A-1 Driving School

Information about A-1 Driving School
30032, Decatur
Opening hours
- sunday: (closed)
- monday: (closed)
- tuesday: 9:30-16:30
- wednesday: 9:30-16:30
- thursday: 9:30-16:30
- friday: 9:30-16:30
- saturday: 8h-12h
Our comment from DrivingSchools.Directory about A-1 Driving School:
A-1 Driving School is dedicated to providing quality driving education with a focus on safety and engagement. Many students have had positive experiences, particularly with instructors like Ms. Robbie and Mr. Kenneth Russell, who are noted for their thorough teaching methods and ability to communicate effectively with learners. Instructors like Audrey and JoAnn have also been praised for creating supportive environments where students feel at ease.
Customers often appreciate the informative and interactive nature of the classes, stating that they gained valuable knowledge and skills during their time at the school. Many reviews highlight the engaging format of the courses, with some mentioning unexpected perks like meals provided during classes.
However, there have been some concerns regarding customer service and scheduling issues. Some clients reported challenges with appointment times and communication from the office, with instances of instructors arriving late or not showing up at all. Additionally, the process for obtaining certificates sometimes caused frustration among students.
In summary, A-1 Driving School has excellent instructors who provide a fun and informative learning experience, though improvements in scheduling and customer service would enhance the overall experience.
A-1 Driving School: Reviews
Negative experience: I wouldn’t use A1 due to the difficulty of scheduling an appointment and poor quality customer service. If you pay to register, the next instructors available are usually around 3 weeks out from the date of registration. I booked an appointment for my friend and did not receive any information that the instructor would not come to the door to knock if there was no student outside. Unfortunately, I was not available to answer the phone when the instructor Kenneth called me 15 minutes after the appointment start time, which made me wonder if he was late, so my friend didn’t know that the instructor was here. I tried explaining this situation over the phone to the A1 customer service line and they were very rude and dismissive, made no effort to show understanding in an amenable manner, which left a bad taste in my mouth. I am turned away from using the company in the future. It is also hard to reschedule appointments as when you cancel an appointment, you have to wait for the company to approve it before getting the credits back and sometimes that can take a day or so…
Negative experience: Do not use A-1. They do not care about their customers or their safety. We had two 2-hour driving lessons scheduled with Kenneth. No communication just an email saying the appointment was booked. We showed up at the office on time. He was not there and the office was closed. I called the office, and was told he was on the way. He showed up 30 minutes late. For the next appointment, we showed up on time and he was not there again. This time he showed up 45 minutes late. No apology or anything. Then, he ended the lesson early without telling us and left our 15-year-old son sitting in a parking lot without us knowing. This was at their Decatur location on Memorial. Thankfully, we were able to get there before anything happened to him. Again, spend your time and money elsewhere. Even if it costs more money, go somewhere else. The school and instructors do not care about your time or safety.
Fantastic experience: Ms. Robbie is the bomb! She has taught 4/6 kids of mine how to drive. I would definitely recommend her and A1 driving school!
Thank you so much for your amazing feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that Ms. Robbie has been such a positive influence on your family and helped so many of your kids learn to drive. We appreciate your recommendation and are so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with you and your family at A1 Driving School!
Negative experience: I originally scheduled an appointment for July 14 with this location (Decatur) as the one closest to my house (Lithonia) doesn’t have any driving instructors. A few days after i scheduled my appointment i was told that it was cancelled because i live too far away.. (i only live 17 minutes from this place mind you) but whatever, i rescheduled and told them that i would meet them at the office by catching an uber and id find my own way back home. Fast forward to the day of my appointment, August 1 which was the next closest day available. I arrive at 10:20 am, about 10 minutes before my appointment. At 10:30 the driving instructor, Kenneth, calls me to say hes “running late” somewhat confused, i stayed around waiting for him in this sketchy parking lot anyway, because i paid NOT ONLY a deposit, but money on transportation to get there in the first place. The office was closed even though this was during business hours, the doors were locked so i had no choice but to wait outside. Theres lots of homeless people on this stretch of memorial drive as its on the same road as the jail, and a motel that houses homeless people. I waited for 33 minutes past my appointment time, and Ken did not show up. I was getting really hot and uncomfortable waiting out there so i called an uber home. Fast forward 2 hours later, i called for a refund (and by the way, receptionist from different locations and buildings answer for every location so no one was actually working inside the building this was someone from a random office) she basically explained to me that “its been too long we cant give you a refund” which makes NO sense, how can you not give me a refund for a service that was for TODAY that I’m reporting TO YOU TODAY, that you didn’t give me! How is it my fault that the instructor didn’t show? At 12:15pm, 2 HOURS AFTER MY APPOINTMENT, Ken called me to say he finally made it and his excuse was that he had to “handle something” never was i told he would take THAT long nor was there any apologies for everyone involved in this mistake. Anyway, i will get my money back either way so i’m not stressing, i just want to warn others before they book here. You most likely will never see your instructor or get the services you paid for.
Fantastic experience: Great driving school! Mr. Kenneth Russell is an excellent and thorough teacher who goes through each part of the driving test. 10/10 would recommend!
Fantastic experience: Great experience! Quick and easy defensive driving class!
Fantastic experience: very helpful and made it fun and education!
Fantastic experience: My son has had several lessons with instructor, Audrey LeGrand. He has enjoyed each lesson and learned several driving techniques. Audrey always communicates with me prior to each lesson to let me know what skills my son will be working on for his upcoming lesson. In addition to this, after each lesson she enters notes on his progress and what he needs to continue to practice. Overall, the experience has been good for my son. He has a final upcoming lesson with Audrey and I am confident that he will be ready to pass his driving test!
Fantastic experience: My first driving lesson and it really went well Mr.Clark took his time with me basically showed me what I really needed to know. Salute to Mr.Clark
Fantastic experience: Great school and great instructor.
Fantastic experience: 2 of my 4 kids have completed and obtained their driving licenses with A-1. I do have a question. Does A1 teach lessons on how to drive a standard shift (manual)?
Fantastic experience: I took the virtual defensive driving course, the instructor was really cool and kept the groups attention (made us all participate) overall I’d recommend A-1 over any driving school
Fantastic experience: A1 driving school is great ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic experience: You can trust a-1 driving school. They made it easy and simple
Fantastic experience: Great experience. I took some good material away from he class. My instructor seemed to be a great guy and good at holding the groups attention. I enjoyed being able to take the virtual class from the comfort of my own home. I would highly recommend this company to take the Defensive driving course with.
Fantastic experience: I never knew how much a car was needed till I arrived here. I was always scared to death of driving. But, with the help of Instructor Danielle. I was able to become a decent driver. She was flexible, showed me the ropes and helped me with any questions that I had. Best instructor out there. Because of her I passed my road test. Thank you! Highly recommend A-1 Driving School.
Negative experience: The driver I had for my first lesson I think her name was Audrey was insanely rude making snarky comments even mentioning how she’s a “ tough teacher” which clearly didn’t work for me in the clear irritation I showed towards her actions also not to mention the moments where she would go quiet and assume I could read her mind now let’s talk about her over usage of her break i understand some of the times she used it but it was clear she was also doing it at times out of spite when I wouldn’t give her a clear verbal answer!? I had questions about lane switching and instead of teaching me about it she would grab my wheel not in a way did I truly feel more respected than a eight year old in a class room.
Fantastic experience: I really wanted to acknowledge A-1 Driving School for creating a supportive and judgement free environment for individuals who are trying to change for the better. I was given clear instruction from expert instructors and at the end I even got a certificate. Thank you for helping me to make better choices and I really feel good about myself. I could not have attended a more professional and proficient school.
Negative experience: CUSTOMER SERVICE IS TERRIBLE AND NEEDS WORK. After I completed my 6 hour BTW course, it took me 5 days to get a hold of someone that can get me my certificate. It then took 5 MORE DAYS for them to email the certificate to me. Most people take these courses so they can get that certificate to help lower their insurance, SO DON'T YOU THINK I NEEDED THAT CERTIFICATE RIGHT AWAY? If the person that handles certificates only shows up at the office once a week, that person is better off working from home. This is the Snellville location to be specific. My certificate should have been ready when my last lesson was over. If I can go to ANY A-1 Driving School to take my lessons, then ANY A-1 Driving School should be able to help me. Everything else was fine. My instructor was a good one. The courses are little over priced but all driving schools are. They also seriously need to hire more instructors.
Negative experience: They took my money and never showed up for my driving lesson twice. First the lady called out sick and I had to reschedule and the second time they didn't call on the date of my appointment and didn't even bother to show up. The instructor put a grade in the online portal as if she gave me a lesson when she didn't. Go somewhere else.
Negative experience: Dont pick up the phones at any of there locations unacceptable
Fantastic experience: The class was entertaining and went by fast!
Fantastic experience: Instructor was very kind and sensitive to our situations. Class was informative. After completion , we received our certificates.
Fantastic experience: I wont lie, it was decent. No they don't give you the certificate right after class but its there as soon as they can get it to you. I learned a decent amount about driving also.
Negative experience: They DO NOT give you your certificate at he end of the class. I signed up to this school because the website and their contract states that after the completion of the class you receive your certificate. THIS IS A LIE. They will offer to email it to you or you have to come and pick it up, if you need your certificate right away...DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THIS COMPANY. I had to reschedule my court date, take off another day of work all because A-1 Driving LIED about getting my certificate right after the completion of the class.
Fantastic experience: Great
Thank you!
Fantastic experience: Instructor was good very informative
Thanks!
Positive experience: Enjoyed my instructor. Was able to get in and out quickly, while also learning the information that was needed with defensive driving. This session allowed me to build upon what I already knew with me driving for the last three years. Would definitely recommend this school to friends and family.
Fantastic experience: Ms. Jones was amazing! The staff was very patient. I learned so much things i didn’t know about driving before. It’s good to expand your knowledge.
Fantastic experience: Great class!! It's very engaging. Throughout the 6-hour class, the urge to check your phone or sleep ISN'T THERE!! 100% Recommended.
Positive experience: A very interesting and thorough Defensive Driving class.
Negative experience: I just called the Decatur locstiin asking if they take installments and the person I spoke with pretty much laughed in my face like how Dare you ask something like tgst.
Fantastic experience: The best place to go for point reduction,insurance etc. You will be treated with the upmost respect ✊
Fantastic experience: A-1 driving school is very professional and also very positive great people skills I will definitely recommend them
Fantastic experience: Really was not looking forward to it at first, however I learned a lot from my experience there and had a very knowledgeable instructor who showed me another perspective to driving that I will remember for the rest of my life.
Positive experience: I am very pleased to know that Corporate does pay attention to potential new customers. Any complaints they are there. Mike is the best. Now I will be a new customer because his efforts to maintain the integrity of its stores. Big win. Thanks Mike from Corporate.
Fantastic experience: I love this driving school. Robbie was my instructor and I learned a lot from her.
Fantastic experience: I thoroughly appreciate having to take this class. I’ve learned so much and brushed up on what I knew. When I started driving, I didn’t take a driving course nor was I trained. I literally learned to drive by watching my mother. So, the rules and basics of driving pretty much went out the window. Noticing that I broke just about every law daily, had me reevaluate my driving. I learned a lot, and thankful I didn’t lose my life on the road. Happy Driving All .. be defensive but not aggressive! Thanks Joann! Oh also to the front desk lady .. thank you! I applied to the wrong school but you called around and had my info faxed to the school so I could proceed. Great service and informative teachers!
Positive experience: I was not happy with the was my initial phone call was received. However, once I got there everything was good and the lady giving the training. Was knowledgeable and pleasant.
Negative experience: My first lesson was ok but you deprive of sometime because they do teach with other students. My second lesson went terrible my instructor laughed at me with the other student. Its so bad I never went back even though had already paid for another 2 hours. it was a big wasted of money.
Positive experience: UPDATE: After reading my negative review Mike contacted me to see if he could "make things right". He was very accommodating and I felt he did truly care about my negative experience and I believed him that he had honestly thought I had been contacted and that my issues had been resolved. This was all I really wanted to hear. I cannot give 5 starts because I was still not impressed with one of the drivers (the other was great) and the communication was not well handled. I will continue to use A-1 until my student finally gets their license and I feel confident the A1 wants to help put safe drivers on the road. _____________________________________________________________- Not a fan if you have a timid/inexperienced driver. The class was fine (just gotta get through the classes and learn all the ways you can get killed/screw up) but the 6 hour driving instruction was bad. I signed my student up to start their driving instruction because they had no experience and I thought they should start with a “professional”. The instructor (brian) was VERY hands off, to the point of looking at his phone, even texting during the lesson and offering no instruction or teaching. Turn left, turn right, go faster, dont do that... he brought them on the highway class two with no warning and no “this is how you merge”. Needless to say it didn’t help morale or confidence. I understand that this was not the entire responsibility of the driving school but my real problem with A1 is that when I called (4 times) and emailed (twice including to the owner “mike” I was told) I NEVER got any response at all. I just felt we were owed an extra class with a different, more competent instructor and was never contacted about it, no one ever returned my calls and I don’t know of any follow up was done on the incompetent instructor. I made sure to switch instructor for the final class (Sheree) who was much better and I would have liked for my student to have one more lesson with her before the test but I never heard from them again. My student never did pass the test and, while I know they must’ve needed more practice, the school did not add to their confidence or knowledge in any way.
Fantastic experience: Our instructor packed a lot of helpful information into a six- hour class and kept our attention with a very engaging teaching style. Hats off to you JoAnn and A-1.
Fantastic experience: Very good instructor and class participation was engaging. Got my certificate a few days later.
Fantastic experience: The defensive driving course was actually fun!
Fantastic experience: My experience at A1 Driving school was overall very positive. The team at the decatur location was exceptionally kind and professional. Thank you A1 Driving School.
Fantastic experience: Great instructer and class participation was a very big help and they got my certificate to me when they said they would. I highly recommend doing business with them according to your needs.
Fantastic experience: Roli was an excellent instructor and was very kind to my defensive driving class! I learned a lot of useful driving techniques. The instructor also cleared up a lot of misconceptions. I feel much safer driving now!
Fantastic experience: Roli E. was our defensive driving instructor. She was very informative and friendly. I feel as though she really wanted us to take something from the course and made sure we were all comfortable getting back on the road. The end of course test was a BREEZE thanks to her preparing us for it. I would definitely recommend A1-Driving to anyone looking to take a defensive driving course in the Dekalb County/Atlanta Area.
Fantastic experience: Excellent instructor! Very informative class with current data. Walked away with clear understanding of new laws. And cleared up misconceptions. I highly recommend this class.
Fantastic experience: Good experience.Instructor Karen Loder kept us engaged during the class and gave useful information.
Fantastic experience: I had an amazing experience at A-1 Driving School, the receptionist was very kind from the moment I called to get information about the class to actually meeting her in person. I enjoyed my class mainly because my instructor Ms. Joann (defensive driving course) kept us engaged for those 6 hours that we were in there. I actually learned somethings while being there! Also, I attended class this past Saturday being that my court date was scheduled for today (Tuesday) and they emailed me my certificate yesterday which was awesome being that I needed that document for court! A-1 Driving School name speaks for itself!
Fantastic experience: I was ordered to attend by court, ended up learning a lot more than I expected!
Fantastic experience: The instructor,Roli was very pleasant and informative. I also learned some things that I had forgotten. I would recommend A1driving School to anyone.
Fantastic experience: The class was awesome! Kendall did a hell of a job.
Fantastic experience: This was a first time experience for me but Ms. Cooper really made me feel at ease. My court date was coming up the same day we were supposed to get our certificate and she made me feel less stress after she explained what my best course of action was. She explained that it was an interactive class so I was prepared to have to speak at some point, but the discussions we had around the material helped to keep it fresh in my mind by time we needed to take the assessment. Not only that but she really showed that she had a genuine care for us and wanting us to know for certain why we were taking the course. Her demeanor was very comforting but evenly straight forward.
Fantastic experience: I really liked this class alot. It was informative and surprisingly fun. My instructor Ms. Cooper was amazing. She did a great job on making us comfortable and helping us learn the material.
Fantastic experience: They were great. It was my first time having to take one of these classes. The instructor made the experience more entertaining rather than being bored in a room two nights in a row for 3 hours a piece. The women in the front was also very nice.
Fantastic experience: A1 driving school on memorial Dr was very informative an best place for defense driving.
Fantastic experience: I recently just attended a class here this past weekend and i must say that it encrypted me with knowledge that’s i once beforehand did not know. Great class, teacher and wonderful facilities.
Fantastic experience: Really Great Course I would Recommend to other's that seek DDC in this area.
Fantastic experience: I found this class to be informative and educational. I would recommend everyone to take the Defensive Class.
Fantastic experience: I would recommend that everyone refresh their defensive driving skills. It was highly informative and the location was very convenient. Staff was very friendly and our instructor was very professional & full of personality
Fantastic experience: I had a great time at A-1 Driving class and i really enjoyed my experience i actual retained alot of the information given , and i would defiantly recommend this class to everybody!
Fantastic experience: My experience at A1 driving school was great ! The class was very informative and Dr. Mac was very knowledgeable! Thank you !
Positive experience: The intial experience was poor at best. The instructor was constantly off topic and did not keep the schedule and the front desk worker was short and not very informative. But after having the opportunity to speak with one of the managers he was able to quickly give the answers to all my concerns as for the use of my defensive driving certificate and even the court concerns. He has been able to reclaim my trust in this company as a good place to go to gain skills vital in becoming a good driver. The book they provide was also very informative and I have been sharing the points I learned from it with my friends and family. All in all, if you are in need of a DDS certified defensive driving course, I would recommend A-1 but I would advise you to refrain from the memorial drive location for this.
Fantastic experience: My experience was great. The staff was professional. I liked that I was able to sign up and pay online. The course content was informative and the class wasn't dreadfully boring. I would definitely recommend A-1 to anyone for a Defendnsive Driving Course.
Fantastic experience: I took the 2-day course and was happy with what I learned. I went in thinking I wouldn't learn anything I didn't already know. Boy, was I wrong. I highly recommend everyone to brush up on their driving skills and knowledge with A-1.
Fantastic experience: This class is very informative and I will recommend it for drivers that have been driving for years. We tend to not pay attention to detail and it would be a good refresher course. Great Job!!!
Fantastic experience: This is a great school . Class was supper interactive . Everyone was really polite and knowledgeable. I would suggest this class for anyone trying to reinstate or get points removed
Fantastic experience: It's always good to do business with good people. Ms. D is the best!!
Negative experience: Class itself isnt bad. rooms are tiny and cramped for almost 20 adults suprised fire code allows that many people in that building. Staff doesnt even know when thier own offices are open. I nstructor informed the ENTIRE CLASS that certificates would be ready on Monday at 1pm when i got there monday the store was closed the only explanation i got from the "Lawrencville" office was that the woman working "should have known better" and they would be ready Tuesday between 1-5....like really? Terrible customer service, no one even apologized. Go here if you want unprofessionalism and extra stress at your already worst moment. There are loads of better places in the area.
Hi Kitt. Thank you for your feedback. Unfortunately, we were not able to confirm you as a student using the name "Kitt McAllister," but in the event this is a real review, we wanted to take the time to address your concerns. In terms of class size, I would hope that this would be an indication as to the popularity of our quality schools. In terms of communication, we apologize for any frustration you may have experienced while securing your certificate after taking the class. This is a good reminder for us to ensure all staff is properly aware of school hours, even if the school your asking about is not the school in which you called. We are available anytime, via phone, email, social media, so please feel free to address these concerns with us directly. Thank you.
Fantastic experience: Great facility, with dilligent workers and professors to help guide you along a path of better driving choices
Fantastic experience: The instructor was awesome, she made the class more interesting than it would have been! They also provided pizza which was very unexpected. You'll walk away learning a lot even if you don't intend to.
Fantastic experience: Great experience. I actually picked up a few tips to add structure to some of my high risk habits, thus allowing me to bring them under control.
Fantastic experience: Everything that I could have expected and hoped for.
Fantastic experience: Ms. Cooper was great. She made the 6 hour class as painless as possible. We actually had fun, and it was very interactive.
Fantastic experience: I took the class not knowing what to expect but it surpassed all my expectations and left me with the thought that maybe this class could be even more beneficial if it was taken before a person gets a driver's license.
Fantastic experience: My instructor made the 6 defensive hour class interesting and engaging. I learned more than I expected.
Fantastic experience: I took a Defensive Driving course. It was only 6 hours. Teacher made sure it wasn't boring. Best part was that they feed you lunch.
Fantastic experience: If I ever had to do it again it would be here.
Fantastic experience: Just went to class Saturday. The best class ive had since my first .. I did learn alot more than expected and found out things I never knew so I was happy that I chose this location.
Fantastic experience: I had Ms. JoAnn Cooper and when I say she's such a sweetheart. I like the fact she make everyone in the class participate to make sure that you're paying attention to what's being taught. She also ensured that you understood before she went on to the next chapter. If I had to do it again I would go back to this location due to the friendly staff they have their. (well I HOPE I don't have to do it again)
Fantastic experience: Took my defensive driving course here , the class was informative and useful. The staff were friendly and the instructor was really good.
Fantastic experience: Great class and very informative ! Was expecting 6 hrs of defensive driving class to be very boring, but the instructor made sure we had fun.
Fantastic experience: the best experience it was very useful 3210
Fantastic experience: Very informative enjoyed the class the teacher was very funny and know his stuff the school ordered pizza for us most definitely will be referring people to this location
Fantastic experience: The class room setting was very professional and informative.
Fantastic experience: Great class and very informative. Will come back again. Learned a lot!
Fantastic experience: I really enjoyed the class wasn't boring at all as I thought it would be.
Fantastic experience: During my defensive driving course, i learned a lot honestly. I dreaded going to the class because I thought it was going to be a boring 6 hour video or 6 hours of someone facilitating adults but in all actuality there was interaction, breaks, as well as free pizza. I enjoyed learning in this course.
Fantastic experience: The instructor was simply amazing. I truly enjoyed my 3 days in DUI class.
Fantastic experience: This was a great class, very informative. I learned a lot more than I had expected and the teacher made the class customized to everyone so that we could understand how best to improve our court order situations. We got pizza for lunch and the front desk lady was very nice and pleasant. It is not difficult at all to pass this class, they make the information very CLEAR and basically feed you the answers for the final exam. They were good about breaks, and it actually became kind of fun after a while. I would take a class here again if I ever needed to.
Fantastic experience: Wasn't happy about needing to take the class, but the experience was positive ! It was worth every dime because it was informative , and help me bet $1,000.00 worth of speeding fines. It was a wise investment . Thank you A1 defensive driving !
Fantastic experience: A1 driving school is the best. I had behind the wheel training and I also took the defensive driving class. I learned a lot from this school!!!
Fantastic experience: Well organized establishment.
Fantastic experience: Very informative.
Fantastic experience: It was a great experience despite my reasoning for having to go. I networked with alot of great people. The instructor was very well informed and and has great communication skills.
Fantastic experience: The teacher was nice and she got everyone involved and made sure you get everything answer and even made sure you have your paper work done right. Definitely recommend
Fantastic experience: Unfortunately, I had to attend but the teacher was clear and concise about the information being taught. Furthermore, the school was very timely e-mailing my certificate following my completion of the course as well. For these reasons, I would recommend A-1 Driving School to anyone who is required to attend a driving school
Fantastic experience: The course was informative yet fun at the same time. It was a great refresher on some of the rules most of us have forgotten over time. I would recommend this class for those looking to lower insurance or get points removed.
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