Rhodes Driving Schools Inc

Fantastic experience: I haven't really had a bad experience with the staff, or rescheduling, or the curriculum. What I am curious about is, are the students supposed to be getting driving time with the instructor then the parents or the parents then the instructor? My daughter has had a few "observation" rides but has yet to actually drive. The instructor did say something about her having only 1 hour of driving with a parent. Are the cars used not equipped with the extra safety equipment for the instructors to take control of the car if needed? I mean, I think it would be better to get the kids driving time with an instructor in the appropriate vehicle before they drive with the parents. Besides the driving thing, everything seems to be fine with this company. Update: Thank you for the clarification. I really do appreciate it.

Positive experience: Overall, the classes and driving sessions are helpful, but I think any other place could do the same or better. Coach Garza knows what he’s doing but doesn’t actively comment on how the driver is doing and doesn’t really give feedback after the driving sessions so it’s hard to learn from him. Mrs. Kathy always has a rude tone and makes myself and other people feel as if we are the burden for asking questions and when scheduling drives. It takes a while before she schedules you for a drive even if you schedule far in advance. Mr. Santos is a good class teacher but I feel that he includes politics and religion in his classes too much. He does give good advice during driving sessions, but some of the advice can get you points off on the driving test, such as checking blind spots while turning inside a neighborhood. However, he’s very nice and is a good teacher that actively gives feedback to help you learn.

Negative experience: Multiple employees have been rude and unhelpful. As well as some talking often about religious and political topics.

Negative experience: Be aware that the classroom instruction contains religious content and the classroom instructor provides commentary unrelated to drivers education. We removed our child from the class after they shared feeling uncomfortable with the commentary. Note: Make sure to read the contract. Their contract states you have to cancel the contract in 72 hours, pay a $50 administration fee and pro-rated rates for the classes that the child attended. Edited for the response below: My husband did attempt to share his concerns about the curriculum. He felt the response he received was rude and unprofessional, which is why we felt that it was important to share our experience so other parents could make informed decisions. The slides shown to the children provided religious references, and the instructor quizzed the children in class on biblical figures and made additional comments unrelated to driver education that made our child uncomfortable. Hopefully, this comment clears up any confusion on why we withdrew our child from the program. I would encourage the owner to review the content they are teaching if this program is not intended to have religion as part of the curriculum.

Fantastic experience: Our third teenager has also attended their classes and driving times. On-line scheduling is very helpful. Staff tries to work with his school schedule.

Fantastic experience: I have had 2 Great experiences with Rhodes Driving School in Helotes and I Highly recommend them!!! With their knowledge, patience, and communication 2 of my 3 sons have successfully completed classes, driving with instructors and passed their on road driving test the 1st try. Thank you Kathy Garza for Always being so kind, polite, courteous and understanding. For being efficient in responding to scheduling and re-scheduling and all my questions. For step-by-step guiding us through this process, but for most of all for ALWAYS going above and beyond to help us out. Im forever grateful for all you have done!!! Coaches thank you for helping to prepare my boys to drive (2 down 1 left to go), to feel confident behind the wheel, for your time, patience, constructive criticism and feedback they needed to make this all possible. Thank you Thank you Thank you Rhodes Driving School.

Fantastic experience: I have read some of these reviews and am in awe of what was written because it is not at all what I experienced compared to what my nephew has experienced at a different location. Kathy was great at communicating with me through texts about scheduling drives and I always received a reminder text 48 hours before but if you check the schedule2drive site it is always there as soon as it's scheduled. My daughter enjoyed her classroom portion with Mr. Santos and he always had constructive criticism to provide during drives as well as Mr. Garza. Mr. Garza even woke up early for my daughter to complete drives before school (which was very much appreciated) as it was difficult getting her scheduled around school activities. We did run into some issues with front desk on scheduling, but nothing that was not handled professionally, efficiently and understanding. We did have to pay a fee due to a forgotten permit, but that was understandable since its communicated to you before you begin. I will definitely bring my son to this location when the time comes. Thank you again Kathy, Mr. Garza and Mr. Santos!

Negative experience: My daughter and I stopped by to get information about the drivers testing programs offered at Rhodes and we were received in an unprofessional and nonchalant manner. The receptionist acted as though explaining their programs was an inconvenience. We had to ask repeated questions and never really got the answers we were seeking. We will find another driving school for my daughter to attend, even though this location is convenient to our home and the high school she attends. The customer service was some of the worst I have experienced at any establishment. Edit: In response to the reply below from the company- my daughter had her permit (as she did a separate online course prior to coming) which she showed the manager from her phone. This is when she continually questioned the validity of the permit and her course. Throughout our time in the store, we were spoken to in a manner to belittled or treat us as if I was attempting to get an expedited process. I have 5 daughters, so I have gone through this process several times; I just needed an overview of the programs offered. The manager lacks integrity and as I Mentioned previously in my review, she misrepresented the situation entirely. Walking in there made us feel as if we were a complete inconvenience to her and unwelcome.

Fantastic experience: Kathy Garza & the entire staff took very patient care of my nephew from start to finish. The constructive criticism & genuine praise of his driving skills really helped this extremely unmotivated new driver and I’m absolutely amazed at his progress. Parent advice I would give is to keep in touch often through the app to notify of when your child is available to practice or observe, know your final deadline and PLAN AHEAD; this all has to happen simultaneously with your own parent driving hours and it’s a big responsibility to keep up with it, a little more than I expected going in. But most of all, assess the limited staff available to coordinate so many lessons, kids & parents - demonstrate KINDNESS in your requests, take care of your responsibilities as a client, and they will take care of you I promise. Thanks again to all, we are so grateful!

Negative experience: The secretary that does the scheduling for the school is very inept. My wife and daughter sat face to face with this person and scheduled date and times for my daughter to take driving lessons only to show up for my daughter's second lesson to find out that this secretary had entered wrong dates and times that were not what had been agreed upon in their initial meeting. She refused to correct the problem and refused to accept responsibility for her gross negligence. When we told her we would not be continuing with this school she tried to refund our money less one lesson, which I expected, and a $50 admin fee. I refused to accept less the $50 admin fee and explained it was due to her negligence in messing up the scheduling. She finally relented and included the $50 admin fee in the refund. I do not recommend this school at all. Even the instructor that gave my daughter her only lesson there said this person double books and does stuff like this often and even referred to her as crazy, his words. Stay away from this school, it is nothing but a headache dealing with them.

Negative experience: If you schedule anything through these people, make sure you ask for a confirmation email or text with your appointment. I wrote down my appointment time, which was different from what they said I scheduled. However, they can't provide any appointment confirmation, even after I asked. What's crazy is the time they said I scheduled is a time I absolutely can't be there. Again, ask for an appointment confirmation email or text so you have it in writing. They have no problem taking your money.

Fantastic experience: BEST driving school in San Antonio hands down. Look no further ask for Kathy Garza she will hook you up.

Fantastic experience: They are awesome, they will work with you.

Fantastic experience: Rhodes Driving School in Helotes is where you need to take your son, daughter or self to in order to receive the best care, instruction and scheduling as you work step-by-step to finally achieve your Driver's Licence! My son passed his driving test on Saturday morning and was so thankful that Rhodes had prepared him fully for that important, life-changing driving exam. Ms. Kathy was so amazing throughout the entire process of registering, scheduling and helping my son complete the course before his 18th birthday! Ms. Kathy was always polite, patient and willing to help make the entire process a positive experience! Coach Garza and Mr. Santos were excellent driving instructors that gave my son the knowledge and tools that he needed to be safe, confident and successful behind the wheel! Finally, I would like to thank Ms. Kathy, Coach Garza, and Mr. Santos for always exhibiting the highest level of professionalism and care for my son, Marcus! I HIGHLY recommend Rhodes Driving School in Helotes for you and your family!

Positive experience: So there are lots of reviews on here about customer service and scheduling drives etc. The office has never been anything but polite and courteous to me and my family. Yes it does take a while to get all the drives in but, how hard do we make it on them? Only after 5pm on Wed, Thur or Friday, Maybe weekends. There are a lot of kids going through these programs. Have reasonable expectations and they will be met by this team.

Fantastic experience: My son really enjoyed his lessons at Rhodes Driving School and Kathy was so easy to work with when scheduling and re-scheduling lessons. Instructors were helpful and not intimidating. Very professional.

Negative experience: These people will leave you in parking lots and make you feel awful about yourself. You will not get what you pay for.

Fantastic experience: My experience taking the adult driver's course at this school was fantastic. I was nervous about starting and initially signed up for 2 hours of driving lessons, but after the instructor helped me feel comfortable behind the wheel, I decided to take 4 more hours later on. Ms. Kathy was generous enough to still give me the 6-hour discount even though I thought it was too late. The staff were patient throughout the whole process and I learned so much during the drives. I was able to pass the driving exam on the first try and get my license. Thank you Rhodes Driving School for all your help!

Positive experience: Can you please provide a valid number? The number listed has no voicemail and no one answers. thank you

Fantastic experience: Amazing driving school. Both Coach Garza and Mrs. Kathy Garza do their very best to make sure learning drivers know the importance of driving safely on all roads. Even through COVID, they made sure their drivers were fully equipped, both of them are extremely helpful. I passed my driving test thanks to them!

Negative experience: this place has terrible communication. i had finished everything i needed to too take the test and they told me upon arrival that i have to be 16! This is not stated in any paperwork and kathy said she had told me this but i didn’t hear squat from her she told me what i needed to be there and nothing about being 16. on the phone when we scheduled they even asked for my birthday and didn’t say one thing about not being 16 yet! This is outrageous what is the point of paying $75 to take the test when your 16 we were informed that the $75 fee was because you can take it while 15 and it’s a convenience fee basically. I don’t recommend you take the test with them it’s a waste of $75 you can do it for $25 and the dmv. they are outrageously taxing you for no reason.

Fantastic experience: Cathy in the office was always very helpful and professional, always answered any questions I had and even took time to walk me through registering online with DPS.

Negative experience: WOW owner's responses are rude, unprofessional and very discerning. How dare YOU admonish caring loving parents for voicing your inadequacies and ill behavior. I am taking the reviews seriously and my business else where. BTW you could probably take an online course in courtesy and respect.

Positive experience: The teachers are nice and enjoyable.

Fantastic experience: Loved the class, was great and teachers were great as well.

Positive experience: Very good instructors

Positive experience: Its nice Kinda boring but i think thats cuz its driving school

Negative experience: Rude, impossible to schedule drives. The drives are worthless. The worst part of this is Kathy. She’s just unfriendly and makes it very difficult to get what you need. God forbid you call for help. She won’t. She will tell you to go online. Try a different location. They are not all run like the Helotes location.

Negative experience: WARNING TO ALL PARENTS please DO NOT enroll your child at Rhodes Driving School. This is the sixth month since my son completed classroom instructions but it has been very difficult to get him scheduled for driving. I wish I had read reviews about Rhodes before enrolling my son. Kathy is now telling me that the minimum is 6 month and it takes up to 1 yr. Parents please take this review seriously, Rhodes is not trustworthy and they are very unprofessional in running their business. Please take your children somewhere else. I had two older kids who went to a different driving school with an excellent outcome.

Fantastic experience: Rhodes driving school in Helotes is awesome! I can not thank Coach Garza and Miss Kathy enough for preparing my son to drive. I did the Parent taught 101 and used Rhodes for driving time along with having him drive in between lessons. He is a much more confident and safe driver, now!

Fantastic experience: I did lots of research and visited quite a few driving schools before deciding to choose Rhodes Driving School (Helotes Branch) and I’m so happy I chose them. Their office was very clean and organized and their cars looked well kept, newer and safer than most others. From day one, my son and I were told exactly what we needed to do and bring to every class and test. We were well informed every step of the way. Ms. Garza, who works at the front desk, was always willing to help answer any questions or concerns we had. The driving instructor made my son feel very comfortable and he always gave helpful feedback. This office is also in a great location to get all kinds of shopping done while your child is in class or driving. I don’t normally write reviews but I was really impressed with the Helotes branch and I highly recommend them.

Negative experience: The old lady here was super rude. It was hard to schedule driving lessons. I didn’t know how to drive so I came here expecting them to teach me how to drive since my parents didn’t have time to teach me and this is a driving school. They told me not to come back until I got my practice hours in. I never came back because there really is no point in coming here if they want you to practice ahead of time then come back but not teach you. When I complained about it, they gave me attitude and we’re overall rude to me about it.

Negative experience: DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY OR TIME!!! Spoke to Megan Guarisco yesterday (supposedly the general manager). My daughter took the course back in April 2018 and just barely completed her 2nd drive yesterday. 6 months later! Rhodes doesn’t tell you or emphasize the fact that you can only do a drive at minimum every 30 days. MINIMUM. Doesn’t matter how many times you check the driving portal because your blocked out from seeing schedule for 30 days and if they are full, you can’t see the schedule even further out. I take serious issue with the fact that they sell you a product they cannot deliver on. I get you have to hold the permit for 6 months before getting a license but this is ridiculous! RHODES DOES NOT have enough driving instructors to complete required hours for each child signed up within a REASONABLE 6 month period. When I took the course 20 years ago, the driving book portion was done first. The driving was the 2nd half which was done immediately after and I was completely done with certificate in hand in one months time. None of the run around you get today! When I spoke with Megan Guarisco yesterday and asked to speak with her Supervisor, she refused to give me his info several times. She said he would call me. This is a business but not a very professional one. After several attempts to get his contact info, I finally got his last name. Same last name as hers, Steve Guarisco. Well, no wonder Ms. Megan doesn’t have any managerial skills or customer service skills. Guess they just hire family instead of the qualified people to do the job! You have to ask her very specific questions or you won’t get answers from her. A good manager answers questions and is thorough as I shouldn’t have to ask. Megan kept rolling her eyes and visible getting upset because I’m asking for her supervisors info. It’s business!!! While waiting to talk to her, I watched her sign another student. Guess what..no EMPHASIS on the fact that it takes more than 6 months for driving portion. She merely mentions they can do a drive every 30 days at their convenience. So basically, I got nothing accomplished and they refuse to even see they have an issue with scheduling. Megan said “most kids” get done IN 6 months and she sees plenty of availability. That’s BS!! Read the rest of the reviews because I’m not the first to complain about this. Oh and I was going to transfer to Helotes location but they want an additional $35 transfer fee. After all they have charged already and all the inconvenience. Wow!!!

Fantastic experience: This is my second go round with Rhodes driving school and have been very satisfied with both of my teenagers going through their program. Kathy has always been very helpful and responsive to my kids schedules and both kids have graduated from the program and are now driving. What a great thing, when your kid starts driving and you don't have to cart them around to everything. Thanks, Rhodes Driving School, for teaching both my kids to drive and with providing us with all the information we needed to obtain their drivers licenses.

Negative experience: Reviews are true, very difficult to get drives scheduled. They're so helpful and promises but once they take your money your pushed aside.

Negative experience: if i could give this school negative i would , save your money and go somewhere else , what they do is they take your money and ask parents to practice for the kids , if i have a car with 2 gas pedal and 2 brake im not going to pay anyone to teach my daughter, they never scheduled for driving practice unless you call them and they will schedule for at least over a month , when u call them to ask for schedule all they will say that parents have to practice, that is funny , to me at least they have to teach them how to drive ( when need to brake when need to put ur foot in gas pedal etc .... ) at least teach them know how to control the car , then i can let the kids drive the car , they have a car with 2 gas and brake pedal they can control it when the kids are can’t, for me no way i can let the them drive before they know how to control the car , but all they do is say parents have to practice the kids GO SOMEWHERE ESLE PS : the instructor also yell at my children when she dont know how to make a turn , and she only have 1 hour driving practice with them

Fantastic experience: Kathy is amazing. Not only is she very pleasant, but helped get my daughter's drives all scheduled in a timely manner.

Negative experience: My daughter learned a lot at this school. She got her learners permit in the summer and wasn't scheduled for her first "observation" until December. I tried to schedule her drives and observations but the very rude and non-customer friendly blonde haired lady in the office would not allow me to do so. Every encounter with this lady that my husband or I have with her is very rude. We have only had two scheduled participations and it's been almost a year since we signed her up. Every time I go to take more paper work the office is closed and there is a sign on the door that states they will return at two o'clock no matter what time of day it is.

Negative experience: Stupidly, I did not think to look for reviews before I signed my son up for lessons with this school. I hope this review helps someone else to avoid this unprofessional and untrustworthy driving school. When registering for this school you are told that they schedule drives based on your child’s availability which is turned into their office. My son was available 6 days/week. We didn’t get a call for several weeks. I called and asked why and they said it’s was due to his availability. I guess being available 6 days per week is too difficult to fit him in? Of course the next week or so they sent a notice for a drive. As bad luck would have it, he had a mandatory practice he had to stay after school for, which I had no advance warning of until I asked him if he could take that drive. I was forced to cancel. I didn’t think much of it at the time because I had hopes this meant he was at least now on their radar and he would get called again. Four months after turning in his initial availability and learners permit info he was called only that once. They now claim that because I turned down this one drive, it isn’t their fault that he didn’t get scheduled. HIS availability was the issue. They are totally unable to concede that for several months they never scheduled a drive and never returned my calls to ask for them to schedule him. We have since pulled him out and enrolled him in another school. Since withdrawing, I have heard numerous reports of the same issue. Save yourself the headache and look elsewhere.

Fantastic experience: I have called the helotes location to leave a message and within 10 min I got a call back. Cindy was very nice to me. She answered all my questions. Even though the class is in Feb, she was still honoring the special they have for January. (Very Nice of this company to do that). I am considering to use this company. Thanks to Cindy. (sounds like a very busy place but she managed very well)

Fantastic experience: I had a great experience here! I learned many important driving skills, and the group work and activities were very fun.

Fantastic experience: loved learning here! loved the way they taught me and had us working together

Fantastic experience: I had a very great experience wit Rhodes Driving School Helotes,they helped me and always try find the best available time for me even though it's hard sometimes for them to drive since they are closed or since the weather is not good or sometimes there is no available time, they always try to make the student happy, and I don't want to forget their instructors they were so friendly and helpful with the students and always try to teach the students things that's very important for them and their life ,thank you so much Rhodes Driving School

Negative experience: I paid for in car driving lessons with them, and could not be more dissatisfied with the service. Our phone calls to them rarely go answered, and the secretary up front is extremely rude. Scheduling the initial drive was a pain, as it was not even scheduled until three months after payment. The only reason why I was even given those two drives to begin with was because my father and I went there in person, to which the lady there said the reason I wasn't scheduled for drives was "because she schedules the drives" and not me. She didn't seem to understand that the issue was that she was not providing the service I paid for, which is to SCHEDULE DRIVES. At the time I paid, I was also told that I would be picked up and dropped off from school. It wasn't until that same day we went in person that they told us they do not offer this service for students at my school anymore. It wasn't until my second drive--which was rather short--that I was told that parent hours needed to be logged in to get more drives. I was never told how many parent hours needed to be logged until my dad called and was given extreme attitude over the phone. She never disclosed with him just how many parent hours I needed before I can be scheduled again. She then called me, leaving an extremely passive aggressive voicemail telling me that I needed to log at least 12 parent hours (I have driven more than that at home, I just forgot to log, which is my fault on my end, I will admit). This information would have been nice to know months ago. Do NOT use this place. The staff is rude, the instructors are not that great, and it is impossible to communicate with them. I have no idea how the actual classes are, but please save yourself the headache and take your money elsewhere for the in car driving lessons.

Fantastic experience: This is a great driving school. I learn a lot of safe ways how to drive and stay safe on the road. My brother went here and told me the teachers here are awesome.

Fantastic experience: Terrific experience! Teaching staff was knowledgeable, reliable, thorough and engaged. Cathy, the director, was wonderful to work with. She communicated often. She was efficient and she really worked hard to accommodate our special scheduling issues with practice drives. This was money well spent.

Fantastic experience: Great job running everything. Teachers really work with schedules !!