Drive-Rite Driving School

Fantastic experience: Amazing Driving School with Amazing teachers who want the best for you, worth the money and time 10/10!

Positive experience: You're better off finding somewhere else to learn how to drive. I've contacted these people non stop for a week now and have gotten zero responses across both calls and email. You're also better off just going to the Straw Plains DMV if you want your driving test. Not worth it. Update April 8th, 2025: So as it turns out, the instructor had some life stuff happening and ended up incredibly busy. As I feel like my original review was unfair, I've bumped it up to 4 stars. However, I will note that if you take their summer classes, you WILL be put through the ringer a 100 times over.

Fantastic experience: I was very pleased and Craig apparently is the most patient man ever. I don’t think I would’ve ever been ok with hitting Alcoa Hwy but he did it! He’s very knowledgeable and clearly knows how to teach teen driving. My son enjoyed the on the road time. He learned so much more than I could have taught him on my own. Thanks Craig and team!

Negative experience: If you have a year to wait go ahead and use them. If I could give zero stars I would. Our two kids have been waiting almost 4 months and we’ve called numerous times to be told a “couple of weeks”. We are told we’ll get a call back and never hear back from them, we call again they say a “couple weeks” and they’ll call us back, but don’t.

Negative experience: My child passed the test in July 2024, it’s January 2025 and the school had never reached out for behind the wheel lessons. I have called them multiple times and they never returned me a phone call and at that point I would like to get the reimbursement for the behind the wheel lessons we never got a call for.

Fantastic experience: I am truly grateful, the service was exceptional, they are very attentive and pay attention to the smallest detail and focus on your learning. I recommend them 100%, I had a great time the time I was there.

Negative experience: My son completed the classroom course in late July, was told it could be a month before anyone could give the 6 hour In-person driving lesson. It’s now late November and no word from this office. It’s my understanding they’re continuing to enroll students. Be very cautious…we cannot get a response or refund from Drive-Rite, have called three times.

Fantastic experience: Excellent and caring for all ages and abilities!

Fantastic experience: Thanks to Drive-Rite for their driving course! Their flexibility in scheduling allowed our daughter to complete the course work during times that fit her schedule. She said the instructors were personable and informative. We appreciated Craig's time on the road driving portion of the program, reviewing various driving situations on and off the interstate.

Fantastic experience: I had a very good experience learning with Drive-Rite. I went through their 36 hour driver education program and took private driving lessons also. Driver Education Program - the program was really comprehensive, all the instructors were very helpful and interested in students' learning, and the flexible nature of the program was great for me to go at my own pace, balancing the lessons around my work schedule. Driving lessons - I took driving lessons with Craig - he is a great instructor, and slowly built my confidence driving on different kinds of roads and situations. He went through how one should be looking around and what one should consider while driving - I still find it helpful while driving.

Fantastic experience: Drive Rite was amazing. Craig and his daughter were great watchers and very professional. 10/10 I would absolutely recommend if you are needing to learn how to drive. They taught me everything I needed to know and more. I was even able to get my liscense through them. Could not be more enthusiastic about how awesome this program is !

Fantastic experience: I was a student at Drive-Rite for the past year and a half. The instructors are extremely kind and patient. They definitely helped me to the goal of getting my license. I would definitely recommend going to this driving school, it’s definitely worth the money and time.

Fantastic experience: Craig did a great job giving my daughter the confidence she needed to further her driving skills. Great advice. Put her on roads and highways she was previously uncomfortable tackling. Highly recommend this driving experience.

Fantastic experience: I was very anxious about getting behind the wheel and learning how to drive. I now have my license. The instructor (Craig) was patient and understanding. I recommend driving lessons with this school.

Fantastic experience: Effective, and the flexible classroom hours were really nice

Negative experience: Find a different driving school. My child was done with their 30 hour workbook for classroom work in early May. They didn’t schedule the 6 hour driving portion of the school till I had called multiple times, 3 months later at the end of July. Then had to wait for them to turn in there homeland security forms and was told they would call again, which never happened again I had to call after find out if it cleared and was told it came in a couple days ago and I asked why I wasn’t called she said things happened and offered no apology for their inconvenience once again. Their teaching staff is more concerned with their phones than grading the papers to get them back to the kids to finish the workbooks. They were more concerned with getting kids going on vacation to finish their driving part of the school than the students that were there before them. They don’t teach or practice parking of any kind, merging onto highways or any other roads, they drive around in neighborhoods and don’t get off of surface streets or roads. How they have a AAA sponsorship is beyond me. The only convenience is that supposedly you’re child doesn’t have to take the road test at the DMV. Overall the staff is in way over their heads as far as scheduling and teaching the amount of students they get due to lack of driving schools in the area. So if your child just got their permit and has 6 months then you might get it done by the time they are eligible for their license but don’t expect them to teach what is actually needed in real world driving in Knoxville.

Fantastic experience: Craig was amazing, Literally made me feel like he was someone I knew forever. I was so scared never drove ever in my life at 24 legally blind and he told me everything I needed to know never got aggravated with my anxiety, he gave me lots of advice and was always so positive.

Fantastic experience: We were so appreciative of the flexibility they offer, which was so important for my busy athlete, who rarely has a free weekend. She was able to work at her own pace. Highly recommend for families who cannot do a set schedule and need flexibility!

Fantastic experience: Mr. Craig was highly knowledgeable with the right way to drive. He knew all the road signs and what they meant, he taught me what street signs to look for in certain areas of the roads , how to use your turn signals and how fast or slow to go when getting on and off the interstate. He used his expertise to put me at ease when I was doing the road test. Thanks, Lloyd Barrett

Fantastic experience: Craig was SO patient and positive with my daughter. She needed training with some adaptive equipment and he is THE one in Knoxville for this. He has 30+ years of experience training drivers who need adaptations. HIGHLY recommend Drive-Rite driver training.

Fantastic experience: EXCELLENT DRIVING SCHOOL. WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND.CRAIG IS A EXCELLENT TEACHER. HELPED MY SON TO LEARN DRIVING. ARRANGED FOR HIS ROAD TEST ,AND TOOK HIM TO THE DMV FOR THE TEST. CRAIG ALWAYS KEPT ME UPDATED ON MY SON'S PROGRESS. THANKS, CRAIG!

Fantastic experience: Both of my daughters had a wonderful experience getting their driver’s licenses through DriveRite. The flexibility of the classroom instruction was perfect for our family. The on the road instructors tailored their instruction to best fit the needs of each of my daughters and have them confidence and comfort.

Fantastic experience: Very professional and knowledgeable!! Couldn’t ask for more for my daughter. Thanks Craig.

Fantastic experience: Craig and his team did a GREAT job of training our son. He learned so much and we fill much better about his driving. Thank you, Craig!

Negative experience: This place is super low rent. The building is old and nasty with a terribly musty odor. The “classroom” setup is little more than thrift store chairs and tables. The “self-guided” lesson plan is not what I would ever consider driver training. I took my teen daughter for a class and immediately decided I could not leave her there. Makes me wonder how AAA and the state certified this “training.”

Negative experience: Description of Complaint: Drive-Rite Driving School lists itself as a school, and as a class. Their website currently states that they are "a full service driving school, with all types of instruction." This "school" does not offer any instructor led classroom teaching at all. I enrolled my son in driver's ed at Drive-Rite Driving School, and was told there was 30 hours of classroom time, and 6 hours of drive time. It was never mentioned that all of the 30 hours of class time were spent with the student searching through a study guide alone, not in instruction, and I was recently told there are also 5 or 6 videos they watch. I had enrolled my son, and called to inquire on what days and times were available for instructor led class time, and was told that there were none, that they do not teach in class that way. They shared that students just go through a book, find the answers, and handwrite the question verbatim, and the exact answer from the book. This, along with the videos are what the 30 hours consists of entirely. It's basically a study hall. A student could do this at home on their own. I was told this was a class, and to have no teacher teaching at all, is not okay. We attended the orientation (this was not said), and my son came one other day. He told me there is no teacher teaching, and I called in so we could be sure to come on the days for teaching, not during the study hall hours, where they hunt and find answers and copy them down alone. It doesn't exist. I let them know this was misleading, and that I would like a refund for the unused hours. The total cost was $389. I asked for a call back, and was told that she did not know if anyone would call me back, but told me I could come in. I did come in and talked with an instructor that agreed with me that there needed to be changes to the program, but Craig would need to make the decision on the refund. I was told he would call me (in earlier Dec.). I have called back and left messages, with no replies at all. Desired Settlement: Refund; Modification/discontinuance of an advertised claim (From BBB)

Fantastic experience: Great opportunity for our daughter to have additional written and one on one driver training with a skilled professional. I would recommend this training for new drivers. Very helpful and friendly staff.

Negative experience: Don't pay for the 36 hour course both lessons I went to the instructor was rude and refused to help me understand parts I was confused about like a teacher is supposed to The behind the wheel lessons were much better if your going to use this school just do the behind the wheel lessons and save yourself almost $400 because they refuse to issue any kind of refund even if the instructor refuses to work with you Reactment of the instructor refusing to help me Me: I don't understand this part of the workbook l Instructor: read the section again Me: Okay i read the section and still do not understand the part Instructor: then read the section again I wish I was making this up Also would like to add Me: Hello I don't have someone I can practice driving with that's why I signed up for your program Instructor: then you are most likely going to fail this program

Positive experience: My fiancé took this course and I’m not happy with the driving portion. The in class was good the driving coach was great extremely friendly and gave a lot of good pointers to my fiancé. But now the problem is he is learning and getting better at driving the more he drives and the 3rd drive was the test. And if you pass you can get your license and if you fail you have to go through the dmv to take the test at a later date when you get better which is fine. So my fiancé failed the driving test so we wanted to look into taking more driving classes and see if that would be able to push the test back but after the third one we are informed that we would have had to purchase those driving sessions before the 3rd drive so if they know a student is struggling with driving and needs more practice you would think they would offer that right? Well no they didn’t. Which is the coaches fault because clearly she wasn’t informed of this information by the boss. So to me it was a waste of money and time. I would have been willing to purchase extra driving sessions if there was communication that we could push back the test by doing that.

Negative experience: Save your money and look elsewhere. Although the course portion was great. It took 8 weeks from the completion of that to get his 6 hours of driving time and road test. It then took 3 weeks to get his actual license because his scores weren’t entered correctly and this was very discouraging especially when you count on your child to be able to drive on their own in 6 months instead of 8 months. Unless things change there I wouldn’t recommend this at this time and I feel bad to say that as I did like my first meeting of the staff last year.

Negative experience: Do not choose this company for your child! They were very highly rated from several friends of ours. She took all the classroom requirements and here we are 14 weeks later and she still has not been given the opportunity to do the drivers training portion? I called them today to ask for a refund of the portion of the funds our daughter paid from her own pocket, however the lady that answered the phone told us that "He" does not give refunds? I ask her to have him call me today about our concerns and did not get a reply? I'm sure this used to be a reputable company in the past, however it seems from all the other similar post lately, that they have some major issues? Save your money and find an alternative! THEY LEFT US HIGH AND DRY?

Negative experience: I was disappointed with the results even though the price was low. My son passed the written part of the course then had to wait 6 weeks before beginning his drivers training. The instructor Andy did a great job. We were told to wait 1 to 14 days until the school called saying the road test had been updated by the state DMV (so we could go pick up the license). 3 weeks and no call. We went to the DMV ourselves to find it had been filed for some time. It seems this company takes all the students that apply without regard to their internal capacity to handle them.

Fantastic experience: Very educational and lots of information wish I could use my pad instead of all that writing

Negative experience: I put down a deposit for a class for my daughter. In less than 24 hours, I had to cancel due to a scheduling conflict. I canceled before the deposit even cleared the bank. I emailed the office manager and never received a response. I sent a second email and she finally responded with, “ We don’t give refunds.” I explained the situation and that I canceled in less than 24 hours. I never received a follow-up email. Very poor customer service and clearly only out to get your money. I was going to reschedule the class, but absolutely not now. She will be going to the Drive4Life Academy. 1st email sent on 2/2...no response 2nd email sent on 2/5...no response Finally received a response on 2/8. It took 6 days for you to cancel the registration. Your statement that her registration took a spot from another student, that is on your company. I canceled in less than 24 hours.

Positive experience: Didn't attend a class for myself but rode passenger to an 8hr course my boyfriend had to complete. Lunch wasn't until now. Only got a couple 5 minute breaks and information I received was your typical driver improvement class. Boring. Same videos. Same instructor. No room for friends, significant others or children. No bathroom available to those who are waiting on the 'student'. But my opinion would be completely biased so that's all I can say.... unprofessional and odd

Negative experience: I believe the course content is good and will prepare drivers for being on the road. However, it is not clear how Drive Rite may be able to accommodate special needs students. There is mention of this on the website but unfortunately the classes did not work for us.

Positive experience: Cheap !

Fantastic experience: Top notch driving school

Fantastic experience: Hi Please reply to my emails about having three private lessons behind the wheel only!! Thanks AREEJ

Fantastic experience: I took the 4 hour driving class. This is the first driving class I've ever taken. Don't come more than 15 minutes early because there isn't a waiting room. The school is based in an older building on the second floor. It was a little warm since there didn't seem to be any central heat and air. I agree that the seats were too close together and hard as a rock, but you can easily scoot them over and bring a cushion. I gave this school 5 stars not because of the conditions, but because of the class. I feel like l learned a lot since it seems that driving techniques change over time. The teacher, who I assume was Craig Smith, was friendly and made sure everyone understood the material. He used many different outlets to teach the information. I will suggest to everyone I know to take this class whether they need it or not. The teacher is a stickler for cellphones, so be prepared not to use one during the class.

Negative experience: Craig Smith is awful! Spend the extra money and go to A+ defensive driving! He gives you breaks often and is a good guy. Craig Smith is not a good guy. He is a very very bad guy.

Fantastic experience: Very helpful and kind staff members. Learned many technical aspects in class and tackled real life situations in the driving portion. Would reccomend if you’re interested in learning how to be a GOOD driver.

Fantastic experience: Going into this class as a 25 year old, with little prior driving experience, I was extremely nervous, and the instructors cleared that up, while also teaching me the safe way to drive. I absolutely feel a lot more comfortable driving after completing the 36 hour course. The instructors go above and beyond at this school, and if you're willing to put the effort in, its 100% worth the cost.

Negative experience: Spent multiple afternoons attempting to schedule an appointment for private driving lessons only for the instructor to ghost me the day we scheduled. Spent 35 minutes just sitting around waiting at the parking lot we were supposed to meet at. No call saying they were running late or anything. Absolute scum.

Fantastic experience: I am finishing up drive rite school, and I think the instructors were very professional and very helpful. They are very knowledgeable and great at preparing younger drivers.

Negative experience: I wouldn't take this driving class again. Craig Smith (the instructor) was rude and only gave 5 minute breaks. Also, he kept bullying a girl in the class. class was small and seats were too close together. Do yourself a favor and find another one

Negative experience: I would not recommend this class. The instructor (craig) was arrogant and rude. Only got 5 minute breaks and the seats were too together. Google another driving school class.

Fantastic experience: Both my kids went through the new driver program. Both took this class very seriously and still refer back to what they had learned in class exspecially when they see someone not following the rules. Both really liked their instructors and concider them friends. As their mother I am so happy they went through this program. I know I couldn’t have taught them this much info in the time I would of had to teach them. It also made picking up their licence so much easier! A very good experience over all and very afordable.

Fantastic experience: Great experience with Drive Rite Knoxville. They held Billy to a higher standard than he wanted, it paid off! He is a very good driver!

Fantastic experience: I went to this driving school after my last speeding ticket and really got a lot out of it. Mr. Smith was very knowledgeable and professional. Overall the class was a great experience. Ignore the negative reviews. Yes, he expects you to show up on time, but other than that you should have no issues. Highly recommend to anyone with a recent speeding ticket or just anyone needing to improve their driving skills (which is most people around here).

Fantastic experience: I took drivers ED here and it was a wonderful program. The woman teaching the class was firm but extremely kind and helpful. You could tell she really cared about the students and that they did well and were prepared for the road. Craig was my driver and I think he was awesome! I was taken down almost every type of road I may have possibly had to ever drive including the interstate and one ways. I may not be the best driver out there but I promise I’m more educated than most.... or so it seems. I highly recommend this business and class to anyone, no matter the age if they have never taken the corse. Job well done Drive Rite!

Fantastic experience: My eldest child took part in the classes of this school and as a parent I felt the school prepared her exceptionally well. I highly recommend this school so much, I'll be sending my other daughter's there too. The school cares for their students in the class (even bought them pizza one time) and out (in the one-on-one drive time). Trustworthy, expendable, top notch.

Fantastic experience: I sent my son through this driving school before he got his drivers license. I highly recommend this service. The staff was very professional and gave this Mother complete piece of mind.

Fantastic experience: My son went to Drive-Rite Driving School. I fell in love with the owners. Not only were they very professional and great instructors, they care about their students personally. I would recommend everyone to this school.

Fantastic experience: I have had two of my children complete the school. Both are very good drivers! Craig did a great job teaching them. Without question I will be sending the third kid to his school when it’s time. Thanks !

Negative experience: If I could give this business no stars, I would. Craig treated everyone in his class horribly. He was rude, condescending, and belittling. If you want a driver education class that will treat you with respect, I'd recommend finding another driver's course from another company. He makes me want to start my own driver education business so that I can show people how it's done the right way. Just awful all-around. 0/5 stars

Negative experience: The instructor Julius Craig Smith would not allow me back into drivers safety class after lunch when I accidentally was 10 minutes late due to traffic. I do not recommend this school even though it is cheap.