Swerve Driving School of BALLARD

Fantastic experience: I highly recommend this place! Great experience from getting my permit to getting my driver license! All the staffs and instructors were very nice and knowledgeable especially Ruth.

Fantastic experience: Robbie’s The absolute best- I’ve had him for multiple drives and my test. He makes the lessons feel like a really safe space and you never feel nervous, he explains things in ways that really make sense and will also elaborate on anything you are confused on.

Fantastic experience: I had an excellent experience with Swerve Ballard for my driving lessons and my test. Huge thanks to Jose, Garrett, and Robby —amazing instructors who were patient and highly skilled. I learned a lot and felt confident throughout the process. Highly recommend Swerve Ballard for anyone learning to drive!

Fantastic experience: Organized and clear testing instructions and nice employees

Fantastic experience: Wonderful place for knowledge testing with there owm car to use for drivers test!

Fantastic experience: Had a great experience with Swerve - major shoutout to Robby! - in completing my WA drivers test. Robby put me at ease and provided super helpful advice regarding common mistakes made by drivers on the road/how to drive safely in WA. Coming from a country that drives on the left, I recommend booking the driving test with a 30 min warmup!

Negative experience: Horrible Customer Service on Oct 29th 2024. My son brought his id without his learner permit. I offered to print a replacement at the office. Was first told they had no printer, then when pointing out a printer on the other side of the office, I was told I had no time to print. The employee managed to have no eye contact the whole time. I still have to pay for the missed appointment despite offering multiple chances to deescalate.

Fantastic experience: Muy amable mi instructor de prueba de manejo. Y muy profesional.

Fantastic experience: Had a very anomalous experience with Robbie given the reviews he was getting, but Garrett at admin immediately stepped up and went over and beyond. He was thorough and excellent, taking the effort and professionalism to write out all of my concerns and provide correcting information, validated my experience as relatively disturbing, and came up with a high quality solution of him personally taking responsibility for the test. He was not lenient or corrupted in my final results, making sure I have all the information I need, while still giving a warm up lesson that allowed me to cover any existing gaps before the actual test. He was the perfect combination of generous and conspiring for success while also being highly competent and not making things easier just to do it. I really appreciated working with Garrett and recommend Swerve if it is hiring and keeping employed admin like this. He went over and beyond as an admin without being false, cloying or condescending and I really appreciate it deeply. He was also clear-headed, observant and realist personally noticing an excessive amount of strange detours and construction all along the normal driving route that day without being prompted to notice it, factored it in and gave me extra recognition for testing with high marks given these sudden, new, unplanned and excessive obstacles.

Fantastic experience: My driving journey with Swerve Ballard has been wonderful. Both Micheal and Robby were great instructors. They helped ease my nervousness around driving and were graceful and patient throughout. I highly recommend this location.

Fantastic experience: Had a perfectly smooth experience with the school for both my tests. Well organized and no hassles. Would definitely recommend going here for your knowledge or road tests!

Fantastic experience: I had a great experience with my driving test. Having the review drive before the test was also helpful, as it allowed me to get warmed up before the test. The staff and instructors are friendly, and my instructor for my test was Robby, who was extremely helpful and kind.

Fantastic experience: Robby was a great instructor

Fantastic experience: I had a great experience taking my drivers test with Robby. He was very polite and made sure that I was comfortable. He was very clear with directions and I understood everything he asked from me. Robby was the nicest driving instructor, I couldn’t even have dreamt of.

Fantastic experience: I had a wonderful experience at Swerve, and most of that can be credited to Robby. I was lucky to have him for most of my driving lessons as well as my road test. He is such an outstanding instructor- clear, kind, calm, and incredibly patient. He's definitely helped me become a confident driver and I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a driving instructor!

Fantastic experience: Robby was fantastic, so professional and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend the warm up before the test.

Fantastic experience: Robby was very helpful and he articulated all the road safety instructions very well.

Fantastic experience: I did my practical drivers lessons and test here. The instructors are very helpful and patient. I recommend this Swerve Ballard.

Fantastic experience: I had Robby for my driving test and he did a very good job giving me clear directions and he was really nice and helpful after the test.

Fantastic experience: my experience with Robby was really good! a human professional experience. i’m glad i chose swerve to get my license!

Fantastic experience: Robby was my instructor for all my drive, he made my first couple experiences driving a super comfortable and fun experience. This calmed my fear of driving and now I’ve past my test and I’m on my way to get my license!

Fantastic experience: Teachers and instructors are very nice. Especially Micheal and Robby are helpful and supportive!!

Fantastic experience: Great experience on both the written exam and the driving test. Have been driving for 20 years on another country, but we payed for a small course, just to make sure we got everything correct. I had my driving test with Robby and he was great, everything clear, and made me feel comfortable.

Fantastic experience: I passed my driving test! My driving instructor Robby helped me prepare by doing a practice test on the last of my five drives. I was glad he was my test administrator.

Fantastic experience: I had Robby for my test and he was amazing!

Fantastic experience: Had a great experience. My examiner, Robby, was so great, patient, everything explained very well, extremely supportive. Recommend for sure.

Fantastic experience: Jose and Robby were super helpful getting me acclimated with the vehicles and what to expect on the road test. I took the adult lessons and they gave great explanations and pointed out some bad habits I had. Got me prepared and confident for the road test to pass on the first try.

Fantastic experience: Swerve did a great job of teaching this adult driver all of necessary driving maneuvers in non-stressful way. Really appreciated lessons from Ruth and the road test from Robby. Ruth was super helpful & friendly and Robby provided thorough instructions for the test. Both were kind and friendly and give helpful tips for improvement. Highly recommended

Fantastic experience: Good job teaching me how to drive. Robby is the best instructor!

Fantastic experience: I had a great experience with Swerve. Robby was my instructor for my lesson and skills test. He was clear, polite and had a calm presence which definitely helped me feel at ease on the day of my skills test.

Fantastic experience: Robby is amazing! This is such a great program, pleased with the process.

Fantastic experience: Got my driving lessons as well as test from here, highly recommended

Fantastic experience: All the instructors were great! I had Robby for most of my drives and my road test and he was super kind and helpful.

Fantastic experience: Smooth training and a huge confidence boost before you head out for your road test. 100% recommend

Fantastic experience: Robby did a great job with my driver's test. Good directions and feedback. Note it is a busy neighborhood with narrow streets, but if you can drive here you can drive just about anywhere.

Fantastic experience: For my road test I had Robby! It was so nice and relaxing. Considering we’re not aloud to engage it didn’t feel awkward. He’s a very positive energy and person. I hope if anyone has their road test or drives they get to experience Robby at least once!

Fantastic experience: Robby was an awesome instructor friendly, gives clear instructions/directions and did not make me anxious

Positive experience: For context I used Swerve after moving from NYC at the same time my license expired; I took both the written and driving test. To be honest, there are some very curt employees that made a stressful experience more nerve wracking. I attempted to test a year ago and my instructor was so grouchy that it scared me away from trying again. However, I came back in June and I had an incredible experience working with the new receptionist (sorry I did not catch your name) and Robby. Robby was such a delight. His instructions were clear, he was fair and unbiased, and gave me some helpful advice once the test was over. Give that guy a raise!

Fantastic experience: I took my road test here with Robby and he was very nice!

Fantastic experience: The online courses were overwhelming and not very effective but the drives were helpful and my final test instructor, Robby, was exceedingly good.

Fantastic experience: Robby was so awesome as a drivers test instructor shout out to that guy

Fantastic experience: Booked 4 practice drives and a road test here. I’ve never driven in the US before. Both Manny and Robby were great instructors and gave me good pointers and templates to the get used to the driving here in WA. I passed my test with flying colors. Overall recommend this place for both lessons and road test.

Fantastic experience: I really enjoyed learning how to drive at Swerve the instructors were friendly and knowledgeable. Robby was my favorite driving instructor!

Fantastic experience: I had a great experience at Swerve. They were very helpful and flexible when scheduling my classes. The instructors are really good. Robby is excellent, he helped me a lot to get more confident and less anxious while driving. He’s kind, calm and clear. I would definitely recommend him for anyone looking for driving lessons !!

Fantastic experience: I pulled up to the driving place and walked In the doors and met Robby and he was very nice so that calmed down my anxiety when I was doing my driving test. Great place to learn how to drive. Thank you Robby!!

Fantastic experience: I took my driving test with Robby, he is a great instructor, I recommend Swerve and Robby.

Positive experience: I liked Robby he was super nice

Fantastic experience: Very good very direct instructor who guides you thru the test with no pressure

Fantastic experience: Robby is the best he is so chill

Fantastic experience: Took my driving test with Robby without ever having driving in the US (I had an international license). Amazing guy, great instructor. Helped me pass first time!

Fantastic experience: Robby was and is a great instructor. He made me feel very comfortable and what great at giving me instructions. I have heard so many good things about him from piers as well.

Fantastic experience: Robby was super straightforward, fair, and honest. Happy to have picked Swerve!

Fantastic experience: I found them to be a responsive and professional business overall. Robby was courteous, professional and put me at ease throughout the drive test.

Fantastic experience: Robby was one of the best driving instructors ever!!

Fantastic experience: Robby is hands down one of the best teachers out there. Super funny guy and made the whole process of getting a license and learning how to drive so much less stressful!!! Thanks Robby you’re the best!!

Fantastic experience: I personally had Robby for my drives and road test who was very helpful for both giving great tips and feedback which helped me pass my both my tests first try

Fantastic experience: Robby was my test instructor. He was very clear in his directions. He made me feel comfortable and ease during the test. I recommend swerve and Robby/

Negative experience: Terrible experience. I will never come back to Swerve. I took my first test here and I failed. Then I have to schedule a second one. But I was late for 10 minutes for the second test due to the traffic. The tester refused to test me and forfeited my test, refuse to reschedule and refuse to refund. So disappointed.

Negative experience: Terrible experience with this driving school! They promised top-notch instruction and guaranteed results, but all they delivered was disappointment and frustration. Not only did they lie about their services, but they also found sneaky ways to steal money from unsuspecting customers. Avoid this unethical establishment at all costs!

Fantastic experience: I arrived in the US with a foreign license and had to take both the knowledge and practical components. Swerve made this extremely easy, were polite and punctual. The whole experience was great.

Fantastic experience: Excelente escuela. Me ayudaron mucho y los instructores son muy buenos, pacientes y profesionales. Gracias por todo

Fantastic experience: Amazing teachers!! My driving test teacher really gave me confidence !!! I used one of my days to go on the freeway cause I was nervous by myself and it went by so smoothly. Definitely schedule for Bogdan .(the other teachers are great too)

Fantastic experience: I took a road test + 30 mins warm up with Bogdan. He was very helpful on helping me prep-up for the test and very friendly which make me less nervous while taking the test.

Fantastic experience: Robbie was an awesome instructor! Kept me calm, explained everything very helpfully, and taught me a lot about safety!

Fantastic experience: I had my road test with Bogdan. The test covered all the maneuvers like parallel parking, reverse and vehicle test. The instructor was very clear in instructions. Would recommend to everyone taking their road test.

Fantastic experience: I did my driving test with warmup with Michael and I am very happy with the treatment I received. Michael explained to me how the exam was going to be and then he assessed me and was very pleasant and understanding, and he explained everything to me very well. Thank you very much for everything, it has been a pleasure.

Fantastic experience: I had to brush up my driving skills after many years not driving. I'm very happy with the overall experience at this school, from booking appointments, the test, and especially the instructors.

Fantastic experience: I've had adult lessons and my test with Robby who was patient, helped with the things I wanted to focus on, and was generally great. Would recommend!

Negative experience: Worst school to apply your driving license from. They never pick up calls, no assistance at all.

Negative experience: They never answer phones or emails

Fantastic experience: I had the road test with Robby and he was very welcoming, patient, and professional! Robby was very clear with instructions before and during the test, and even stayed to give me more feedback after the test was completed. Highly recommend SWERVE Ballard.

Fantastic experience: I had a very positive experience with the people at Swerve and thank them for everything

Negative experience: I enrolled in 4 adult classes with driving test. From the first day, I insisted on practicing my parking skill which is my weak point, instructors pushed their agenda. On last day, they taught backing maneuver and less time on parking which made me to fail the exam. Guess what I failed immediately once I get the car out of parking zone. They agreed that I am good with driving but still "wasted" my time on road to get relax instead of teach something. Another negative factor is that they requested me to drive in a different car on test day rather than the car I got used to during classes. Classes are not definitely 1 hour but 45-50mins.

Positive experience: It's nearly impossible to schedule in-person driving sessions within the general timeline according to the DMV. The website booking option has zero availability each time I tried so you have to call or go in person. They seem to send all calls to voicemail and I've only had 1 call back in the year my teen was enrolled. The people in the office seem very overwhelmed so it could be a resource issue. Instructors were helpful and provided a write-up to take home for.more practice.

Fantastic experience: I paid for Lessons with Willam and he was the most patient teacher I have had. He answered every question and made sure that I was ready for the road test. He was super flexible when it came to practicing what I felt least confident in and would highly recommend him and the driving school to those who are learning to drive.

Fantastic experience: Great staff and great driving test

Negative experience: The communication has been terrible. We can never reach anyone by phone, email responses only come once a week. We were so far out of compliance because we couldn’t schedule a drive that now we have to pay another fee of $350 to restart the class, so we didn’t even get our money’s worth. The course materials were old and tired; a lot of videos. Highly recommend going elsewhere for student driver education.

Fantastic experience: Isaiah Lightsey was a good teacher-calm and gave clear directions.

Fantastic experience: Respected mitchel is very good Teacher and I am happy from him , I wish him a good future

Fantastic experience: Mmmmm good

Fantastic experience: Hurray for Mitch. He’s been so helpful and patient and positive in helping my kiddo get her license and become a safe driver!

Fantastic experience: I was taking in car lessons, and I just got my driving license. I learned many things. They are the best. Thanks a lot.

Fantastic experience: Isaiah was super professional and nice! Great road test experience !

Fantastic experience: They passed me

Fantastic experience: Is there an adult driving course in Spanish?

Negative experience: If you’re planning to sign up here. Be prepared to call and never get a response. I scheduled an appointment and I need to reschedule due to conflict. 10+ missed calls for several days, and emails. No one ever getting back to me Updated: finally my call was picked up by someone after my third day of trying to call

Fantastic experience: Really helpful and friendly staff. Strongly recommend them. I did my written test and road test here and also signed up for practice drives to build experience and comfort on the road.

Fantastic experience: Isaiah is a great instructor. He made me feel comfortable doing the test as I was very nervous. He was reasonable fair and compassionate unIlike another instructor at the Ballard location. Michael is not a strong communicator.

Negative experience: Poor customer service, as other reviewers have mentioned. Takes days or a week to respond to concerns, as others have mentioned. When you do receive a response, it sounds like the DMV, comes from a “Compliance Manager,” and you won’t like the response. Not enough slots to sign up for driving practice sessions, as other reviewers have mentioned. Zero flexibility on the start time for a driving session if you manage to find a slot. Seriously, if your teenager is one minute late (literally happened), they cancel the session, fine you $37.50, and now you’re back trying to schedule another session with no availability. My advice is: Swerve on over to the competition.

Fantastic experience: Amazing experience with the schooling and the instructors! Easy to learn and use all of their resources with the drives being very chill and low stress

Fantastic experience: The instructors where very supportive and helpful while I was learning and it worked out really well!

Fantastic experience: I very like the driver school.

Fantastic experience: Awesome school! I recommend Vanessa Corona-Campiz. She’s patient, kind and knowledgeable. The only issue I faced was trying to schedule classes; there was a whole week when the calls were unanswered.

Positive experience: This rating would have been a 5 star with because of an engaging instructor and helpful staff at Ballard. This changed when my daughter went to take her written test this past Satueday 7/2 and 3 pm. We arrived 20 minutes early, 10 of which she sat waiting in the room. When she presented her permit, it was not accepted because she does not have a photo. My husband ran in to show the man at desk a phots of her passport and said we would run to get the actual passport and be back in 29 minutes. This man refused and said she could not take the test without ID in person and we would have to return with it by 3/10 pm. My daughter, 15 yo, has been coping with aniexty and panic attacks for the past year. Tests are a trigger. We had to race back to Ballard to get an idea, arriving at 3:20 pm. The inflexibility of the employee, the refusal to check a photo off the e passport and await the idea without stressing out a kid before the test was nothing short of poor judgement and frankly, a bit cruel. Needless to say, the entire experience was disappointing and entirely avoidable.

Fantastic experience: I was nervous going for a driving test but everyone at the Ballard location was very comforting and helpful. The administrator gave me a great pep talk after I mentioned how nervous I was which was much needed. The tester was calm and explained everything thoroughly. It was a great experience.

Fantastic experience: For all those wondering if Swerve Ballard is a good driving school, don’t think twice. It has some of the best instructors like Michael R, Manny and all are extremely skilled, very patient and teach important life skills needed to be safe on road. Don’t hurry to just pass a test and get out to drive. Michael R was the instructor who trained me to drive safe on Washington roads and taught very valuable lessons including the softer aspects of registration, licensing, understanding number plates. Passing test was just an outcome of that. My recommendation to anyone is to be patient and be open to all feedback that instructors give. It took me 2 attempts to realise this, but in the end it was worth the wait and helps build required confidence to drive safe. Once again, Thank you Michael ! One tip: Try to not have long gaps between sessions and to the possible extent have the same instructor to ensure continuity in feedback!

Fantastic experience: The staff is very nice! Especially Phil and the receptor. They are very helpful.

Negative experience: Signed my teenager up for driving classes and while the instructors are nice and polite, the communication between admin/office and parents/students has been terrible. I emailed and called them two weeks before virtual classes were supposed to begin with questions. They did not return my phone calls and responded to my email a week after the first class begun. They didn’t even answer my questions. Now I have been trying to schedule a road test before her permit expires and haven’t heard back from them for over a week. Please work on the communication!

Fantastic experience: I had my road test at Swerve Ballard with examiner Michael R. He was very patient and calm which helped me feel comfortable and relaxed during the test. At the end of the test he explained to me which areas I needed to improve and complimented me on what I did well. I passed the test and felt great. Thanks Michael and the entire staff at Swerve!

Fantastic experience: I took my written test here and both driving tests. Everyone was super nice and efficient at their job, making my tasks easier to navigate. I was given my written results quickly and they even followed up through email with answers I was looking for. My driving instructor/tester, Michael, was calm and patient both times I took the test which was great for my anxiety. He was thorough about what mistakes were made and how to improve so I was able to work on that before my second test. He also gave me suggestions on how to calm myself during the test so I could focus better and it was a big help! I’ve already recommended this location to friends.