Start Smart Driving Academy
Information about Start Smart Driving Academy
Opening hours
- sunday: (closed)
- monday: 8h-17h
- tuesday: 8h-17h
- wednesday: 8h-17h
- thursday: 8h-17h
- friday: 8h-17h
- saturday: 8h-14h
We are a State of CO certified driving school located in Lakewood, CO. We offer various driver testing and education services including driving tests, driver education classes, and lessons.
Our comment from DrivingSchools.Directory about Start Smart Driving Academy:
Start Smart Driving Academy is dedicated to providing quality driving education and testing services in a friendly environment. Many users have praised the academy for the professionalism and kindness of their instructors such as Sandy and Vachelle, who are known for offering constructive feedback that builds confidence and prepares students effectively for their driving tests. With a variety of services, they assist both new drivers and those seeking to retake their tests.
However, there have been some concerns regarding scheduling and communication. Some parents and students reported difficulties in scheduling lessons or tests, expressing frustration over unreturned calls and mixed information. A few users felt the evaluation during driving tests could be overly strict or nitpicky, with claims of being failed for minor infractions that other places might overlook.
- Strengths: Friendly and patient instructors
- Strengths: Effective feedback leading to increased confidence
- Strengths: Convenient location with quick service
- Weaknesses: Scheduling issues reported
- Weaknesses: Perceived strictness in testing evaluations
Despite some negative reviews, many customers found the academy beneficial for gaining driving skills and knowledge, often recommending it to others. It's an ideal choice for those who value supportive instructors who genuinely care about helping their students succeed.
Start Smart Driving Academy: Reviews
Negative experience: If I could leave 0 stars that would be more suitable for this place. I paid 1,100$ for my 2 kiddos to do schooling and 10 hours of driving education for both of them. They got into class in summer and finished the class, we tried to setup their first classes at the finish of them getting their permit. Since then getting ahold of them to schedule the drivers ed has been nearly impossible. I showed up at the office (since I hadn't received a call back or acknowledgement by phone) waited 5 minutes in front without even a "we'll be right with you" anything. The phone was ringing over and over as the 2 ladies in the office paid it no mind ( no wonder i couldnt get ahold of anyone). When the woman in her office finally asked how she could help I was told the stuff I had paid for expired. I waited another 45 minutes to speak with someone else. She was no help at all and there was no accountability at all on their part. Please don't waste your time or money.
Negative experience: My little brother did a driving test here last week and today. The things they failed him on are ridiculous. He went 1mph over in a school zone for less than 5 seconds and it was an automatic fail? I’m looking at these reviews and I wish we would have seen them earlier. Sure that the cheapest but in the end you’re gonna be paying just as much cause they’ll fail you both times. The first time they failed him for going 3 miles an hour under the speed limit. Do not go here, ignore these good reviews you’ll thank me
Tyler, It would have been really helpful if you would have been with your little brother after his drive tests for the feedback. Your little brother actually drove 3 MPH over in an active school zone during his drive test with Start Smart Driving Academy yesterday (2/11/25). The State of CO considers this excessive speeding on a drive test, which is a serious action, which is considered an automatic failure on a drive test. Active school zones should be taken seriously in the State of CO, and your little brother admitted that he did not know where the school zone ended. This is simply due to lack of experience and he needs more practice. However, your little brother also did not pass due to getting 41 points on his drive test when you are allowed 20 points or less. Your little brother did not look over his shoulder before every lane change, missed several searches using a mirror to check for following traffic after completing a turn, was very slow to accelerate after turns, and would often turn short into the wrong lane after turning right. Lastly, when turning, your brother's turn signal turned off and he did not turn it back on for a right turn, therefore he had a no signal traffic law. Your brother asked a great question during the feedback. He asked why is it "bad" to go slow after turning. I replied that when you go really slow after completing a turn, and if you have traffic coming up really fast behind you (when turning right at a red light for example), and the other drivers then have to brake to avoid you, you are at risk for getting hit from behind and you are impeding traffic, which makes you unsafe when behind the wheel of a car. We suggested that your brother practice more before taking another drive test to help improve his safety, awareness, and confidence as well when driving. Yours in Safe Driving, Start Smart Driving Academy
Fantastic experience: The ladies over at Start Smart are a wonderful group, who strive to make the roads a safe place for all. We found them when looking for a place for our daughter to complete the required Behind the wheel instruction hours needed to complete the process to attain a license at 16. The quality of service provided by all the instructors is high. They offer great feedback and honest assessment of skills that allows for young drivers to be confident as well as prepared properly for their upcoming time behind the wheel solo. Vachelle, Connie and Sandy take care in their approach to instruction, correcting any habits that may have been developed during the drivers time holding a permit. Their attentive observation during the sessions allows for concise constructive criticism that prepares the driver for their upcoming drive test. Our daughter completed three 2 hour behind the wheel sessions which filled the requirement by the state of Colorado. At the end of the third session they performed a practice drive test which allowed for any last minute adjustments to driving form in preparation for the upcoming drive test. Our daughter then took her drive test with Sandy bright and early the next day, which she passed on the first try. Upon completion she said she is very glad that she went through Start Smart for the whole process, a sentiment I echo. From the cost being the best in town to the quality of the instruction, I highly recommend all the ladies here, they all care deeply and want to make sure you, your child or anyone else who needs to complete any type of instruction or take drive test does so with proper technique that will make for safe driving skills. This makes the roads a safer place to share. Thank you again Vachelle, Connie and Sandy! The Kish Family appreciates all you do and supports you fully in your future!
Thank you for the 5-Star review Michael! We are so glad to be able to work with you and your daughter. We wish you and your daughter continued safe driving. Yours in Safe Driving, Start Smart Driving Academy
Fantastic experience: I always had such high anxiety when it came to driving due to PTSD from a car accident. I found this driving school and decided to try to it out. Sandy was such a great instructor and helped me gain the confidence to feel comfortable with driving. The feedback after every lesson was very nice to have that way I knew what to focus on. She was also my proctor when it came to my driving test and it helped me feel so confident to pass!! Thank you Sandy for being such a patient sweet soul!
Stephanie, Driving anxiety and PTSD from a vehicle collision are really difficult to recover from. We are so glad that we could help you along your journey to not only work through your anxiety and PTSD during your lessons but with your hard work and dedication, to also help you become a safer driver as well. We wish you continued safe driving in the future. Yours in safe driving, Start Smart Driving Academy
Fantastic experience: Great experience. Cindy was very helpful and accommodating.
Thank you for your 5-Star review Graham!
Fantastic experience: Sandy was a amazing instructor and very kind and welcoming. Gave me great feedback on how to be a better driver! Would highly recommend
Thank you for the 5-Star review Allen!
Fantastic experience: I took my test here with Sandy and it was so great. The moment I walked through the doors, everything was very clean and the receptionist assisted me immediately. They are very clear about their expectations and instructions. I used the car they provided and it was in good condition. My whole experience was very enjoyable and comfortable. Sandy was so sweet and very professional as well.
Thank you for the 5-Star review Ashleigh!
Negative experience: I needed to take a driving test recently, and scheduled a test with this facility over the phone, since they were very close to the DMV site where I had an appointment. I was told that if I was unable to show up for the test, that I would lose a portion of the fee that I prepaid. When I showed up to take the test, I was told that I couldn't take it because the registration sticker on my rear license plate wasn't there, although my registration is current. I questioned why I couldn't take the test, and was told that my vehicle isn't legal to drive on the road, and that I would lose a portion of the fee that I had prepaid.I asked for a full refund, but that request was denied. I wasn't happy with this result, and immediately went to a competing company and was able to take the driving test with no problem. I am disappointed because I was told my vehicle wasn't legal, which was untrue. I followed up with the county and a police department, and was told by both that because my registration is current, my vehicle was in fact legal, regardless of the sticker being present on the license plate or not. I am further unhappy because I had no issues with this at a competing driving academy.
Fantastic experience: Sandy's incredible. I'm an adult who sat on her permit for 10 years. Finally took a 1 hour training with her, and then took/passed the test the following week. Sandy gave me quite a bit of input during the hour, and was eager to answer any questions I had. That lesson was really empowering and gave me the confidence to trust that I am a decent driver. She proctored my test as well, which really eased my nerves. I am beyond grateful for her help in passing this milestone!
Fantastic experience: Did a driving test with them in my own car and they’re extremely friendly and informative, very professional. Not the least bit intimidating that you’d expect from driving examiners or instructors.
Negative experience: The good: instructor was nice The bad: Six weeks after my son had his first lesson I called to make the second lesson appt. We had paid for that lesson. They didn't have enough instructors to schedule anything right then and we were in no hurry so I wasn't too upset then. Now it's been close to a year and the person who answered the phone said their policy is that one year apart is too long and if my sub wants his second lesson we will have to repay. Bad customer service imo. So THEY can cancel with no penalty but the customer can't wait too long between lessons. Interesting.
Negative experience: To start I will say all of the staff we worked with were very nice and friendly and we had no issues with them whatsoever. We did the online drivers education classes, tried to take the 2 hour lessons, and did the driving test at this location. The online class was fine, we did encounter some struggles with the technology as to be expected with anything online. The 2 hour lessons is where the first frustrations come. They only allow you to make one 2 hour lesson appointment for the summer months, due to it being their busy season. While I understand that and they notify you upfront, it seems very limited based on their open hours and family schedules. Between the teens being in school and parent work schedules it is very hard to make time work during the school year. I don't have a logistical answer for this. This issue is what it is but I felt mentioning it so others are aware of the difficulties. The one 2 hour session we were able to take was fine. We didn't get a lot of feedback or advice (aka teaching) that would have really helped with the driving test. The driving test is where the main frustration comes. I am not a driving instructor. I do have more than enough driving experience though to feel I have an unbiased opinion on someone's readiness to pass the driving test. The thing is the judgment of the instructor seems to have no quantifiable measurements. A lot of what a driver can be docked for seems to be up to the instructors opinion, not factual driving knowledge or capability. After the test and the feedback, it felt like they are looking for as much reason as possible to not pass drivers. As a school and teachers, I would think they would really be looking to try their best and teach within the moment to help their students pass. The main point we were given is they are looking for confident drivers. Judging someone's confidence is highly subjective, and in a driving test environment where EVERYONE will be a little nervous/ anxious especially teenagers some compassion and understanding would go along way.
Fantastic experience: Enjoyable, caring and friendly staff Sandy was sweet, explained all the directions well and made the whole experience easy, which helped calm my nerves Thank you SSDA ☺️
Thank you for the 5-Star review! We are glad to be able to work with you.
Fantastic experience: Start Smart Driving Academy was amazing in walking me through the process of obtaining a driver's license, how the lessons worked, and then next steps to actually apply for the license after the driving test was passed. As a parent doing this for the first time with my teen, I had a lot of questions and the team here was great and ALWAYS showed kindness and patience. My son had wonderful experiences driving with Kathy and testing with Vochelle-they provided excellent feedback while keeping a calm manner. Throughout the process, this team was professional and courteous - even with rescheduling, etc! Lessons were always on time and the team guided my child through all different traffic conditions including downtown, local roads, highways, and even mountain/canyon roads. They have the process down to a science! I highly recommend Start Smart Driving Academy. They were more affordable, offered excellent customer service and provided a robust service.
Thank you for your 5-Star review Sheila! We are glad to have worked with you and your son. We wish you and your son continued save driving. Take care, be safe out there! Thank you, Start Smart Driving Academy
Fantastic experience: The service was great! I was so nervous over my driving test. Once I was in the car with sandy my nerves went away. She was kind and fair I appreciated the feed back after my test as well. If you are concerned with where to go I would highly recommend Start Smart Driving Academy. 5star AAA service.
Thank you for the 5-Star review! We are glad to be able to work with you.
Fantastic experience: My daughter took driving classes and test here. It went pretty smooth. The staffs are friendly and helpful. I would like to express our thanks to Sandy and Kathy for their well done jobs!
Thank you for the 5-Star review Jing Di! We are glad to be able to work with you and your daughter.
Fantastic experience: Very good driving school with very nice and professional people. I had my lessons with sandy, she is an amazing instructor and a great person with great patience.
Thank you for the 5-Star review Gul! It was great working with you as well.
Negative experience: Never book your Practical Driving Test with them. They will make you do a left turn on a blind corner going up hill and will auto fail you since you will most likely make a sudden turn. You cannot contest anything with them and their cars are not equipped with dashcams so its your word against theirs. They will try to get you to sign up with them since you will see that they have the lowest cost for driving test compared to other driving schools in the vicinity but trust its not worth it to book with them.
Negative experience: Start Smart Driving Academy fails people taking the Practical Driving Tests in purpose to make money is my opinion. Their cars are not equipped with Dashcams so you cannot contest their reasoning on why they will fail you. They will appear to be the cheapest if you compare them to other Driving schools but in the end it would be a waste of money and time since you will be failed by their instructors. I wouldn't recommend taking your practical test with them.
Negative experience: Awful staff. You call one day and get different information when you call the next day. One lady will tell you they have something open but then if you call and get someone else they will give you completely different information and also claim nothing is available. Just passive aggressive and sterile responses. Keep calling until you get the more mature lady if you want to get anywhere with them. The fee info on the website is not correct, the cost is more once your ready to schedule. The instructor we had was not helpful and we will not go back here again. Not sure what these actual good reviews are about? Our experience here has been the same since day one. RE Owner response: If the discount is ONLY if you schedule for eight hrs worth of lessons, I am not sure how that is any kind of discount? I was simply told there was no discount, however, so I am glad you acknowledged up here there is, in fact, a discount. I called one hour prior to closing on the last business day. I called right after opening hours the next business day. Perhaps the changes are more minute to minute rather than day to day? I don't believe I am imagining all the miscommunications. The frustration had nothing to do with a very small discount. It is over the scheduling. Less than one hour changed all the availability for an entire month, amazing! Thank you for your time. We have gotten the help we needed somewhere else.
"Intelligent Buy", Our driving lesson availability changes rapidly from day to day, especially over a weekend and especially during our busy season. When you called this morning, you mentioned that you wanted to schedule a 1-hour driving lesson and a drive test appointment for your husband. You mentioned that you thought you could get a discount for the drive test when purchasing a 1-hour driving lesson with us. I mentioned to you that a 1-hour driving lesson is $95 and a drive test is $70 but that there is not a discount on a drive test when you purchase only a 1-hour driving lesson. The prices I quoted you this morning are the exact prices that are stated on our website. When you look at the Behind the Wheel Only tab of our Courses tab of our website, as can be seen at https://www.startsmartdrivingacademy.com/courses/, you will see that a 1-hour lesson is $95 and that you can get a discounted drive test of $60 when you purchase any behind the wheel package of 8 hours or more. The prices for a 1-hour driving lesson and a drive test are not new and have not changed since 12/20/2023. We wish you and your husband safe driving as he learns to drive in the United States. Start Smart Driving Academy
Positive experience: I took a driving/road test at this location. I’ll start by saying everyone here was very nice and hospitable. I’ll list a few of the key things I looked for in my search for a place to take this exam, but I didn’t see in other reviews. COST: I am still taken back at the fact CO third parties these out, as it has risen the cost astronomically making a requirement almost unattainable for those that are at an economic disadvantage. However at $70, this place gives a reasonable price for the market. Not sure if they give a discount for a retest, but that would most certainly be deciding factor for most in choosing a spot. DRIVE TRACK: This a very residential track, but can be confusing as there are little to no stopping markers, so make certain that you have good judgement on what the stopping distance is in front of stop signs. Also several privacy fences and bushes blocking the line of sight. Make sure to stop before the stop sign and inch your way up so you’re not counted off. Drive at least 25 MPH. I was always taught 20 when you in a residential, but I got told I was going too slow, so just double check that. Length of this drive was really long as well, I should have packed a lunch, seemed like it took forever, or that may have just been my nerves and my driving too slow . AVAILABILITY: I appreciate that they offer test on Saturdays and as early as 8 a.m. GRADING: I personally found that they are meticulous when grading you and not much grace is given, so if you’re looking to take this test as a formality this place may not be the place for you. For this test make certain that you are on your toes. FINAL THOUGHTS: Having been licensed in other states and driving for over 16 years without accident, I felt I was a confident and safe driver, unfortunately I did not pass this one the first try. I will freshen up my skills before retesting, I got told I hooked my hand when turning, I don’t recall and felt I kept hand over hand, but I may need to do a refresher. If your looking to improve your driving knowledge according to the state’s guidelines and really want to test how well you do according to them, then this is a great recommendation. If your looking to check a box, then this one may not be your stop. RATING: I didn’t give give a 5 start rating, as there is always room for improvement and I felt (again very personal opinion) more grace should be given when it comes to archaic practices such as physically looking over your shoulder when switching lanes in addition to already having checked all your mirrors and blind spot detection sensors. I feel it takes your eyes off the road and I have never seen anyone actually practice that in everyday driving. I know that’s the rules so that is why I did want to reiterate that is just my opinion. Thanks for the read, I hope this helps when determining your need and what business best fits it.
Fantastic experience: I wanted to take some time to praise a job well done by Start Smart Driving Academy! My son took the online course (which was okay) and then spent 6 hours with Kathy in the car. She was patient, encouraging, fun to talk to, and held my son to a high standard of driving. The instructions were clear. Vachelle administered the road test, and she was superior in her directions and communication of all that she saw on the drive. My son learned a lot from these ladies, and I appreciate all they did for him. As a side note, I was waiting for my son to return from a lesson when I overheard explanations of why a student wasn't getting a pass on the road test. I didn't hear everything, but I heard the kind, but firm instructional tone as to what happened on the drive to not earn a passing score.
Thank you very much for your 5-star review Tracie! We are glad that we were able to work with you and your son. We wish you and your son continued safe driving in the future. Yours in safe driving, Start Smart Driving Academy
Negative experience: One of the reasons I lost points was because of improper placement of my hands on the steering wheel while turning but the “correct” way that my instructor showed me is incorrect/outdated and the way I was doing it is indeed the correct way. Maybe your instructors need a refresher on driving lessons.
Elizabeth, I find this review a little humorous as it was exactly 7 months ago (9/18/23) that you took your drive test with us and then you left us this review (4/18/24). Additionally, regarding the improper placement of your hands on the steering wheel, on page 6 of the CO Driver Handbook, it states the following "Hand position: You have better vehicle control when you place both hands on the outside of the steering wheel, on opposite sides, at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions or the 4 and 8 o’clock positions. Your grip on the steering wheel should be firm but gentle. Use your fingers instead of the palms of your hands and keep your thumbs up along the face of the steering wheel. Never grip the inside of the steering wheel when turning it." During the feedback after your drive test, I mentioned to you that your hands should be on the outside of the steering wheel. You should not hook or grip the inside of the steering wheel when you turn the wheel. But since it was 7 months ago that you took your drive test with us, I could see how you could forget what that feedback was. Additionally, you did not fail your 9/18/2023 drive test due to 7 points from improper placement of your hands on the steering wheel. The primary reason you did not pass your drive test at Start Smart Driving Academy on 9/18/2023 was due to 6 speeding traffic laws during your 24-minute drive test. For example, you were driving 31/25mph, 35mph/30mph, 30mph/25mph (in a residential neighborhood), 38mph/30mph, 21mph/20mph (in an active school zone), and 36mph/30mph. I hope you have improved your searching skills to help identify what the speed limit is on speed limit signs when you are driving down the road and then identify how fast you are going in relation to the speed limit. Additionally, it takes time and practice to learn how to control the speed of your vehicle. Speeding in a residential neighborhood (20-25 MPH at the highest, unless otherwise posted) and in an active school zone (10-20 mph, or less) is high risk for obvious reasons. We wish you safe driving in the future. Start Smart Driving Academy
Fantastic experience: I had a very pleasant experience here! Sandy was very welcoming and friendly, and made sure I was comfortable during the test. I passed, and afterwards she gave me helpful feedback to help me continue learning and become a better driver. Overall very good experience and would definitely recommend.
Thank you for the 5-Star review Morgan!
Negative experience: This Academy is very strict and disrespectful!! Don’t come to this place. They don’t know how to teach students how to drive. Very unhappy with my time here
Negative experience: Stay away from this location this place is terrible. Their entire logistics system is out of date. They accept payment on the internet but when you get into the office they cannot accommodate people who live in the digit era in 2024. If people can pay their deposit online, they should accommodate their customers who may want to pay for the test online as well. I will never return to this place. Nor will my children. They are scammers who steal $35 deposits because their system and employees are ancient. It felt like walking into a museum that only accepts hide as a bartering system.
Fantastic experience: Took my driver’s test twice here with Sandy, she is very patient & gives great constructive feedback!
Thank you for your 5-Star review!
Negative experience: the examiner was not giving proper direction.something is wrong here.Specially its may be a wrong place for the color people like me,who knows? The examiner was giving me really late direction. Updated: They are super professional on hiding their flaws..Once a racist always a racist..look at the reply just..Whatever false accusations come to their mind they just write..They did not know but i had a hidden dash cam which recorded everything. I will publish it if its needed.
Daim, As a public-serving business in the State of CO, we are required and take pride in treating everyone fairly and respectfully. Start Smart Driving Academy has a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination of any kind. However, to treat everyone fairly and respectfully has nothing to do with being able to drive according to State of CO standards. 100% of drive test applicants that drive according to State of CO standards on a drive test at Start Smart Driving Academy pass a drive test at Start Smart Driving Academy. It is important for you or anyone else to understand how you are evaluated and what you are evaluated on a State of CO drive test with us or any other certified 3rd party tester in CO. We at Start Smart Driving Academy are State of CO certified to conduct drive tests. We are required to conduct drive tests according to State of CO standards and are required to evaluate every person the same way on every drive test. The State of CO clearly states on pages 1 and 2 in the CO Driver Handbook what and how you are evaluated on a drive test. As specifically stated on page 1 of the CO Driver Handbook, “the drive test measures your skill and knowledge of legal and safe driving practices.” If you drive according to State of CO standards on a drive test, including obeying all traffic laws, you can pass a State of CO drive test with us or any other certified 3rd Party tester. On 2/20/24, on your first drive test with us, you did not pass your drive test due to 10 traffic laws including 6 incomplete stops and 4 wrong lanes. The drive test examiner had to take verbal control of your vehicle so that you would not hit a parked car. When a drive test examiner must take verbal or physical control of the vehicle during a drive test, that is a serious action, which is considered an automatic failure. Also, another roadway user had to do a defensive maneuver to avoid you on your drive test. When other roadway users must defend themselves to avoid a collision with you on a drive test, that is a dangerous action, which is considered an automatic failure on a drive test. In addition to the multiple traffic laws, serious action and dangerous actions on your drive test, your points from your 2/20/24 drive test were 40 points. You are only allowed to get 20 points or less on a drive test. It was very clear on your first drive test that you did not have the skills to drive according to State of CO standards on your 2/20/24 drive test. After your 2/20 drive test, you went online and booked another drive test with us for 2/22. When taking this drive test, your drive test examiner requested you take the 2nd exit in the roundabout. It was very clear that you did not understand that verbal direction. There is nothing improper about the verbal direction your tester gave you for exiting the roundabout. This is the same verbal direction that we are allowed to provide for a roundabout on a drive test. You had 2 traffic laws for wrong lanes and 2 traffic laws for no turn signals. Anything more than 2 traffic laws on a State of CO drive test means you did not pass the drive test. Lastly, in an active school zone, you drove 26 mph in a 20mph school zone. This is a serious action which is an automatic failure on a drive test. We would like to encourage you to contact us directly at 720-379-5910 or by email at [email protected] so that you can share your specific reasons why you think Start Smart may be "a wrong place for ...people like me." There is nothing discriminatory about how you drove on either drive test and did not pass. To claim racism when you did not drive according to State of CO standards and as a result did not pass either drive test points to an accusation of discrimination. To accuse us or any organization or individual of racism or discrimination is a very serious accusation. We take this accusation very seriously and would like to have a conversation with you about your accusation.
Fantastic experience: My son just took his driving test at this location with Sandy. She was extremely nice and helpful, and took the time to answer our questions. I plan to bring my other son back here in a few years when he is ready to drive.
Thank you for the 5-Star review JJ! We wish you and your sons safe driving! Thank you, Start Smart Driving Academy
Negative experience: Horrible Horrible experience. Do not go here! My friend failed for stupid reasons! Even a cop would not ticket over! Your company just wants people to pay and pay. Looser place, she had to rebook to show she is trying to get her license that's why she rebooked not cause she wanted to. And she asked for someone else to do her test not you!!!
"Rose", We have no record of providing any services to you. However, we did administer a State of CO drive test with your partner Lisa today. When Lisa came in for her drive test with us today 2/1/24, her driving was evaluated according to State of CO standards, as is disclosed in the CO Driver Handbook. When she booked her drive test appointment with us, the automated confirmation email that she received included a link to the CO Driver Handbook, specifically referencing pages 1 and 2. As a courtesy, we provide this information to our drive test applicants so that they understand how and what is evaluated on a State of CO drive test. When getting checked in for her drive test today and when asked if she had an opportunity to review pages 1 and 2 in the CO Driver Handbook, Lisa stated "no." We replied "not a problem" and as a courtesy, we provided a copy of pages 1 and 2 in the handbook so that she could review that information before her test. However, instead of reviewing this information, Lisa chose to go outside and "get her nicotine fix" as she stated. When we conducted Lisa's drive test with her today, it was evident that she did not review or understand the information from pages 1 and 2 in the CO driver handbook. On this drive test, she had 5 traffic laws: 3 instances of speeding (2 times 35 MPH in a 30 MPH zone + 1 time 36 MPH in a 30 MPH zone) and 2 incomplete stops. Additionally, Lisa accumulated 43 points on her drive test. As mentioned to Lisa in the feedback after the test, the State of CO requires an over the shoulder search before a lane change, search behind you after a turn or lane change, as well as driving with both hands on the wheel in one of 3 acceptable hand positions using one of 2 approved methods of steering control. Hooking the steering wheel to turn and driving with 1 hand as Lisa did on her drive test today is not according to State of CO standards. On a State of CO drive test, more than 2 traffic laws and/or more than 20 points means that Lisa did not pass her drive test. Since Lisa had 43 points and 5 traffic laws on her drive test today, that is why she did not pass the test today. "Rose", you did not even come inside our facility nor even speak with us today. How can you claim that you had a "horrible experience" here when we never spoke with you or worked with you? Additionally, if Lisa had such a "horrible experience" with us, why did she turn around and book another drive test appointment with us for next Thursday 2/8, when she lives in Firestone (we are located in Lakewood) and there are other 3rd parties that she can test at that are closer to where she lives? We wish you and Lisa safe driving in your future, Start Smart Driving Academy
Fantastic experience: Awesome place. Sandy was very friendly and gave me a lot of positive feedback. Would recommend highly.
Thank you for the 5-Star review!
Negative experience: Don’t come here expecting any value for your time or money, or respect for your experience/feelings/experience. Horrible customer service.
Chelsea, When you scheduled a drive test with us on 11/30/2023 for today, 1/12/2024 12:30pm, our drive test appointment system sent you booking confirmation email that clearly stated your son's drive test was scheduled for today 1/12/2024 12:30pm. On 1/11/2024 6:30pm, our appointment system sent you a reminder email that your son was confirmed for today 1/12/2024 12:30pm. When you came in 12 minutes late for your son's drive test, you claimed that your son's drive test was scheduled for 12:45pm today. We then checked your appointment with us and it was clearly scheduled for 12:30pm today. You became disgruntled because we were not able to do your son's drive test when you came in late. We had a full schedule today and did not have any other available appointments this afternoon. We then offered to look at another day to do your son's drive test, but you declined our offer and began looking for another third party school to do your son's drive test at. You then walked out of our driving school. Following your departure, you then emailed us this afternoon, requesting a refund of the $35 deposit of the $70 drive test fee you paid on 11/30/23. In your email to us, you included the original receipt that reflected your son's drive test was scheduled for 12:30pm today. When I pointed this out to you in my email response along with direct reference the booking confirmation email sent on 11/30/23, reminder email sent yesterday, along with referencing our refund policy stated on our website, you were upset that you made a mistake by arriving 12 minutes late to your son's appointment today and that you were not eligible for a refund of the $35 deposit. At that point, that is when you left a 1-star Google review for us. If you would have called us to let us know you were running late, we may have been able to still accommodate your son’s drive test today. However, instead of owning the fact that you were 12 minutes late to a drive test appointment that you scheduled on 11/30/2023 and received multiple reminders of the date and time for your son’s appointment, you were upset that we could not still do the test today. Instead of taking responsibility and accountability for being late to your son’s appointment today, it was so much easier for you to blame us for your mistake and then leave a 1-Star Google review for us. When scheduling a drive test with us, our refund policy is clearly stated on our website https://www.startsmartdrivingacademy.com/refund-policy-book-appointment. Per item #4 of our refund policy, "The customer will not be issued a refund and will forfeit the dollar amount paid for the service, if they arrive more than 5 minutes late to their appointment." When arriving more than 5 minutes late for an appointment, your late arrival impacts more than just you. Arriving late to your appointment causes each drive test appointment after yours to run behind schedule. Our late arrival policy is not uncommon or unreasonable, in our industry and in other businesses that operate by appointment. For any future drive test customers of Start Smart Driving Academy, we offer drive test appointments so that our customers can plan and depend on their scheduled date and time. When scheduling a drive test appointment with us, it is important to understand the date and time of your appointment with us along with understanding our refund policy. It is important to know that you can reschedule or cancel an appointment with us. You can even reschedule an appointment directly online without having to call or email us. If you are running late to your appointment, as a courtesy, we ask that you call us to let us know so that we can try to still administer your drive test with your the delayed arrival. If you prefer to not schedule an appointment, we can occasionally accommodate a walk-in drive test. However, customers with appointments take priority over walk-in customers. Start Smart Driving Academy
Negative experience: This place is a scam. I went in there and I flawlessly went through that driving test and she told me that I was speeding but said that the sign show that I was under the speed limit and didn't pass me. Was trying to get me to take it again. This lady does not know what she's doing. She's the epitome of. Karen
Josh, When you came in for your drive test with us on 12/22/23, your driving was evaluated according to State of CO standards, as is disclosed in the CO Driver Handbook. When you booked your drive test appointment with us, the automated confirmation email that you received included a link to the CO Driver Handbook, specifically referencing pages 1 and 2. As a courtesy, we provide this information to our drive test applicants so that they understand how and what is evaluated on a State of CO drive test. When we conducted your drive test with you on 12/22, it was evident that you did not review or understand the information from pages 1 and 2 in the CO driver handbook. On this drive test, you had 3 traffic laws - 1 instance of speeding (35 MPH in a 30 MPH zone) and 2 wrong lanes. Additionally, you accumulated 25 points on your drive test. On a State of CO drive test, more than 2 traffic laws and/or more than 20 points means that you did not pass your drive test. The only scam that occurred during your drive test was your attempt to try to have a conversation (and sharing your life story of why your driver license was suspended) with your tester instead of you focusing on your driving. Did you find it odd that your tester was not having a conversation with you during the drive test? I was not participating in your conversation so that I was able to do my job as a certified State of CO drive test examiner. But, as required by law, we evaluate each and every drive test, including your drive test on 12/22 according to State of CO standards. If a drive test applicant drives according to State of CO standards, 100% of those drive test applicants pass on their first drive test attempt with us. However, even though we provided direct reference (as a courtesy) to the CO driver handbook pages 1 and 2 before your drive test on 12/22, you did not drive according to State of CO standards on your 22 minute drive test, which is why you did not pass your first drive test with us on 12/22. We wish you safe driving in your future, Start Smart Driving Academy
Negative experience: Took a driving test here on 12/18 and I did not pass *sadface* I understand the reasons why, Although I do not agree with one of them but that's not why I cannot recommend this place. My issue is being spoken to in very condescending and rude tone of voice when I have not spoken to anyone rudely and/or aggressively myself. I get it there is probably a lot of argumentative people that require being spoken to in that manner in this line of business but just remember its not everyone, Don't treat everyone like they are problem customers. My re-test will be conducted with another company for that reason. Have a great day.
Negative experience: Worst driving experience of my life, for your own sake never go here. I was 14 when I was first getting lessons here, the staff did not properly instruct me on the expectations and after making any mistake the instructor would slam on the passenger brake as hard as possible to try and scare me. He accused me of attempting to injure or kill him and screamed at me for several minutes. I made mistakes but I was a kid and ever since have been intimidated of driving. Terrible service and horrible teaching. Not a single redeeming quality and not a single positive experience
Fantastic experience: During my driving lessons, I had a good time with all of my instructors, everyone had a smile on their face and everyone was nice. Also during all my driving lessons with Mr. Gary, ms. Sandy, and Ms. Kathy I was treated with kindness and respect. Everyone gave good feedback and it was a good experience.
Aiden, Thank you for your 5-Star review! It was great working with you. Yours in safe driving, Start Smart Driving Academy
Fantastic experience: I started at this driving academy with little to no knowledge about driving. I really only knew how to operate a vehicle however I did not know how to drive in traffic and I was not knowledgeable on traffic laws. I took 3 of their 2 hour lessons and I grew so much! My driving instructor Sandy was awesome! We had great conversations and she help me so much! I appreciate her so much more than she will ever know! After my lessons I took the Drivers Test and I passed. I will forever be grateful for this experience
Thank you Taliyah for your 5-Star review! We are so glad that we could help you become more knowledgeable and safer in your driving. We wish you continued safe driving throughout your driving career. Yours in Safe Driving, Start Smart Driving Academy
Negative experience: Do not recommend.
Danielle, Why did you give us a 1-star review and left a comment of "Do Not Recommend?" Since your daughter is a current student of ours, when you contacted us to schedule her 1st driving lesson on 10/25/23, we requested information from your daughter's instruction permit. We set up your daughter's first driving lesson for 12/5/23, which was our next available appointment at that time, even though we did not have her permit information. Then to schedule the 2nd and 3rd 2-hour driving lesson appointments with your daughter, we mentioned that we need your daughter's permit information so that we can schedule these 2 lessons out over the remaining time in the minimum 1 year that your daughter is required to hold her permit. As mentioned in my email to you on 10/26/23, we recommend that your daughter has at least 30+ hours of logged drive time to be ready for the 2nd 2-hour lesson. This 2nd 2-hour lesson should be scheduled half-way through the minimum year that your daughter is required to hold her permit. And to be ready for the 3rd 2-hour lesson, we recommend that your daughter has logged close to the 50+ hours of logged drive time (including at least 10+ hours of night driving), and this lesson should be completed within a month in which your daughter has held her permit for a year. Since your daughter has logged "about 20 hours of drive time", your daughter is definitely ready for her 1st 2-hour lesson. However, as per the recommended driving lesson schedule that we provided to you and your daughter when she came in for her written permit test on 5/13/23 and as per the email conversation that you and I had back and forth on 10/25/23 regarding the recommended driving lesson scheduling, we recommend that your daughter has more hours logged before she is ready for the 2nd and 3rd 2-hour driving lessons with us. So as requested at the beginning of this response, why did you give us a 1-star review and give us a comment of "Do Not Recommend?" when we have scheduled your daughter for her first driving lesson but we have done nothing wrong to deserve your 1-star review? Yours in Safe Driving, Start Smart Driving Academy
Fantastic experience: I was very nervous to start driving with an instructor, especially as a 16 year old and being a new driver, but every person I worked with here made me feel so comfortable and safe! It was scary walking in the first time knowing I was going to have to be with a stranger for 2 hours, but Gary and Sandy made me feel totally cool and they were so nice! I learned so much from the both of them, and I felt so prepared heading into my test! I am glad to say that I passed and its all thanks to Start Smart. They are excellent kind teachers who take their jobs seriously, but are sure to make it a fun time! Thank you!!
Thank you for your 5-Star review Noel! We are so glad that we got to work with you to help make you a safe driver!
Fantastic experience: This is an honest review, made by a real person. I want to start by saying I was very nervous before my test due to two unfortunate experiences at another nearby driving school, I’m sure you could guess which one, it’s literally up the road. I am pleased to say that my there was a night and day difference between how I was greeted and assisted at this driving school vs. the other school I had previously been to. The other school was cash only and did not provide any receipt of payment, and it was a bit more expensive. Vachelle was able to get me in for a same day appointment which was great, you could pay by card, and there was absolutely no wait time. Vachelle provided top tier customer service, as well as a receipt and clear instructions regarding my appointment. She was also the person to conduct my road test, and she was extremely pleasant, professional and diligent. She made sure to give me clear instructions, and took notes during our drive. My nerves were significantly less tense than my previous experiences, and I can only give credit toward my instructor’s patient and courteous presence while in my passenger seat. Because I had previously been failed twice at the other school, I was almost certain I would have a similar experience. I am happy to say that I passed. That is not to say Vachelle just sent me on my way, she gave me honest and helpful feedback to ensure my safety and others’ safety on the road. This shows that this school is not out for your hard earned money, but sincerely wants you to pass and to be safe on the road. I was very pleased by my experience with Start Smart Driving Academy, and I’d recommend them ten times over again. I highly suggest you choose them for your road test. Thank you so much, again for a positive experience, Vachelle.
Thank you for your honest feedback Michaeli! We are glad that we were able to provide the customer service you deserve as well as help make you feel more at ease during your drive test and after your drive test as well. Yours in safe driving, Start Smart Driving Academy
Fantastic experience: Very friendly staff. I took my driving test with Vachelle she made me feel very comfortable. I would recommend this location to anyone.
Thank you for your 5-Star review Manuel!
Fantastic experience: Vachelle was friendly, polite and made my daughter feel comfortable while taking her driving test
Thank you for the 5-Star review DawnAngel! We are glad that we could work with you and your daughter for her drive test. Yours in safe driving, Start Smart Driving Academy
Fantastic experience: This driving school is very organized, and helps however they can. My daughter took their lessons and did all of her courses with them, and we are very happy with how they run things.
Jessica, Thank you for your 5-Star review! It was great to be able to work with you and your daughter. Best Regards, Start Smart Driving Academy
Negative experience: Never in my life have I experienced such racism. Both times my Hispanic son was FAILED after 2 Caucasian teenagers! The praise and kindness they received was gracious and almost GLORIOUS but when it came to myself and my son we did not receive the same treatment. Sandy did not even acknowledge my presence, she was not welcoming or kind to me. When both ladies left to take students out on testing, the male in the office was very kind and asked how I was doing. I even over heard him accepting another job at a cafeteria that he starts 9/6/2023 at 10:30am. I don’t blame this man for wanting to work elsewhere. I do not recommend this driving school unless you are White and can afford to pay for the driving school!!!
Shayna, As a public-serving business in the State of CO, we are required and take pride in treating everyone fairly and respectfully. Start Smart Driving Academy has a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination of any kind. However, to treat everyone fairly and respectfully has nothing to do with being able to drive according to State of CO standards. 100% of drive test applicants (whether they are our students or not) that drive according to State of CO standards on a drive test at Start Smart Driving Academy pass a drive test at Start Smart Driving Academy. It is important for you or anyone else to understand how you are evaluated and what you are evaluated on a State of CO drive test with us or any other certified 3rd party tester in CO. We at Start Smart Driving Academy are State of CO certified to conduct drive tests. We are required to conduct drive tests according to State of CO standards and are required to evaluate each and every person the same way on every drive test. The State of CO clearly states on pages 1 and 2 in the CO Driver Handbook what and how you are evaluated on a drive test. As specifically stated on page 1 of the CO Driver Handbook, “the drive test measures your skill and knowledge of legal and safe driving practices.” If you drive according to State of CO standards on a drive test, including obeying all traffic laws, you can pass a State of CO drive test with us or any other certified 3rd Party tester. On 8/8/23, when your son took his first drive test with us, he did not pass his drive test that day due to 3 traffic laws of incomplete stops. On page 2 of the CO driver handbook, it clearly states "Come to a complete stop, no forward motion of the vehicle." Additionally, your son lost 13 points out of 23 points for not searching according to State of CO standards. These standards are clearly listed on page 2 of the CO driver handbook as well. Your son did not pass his 8/8/23 drive test because he did not drive according to State of CO standards. When your son did his drive test with us today, 9/5/23, your son had 2 traffic laws of incomplete stops. With a total of 14 points (including 6 points for searches) and 2 traffic laws, your son would have passed his driving test. However, when your son was speeding 25 mph in a 20 mph active school zone, the State of CO deems that a serious action on a drive test and that is considered an automatic failure. Your son did not pass his drive test today because he did not drive according to State of CO standards. We would like to encourage you to contact us directly at 720-379-5910 or by email at [email protected] so that you can share your specific reasons why you think it is racism that your son did not pass two drive tests with us, even though he did not drive legally or safely on either drive test. To claim racism when your son did not drive according to State of CO standards and as a result did not pass either drive test points to an accusation of discrimination. To accuse us or any organization or individual of racism or discrimination is a very serious accusation. We take this accusation very seriously and would like to have a conversation with you about your accusation.
Fantastic experience: My two teens recently got their driving license with Start Smart Driving Academy. Everyone was very kind and helpful. My teens had a great experience with the lessons behind the wheel with Gary and Sandy. They helped them to gain more confidence and improve their driving skills. Thank you for your service. Noemi W.
Thank you for the 5-Star review Noemi! We are so glad that we have been able to work with your family.
Fantastic experience: I recently moved from Florida to Colorado and arrived with zero driving experience. I was always afraid of driving because of Florida drivers. I remember I was really nervous for my first day with Sandy. However, she made feel very safe and was extremely patient with me. There is an additional brake on the passenger side so she will break when it isn't safe. I had four lessons with Sandy driving through neighborhoods, highways, downtown Denver and even mountains. Thank you for giving me the confidence to drive and become a safe driver! You are truly a phenomenal teacher :)
Thank you for the 5-Star review Natasha! We are glad to have worked with you.
Fantastic experience: I Recommend this school for anyone who wants to do their driving test. Sandy is a professional and a very caring person who makes sure that you get it right and stress free. If you are a new driver in the US, I would recommend you do a one hour driver awareness test with her before scheduling your driving test and you will not regret it.
Thank you for your 5-Star review Peter! We are glad that we were able to help you.
Fantastic experience: Sandy @ Start Smart made taking my road test convenient and simple! I was easily able to schedule my appointment, and the road test itself was a very pleasant experience. Sandy was very sweet and patient. I would highly recommend anyone who has to test in their own vehicle with an interlock to book their test with Start Smart!
Tara, Thank you for the 5-Star review!
Fantastic experience: Very friendly and helpful. Made a bad day better with there kindness.
Thank you for the 5-star review Sammi!
Fantastic experience: Want to say vachelle was so awesome and a pleasure to work with I would recommend anyone to come to smart start got there drivers test thanks for everything ❤️
Thank you for the 5-star review Scoob!
Fantastic experience: I was so nervous taking my driver test, my instructor, Vachelle made it so comfortable and made me feel confident. I recommend this place to anyone who is looking to take driver test. Vachelle gave me great pointers how to be a better driver and how to keep safe on the road. Ps very friendly.
Thank you for the 5-star review Kwon!
Fantastic experience: They helped me pass my permit test with only one wrong. I had Gary and Kathy for my lessons, they were both super nice and friendly the whole times helping me learn and grow. Sandy was my tester I passed first try. So I recommend Start Smart because they know what they are doing and will help you get your license as fast as possible.
Thank you for the 5-star review Jebediah!
Fantastic experience: as an anxious, traumatized adult driver: if it wasn’t for this driving school, i don’t think i ever would have been able to get my license, let alone drive. everyone here was so kind, supportive and welcoming. i will recommend this school to anyone wanting to learn, especially if you have fears or trauma about getting behind the wheel. Sandy was a God send, and i cannot even put into words the gratitude i feel for this school and all of it’s teachers. thank you all so much! highly, highly, recommend.
Faith, Thank you for the 5-Star review! We are so glad that we could help you to learn to drive safely and to be more aware of your surroundings while driving! We wish you the best in your continued safe driving career. Best Regards, Start Smart Driving Academy
Fantastic experience: The staff at Smart Start Driving Academy are really nice. I did have to test twice, but both times the ladies were very helpful and made it super comfortable to test with them. I highly recommend them to anyone who is going for a driving test or for driving school. Also, the area that they are located in is a plus for anyone who is learning to drive because it's not overloaded with traffic.
Thank you for the 5-Star review Crystal! Yours in safe driving, Start Smart Driving Academy
Fantastic experience: I was so nervous at first but I wanted to express my sincere gratitude to Sandy for their exceptional guidance during my driver's test preparation. Their patience, clear explanations, and constructive feedback helped boost my confidence on the road. Thanks to their expertise, I not only passed my test but also feel more prepared and safe as a new driver. I highly recommend sandy to anyone seeking a dedicated and skilled instructor. But the others are probably as good as her.
Thank you for the 5-Star review Tosjanae! We are glad to have worked with you. Yours in safe driving, Start Smart Driving Academy
Fantastic experience: My instructor Sandy was very kind and informative. I failed my first attempt at a driver's test. She took the time to give me tips and what to work on. I took it to consideration and applied them to my second attempt which I passed . Super grateful for the help
Jenny, Thank you for the 5-Star review! We are so happy that we could help you become a safer driver and that you were able to take our feedback and pass your drive test with us. We wish you continued safe driving in the future! Yours in safe driving, Start Smart Driving Academy
Negative experience: My son is 17 and has been driving for a year and a half. He has never been pulled over and is always a very careful and courteous driver. Vachelle failed him for driving in a residential too close to the middle of the road. There were cars parked on both sides of the road and no one coming down the street. $70 wasted, I guess because we didn’t pay for the classes with them that’s how they make their money. Absolutely terrible, taking peoples money. I should have read the other reviews before wasting my money. Took him to Community Driving School and passed with flying colors.
Jessica, That is great that your son has been driving for 1.5 years and has never been pulled over and is a courteous driver under your supervision. We wish the same thing for all teen drivers, regardless if they are a student of ours or not. Per the verbal and written feedback given to you and your son, your son had 1 traffic law for driving down the middle of a residential road. Your son did not fail the drive test for only 1 traffic law. Your son failed the drive test because of the points for 1. Not looking over the shoulder before every lane change, 2. Not looking behind after every turn, 3. Encroaching over the stop lines and crosswalks, and 4. Hanging to the far left of his lane and encroaching over the double yellows lines in the center of the road. The items listed above are evaluated on a State of CO drive test for safety, vehicle control, as well as overall awareness when driving. Your son scored 37 points on his drive test, which is why he did not pass the drive test. When you leave a bad review for a business, be sure to not leave out all of the details of the situation. You paid $70 for a State of CO certified drive test. We conducted a State of CO drive test with your son. Your son did not drive according to State of CO standards, as clearly stated in the CO Driver Handbook pages 1 & 2, found at https://dmv.colorado.gov/sites/dmv/files/documents/Driver_Handbook_2023.pdf. Since your son did not drive according to State standards on his drive test, he did not pass his drive test. Before taking another State of CO drive test, we recommend that you and your son review pages 1 and 2 of the CO Driver Handbook so that you understand what the State of CO standards are and how your son will be evaluated. Yours in safe driving, Start Smart Driving Academy
Negative experience: AVOID, AVOID. Seems like a scam to force people to take the driving test (and pay the academy) multiple times. Evaluator was an unpleasant older woman who got defensive when I asked her the reason she was failing me. Reasons were entirely unjustified, based on her judgement that complete stops were not complete, that I failed to signal BEFORE she told me which direction to turn, etc. What an unreasonable rip off. State of Colorado has created perverse incentives for driving schools that make more $$$ the more times they fail qualified drivers.
Christopher, When you take a State of CO drive test with us or any other certified 3rd party driving school, your drive test is conducted based on State of CO standards. As was provided to you prior to your appointment from the CO driver handbook pages 1 and 2, the State of CO requires you to "come to a complete stop, no forward motion of the vehicle." Slowing down for a stop sign and coming to a complete stop with no forward motion are 2 different things and are not equaI. The State of CO requires a complete stop and you had 4 rolling, incomplete stops on your drive test. An incomplete stop is a traffic law on a drive test. On a drive test, if you have more than 2 traffic laws, a drive test applicant does not pass that drive test. Whether a drive test applicant has been driving for 1 year or for more than 40 years, a rolling incomplete stop is a traffic law. You are evaluated on your driving skills during a drive test according to State of CO standards in place at the time of your drive test today, not how you have been driving for the past 40+ years. Additionally, the State specifically says on page 2 of the CO driver handbook that a driver looks behind after every turn. When a driver does not look in their middle mirror or one of their side mirrors after a turn, that counts as a point on a drive test. We recommend you study the CO driver handbook more in-depth so that you can understand how driving laws and standards in the State of CO may have changed in the 40 years that you have been driving. Yours in Safe Driving, Start Smart Driving Academy
Fantastic experience: I was nervous to come here after seeing some of these reviews. When I got there, I was greeted by Ms. Kay. She was very pleasant and very professional. I did my driving my test with Sandy who was also pleasant and professional. At the end of the test, she took the time to give great feedback and pointers. If you know how to drive you won't have any problems going to Start Smart Driving Academy!
Thank you for the 5-Star review Michelle!
Fantastic experience: if you wanna place to quickly get your drivers license test done, I recommend starts smart driving academy even though they are very strict which in this area of expertise, they have to be. Pay attention to the laws, pay attention to looking over your shoulder, don’t run stop signs, check your blind spots, and your blind turns and you’ll do fine. Everybody here has great personalities. They know what they’re doing and they’re good at it. I’ll recommend starts smart academy to anyone to go to school and or taking a test. 5 stars at what they do! Anyone who leaves a lower review is because they don't known how to take constructive feedback. Thank you Kay and Michelle for being awesome at what you do. You helped me become a better driver!
Jacob, Thank you for the 5-Star review! We are so glad that we could help you. Yours in Safe Driving, Start Smart Driving Academy
Negative experience: I set my appointment on Friday, came in Monday, and I didn't know my permit expired Saturday. So since the instructor cancelled the test, I am not allowed any form of refund. If I wanted to reschedule I would have to pay AGAIN, and I still wouldn't be sure if I would actually get to take the test.
Julion, Why did you leave us a 1-star review? When you came in for your drive test appointment today, your CO instruction permit expired on Saturday 6/3. Since your instruction permit was expired, we could not do a drive test with you today 6/5/23. Can you please explain to us why you set up an appointment for today 6/5/23 on Friday 6/2 when you knew your permit expired on your birthday on Saturday 6/3? Can you please explain how that is our fault? Per our refund policy that you read when setting up your drive test appointment, it is your responsibility to know the requirements to be able to take a drive test. Having a valid instruction permit is the #1 requirement for a State of CO drive test with us or any other 3rd party tester. Yours in Safe Driving, Start Smart Driving Academy
Negative experience: PLEASE READ BEFORE COMING HERE. I don't want anyone else to make the same mistake I did and didn't read any of the other reviews before coming here, for your sake please do not come here for your driving test or any kind of schooling! The driving instructer was very unprofessional and was extremely short-tempered, snappy, impatient, and rude. One of the worst parts of this place is driving back to the academy after a test and listening to all the condescending and passive aggressive comments they have to say about you and your driving, they make you feel ashamed and intimidated the entire time. I was failed twice and I'm certain it was because they wanted to me to shell out $150. However one thing there extremely good at is wasting your time, your money, and making you feel horrible about yourself. I would never ever recommend this place to anyone! Stay clear away and go somewhere else!
Ezekiel, When you took your first drive test with us on 11/28/22 and did not pass, why did you come back to Start Smart Driving Academy today 5/15/23 if we treated you "unprofessionally and rude?" There are over 90 different driving schools in the State of CO that you could have gone to for a drive test today. As was the case on 11/28/2022 and today 5/15/2023, your drive test was evaluated according to State of CO standards. We are required to provide feedback after a drive test regardless of pass or fail so that the drive test applicant can practice and improve their driving skills to become a safer, more confident, and legal driver. The feedback provided to you on 11/28/22 and today included at least 1 positive feedback item as well as a couple of items that needed more practice. Today, when you had several turns from a wrong lane (traffic law), several lane changes into a turn lane where you did not use a turn signal (traffic law), and several incomplete stops (traffic law), it was explained to you that due to these traffic laws, you did not pass your drive test today. When you prepare to take a drive test with another certified 3rd party driving school, they will evaluate you on the same State of CO standards. We recommend that you practice more driving to help improve your safety so that you do not have traffic law violations on a future driving test. Just like other bad reviews that we and other driving schools get, if a drive test applicant cannot drive according to State of CO law and cannot accept the feedback that is given after a drive test that we are required to provide, we recommend reviewing pages 1 and 2 in the CO driver handbook so that you understand how and what you will be evaluated on a drive test in the State of CO. Yours in Safe Driving, Start Smart Driving Academy
Fantastic experience: Had a driving licence from Singapore and took 8 hours of BTW (most of which with Gary), which included the drive test. My learning experience was excellent. Gary was both professional and knowledgeable, I learnt about being a better driver, and all the administrative details - scheduling, payments, timings - were hassle-free. I'd highly recommend Start Smart Driving Academy to most folks!
Thank you very much for your 5-Star review! We are so happy that we were able to help you with your driving instruction. We wish you continued safe driving in the future. Thank you, Start Smart Driving Academy
Negative experience: This place is a total scam!!!!!! Don't test here!! Is it legal to post people private information Our test results should be private!!!!! For one!! and for two this place has zero integrity!! Unfortunately in a time when our government is again exploiting our needs we are at the hands of these private testing sites! I drove back to the place where she said I blew!! Blew!! Through a stop sign.... I was going 15 miles an hour ... I didn't blow through anything! When I went back it was a two way stop . Unfortunately it our word against their and we have no control except to post our experience with these people. I tested somewhere else and passed ... The only things I missed were the things I was told I did wrong here.I have a feeling I would have failed again at smart driving school!! Be smart and don't go here!!
Maria, When you took your drive test with us on 3/9/23 at 3:08pm, you were evaluated according to State of CO law. During your drive test, you ran a stop sign with no attempt to stop. On a State of CO drive test, this is an automatic failure. Additionally, you also had 5 additional traffic laws (1 incomplete stop, 2 wrong lanes, 1 no turn signal, and 1 failure to yield the right of way). So not only did you not pass due to running a stop sign, you also failed your drive test due to multiple traffic laws. State of CO traffic laws are not a scam or a joke. When you test here at Start Smart Driving Academy, we test according to State of CO laws. We suggest you review the CO driver handbook and practice safe driving so that you can learn to drive according to State of CO law. Yours in safe driving, Start Smart Driving Academy
Negative experience: Do not go to this driving school Worst experience ever . Go anywhere else besides here . The instructor was rude from the moment I walked in the door almost like he wanted to fail me before I even entered the vehicle . He failed me for my hands saying I had to do the push pull method when I did exactly what I was taught in my driving classes I asked him to show me how I was suppose to hold the steering wheel when he showed me he used the same technique I did all my points where hand movements . After going to a different driving school I was informed that I can't be failed for that and to call smart driving school back and inform them . Upon doing so the man refused to go over my scoring with me . Do not I mean do not go to this place they just want to take your money have you pay again for a test . They know they have you with the changes with having to test 3rd party . I passed with flying colors at mile high driving they where amazing . I'm a single mother and spent all the money I had to test . I had to scrounge just to get the money I had . I was informed he was the owner when I asked to speak to someone else they have 3 stars for a reason horrible treatment just horrible . The receptionist laughed at me when I asked for my paper to show my scores . I asked her if she thought it was funny to treat people this way and she apologized . Response to your response after reading recent reviews and sense the dmv rules have recently changed that you have to test 3rd party it seems many people feel you fail to make people re test and pay another fee im not the only one !!!!! And I would have to agree . People do not use this school and go over the reviews im not the only one complaining . I never leave negative reviews but my experience here was so bad I had to .
Aubrey, just like I told you in your feedback. You did use push-pull slide when you turned the wheel. BUT, I also told you that the state of Colorado does not allow auto-correct. The points that you lost were because you were letting the steering wheel auto correct after the turn. I went over the score sheet with you while you were sitting here in the office. I also gave you a sheet of paper that had yellow highlights on it with the items you lost points on. You can not fail a drive test for just points with your hands. But you forgot to mention that you lost points for searching and your stop lines. There is another state of Colorado law that says you are only allowed to take one drive test per day. So that since you took your drive test here. It is not possible that you took a drive test anywhere else. We do not fail people on drive test. People fail drive test because they do not drive to State of Colorado law.
Negative experience: Honestly, this place is not the best place to take your drive test. I’ve been driving 20 years and did not pass my first test because of how strict she was. She wasn’t even watching me to see if I was looking over my shoulder when switching lanes which I did. They will try to fail you your first test so that you can pay more money to come in and re-test. Better off, going to a different place and spending less money as this place seems like it’s an obvious money grab.
The drive test is not based on how many years you have been driving. The drive test is outlined as what the Colorado drivers handbook reflects as per what State of CO traffic laws mandate. As I looked at the test this individual took, he did not fail because he did not over look his shoulder. The individual failed because there were three traffic violations during the drive test. Driving to state law is highly recommended when taking a drive test as CO drive tests are conducted according to State of CO laws.
Fantastic experience: Had a great experience taking my test here! Staff was nothing but kind, I was able to calm down my nerves and get the jitters out fast because of this. Every question I asked was Answered in a positive manner that helped me pass my test! I was explained what I can improve upon and how to take those steps in order to do that! Overall it was a great experience and I would recommend to give this driving academy a chance.
Michael, Thank for the 5-Star review! We are glad that we could help you with your drive test and help you to improve your driving skills. We wish you the best in your future driving career! Best Regards, Start Smart Driving Academy
Positive experience: I think this company does a good job overall. My son did the online course and the test through them and that went well and we both feel he learned a lot and was well prepared for the test. I had an issue with the results going to the state system but the owner contacted me and worked to make that right which I much appreciated.
Fantastic experience: Just done with my driving experience behind the wheel, got some classes and finish with my driving test. Gary was my instructor his help, guidance and details at the time of driving were so useful, clear and essential for me at the time of drive with confidence here in Colorado. My tester Vachelle also provide great service and fair indication at the time of drive under iced road conditions, I am very happy that I could accomplish my driving skills, knowing and awareness at the time to get on a vehicle and drive, thank you again for helping me getting my license and experience, is so much appreciated! Highly recommend :) - Valentina Franco
Thank you for the 5-Star review Valentina! We are so glad to be able to help you with your driving lessons as well as your drive test. We wish continued safe driving. Take care, be safe, Vachelle, Start Smart Driving Academy
Fantastic experience: I highly recommend Start Smart. They have helped both of my boys get their license and feel confident behind the wheel. The staff are very kind and helpful.
Thank you for the 5-Star review Jessica! We are so glad to be able to help you and your boys with learning to drive!
Fantastic experience: Professional, knowledgeable, and friendly.
Thank you for the 5-Star review!
Fantastic experience: Instructors were very kind and patient. They communicated well and told you the things you did great on and what things you needed to work on. I’ve noticed a big difference in my driving.
Thank you for the 5-Star review Samantha! It was a pleasure working with you for your driver education and testing. Take care and be safe out there. Yours in safe driving, Start Smart Driving Academy
Negative experience: Very bad place, smelly unprofessional, I will not suggest anyone to come here it is very bad
Fantastic experience: Very impressed with this company. They got us scheduled in quickly for drive test and were so friendly. Appreciate the organization and made sure we were up to date on all items needed after the test.
Janet, Thank you for the 5-Star review! We are glad to be able to assist you and your daughter. Yours in Safe Driving, Start Smart Driving Academy
Negative experience: Do not test here! Very Obviously failed me just to get me to pay for a retest. Colorado still isn’t doing driving test so you have no choice but to pay a private party for one. After my test I drove the route again and I still don’t agree plus am now convinced it was a scam. Reading the reviews I understand, unless you drive this route with them on a “driving lesson” you will fail the non posted roads after you turn because the speed limits are not posted until the next intersection. You cannot argue stopping before a made up crosswalk if the roads don’t have cross walks. Called to ask about speaking to a manager/supervisor and “Dan” stone walled me after he asked for my name. I’m not surprised they don’t handle feedback or let you talk to anyone about your bad experiences.
Nic, When you take a State of CO drive test, you are expected to drive according to State of CO law. Contrary to popular belief, speeding is not OK and it is illegal. And when you take a drive test, it is a traffic law if you speed. You had 2 speeding traffic laws on your drive test today. Additionally, in the CO driver handbook, the State of CO states that when stopping, you must come to a complete stop, with no forward motion. When you are slowing down but not coming to a complete stop, that is an incomplete stop and that is a traffic law. On a State of CO drive test, when you have more than 2 traffic laws, you do not pass a drive test. Additionally, when you take your hand on the inside of the steering wheel and hook the wheel or palm the steering wheel to turn the wheel, you lose points on a drive test. In the CO driver handbook, the State of CO wants you to keep both hands on the wheel and use an approved method of steering control (hand-over-hand or push-pull-slide). Hooking the inside of the steering wheel or palming the wheel are not approved methods of steering control. When you hook the steering wheel or palm the wheel to turn, you lose points on your drive test. Lastly, when you do not look over your shoulder before changing lanes, you lose points on a drive test. I am glad that you re-drove the drive test route. Did you notice how close the houses were to the street? Does it make sense why the speed limit was 25mph? And did you see how we passed a speed limit sign of 30mph but you were speeding doing 35mph? If you do not see a speed limit sign, but you have houses close to your street, we recommend driving cautiously until you can identify what the speed limit is. We hope that you are able to practice some of the feedback provided to you so that you can become a safer driver and can hopefully do better on your next drive test. State of CO certified drive test examiners anywhere in CO will evaluate you on the very same things that you were evaluated on today, including speed management, making full, complete stops, looking over your shoulder before changing lanes, using an approved method of steering control, and not encroaching over lane lines. Yours in Safe Driving, Start Smart Driving Academy
Negative experience: Worst experience. You do not stop at red light. 100% lair.
Egon, On Page 6 of the CO Driver Handbook, it states the following: Steady red light: Stop until a green light appears. After stopping and yielding to pedestrians and other traffic and if not prohibited by a traffic sign, you may turn right while the light is red. The key words are "after stopping" you may turn right while the light is red. If you have a solid red light, then someone else usually has a green light. If someone else has a green light, you must yield to them by stopping before turning right on a steady red light. This is a State of CO traffic law. Yours in safe driving, Start Smart Driving Academy
Negative experience: I enrolled for their Behind-the-Wheel Driving Lessons almost three years ago, which means it also took me almost three years to write them a review. And that is because I know the owners would rudely reply and justify what they did, hust like how they are in person. But my conscience would not be able to take it if I just simply walk away, without any honest warnings to their future students. - I was standing outside my work place waiting to be picked up, and I waited for about 15 minutes. I did not mind waiting, but what bothered me was how the instructor did not apologize and even blamed it on me. He said that he has been there for 15 minutes waiting, but I did not see him at all! Not a good first impression. - During my Behind-the-Wheel Driving Lessons, it felt like I was bringing the instructor for a ride around the area. If he is not telling me what to do or where to go, it was quiet in the car. I got very little feedback from him, but if I did it was positive. So I thought I was doing great, and I am learning everything I need to pass the Driving Test. Not a good instructor. - During my Driving Test, I know I did everything I learned during my Behind-the-Wheel Driving Lessons. But failed me on my first try, so I gave them the benefit of the doubt and soaked in all their feedback (feedbacks about mistakes I cannot remember I made during the drive) that I wished I got when I was doing the lessons. On my second try, I was really confident that I did not make any mistakes but they still failed me (and again gave me feedbacks about mistakes I cannot remember I made during the drive). Not a good experience. - But when I took my Driver's Test with Mile High Driver Training down the street (Mind you, I was told to do the same things and I did them no differently), I was told I did it perfectly and I passed! Which is when I realized that Start Smart Driving Academy will strip you off of money. It is their words against mine, but I cannot care less anymore. I just feel better that I said what I thought needed to be said about this company, that there are better driving schools around the area and to always take into consideration reviews about a place!
- As I sat outside of a senior living care facility waiting for a student, I parked in front of the main doors so it would be easy for someone to identify I was there to pick them up in a car that had the company name and logo on it would be easy to see. With a lot of people walking in and out of this facility it would be difficult to find someone. But as I waited I had noticed one person was not moving very much so I approached her and ask if it was her. I had mentioned that I had been the for 15 minutes. Not sure I would use the blame, difference of opinion. -- As a driving instructor with a student who has never driven before you start in neighborhoods and you work up to main streets while making sure the student can handle the car, and make sure the driver, instructor and the general driving public are all safe!!! If not then you adjust accordingly! The lesson were on 6/12, 6/13, 6/18, 6/19, 6/24 of 2020. And there was no practicing driving in between the lessons. On 6/24/20 the lead instructor had advised the student NOT to take the drive test that was scheduled on 6/25/20 until she practiced driving a while. Against his advice she chose to do the drive test anyway. - On 6/25/20 after failing the first drive test that she was advised not to take by her instructor. The lead tester had advised her not to re-take the test again until she practiced driving. She then set up a test on 7/3/20 for another test against the advice of the lead tester!! The choices made by her against the advice given does not warrant us being accused of taking her money for drive test because it was by her choice to schedule and do the drive test. - And if Chuck and his team told her that she did the drive test perfectly then our lead driving instructor did exactly what he was supposed to do in the driving lessons so the value was there.
Fantastic experience: They were so friendly and helpful. I was able to get in right away. The whole experience was simple, easy and pleasant.
Hello Jennifer, Thank you for the 5-Star review! We are glad to be able to assist you with getting your drive test. Yours in safe driving, Start Smart Driving Academy
Negative experience: I attended this place for my driving school and it was terrible I was told I drive to fast for a girl by the main lady, what does that even mean but instead of helping me like her job is was switched to driving with her husband. because of how bad the reviews were and my experience with this place was for their driving tests, I went to peak driving school and they treated me wonderfully and passed first try I would recommend peak to anybody over this place. The main front lady will find anything to make you fail and take you’re money. If you actually want to pass, choose peak drivers ed.
Lilly, To refresh your memory, your attended our driving school back in 2017 (classroom education) and 2018 (behind the wheel training.) At that time, we were not conducting drive tests. So the fact that you went to Peak Driver's Ed and passed your drive test the first time is great news. You did not do a driving test with us so to say "your experience with this place was for their driving tests,", that is a blatant lie. We understand that you must be upset that your friend Robbie did not pass his test today, but that does not warrant a bad review from you. Peak, Start Smart Driving Academy, and any other certified 3rd party testing schools are trained the very same way by the State of CO. On a State of CO drive test, you are expected to drive according to State of CO traffic laws and rules of the road. When you do not drive according to State of CO law, you cannot pass a drive test in the State of CO. On a driving test, the drive test examiner cannot tell you how to drive or which lane to use for a turn. That is considered coaching and is considered a driving lesson. Your friend Robbie did not drive according to State of CO law and did not pass his drive test due to not using a shared center turn lane 2 different times, did an rolling, incomplete stop at a stop sign, and was speeding 35 mph in a 30 mph zone. That is 4 traffic laws. After 2 traffic laws, that means that your friend did not drive according to State of CO laws and did not pass his drive test. Yours in safe driving, Start Smart Driving Academy
Fantastic experience: We had a great experience with Start Smart Driving Academy. The instructors were very helpful and communicated great with our son. Highly recommend 6 hours (3 x 2 hours) driving with an instructor. Noticed a big difference after each session.
Vincent, Thank you for the 5-Star review! We are so glad that we were able to work with you and your son and that you were able to witness, first hand, big differences after each lesson. We hope continued safe driving for you and your son! Thank you, Start Smart Driving Academy
Fantastic experience: Had a very great experience with vachelle this morning taking my driving test made me feel comfortable relaxed as I drove would recommend this driving academy to anyone who needs it very kind and genuine people
Thank you Niroe for the 5-Star review! We are glad to hear that you had a great experience and felt comfortable and relaxed during your drive test. Take care and be safe out there, Start Smart Driving Academy
Fantastic experience: Today I went and got my drivers license at Start Smart Driving Academy Colorado the staff was very friendly and very helpful I seen they had a class going on and we’re teaching people on how to drive they even provided the car for me to drive while taking my test. Thank again
Thank you very much for the 5-Star review! We are glad that we were able to help you in taking steps to get your license. Take care and be safe out there, Start Smart Driving Academy
Fantastic experience: The team at StartSmart is patient, uplifting and incredibly kind. I am an extremely anxious driver and everyone took that into consideration and intentionally created an environment of positivity to make sure I was feeling safe and comfortable. I passed my driver's test first try and have felt a lot more secure in my driving abilities! I couldn't have done it without the knowledge and support I received from StartSmart!
Thank you for the 5-Star review Trevor! We are so glad that we helped you to feel comfortable and safe. And we are glad to have been able to help you feel more secure in your driving. We wish you continued safe driving in the future. Yours in Safe Driving, Start Smart Driving Academy
Negative experience: Update, took retest elsewhere, great employees, discount, same standards- PASS! Ironically feedback was - a bit too cautious. ☺️☺️ I had experienced some positives here. We were treated politely and professionally over the phone and in office. The instructor gave some valuable feedback and it seemed like the students in the class were benefitting from the material being taught. Where I started to have issues was after my daughter took the driving test a second time and was told she failed again and should take their class. My daughter has had a lot of experience driving and practicing. She has way over the required amount of hours driven and has no problem driving up to the mountains and on the freeway. I thought she was kidding when they said they failed her again. I won’t try to explain what she got marked for because the owners seem to always have a rebuttal but I do believe the way they score is too subjective. They don’t give you a score sheet that shows you how many points they got out of a total amount of points. It is more of a summary sheet where they highlight mistakes in general areas of driving. We are going to retest tomorrow at a different driving school and see if they will be as particular with grading or if it will be more reasonable and attainable. We will then be up to over $200 in testing fees. Then I will try to post all the results so other people can share if they’ve had a similar experience. What I really struggled with and started to realize this is not a great place to be is when I started reading reviews but more importantly the owner’s responses. A few negative reviews are to be expected but when they outweigh the positive reviews it may be good to find other options. No one’s kids are perfect but the girl who tested before us was also told she failed and here is a summary of some of the customer comments and responses they received. After rude comments and saying they were never rude “Learning to Drive in a foreign country can be challenging and I wish you…” “in his country perhaps it was ok to break the law but in CO we respect the law”? This was followed with a long reply but no acknowledgement or apology to the offensive comments. Another review says a mom was a dangerous driver to her baby and she went to another school and immediately passed In customer reviews there are descriptions such as nitpicks, scam, taken advantage of, horrible temper and not professional, money grabbing, quick to take money, scam Here are some responses to their negative reviews: You choose to come to us for a second test. We don’t control DMV prices so that is not on us. -I do not give instructions on a driving test to be your friend. -If you did not understand what traffic laws then you should have asked…However it sounds like perhaps she understood feedback and that’s why she passed the 2nd time, great news! Customers seem to be told repeatedly it’s strange that they would have certain feedback I told this young lady she was a “smooth” driver not a great driver I see that you did not mention that you had 6 incomplete stops Not sure how stop signs read in Florida In the first review there was a very polite and professional response but after that the tone seems to change Customer feedback on some needed vehicle maintenance with the response that cars are professionally maintained with regular maintenance and vehicle inspections ok then auto responses mixed with not very nice remarks CO standards do not include speeding 11mph faster, than the speed limit or driving with your thumbs because that is what is comfortable. Lastly when you drive with one hand, turn short etc, these are prime examples of why you didn’t pass. You stormed out before we were able to provide feedback. Additionally please tell your mom thank you for giving us a one star review even though she has not been a customer of ours. I know times can be tough and people work really hard. It’s ok to have bad days but you have to be kind if you want people to come back and promote your business esp. paying customers.
Hello Marty, I appreciate your concerns of driving and I also understand that you do not understand the scoring of a State of CO drive test. On a 20-25 minute drive test, there are over 100 different things being evaluated. Some of these things include turn signals (did the applicant use a turn signal for a lane change for example), does the applicant follow the speed limit or are they speeding, does the applicant turn from a turn lane or do they turn from a straight-thru lane, etc. During the feedback following your daughter's drive test, it was mentioned to her that she was speeding 2 different times on her drive test (37 mph in a 30 mph zone, 35 mph in a 30 mph zone, even after passing speed limit signs). Driving faster than the speed limit is a traffic law. Additionally, I talked with your daughter that for two different left turns, instead of turning from a shared center turn lane (on page 9 of the CO driver handbook found at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r9ZJQ8QWzRFe1gvdfA9fGNrssAO-sCmb/view), your daughter turned from the thru lane, stopping in a moving lane of traffic. When you turn from a wrong lane and do not use a shared center turn lane as designed, that is a traffic law. For the 2 speeding traffic laws (even after passing a speed limit sign) and for not using a shared center turn lane as it is designed x 2 times, that is 4 traffic laws on her drive test. Additionally, your daughter turned right from a thru lane instead of turning right from a dedicated right turn lane. She did not recognize it was a turn lane before she got to the intersection. When selecting the wrong lane to turn, that is a traffic law as well. Additionally, when making a left lane change, your daughter did not use a turn signal for her lane change. Once she got in her new lane, she even verbalized that she forgot her turn signal for her lane change. When you fail to use a turn signal, that is a traffic law. In the State of CO drive test, anything more than 2 traffic laws is a failure on the drive test. We and all other certified drive test examiners in the State of CO are trained the same by the State of CO. Traffic laws on our drive tests are traffic laws on a drive test with another certified drive test examiner in the State of CO. Additionally, the points scoring on your daughter's drive tests with us are going to be scored the same at another driving school. We recommended that your daughter invest in some driving lessons with any driving school in the State (not just us but any certified driving school) to help her become safer, more aware, and more confident as well. We wish safe driving for your daughter which is why we recommended lessons since this was her 2nd drive test attempt with us. For her driving test tomorrow, it is important that she remembers her turn signals, turns from the proper lane and into the proper lane, and does not speed on her driving test tomorrow. If you would like more information of what other areas your daughter lost points (looking behind after each turn, not auto-correcting the steering wheel, smooth acceleration and smooth braking, and not dropping speed during a lane change, etc) as well as traffic laws (speeding, no turn signal for a lane change, turning from the wrong lane, etc), feel free to give us a call or come in to our office so that we can talk through those items with you and your daughter. Our #1 goal is to help drivers become safer and more aware and we are more than happy to talk through the challenges that your daughter had on her drive tests with us. Yours in safe driving, Start Smart Driving Academy
Fantastic experience: Very helpful in a refresher course. I have been driving for over 40 yrs. I was not aware of a few changes to making an even better driving. I think they are knowledgeable and caring people who really want you to succeed to be a safer driver...
Hello Rhonda, Thank you for the 5-Star review! We are so glad that we were able to help you with a few changes to make you a safer driver. That is why we do what we do...to help make drivers safer! We wish you safe driving in the future. Best Regards, Start Smart Driving Academy
Negative experience: I was absolutely shocked to fail this test. I’m pretty sure I was taken advantage of. I am 38 years old and have done the drivers test 2 times before. I was literally nit picked to death and marked off for everything!!!! If you actually want to pass I wouldn’t go here. I don’t care about anything you’re stating as I didn’t do any of that! Why would anyone want to spend money with people who talk to their clients as they do. Look at the responses they give people and how they talk to them! Pretty sick if you ask me!
Tanisha, When you take a CO driving test, the test measures your skill and knowledge of legal and safe driving practices in CO. It is important to understand that when you are taking a State of CO driving test, you are being evaluated and scored to State of CO standards. And at Start Smart Driving Academy, we test to State of CO standards. The grading scale that we use is the same grading scale that other certified 3rd party testers utilize during their driving tests. It is strange that you mentioned you were "nit picked to death and marked off for everything." These items that you were evaluated on are items that are included in the CO driver handbook for a reason. For example, when you drive faster than a stated speed limit (30 mph in a 25 mph zone), that is speeding and that is a traffic law. Additionally, when you use a turn lane as a straight through lane, that is a traffic law. And when you then merge back into the proper lane and you do not use a turn signal to change lanes, that is a traffic law. These traffic laws exist for a reason. Additionally, when you do not use your mirrors for a 360 degree awareness and do not look over your shoulder before changing lanes, you are a high risk driver. We recommend that you read through and study the CO Driver Handbook so that you understand speed limits, turn signal usage, and proper lane usage. Additionally, you will also find information in the CO driver handbook regarding searching and mirror usage. We wish you safe driving in the future. Best Regards, Start Smart Driving Academy
Negative experience: Don’t go here y’all. They failed me over BS reasons, and implied heavily that i shouldn’t take another test at a different school. Went to community driving school the next day and passed with flying colors, he was shocked i was such a good driver and assumed i had taken lessons, which i did not. Honestly this place is a huge scam and money grab. Take your money somewhere else.
"Aura Paws", We have no record of you being a customer of ours. However, regardless if you come to our driving school for a drive test or go to any other certified driving school in the State of CO, you are evaluated exactly the same by a State of CO certified drive test examiner during a drive test. When you take a CO driving test, the test measures your skill and knowledge of legal and safe driving practices in CO. It is important to understand that when you are taking a State of CO driving test, you are being evaluated and scored to State of CO standards. And at Start Smart Driving Academy, we test to State of CO standards. The grading scale that we use is the same grading scale that other certified 3rd party testers utilize during their driving tests. It is strange that you mentioned we "failed you over BS reasons." Did you drive according to State of CO law on a drive test with us? What exactly were the reasons you did not pass your drive test with us??? It sounds like you understood and took the feedback we provided to you after the drive test with us (if you tested with us) and you were able to utilize the feedback to become a safer, more confident driver so that you were able to pass your 2nd attempt at a driving test. That is great news! We hope you continued safe driving in the future. Best Regards, Start Smart Driving Academy
Negative experience: The owners response is totally wrong.....it was all live streamed to me (unknown to them) and I don't appreciate false information out there about my child. These people are a scam failed my son for going 1 mile over the speed limit down a hill and told him to turn into the parking lot so he did but it was a double yellow and he didn't double check (she said "if he would have asked if that was correct she would have said no go up threr and do a U turn")
KKF, REVISED RESPONSE 4/15/22 - LOL. So let me get this straight...You are confirming that you were not present for your son's drive test? Additionally, you state that your son was live-streaming his drive test while he was driving in his drive test? Since your son is under 18 years old, it is illegal for a minor to use a cell phone while they are driving according to State of CO law. And if he was recording his drive test without my knowledge, please understand that in Colorado it is a criminal offense to use any device to record communications whether it's wire, oral or electronic without the consent of at least one person taking part in the communication. So if you would like to share with us the actual recording of your son's State of CO drive test, that would be great. Additionally, you were the one to put the false review on our Google page regarding YOUR son and his drive test. We, as a business, have a right and duty to respond to your review regarding a drive test we conducted with YOUR son, especially when you were not present. It is very unfortunate that you have spent so much time and energy putting negative reviews out to Start Smart Driving Academy as well as another driving school because your son did not pass driving tests with either certified 3rd party drive testing facility. Instead, maybe you should spend more time with your son practicing his driving so that he can become safer, more aware behind the wheel of a vehicle. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ RESPONSE 4/14/22 - Since you were not present for your son's drive test, you may want to get a better understanding of why your son REALLY failed his drive test before you leave us a 1-star review and call us a scam. First and foremost, as was mentioned to your son and his Grandmother after the drive test, your son had an issue with speeding during his drive test. Your son did not fail for going 1 mile an hour over the speed limit down a hill. Your son was speeding 41 MPH going down a hill in a 35 MPH zone. That is a traffic law on a drive test in the State of CO. Additionally, your son was speeding 31 MPH in a 25 MPH zone (residential area). That is a traffic law on a drive test. When your son was speeding 23 MPH in an active school zone of 20 MPH, even after passing the flashing yellow lights of the active school zone speed limit sign, the State of CO has ZERO tolerance of speeding in an active school zone and THAT was his automatic failure on the drive test. And for good measure, when my directions were for your son to turn left up at the next street, but instead of turning left at the next street where I pointed with my hand directions as I gave the verbal direction (as required by the State of CO drive test examination requirements), your son chose to turn left early into the parking lot, across a double yellow line. That is a traffic law in the State of CO as well. On a State of CO drive test, 3 or more traffic laws is deemed an automatic failure on a drive test. Additionally, when you speed in an active school zone (3+ MPH over the active school zone speed limit), that is an automatic failure on a drive test. As was mentioned to your son and his Grandmother, your son should not speed on a drive test, especially after passing speed limit signs. And additionally, your son should not cross over double yellow lines in the future, especially on a drive test. However, perhaps your son is not searching or scanning as he is driving, which would cause him to not see the speed limit signs or double-yellow lines. We recommend that he also work on his searching and scanning skills. As we tell our students in the classroom and when they are taking driving lessons, you should constantly keep your eyes moving as you drive. We wish you and your son safe driving in the future. Best Regards, Start Smart Driving Academy
Positive experience: Its was easy and not busy. I took the test in my vehicle. Loved the staff! Very nice. The building kinda smells weird though..
Thank you for the 4-Star review Adam!
Fantastic experience: Took my driving test today. I walked in and they were able to get me in. The office staff was friendly and welcoming. The woman who conducted my test was very calming and communicated perfectly throughout the test. They gave me some pointers on my driving and really made it a good experience! They also gave me information on upgrading my permit easily through the my colorado app. Highly recommend for new and returning drivers. They really know their stuff!
Jessica, Thank you for the 5-Star review! We are glad that we could get you in right away for your drive test and to help you navigate the next steps to obtain your license. We wish you continued safety in your future driving endeavors. Best Regards, Start Smart Driving Academy
Negative experience: Their grading scale is absolutely lucrative and so ridiculous. So nit picky about even the slightest most unheard of random things. When my daughter failed here we immediately went to another drive school to be safe and she passed with flying colors and they actually gave her reasons and corrections with actual Colorado traffic laws that made sense and things that they used in real life experiences.
Ana, When you take a CO driving test, the test measures your skill and knowledge of legal and safe driving practices in CO. It is important to understand that when you are taking a State of CO driving test, you are being evaluated and scored to State of CO standards. And at Start Smart Driving Academy, we test to State of CO standards. The grading scale that we use is the same grading scale that other certified 3rd party testers utilize during their driving tests. It is strange that you mentioned we were "nit picky about the slightest, most random unheard things." These "nit picky...things" are items that are included in the CO driver handbook for a reason. For example, the State of CO states that you must come to full complete stop with no forward motion, must use a turn signal, turn into the nearest lane that is yours to turn into, failing to yield the right away, speeding etc. These traffic laws exist for a reason. If you did not understand what traffic laws your daughter broke during her driving test, perhaps you should have asked? However, it sounds like perhaps your daughter understood the feedback we provided to her and was able to utilize the feedback to become a safer, more confident driver so that she was able to pass her 2nd attempt at a driving test. That is great news! We hope you and your daughter continued safe driving in the future. Best Regards, Start Smart Driving Academy
Fantastic experience: Friendly, patient, and helpful staff!!
Katherine, Thank you for the 5-Star review!
Fantastic experience: Very kind and helpful not discriminatory on ugly cars. Very fair drivers exam. Quicker than advertised.
Thank you for the 5-Star review Bailey!
Negative experience: Outrageously nitpicky and rude. My husband experienced a less than pleasant time with his “instructor” who said that although he did do a great job she was going to have to fail him because he went above the speed limit of a residential zone (which she said was 25mph) he accelerated at 28 mph for a couple of seconds and that was “unacceptable”. During his review the instructor said that she “knew that perhaps in his country it was okay to break the law but in Colorado we respect the law” which to me is completely wrong and offensive, my husband has a Latin accent so she thought it was some how okay to say this. I would give zero stars if possible, please go somewhere else if you can.
Stephanie, When you take a CO driving test, the test measures your skill and knowledge of legal and safe driving practices in CO. It is important to understand that when you are taking a State of CO driving test, you are being evaluated and scored to State of CO standards. And at Start Smart Driving Academy, we test to State of CO standards. Part of these standards require us (and other certified 3rd party testers) to provide feedback to a drive test applicant so that the applicant can understand any concerns or issues observed during the drive test. A State of CO drive test examiner is required to give positive feedback as well as constructive feedback following a drive test. If you do not drive to State of CO standards, this is explained to you. During your husband's driving test, at two different points in time he exceeded the speed limit. In the residential area, he went 30 MPH in a 25 MPH zone (most residential areas are 20-25MPH maximum) and 42 MPH in a 35 MPH, even after passing speed limit signs. When you exceed the speed limit, this is a traffic law. Additionally, when coming to an intersection with a stop sign, the State of CO requires you to "come to complete stop, with no forward motion." During your husband's drive test, your husband did 2 rolling, incomplete stops, which are also traffic laws. In a State of CO drive test, more than 2 traffic laws constitutes a failed drive test. With 2 speeding traffic laws and 2 incomplete stops, he had 4 traffic laws, which is why your husband did not pass his drive test. Before taking another drive test, I recommend that your husband review the CO driver handbook, especially pages 25-26 (which were provided to your husband to review before the drive test) which covers the requirements of a State of CO drive test. Yours in Safe Driving, Start Smart Driving Academy
Negative experience: They are a scam !
Bryan, When you take a CO driving test, the test measures your skill and knowledge of legal and safe driving practices. It is important to understand that when you are taking a State of CO driving test, you are being evaluated and scored to State of CO standards. And at Start Smart Driving Academy, we test to State of CO standards. Doing what we have been trained to do and conducting drive tests according to State of CO standards does not make us a "scam." Conducting drive tests according to State of CO standards as we have been contracted to do with the State (along with all other certified drive test examiners in CO) helps ensure that licensed drivers out on Colorado roads are skilled, competent, and safe drivers in our state. When you drive with 1 hand through the driving test, turn short for every right and left turn (regardless of cutting across other lane lines), and entering into a dedicated bike lane to turn right, these are prime examples of how not to drive on a drive test and cumulatively why you did not pass your drive test with us. Part of these standards require us (and other certified 3rd party testers) to provide feedback to a drive test applicant so that the applicant can understand any concerns or issues observed during the drive test. If you do not drive to State of CO standards, this is explained to you. However, you stormed out of our driving school before we were able to provide feedback to you from your drive test. We recommend that you review the CO driver handbook so that you can become a safer driver and can understand how you are being evaluated on a State of CO driving test. Additionally, please tell your mom thank you for also giving us a 1-star review (below), even though she has not been a customer of ours. It may be a good idea for her to read through the CO driver handbook as well. Yours in Safe Driving, Start Smart Driving Academy
Negative experience: Use your own car so you can bring a friend and record... because you're going to need someone to witness this. The scoring is ridiculously nitpicky and feels like a money grabbing scam.
Kay, When you take a CO driving test, the test measures your skill and knowledge of legal and safe driving practices. It is important to understand that when you are taking a State of CO driving test, you are being evaluated and scored to State of CO standards. And at Start Smart Driving Academy, we test to State of CO standards. Part of these standards require us (and other certified 3rd party testers) to provide feedback to a drive test applicant so that the applicant can understand any concerns or issues observed during the drive test. If you do not drive to State of CO standards, this is explained to you. We recommend that you review the CO driver handbook so that you can become a safer driver and can understand how you are being evaluated on a State of CO driving test. Yours in Safe Driving, Start Smart Driving Academy
Fantastic experience: I highly recommend taking your driving test at Start Smart Driving Academy! I took 1 hour driving lesson and Sandy was the most helpful and kind instructor! She helped me with understanding my weaknesses and be a more confident driver.
Farah, thank you for your 5-Star review. We are glad that we were able to help you with your driving lesson and drive test as well! Best Regards, Start Smart Driving Academy
Fantastic experience: I did both my written and my driver's test here (don't let your license expire people). Both times every one was professional and friendly. Michelle gave me my test both times and she was wonderful. She gave very clear directions and great feedback. It was well worth going out of my way to go here and I highly recommend. Just make sure you study, practice, and follow the rules and you'll do great!
Thank you for the 5-Star review Angela! We are glad to be able to help you with your written test and driving test as well. We wish you safe driving in the future. Thank you, Start Smart Driving Academy
Fantastic experience: I had a one-hour driving lesson with Sandy before my driving test and she was great! She pointed out all of my mistakes and made sure I corrected them, explained the test to me, and gave me some valuable tips. Michelle was also great; she helped me schedule an appointment within a short notice and helped explaining everything.
Hello Sawsan, Thank you for the 5-Star review! We are glad that we were able to help you during your driving lesson. We wish you continued safe and confident driving in your future! Best Regards, Start Smart Driving Academy
Negative experience: The worst experience I have ever had just trying to communicate with the lady. She was condescending and rude. I am not upset about failing, I expected to fail since I hadn’t driven in 4 plus years and not driven the new truck I just bought at all yet. She had no sense of humor when I tried to lighten up the conversation and felt she was upset we had to go in my truck because of the interlock. You do not get any free re-test if you fail, or even a small percent off, like other test sites offer. I went the next day to another test place and funny, I passed with flying colors, with her I had so many laws I broke, which I agree with 2 of them, the other’s no, and one was a complete lie. I would NOT recommend this place to my worst enemy because of how she treated me, made me feel judged, and she lied.
Rebecka, This is the normal response when somebody fails a drive test and wants to blame us because they decided not to drive to State of Colorado laws. When you mentioned to us before your drive test that it had been 4+ years since you had been driving and that you had never driven your new vehicle, we asked you two different times if you would like to reschedule your drive test so that you would have time to practice driving before you took your test. You said "no, that is ok." You cannot blame us that you had not driven in 4+ years or that you were not familiar with your new vehicle. Additionally, we test according to State of Colorado standards. These standards include using a turn signal when changing lanes, not using a bike a bike lane as a turn lane, staying in your lane when in a double turn, and not speeding. At no point did we ever "lie" as you have accused us of doing. State of CO law is how you are expected to drive on a drive test and what you are evaluated on during a drive test. It would be easier to understand and drive according to State law instead of blaming someone else for the results of the test based on your lack of driving experience or unfamiliarity with your new vehicle.
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