and my friend pass with just taking the 6 lessons for the first time. This school is so affordable and they are so sweet and patient they well help you each step of the way. I highly recommend learning from them. Also, the test is in Yonkers what more can you ask for.

Fantastic experience: Akademia Driving School One of the best driving school in New York city. Very responsible and very helpful people. The instructor are responsible and very professional. They really help me with my questions. And the prices are very reasonable for the community. Thank you Akademia Driving School for helping me getting my license. Great job akademia.

Fantastic experience: Such an amazing school, with amazing mangers who are kind and patient. I passed my license as a class D driver, and I am so grateful for my experience at Akademia Driving School.

Fantastic experience: Great Driving School, I got the License Class D & Class M in no time. Online classes are easy and straight at the point. Instructors very professionals and everything on time. The Owner Rafa is incredible, professional and he knows very well what is doing. Great experience. Thanks to Akademia Driving School I'm enjoying my DUCATI and my Class D license. Grazie

Fantastic experience: They are just perfect, the instructors transfer knowledge very easily and make you confortable, I am from France and learned so much about NY driving

Negative experience: I took 20 lessons from them and they didn't teach me how to look at my blind spots so I failed twice. I could have passed the first time but they made sure I fail.

Fantastic experience: I bought the beginners package and passed with flying colors!

Fantastic experience: Great school!....my friend pass his road test on the 1st try!

Fantastic experience: I passed my road test. The new management is fantastic very knowledgeable. If you are looking to learn how to drive. I recommend coming to Akademia

Fantastic experience: I had a great experience with the Akademia Driving School. Everyone was really helpful and knowledgeable and their packages are very affordable. I already knew how to drive before taking their lessons, I just needed to practice a bit before taking the road test and it went great! I passed the first time I took it! Highly recommend, I’m very grateful for all their help!

Fantastic experience: I got the perfect orientation at the office. The instructors are calm, patient and respectful. I really had an excellent experience at Akademia Driving School.

Negative experience: They have the cheapest package and lessons in the neighborhood and can also schedule you for a road test within a few weeks which is why I’ll give one star. The front desk guy is decent enough. I dealt with two instructors from this driving school. One of them, the guy with the beard is patient enough to teach you and tell you what you need to improve. So for that alright another star. But there’s a lady who’s another instructor with a BAD attitude. She’s impatient and her instructions are not really clear. Idk if she’s trying to give tough love or none at all but she made me so nervous and anxious to drive. And also the car they gave me for a road test is not the one I took my lessons from. It might be the same model and stuffs but it’s not the car I practiced in. It doesn’t really work properly, the steering wheel is not power, the right rear view mirror is broken to adjust it, etc..

Negative experience: This is a decent driving school. The instructors are nice and help you to feel at ease. The front desk will ensure that your all set up for your driving lessons. A few things I am not fond about. The date of your driving exam is pre-determined by the school (I should be able to go minimally during a month of my choosing at the very least). The driving exam takes place in the Yonkers so the streets, pavements and speed limit differs than it does in the city and can be difficult for students to gauge and navigate a different environment than the Manhattan setting in which students originally practice. Scheduling availability and flexibility is very limited there and if you need to reschedule or cancel in appointment you will loose out on the lesson and your money altogether. I would think to reschedule that should be possible within a given timeframe and concerning cancellations I understand instructors are to be paid therefore a cancellation fee for that purpose would make more sense than for customers to loose out entirely. I lost out on many paid lessons because rescheduling was not possible as far as the school and to begin with many of the dates and times of my lessons which was the only available hardly worked for me in terms of my schedule to begin with which I did communicate. I never received the highway driving lessons paid for in my “contract” and I purchased the most expensive driving package. The syllabus was not followed. The cars are breaking down. I did not get even half of my monies worth. For these reasons I would not invest my time or money at this school.

Negative experience: One of the teachers who teach in the morning taught me that I should always stay in the middle when I walk on a one-way street, and it turns out that I failed the exam because of that bad teaching they gave me, and he was even teaching me that I must steer with both hands on the guide and not with the hand on the co-pilot's seat. When you go to take the practical exam, they take you in another car, not the one they taught you in, the car has a damaged regular meter and that confuses the student when he is driving, he cannot maintain a speed…

Negative experience: Whatever you do, do not take their pre licensing aka 5 hour class. Its gonna take way longer than 5 hours because the screen keeps signing you out! They also make you do a quiz for all 7 courses. I do not recommend!

Negative experience: This place is a scam (5) classes for $378+ tax everything is nonrefundable and you cannot reschedule any of your days once you pay the money is given to the drivers as soon as your pay so there’s no such thing as canceling All they will do for you is give you an extra 15 minutes on one of your day to reimburse you for missing 1 or 2 days. So you won’t be able to reschedule if you’re at work meeting you have to cancel work to get to this driving lesson because it will be a waste of money. So therefore, there’s no conveniency to this company.

Fantastic experience: I sign up for this school long time in 2016 but the one in the bronx . After years of having my permit and failing my road test more than 4 times , I found this school around my neighborhood and I gave it another try . The front desk person made a scheduled for me and my instructors were awesome. I passed my test . I was sad that after the pandemic the driving school they had in the Bronx is no longer there . It was a great experience.

Negative experience: This place is the worst!!!! Highly DO NOT RECOMMEND! They just want your money money money and money! They don’t care for your actual experience! I took lessons with this company and the day of the exam I was given a different car that I had never driven before. I was not given a mock test either which is on the syllabus but when I brought it up to front desk so I can reschedule my road test front desk had the nerves to say he doesn’t go by syllabus but does express how this is supposed to be a contract, smh. Back to like I said, they just want money money money!

Fantastic experience: Thank you Fred! I passed my road test!!! Amazing instructor and staff. Excellent teaching.

Fantastic experience: Great school! Very affordable, but very organized. All instructors were professional, knowledgeable and extremely nice. I took the package that includes driving lessons on the highway, I’ve never driven before and I passed the driving test on the first time. I highly recommend it.

Fantastic experience: Affordable, no thrill and friendly business. As an experienced driver abroad I just wanted to learn to pass the test. Took one lesson with Frédérique, very nice instructor who taught me how to pass and the things I have to change for exam day. I changed most of them and passed with no stress. The other students (one of them being a novice driver who had done 6 lessons if I'm correct) were also confident it had gone well. Yes the cars aren't shiny, some are even clunky but they do the job, are easy to drive and at that price point I think Akadenia provides good value for money. Would recommend this driving school to experienced drivers (can't say for novice drivers).

Negative experience: Just called to ask few questions. After several irritated answers I heard “I don’t have time for it” and he just hung up on me. Nice attitude

Negative experience: Definitely not recommended to anyone The guy is not helpful they only care about there course they dont really teach you much there instructors is young guy in 20s most of the time hes on his phone everytime car stop on light he start texting No instructions for new drivers top of that they change the car right on the day of my road test . They teach me driving one old car the day of road test they switch the car Which make me confused. Very poor service

Fantastic experience: I seen a lot of negative reviews on the front desk guy, they must have changed the front desk receptionist guy because the gentleman who assisted me was very professional. I took my driving exam yesterday and passed, so thank you Akademia for your help with that. Also, the gentleman who drove me to take the exam Victor really put my nerves at ease, very knowledgeable and wasn’t selfish with sharing that knowledge, gave a positive pep talk which really calmed me before my test! Very big shoutout to him!!!

Fantastic experience: I would like to thank jeosh and the real light Spanish lady she did a excellent job teaching me how to drive please keep them there and they deserve a raise and most of all there the best thanks to her if passed my test with confidences will recommend others thank u and bless day

Negative experience: I got class in this institute and the instructor was so rude and instead of teaching he shouted and humiliated me even when if I had not done anything wrong . Furthermore the speedometer of the car did not work and instructor said that it’s not his problem.When I told the office, they did not care at all.

Negative experience: Honest review: It’s rated as one of the worst driving schools in NYC for a reason. The instructors are nice, but they don’t train you very well, especially if you don’t have previous driving experience. I trained with mostly George and Victor. George was a very nice guy, and he definitely does his best, but the issue I had was he assists you (for example, when about to parallel park, sometimes changes the gear and moves the steering wheel) a little too much. Also, we didn’t do enough parallel parking practices. The instructors mostly had me drive around, but more of the focus should have been done on three point turn and parallel parking. The instructs also don’t take you to the driving site. Had I driven there beforehand, I think it would have made a difference between passing and failing. I didn’t pass because I hit the curb when I paralleled park and they ruled it as an automatic failure. The cars are all in bad shape. The first car I drove in for my practice overheated, and we had to pull over and stop for 20 minutes while the car cooled down. On the day of the exam, they took a group of four of us to the testing site. The car we used for the exam was old and in bad shape. You had to press the gas pedal down hard for the car to accelerate. The steering wheel also does not wind back when you turn it; you have to manually turn it back all times. This had an effect on my parallel park. None of us felt Like we passed the exam, but I don’t know if others passed or failed. Everyone hit the curb on the parallel park. With all that being said, I live very close to the school, so it was convenient, but not worth it. I took 8 classes. I’m renting a car and retaking the exam in a couple of weeks. If you really want to pass, I think it’s ok to take a couple of classes only and the practice driving with a licensed driver in car. Go to the road site before the exam, as I believe it will help.

Fantastic experience: I had a couple of classes here to practice highway driving, and my instructor Brian is the best instructor so far in my experience of taking driving lessons in 3 different countries. He went above and beyond in providing helpful advice and feedback, such as tips on good driving practices and safety. Since I am considering buying a car, I also got some tips on car selection and maintenance from him. I highly recommend Brian if you are looking for a kind, patient and knowledgeable driving instructor. As a side note for people who commute from the Columbia U. area, it is convenient to commute to the driving school by Citi bike -- there are 3 bike stations around it. I would use a classic bike on the way there and an e-bike on the way back, as the way back is slightly uphill.

Negative experience: Not a place I’ll ever go to again. Despite the fact that I'm close to the driving school, it's not where I want to learn. The cars are not only old but will usually lose control. I know people who have cars that are in their 60’s and still work perfectly well. How come Akademia could have upgraded or something? Ridiculous. Also, the manager at that place is rude as well. I recommend that y’all go to Bronx Driving School.

Negative experience: pros- friendly instructors but tell them what you mainly want to focus on cons - bad communication - workers there are always contradicting their statements I tried to get in contact with their boss about a question they apparently could only resolve and I never got a response back its been months later... and then I went in person their like "well I don't know what to tell you.." they first offered to call their boss then he walkout comes back 15+ minutes later the tells me to email him... told me to email their supervisor when he had a tag that read supervisor.

Fantastic experience: Let me start by saying I NEVER leave reviews but after reading some bad reviews I figured I should say how I felt. I had a great experience with Academia Driving School. The 2 instructors I had were Carmen and Josue and they were honestly so nice and very knowledgeable. I never drove before starting these classes and when I started with them, they made me feel comfortable and really helped me to prepare for the road test. The day of my road test I had a last 90 minute session and was so nervous I almost didn’t go take my test. But figured just try and I’m so glad I did! I passed on my 1st try all thanks to Carmen and Josue. They were so patient and the best instructors! Thank you Carmen & Josue!

Fantastic experience: For a long time I was terrified of driving, I decided to face my fear, I chose this school and it is the best thing I could have done, my instructor Carmen is the best, she has the professionalism and the best techniques to learn quickly, after a few classes I passed my Road test, so when you're ready to start your classes ask for her, you'll thank me later.

Fantastic experience: Great team of wonderful ppl who will help you every step of the way. Thank you, Mrs. Carmen, Mr. Victor, Joswe and the owner for the great driving lessons.

Fantastic experience: Great school for a decent price, yes the cars are old but one should know how to drive regardless of the vehicle. Thanks to the instructors Victor and Amaury for providing great guidance and advices for the driving test and overall driving.

Negative experience: This school is very expensive the driving instructors don’t give direction or lessons well. Also the condition of their cars are horrible! One of them was in very poor condition and shouldn’t even be on the road save time and money and search elsewhere.

Negative experience: I walked in to inquire about committing to a lessons package for me and my husband and the individual at the front desk didn’t acknowledge my existence. I greeted with a smile and they acted like I didn’t exist. I’m 8 months pregnant, it felt very rude, triggering, and targeted, and I would even say discriminatory, likely due to my condition. Never have I felt so ignored and had worse service, disgusting….

Fantastic experience: So many bad reviews for no reason, I believe it’s the driver at fault and not the instructors! Yesterday I passed my road test at the Havermeyer site with the help of all the lessons I learned with akademia!! I’ve booked these guys for 2 45 minute lessons, 1 90 minute lesson and the vehicle for the road test, the vehicles are old but after using them for the lessons it makes you feel comfortable enough since you have experience with the car to ace the road test, I had my doubts and felt like I was going to flunk it but I didn’t. Shoutout akademia, shout out instructors Esther, Victor, and the bigger guy (Forgot his name) for all the help in progressing me to the next step. Ignore all the negative remarks, these guys are the ones to go to. Like I said the ones leaving the nasty comments are the ones who was bad behind the wheel!

Fantastic experience: When I first started taking my driving lessons I was very nervous, but my instructor Victor was very knowledgeable and professional. He made feel very comfortable and I was able to stop being nervous and driving freely. He is an amazing instructor. I wouldn't go to anyone but him. If your a new driver ask for victor, you will get the best lessons and experience.

Negative experience: Rude guy at the front desk he told my sister they are booked til December to shop else where then when our aunt went in who looks to be Caucasian she had a appointment ready for the next week WOW not even gunna get into that !!!!! The road test cars are old aswell! I paid 100 dollars to use a car for my road test and was driven to the road test with 4 other ppl we were all swished in the back seat one in the front with the driver mind you it’s still a PANDEMIC the instructor didn’t put his mask on and when asked if he was vaccinated he said no non of them are but still refused to put a mask on they take advantage of the ppl in the community because they know there is no other driving school in this area. The young guy instructor tried to talk to me and asked me for my Facebook and Instagram instead of teaching me what I needed to learn to pass my road test I’m so done with this place and will shop else where even if I have to pay more. Wish I could give this place 0 stars I would GREAT WAY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE COMMUNITY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Negative experience: Very upset with this school. Sent my daughter there to learn how to drive. Ends up that the instructor she had was not vaccinated and refused to wear a mask. When she asked for instructors who were vaccinated, they did not have any and said that maybe there was one driving instructor who might deign to wear a mask. This when the Delta variant is raging across the country, Uber and Lyft have mandated masks for over a year now, the city and the federal government are mandating vaccines for its workers and the CDC says that even vaccinated people should wear masks in closed spaces. Their attitude was threatening not just to get my daughter sick (She is vaccinated - but the delta variant can re-infect even vaccinated people) but also her parents and anyone else she comes into contact with. A car is very small enclosed space. Stay away from this company. Incredibly reckless and irresponsible behavior in the middle of a pandemic.

Negative experience: I’m deciding to choose somewhere else. Simple phone call is enough to sense that this place is unlikely to make DMV hassle easier. They have good package deals though.

Positive experience: Took some 6 or so classes here in March of this year, passed the test on the first try! Had 3 instructors throughout giving different tips but I used what worked best for me and couldn’t be happier

Negative experience: Received horrible customer service from 2 of your workers. Staff was sitting and lounging on a couch while I was asking booking questions and while cat jumped around on counter and chairs. Staff was bothered by my questions and interest in booking a class. Was told to go elsewhere and told by the supervisor that we wouldn’t get along. Super unprofessional and condescending.

Negative experience: Horrible! I ignored all the red flags because the place was close to my house and I bitterly regretted it! I had to wait almost two months to be for a spot in the theoretical course and driving lessons. When I got there for the driving lesson, I found out that it had been canceled (for no apparent reason). It was rescheduled for the day before the practice test. terrible and rude staff

Negative experience: My experience it's was horrible. That man is extremely rude poor people. El senor grande es un grosero , yo ni tomé las clases … the big guy

Negative experience: The big guy is the front is very RUDE, not helpful and spoke very rough with us. Need better staff and place was dirty.

Negative experience: Extremely rude people. I asked them if thy were vaccinated, since they were not wearing a mask and all of a sudden his next sentence was "I am completely booked". Also the cleanliness of the place is non-existent

Fantastic experience: This place is wonderful ask for victor he taught me to park in one lesson:) I will recommend my friends and family! they take there, time with you their are affordable price’s they have two different locations so if you don’t want to chose the Harlem location you can go with the Bronx and it’s cheaper price overall I passed and got my license:)

Negative experience: Whatever you do DO NOT go to this driving school. You will fail if you have no experience with a car/driving. On my way to the test the car transmission or whatever it was was making a scraping sound basically the car was trash. Even the dmv tester asked me if the car was okay as he made a face driving off to begin. The steering wheel was horrible. I paid a lot of money for lessons and I still feel like I don’t know how to drive. And oh the owner is very rude. The workers are good but you can sense the frustration in their voice.

Negative experience: Stay away from this place!rude staff, old broken cars! The receptionist guy refused to book me a class because i asked him to book a not broken car as the car i had driven in previous class didn’t seem safe to ride!! Worst experience ever!!

Positive experience: My only complaint was that after 2-3 weeks I was given a road test date, that I totally voiced that I was not ready for. I wanted to polish up on a few things, and feel comfortable before rushing into taking the test. I was told at the front desk that due to covid whatever date is given is given, you can not reschedule :( which I later found out after taking the road test and failing, that was not true at all. YOU ARE ABLE TO RESCHEDULE AND CANCEL YOUR ROAD TEST DATE IF NEED BE!!! Also I took a class the day before my road test. My lesson was rushed and cut short because "they needed the car to take students to the road test!" I left that lesson with doubt and fear. I was just told "yeah yeah you're doing everything correctly" but that was obviously not true. I then decided to go to Easy to Learn Driving School, where I took only 4 classes. The instructor was very straight to the point and also made sure that I fully understood everything. Within the 1st lesson, I learned things I was never taught prior which was amazing. Needless to say, I passed my road test today.

Negative experience: 1. I asked the owner to wear a mask and he purposely coughed on me. 2. He's very unprofessional and disorganized. 3. He had me take him to McDonald's and to his house during my lesson. 4. I still failed my road test.

Negative experience: The worker dont wear there mask in the office or while working with student you will learn how to drive but you may also get covid dont waste your time here that the manager not wearing a mask

Fantastic experience: Both myself and my wife have had a great experience with this school. I highly suggest going on the road with Victor; he is the best instructor both in tactics and temperament.

Fantastic experience: Shout out to warner I had explained to him that I was a experienced driver and told him to give me some pointers on certain things. Taught me how to parallel park perfectly great school to go to for anything!

Positive experience: It was good. They are friendly and sensitive to the needs of their students.

Fantastic experience: Got the job done! The best bang for your buck. Passed my road test after just 5 lessons. The instructors are nice and very informative. Shoutout to my man Jose. He’s one of the best instructors out there.

Positive experience: The package is costly but am overall good deal for Manhattan....I want to make special mention and thank Jose, who is an instructor there. He is an amazing instructor, very calm, knowledgeable about driving, gave very great advice and tips. I felt extremely confident I had him as an instructor. I passed my road test on the first attempt. I highly recommend him

Negative experience: I’ve been driving for more then 10 years and was doing this course to know what DMV inspectors check in the road test. 1. They gave me a broken down car with no power steering and its engine light on. The instructor told me “get in, you’re driving us to the gas station so we can fix it, then class starts”. -no comment- 2. The instructor was really out of touch with DMV regulations: When we got to the gas station he told me “don’t go in, the car seems fine, so cross the street and parallel park behind that car.” So as I’m checking my mirrors and shoulder checking he says : “you’re doing it wrong, the inspector expects you to put your right hand on the passengers head rest and turn your head so he knows you’re checking your blind spot.” -no comment- I paid no mind since I was wrestling with the steering wheel. When the parking was done I told him “let’s go back and change cars because I can’t practice under these conditions.” So we are driving back and we go through a school zone and the light was green but there were children on the crosswalk and this “instructor” says to me “go ahead the light is yours you have the right of way, they will just have to stop.” -no comment- At this point I’m thinking, this old man is senil and a hazard as an instructor, good thing I’m driving and I have common sense. 3. We make it back to Akademia Manhattan HQ and I just want my money back because they waisted my time and they have hazardous instructors and vehicles. The instructor tells the guy behind the counter that we came back because he couldn’t teach due to broken and in need of service car. At which point I tell him “I want my money back” he pretty much ordered me to sit down and I wasn’t going to have any of that disrespectful attitude so the conversation escalated... until I got my money back. 4. If you are black avoid. A white/hispanic girl had an appointment at the same time I did and she was given a new car and an instructor who looked like he was up to date with regulations. Maybe I got unlucky like when I get randomly checked at the airport, who knows?

Fantastic experience: If you are interesting in get your license I gonna tell you where baby don't waste your time !!!!! You will receive the best class In Akademia driving school they have the most professionals teachers and the Best Prices I am so glad with my choice The are the best Akademia driving school La mejor Escuela si deseas aprender a manejar y conseguir tu licencia % garantizada tienen un personal Altamente capacitado son Los mejores te preparan super bien y tienen Los mejores precios mas que complacida con El servicio!!!!! I got my license thanks God and thank you guys

Fantastic experience: I was a beginner driver and I started taking lessons in oct of 2019 with Eric & Jose and I passed my road test Dec of 2019 , they were so helpful & patient and informative , I felt comfortable enough to schedule my road test after a few lessons because I knew they’d make sure I passed on my first try and I did because of them so Thank you!!!.

Fantastic experience: Hello Victor is the best instructor ever, he’s really patient, he always make sure you understand the lessons, and really generous.

Positive experience: I have a lot of respect for the administrators and instructors at Akademia Driving school— their approach to teaching and knowledge of the road will not only help you pass the test, but will help you become a better driver overall. Folks of all ages and experience levels should consider taking a course or purchasing one of their packages if they wish to learn a clean and simple approach to driving....well worth the time/energy/money spent...

Fantastic experience: Just passed my road test with the help of the best instructor in NYC, JOSE!!!! Let's GO!!!! Thank you Akademia Driving School!!

Fantastic experience: Great school. Jose was my driving instructor and he’s great. Some people don’t realize that it requires patience for someone to feel comfortable to drive and he never yelled or said anything bad. He was patient with me and I ended up passing my road test because of him. Thank you!

Fantastic experience: I am extremely satisfied with the service received from Akademia Driving school. Today I passed my driving test on the first try. Thanks to Victor and Jose who thoroughly educated me on everything I needed to know in preparation for the test, and to be a safe driver. I am grateful for their patience with me.

Fantastic experience: I had a great experience with Akademia driving school in Harlem. Everyone was more than profesional they were super helpful. I failed my first road test and when I went back to get more lessons. Jose made sure we practice were I needed help the most. And the next road test I pass with no issues. They were all great and are there to truly make your learning experience less stressful. I would recommend them to anyone.

Fantastic experience: The instructors at Akademia are very professional and have many years of experience driving. With my experience, they were very patient with me and gave me useful tips to learn how to drive safely and most of all pass the road test. After 5 wonderful classes with both Jose and Chris, I was able to pass the road exam and successful obtain my drivers license. I want to thank Jose & Chris at Akademia for all the help and I would most definitely recommend this driving school to anyone looking to learn how to drive!

Negative experience: My daughter took a class, the instructor was on the phone all the time; my daughter didn't buckled up and the instructor didn't even notice.

Fantastic experience: Had a great learning experience, passed my third/first test after learning with this school. Way better than the one I went to before them, would definitely recommend them for lessons.

Fantastic experience: One of the instructors named Jose, taught me everything I needed to know to pass my road test. He was helpful, patient and charismatic. He made the driving classes worth my time. Great school!

Fantastic experience: I never drove before and passed my test thanks to the classes I took at Akademia. Jose, Jerry and Jeremy are the best instructors ever ..They teach you exactly was on the test which helped me feel confident. They are patient, kind and understanding. They literally break everything down for you that makes driving so easy. I recommend this school to everyone. Omg thanks you guys !!!

Fantastic experience: Really good place to get your lessons. The staff are excellent. They make you feel comfortable and are very good instructors. Prices are fair.

Fantastic experience: I picked Akademia because of its convenience in location. The instructors have many years of experience as teachers and drivers. Jose and Victor showed me great tips and how to gain confidence on the roads. After reading prior reviews I was skeptical but joined anyway ( so glad I did ) i was greeted warmly by Maria and Ramone and my experience was miles different from the reviews i read. It pays to be kind, as you will perhaps receive kindness in return. Passed my road test today! Thank you everyone at Akademia :)

Fantastic experience: When it comes to getting your license quick and affordable....this is place to come

Negative experience: These people don't have any manners. Associates don't know how to even talk to people. Just terrible customer service and their cars are shi**y. i wouldn't recommend anybody to go there.

Negative experience: Very bad customer service. Guy in the main office was completely rude. I actually wanted a package but sounded like he hated money. This is a service job. If you’re going to have a rude attitude then don’t deal with customers!

Negative experience: If I could give this driving school zero I will They used the worst communication skills with the customer Totally horrible experience Please save your money and stay a way from this driving school

Negative experience: Stay away from this driving school. The driving test - announced within 3 weeks - is not refundable even if you are not able to make it on the specific date they choose(they do not want to change the driver & car but will refund the state test, paradoxically). The manager has no common sense, he is rude with his clients and just want to make easy money. Take it or leave it.

Negative experience: If I could give this driving school is zero and I would the owner not only did he rob me he didn’t teach me anything all he ended up doing was taking pit stops to his house to McDonald’s to the gas station you name it and then when I asked for my money back he called the police on me absolutely horrible I would never suggest anyone ever go here trust me save your money find somewhere better to be it was by Goods grease that the police was able to get me half of my money back he was even trying to lie and say he gave me more lessons then he actually did so sad

Fantastic experience: Great school - convenient as well for lessons for people with 9-5 M-F work schedules. (All of my lessons were at 6 or 7pm) First lesson was August 2nd, and I had 4 total, with the last being August 18th. I had three different instructors, all were very calm and confident with my driving (re: not brake happy) and this paid off in the end because I was able to learn quick and well enough to pass my road test on August 20th (with about an hour of supplemental driving with my father). Thanks!

Negative experience: Be careful, place has a 24 hour cancellation policy but fail to tell you that you have to actually call 48 hours ahead if your class is on monday...because they are not open Sunday. When I called the lady said I should have looked at the signs. I think the employee should tell you that when you book the class, ugh horrible customer service.

Fantastic experience: Very good school! My son learned a lot working with one of the instructors named Daniel. Very informative and patient. Helped my son pass in his first try! Keep it up!

Fantastic experience: I’m so glad I found this driving school close by, took a few lessons since their packages were at a good price and their drivers know what they are doing, they made sure to go over everything needed to pass the road test. Took my road test today and I nailed it on the 1st try thanks to akademia. Thank you for your services, I will recommend you guys to my friends. GCancel

Fantastic experience: I recently took my road test and passed on my first try. I actually live in harlem but I went to their bronx location because it was easier to get to work and it was cheaper also it's a bit of a challenge. I took a few lessons however here in the harlem location and I have to say they are amazing from the scheduling and to the instructors. The 45 min lessons are great to have when brushing up on your parking and 3 point turn the 90 mins is great for learning to actually drive and switch lanes (good to know). I was very pleased with Wandar (hope that's how you spell his name) and Daniel. Very sweet and patient. Thank you guys for all the work you do.

Negative experience: The reviews about how rude staff are is very much TRUE. Who can learn with a rude instructor? I wish I can give zero stars. Although the receptionist was nice, the drivers and manager were unprofessional and made me uncomfortable. I wasn't even in the car for 10 mins before the driver was blasting music, and screaming at me for making mistakes that any new driver would make. Clearly a hoodrat with zero communication skills. DO NOT GO HERE, although I didn't take the road test, my friend took his and FAILED. Do not go here, rude nasty manager & drivers, I should have listened to my friend.

Negative experience: Horrible place. I didn't know information about packages and I paid for 5h lessons. I called to office,right after I discovered that there is some packages and ask to add this amount for a package. It was difference in 1h only. The manager was so rude, refused me and said that next time I should ask properly for what I want. But I didn't know,so I asked if he can give me separate other services.and answer was no because he didn't like my attitude and better I go to other school,cheaper instead of trying to save money in that school. It is very bad,unfriendly people here. Sorry

Negative experience: -The staff lady can be very rude and condecending lacking in customer service skill -they don't and won't remind you of anything they will schedule you and it's all you from there I schedule all lessons for Tuesday after 2 pm because I work untill 4 am Sundays so yeah even with this information they will schedule you for the driving test on a Monday 8 am for the driving test +Can you go here and Lear to drive ,yes the instructores are good Over all just go ready to take initiative if you let them dictate you they will nickel and dime you. ....Its a business after all