Be Smart Driving Academy llc

Fantastic experience: Good place to learn how to drive

Fantastic experience: got my license!! the owner, butch is a great teacher and just a very loveable person overall

Positive experience: My instructor (Adam) was amazing and did so much to boost my confidence and overcome my fear and anxiety around driving. He offered positive feedback throughout our lessons and his corrections were always gentle. The classroom portion was unorthodox but never boring. I subtracted one star because the woman at the front desk (Lynette) was condescending and rude each and every time I spoke with her for quite literally no reason. Thank you Adam and Butch!

Negative experience: Don’t use this company! I was cut off by a single driver in their vehicle that sped off weaving through traffic! Dangerous! I called the phone number on the car and left a message.

Negative experience: First of all, the front office person Lynnette is incredibly rude! My daughter was scheduled to have a driving class this morning at 9 AM. She was stood up….no call no email no text. I tried several ways to get in touch with somebody. I found out they open at 10. I tried several times to call, no answer. Using a different phone I called and Lynnette answered. I told her that I had been trying to call and her response was “We open at 10”. Not an apology of any sort. She told me she was staring at the driver. I told her she didn’t need to be rude with me and let her know that my daughter was stood up. She had been standing outside, waiting to be picked up from 8:55 AM this morning until 930. It took so much to get her pumped up to drive, only to be stood up. This may not be a big deal to some, but this is the second time this is happened with a driving school. I asked her to have the owner contact me and she told me that it wouldn’t be until 2 o’clock because he is busy with students. We have already paid in full, so I guess it doesn’t matter if we are satisfied or not.

Fantastic experience: amazing teacher very easy to learn from

Fantastic experience: help so much with my drivers anxiety and made my test easy I passed first try all because of be smart will send my kid here in 25 years if its still open

Fantastic experience: Best driving school in Anchorage hands down! I had 2 of my boys there to help them learn to drive and they learned more in the few short hours than I could have imagined. There are alot of driving challenges that I have overcome and forgotten about a long time ago. Its nice to have a comprehensive course to bring out anything that I had maybe forgotten about in my 30 years of driving. Thank you! We would refer you in a heartbeat!

Fantastic experience: I took the 16 hour course and it was very helpful. The class instructor made the lessons fun and energetic, and the driving instructor was good at easing tensions of a new driver (me). Over all, it was a great experience and I would recommend Be Smart Driving to anyone.

Fantastic experience: Be Smart does road tests, beginning driver education and much much more. Fair prices and excellent instruction.

Fantastic experience: took this school for driving tips and cheaper insurance and i was very pleased. i scheduled my driving test late and they managed to give me a test early in the morning. butch was my instructor and was very informant. he is very good at what he does and he really does help people. highly recommend

Fantastic experience: I will recommend BE SMART!

Fantastic experience: Great driving school and experience. Everyone working there was easy to get along with, and I never got bored while driving with Butch. He is a unique teacher, but it just makes the lessons more engaging. On top of all that-- you can tell he knows his stuff. I went from uncomfortable behind the wheel, to driving across town and looking forward to it. I can even parallel park without a second thought! Just passed my drivers test, and I'm confident the skills I learned here will stay with me for life. Big "thank you!" to Be Smart Driving Academy!

Fantastic experience: Taking this class allowed me to pass the driving test first try, not only was it affordable it was very helpful and makes me feel more confident as a driver. Butch my instructor is very unique and I think that him being unique allowed me to understand him better and for us to have better communication. 10/10 driving school

Fantastic experience: Even with the instruction being a bit unorthodox, Butch was very kind and was able to teach us a ton of valuable information in a short amount of time. This driving course was also the most affordable compared to other options in Anchorage, and I was able to pass my road test with ease after I completed the course. Definitely recommend it for new drivers!

Fantastic experience: Butch and his school went above and beyond to help us out and meet our needs. Super friendly!!

Negative experience: Called today to get a quote for renting their car and the lady who answered the phone was rude. She was very condescending over the phone and was not polite at all throughout the conversation. Will be going through another company for our kids to take their test.

Positive experience: The classroom was the lowest part of the course. Butch has a fun personality but it was highly disorganized. Too much time was spent straying off topic, the meat of the class could have been taught in an hour or two. It felt more like we were being entertained to fill the eight hour requirement than taught. For what I paid, I left the classroom feeling frustrated and scammed, and could only hope that the driving sessions would be better... ...and they were! The time spent behind the wheel redeemed the course. Butch did a great job teaching me, striking a good balance between addressing issues and praising my strengths, and my confidence soared thanks to his training. As we drove he would share facts and stories about the areas we were in that made the experience more enjoyable. The only downside was that at times he would be unhurried to get things started. For example chatting with a neighbor for a few minutes during paid driving time before we began. Overall I was much happier with the driving portion of the course. I did not pass my first test, but scheduling another driving session and road test was an easy process. I was satisfied with the examiners Jason and Ron. TLDR: The class was disorganized and frequently strayed off topic but the driving sessions and road tests were solid.

Fantastic experience: I’m an older first-time driver and this driving school was terrific. I’ve worked with Butch, Ron, and Jason and I’ve had such good experiences with them all. Aside from being so professional and educational , they all have great personalities and are easy to get along with (making the driving lessons much more enjoyable!) It was such a safe, judgement free zone to make mistakes and learn in. I don’t think I would’ve gotten my drivers license without this place. I can’t recommend them enough!

Fantastic experience: The best!!

Fantastic experience: Great driving school. Very friendly instructors, very convenient that they pick up and drop off the students for road lessons. We got some great practice in on the parallel parking setup they have for prior students. Elder child passed her driving test today! We'll be signing up younger child for lessons here next summer!

Fantastic experience: The best place to receive driver's ed, a really welcoming and comfortable environment:)

Fantastic experience: Highly recommended driving school… I just passed my road test today! it was such an awesome program.The instructors are very friendly I learned a lot and this was great in building confidence for new drivers like me, although kinda late for me… like they say “its now or never” Thank you Sir Butch and Sir Jason….. -Maui

Fantastic experience: They made the class fun and enjoyable. The actual driving lessons were great(with Ron) and he prepared me well for the test. They teach you a lot of little details you wouldn’t know other wise.

Fantastic experience: I just passed my road test today! I was a student a little over a year ago and honestly it was such an awesome program. My two older siblings also went here and they both loved it! The instructors are very friendly and this was great in building confidence for new drivers:) plus, it made my mom much calmer when it was time to finally drive with her!

Fantastic experience: Greg was a really nice person. I’m glad he was my instructor for the 4 days driving with him. We talked a lot and was overall fun/ informative. Would recommend this class to those who are looking forward to get the privilege to drive or learn more about it. Great experience with all the staff as well and Jason who took my road test with me.

Fantastic experience: i loved my driver instructor he was the best

Fantastic experience: This school was the best decision my parents couldve made for me . The staff is phenomenal and takes the tension off you from the start. Butch, the eccentric mastermind who really gets you going and will have your attention from the start! Jason, the coolest man ever seriously is Bada**. Lynette, (apologies if i misspelledyour name) the nonchalant determined desk lady! Greg, the go to man for advice and tricks n' tips! Grateful for Butch, Greg, Lynette and Jason! These 4 managed to take away my nerves on the road! Words cannot express how grateful I am. Especially Greg! He was my lesson instructor and he made feel at ease, told me tips, state laws, point of interests and fun car facts that could help me in the future. Studded tires hehe. Hope you get him as instructor!! Or any of the bunch! Thanks guys! 1000/10 rating -C.Sinapati

Fantastic experience: I have two daughters that went through the driving school and both enjoyed it and learned so much! I would highly recommend this place and will be using them in the future for my other children. Thank you so much!

Fantastic experience: Great teacher and class!

Fantastic experience: I would highly recommend this course to anyone and everyone. Not only is it a wonderful program for new and inexperienced drivers, but it’s full of information that applies to those who have had more time behind the wheel as well. After completing this course I felt confident, safe, and knowledgeable going into my road test. The instructors and entire staff were warm and welcoming throughout the entire process. They take their job very seriously and are fantastic at what they do, but they find ways to make it fun and exciting along the way. They are incredibly accommodating when it comes to work or school, and will happily work with you to find times that fit into your busy schedule. I’m so glad I attended Be Smart Driving Academy, don’t hesitate to give them a call if you are aiming to be a safer, more confident driver. They are truly the absolute best!

Fantastic experience: I'm really glad I took this class with them. they all wonderful and helpful. Mr. butch give teach you to be confident in driving. I enjoyed every minute of it. thank you be smart academy.

Negative experience: When students aren't in the car, you can find the instructors speeding, texting/facetiming while driving in the student driver company vehicles.

Fantastic experience: If you are unsure about getting your license, go here! The staff here are just wonderful and you will learn how to not only drive, but how to drive safely! I had the pleasure to work with Butch as my instructor. If you get Greg you are in just as good hands. Both will make sure that at the end of the day, they did everything they can to make you understand how to be better driver. Ms. Lynette is very understanding with scheduling, just be sure to let her know what's going on. She will get you scheduled at a timely manner, even if you work 9-5 (in my case 8-4). Then there is Jason! He is awesome. If he seems stern, he isn't, but he does take his job as a road examiner seriously. Do not hesitate and get scheduled! I passed and got over my fear of driving due to agoraphobia. A huge thanks to the crew for providing such a great service!

Fantastic experience: Butch was amazing, as was all the staff here at Be Smart. I felt welcomed by everyone and it was a great atmosphere. I learned so much, and I now feel safe behind the wheel. I highly recommend Be Smart to anyone learning to drive, or needing some extra skill. Thank you! Happy new year!

Fantastic experience: Amazing experience I had in Be Smart Academy. I love the hospitality and help of the amazing people here. Specially Butch and Lanette. I recommend to everyone. - Mico S.

Fantastic experience: This place was amazing. I needed to get my license for school, but always had severe anxiety whenever on the road. So I decided attending a driving course/school would be good for me. I live out in the valley, but the school out here I hadn’t heard good things about through mutual friends. That’s when I found be smart driving academy. And it was the right choice. The school even worked with my parents for the driving portion where we could meet up in the carrs parking lot in Eagle river, that way we didn’t have to drive all the way to anchorage. The 8 hour in class instruction seemed daunting at first, especially with Covid, but the academy excelled in both making the time enjoyable and safe. There was two tables, four chairs, with clear dividers separating everyone. Masks were required. Vaccinated clients were placed at one table and the unvaccinated clients at the other to improve safety. Everyone was given their own workbook to write in and take home, a textbook to follow along in class with, and a couple of things to fiddle with like a toy car and coin. As for the instruction, you watch multiple videos on safety and situations, as well as discuss with everyone. Butch, the owner, is a very eccentric, entertaining gentleman with a lot of knowledge. He makes class fun with plenty of jokes, fun videos, and informational games (like driving jeopardy). He allows for breaks and brings snacks for everyone as well. But most importantly you can tell he cares about you and your safety- everyone who works there does. I didn’t talk to everyone, but you can tell in their eyes. They aren’t there for the money. As for the driving portion of the course, I had Ron as my instructor. That guy has such a lovable personality. He’s always smiling and laughing, and never once did he yell at me. He has nerves of steel. His instruction was great. He always answered my questions and explained it in a way that was digestible. He also gave great advice and tidbits while driving, little things to recognize and remember while driving. One day it was raining fairly hard when I drove with Ron, and he let me hydroplane in a controlled environment to allow me to tell the difference between hydroplaning and normal driving. He then taught me what to do and not to do. It was very informative. Ron’s instruction was so great that I may come back in the winter for extra lessons in driving with ice and snow. I took my road test the other day and I passed. The test took me 15-20 minutes and the entire time Butch was very calming and professional. It didn’t feel scary or stuffy though. Now, when I drive I feel calm and relaxed because I know what to do in several situations. I know what to look for, how to “read a car’s behavior”, and what to do if things start to go south. Overall, I would definitely recommend be smart driving academy to anyone who is anxious about driving or wants a comfortable environment to learn in. - Abby M

Fantastic experience: Mr.Butch and his team are truly the best in town. I couldn’t imagine myself going with other driving school. I appreciate the fact that despite my age (older ) compare to other students, I had never felt intimidated of any kind. Butch is professional in every aspect and always feel comfortable during the 2 hour drive session. I definitely recommend them % 100! Thank you for your hard work!

Fantastic experience: After waiting months and months to get an open slot with the DMV due to the covid-19 I set up an appointment for my road test my instructor was very informative and very professional I passed the first time a few little hiccups he corrected me on but other than that a great experience I would definitely recommend this place for anyone that needs to get a road test done or any type of instructions!

Fantastic experience: Be Smart was a great experience and was really great. I walked in with only a week experience before I started and the 8 hr class and the driving instructor Greg I drove with for 2 hrs a day for 4 day that taught and instructed me was really cool calm and professional . They helped me gain the knowledge, and to feel more comfortable behind the wheel and let me know more to what to expect on the road. I passed with flying colors within a few week. I highly recommend Be Smart Thanks again Be Smart

Fantastic experience: My experience at Be Smart Driving Academy was awesome! I definitely think this was the best way to learn to drive properly and learn all the rules of the road. Staff are very nice and are very good with communication and directions when you're learning how to drive. I would 100% recommend this to anyone looking for a good driving school.

Fantastic experience: Be Smart Driving Academy has helped me a lot with learning everything i needed to know on the rules of the road and how to properly drive. I am very thankful and grateful to Mr. Butch and his staff for being so helpful. I highly recommend taking their classes if you are interesting in learning to drive.

Fantastic experience:

Fantastic experience: This is a great place to get a drivers education! I took my road test today and I passed! The instructors do such a great job!

Fantastic experience: I love this driving school and I believe that they do a wonderful job at teaching new drivers everything they need to know. I very much recommend this school for anyone who wants to learn to drive. I had a great experience at this place and the people who work there are very professional and timely.

Fantastic experience: My son took his road test for his license. The evaluator went over the expectations before the test and had a calm personality that put my son at ease. After the test he gave genuine feedback and tips. My son passed in his first attempt. I wouldn't hesitate to use their services again. We had a very positive experience.

Fantastic experience: Be Smart Driving Academy went above and beyond making my sons 16th birthday the best day ever. Very knowledgeable and friendly the entire visit. Thank you.

Fantastic experience: I took the course class and the driving test at Be Smart Driving Academy. I am a very nervous and shy person and I felt very safe, comfortable and welcomed there. The class was fun and educational. The driving test was really easy going and I got my drivers license the same day I took the test! All the workers there were really nice. My family has decided to also have my brother attend Be Smart Driving Academy in the near future. It definitely deserves 5 stars!

Fantastic experience: Loved the man helping us today!

Fantastic experience: Butch Evans and his team really know what they are doing. With just 8 hours of driving instruction, I was able to gain the knowledge and confidence to pass the road exam. If you are looking to learn to drive the right way, this is it.

Fantastic experience: I’m in your driving class right now and I like it!

Fantastic experience: I took the full driving course class and am amazed at how passionate they are! They focus on the safety of not only you, but others too. Butch is one of the funniest people you could meet! He will talk your ears off but you end up wanting to know MORE! Greg was my instructor and he is such a wonderful joy to be with. Making everything easy to learn without the hassle and stress behind the wheel. I have not taken my licence test yet, but I plan to here in the very near future. I will also be taking the winter driving course with them as well. I reccomend this school if you or your child would wish to learn to drive. All ages are welcome! Please come see these guys! It will be worth your while!

Fantastic experience: The name speaks for itself, Be Smart Driving Academy. Butch Evans will teach you to be a smart and safe diver. Our kid had very limited experience driving prior to taking classes. Butch did not disappoint. The classroom training was informative and friendly, and the road instruction was very impressive and professional. We were surprised with the significant improvement of our child’s driving skills after completing the week long training. I highly recommend Be Smart Driving Academy.

Fantastic experience: If you want to learn how to be a safe and smart driver, this is the place you want to come! Their instructors are very patient and talented in teaching ! Especially Mr. Ron ! He’s the man !

Fantastic experience: Butch Evans has more passion for driver education than I have seen from anyone, ever. He has been instructing new drivers in our community for over 30 years. There is no other driving school in the municipality with the level of expertise he has. The staff at Be Smart want each individual to succeed but driver and community safety is always a top priority. Having a drivers license is a privilege, not a right, and must be earned.

Fantastic experience: found the instruction very helpful & informative. the classroom was very interactive. eased my anxiety about driving in the snow a bunch! thank you so much!

Negative experience: Worst place in all of anchorage

Negative experience: Owner was doing 50 in a 35 and flashed his brights and honked when we both moved into the center lane at the same time. If this is what he teaches his students I'm afraid for Anchorage's roads.

Fantastic experience: I had a great experience here on September 12th, Butch was amazing at making me feel calm, comfortable and in control. I truly feel that I’ve learned more in 1 day with Be Safe than I have with anyone else. Thanks for the awesome experience and confidence you have given me!

Fantastic experience: Butch did a great job keeping the initial class exciting and after practicing with him for a week I immediately passed the driving test!

Fantastic experience: 10/10 recommend. Very entertaining.

Fantastic experience: Good coarse . Love oatmeal

Positive experience: I took my driving test twice at this place and I will say that as far as booking the test and getting through it all, it was extremely easy. They were pretty fast with it. The first exam I took I had failed and I understand that failing is my own fault, but the comments and remarks that were made towards me were not very helpful. I was belittled and yelled at, and I understand that their first priority is letting you know what you did wrong in order to pass, I do think that she had crossed a line. I dont think yelling was in any way professional. The second time I took my exam I had a different procter and he was really nice. Let me know what I could improve on in an assertive but kind way. Really hope they promote more service like my second experience

Fantastic experience: All instructors I had to interact with were very helpful, informative, professional, experienced and on the top with great sense of humor. That’s all you need to ease nervousness before taking driving road exam. Money well spent. Highly recommended. Thank you

Fantastic experience: Went to another driving school, spent $750 and still didn't really know how to drive. Wish I came here first. They were very helpful :)

Fantastic experience: Absolutely fantastic driving school. Helps conquer your road fears and the staff is excellent, energetic, and enthusiastic. You'll leave there smiling. Money well spent.

Fantastic experience: Be Smart Driving Academy helped to build my daughter’s confidence while driving with positive encouragement and thorough instruction. The owner will go above and beyond to make sure your child is prepared to take their road test. This was an overall great experience for all of us!!

Fantastic experience: Extremely helpful and nice instructors who care about the driver behind the wheel! I took their 16 hour course in December and just passed my drivers test today! They were very flexible with my schedule and really did help my driving habits! Would recommend to anyone who wants driving instruction before taking their test.

Fantastic experience: I had a lot of fun learning how to drive here, Everyone is so nice and helpful. Butch is a great driving instructor who pushes you to do your best!

Fantastic experience: Highly recommend. Very accomidating and patient with my daughter who was getting her license for the first time. I would also add you can tell they have passion to make better drivers.

Negative experience: Customer service is basically nonexistant and driver instructors are extremely rude! No one answers the phone or is actually there at the front desk, there is no sign indicting when they'll be back. I took a test about a year ago, the man was extremely rude and I told him I had anxiety and he said some rude remarks at the end. Also less than a year ago I witnessed a student driver turn into a ditch on dimond, I called the office to tell them about the incident and no one picked up the phone. I contacted the police and told them where I saw the incident since they had the company logo on the car. Go else where this business is not managed correctly.

Fantastic experience: Highly recommended! If you want to learn the correct way of city driving, enroll at Be Smart's 16-hour course. Butch provided valuable knowledge during our Defensive Driving classroom training. John is a skilled and very patient Driving Instructor. Thanks guys. By the way, I just got my Driver's License from DMV today!

Fantastic experience: We were recommended Be Smart Driving Academy by a friend . We called spoke with Butch & signed up. Butch made Our son feel comfortable & confident in the classroom & driving. We would diffidently recommend Be smart Driving Academy...

Fantastic experience: Hands down best driving academy in Anchorage! Very knowledgable, kind and considerate.

Fantastic experience: One of the best schools to take drive test at. Even though I failed the first time because I made a mistake I still went the second time because they treat you very well. They do them best to make you relax before you take your test.

Fantastic experience: Well worth the time & investment in having Butch and his staff work with you. Take the stress out of driving and build confidence in your child's driving future.

Fantastic experience: Even though I did not take a class here, I felt welcomed and respected since the first moment I walked through those doors. Butch is the funniest nicest person you will meet, which really eased my anxiety before my road test. He accommodated our schedule so that I could take the exam right after school. He is very informative and has been teaching classes for many many years. He clearly knows everything there is to know about driving and he is one of the only two programs I would ever recommend people taking classes from in anchorage.

Fantastic experience: This class really helped me become more comfortable driving, and Butch was a great instructor!

Fantastic experience: Thank you so much for all the care you put into teaching me safe techniques on the road. :) I loved the whole process so much more than I ever expected. We had good laughs and great conversation and overall I was really comfortable working with the instructor. A few days after I passed my test (on the first try) I got my very own Subaru Outback! This was all made possible by the instructors at Be Smart Driving Academy.

Fantastic experience: This is the best driving school in the state. The owner & operator's name is Butch, this man is the greatest driving instructor I've ever had the pleasure of learning under. He is kind, curtious, talkative (which helps you learn how to multi-task while driving), and smart and a whip; he makes sure your experience there is worth every penny. Within the four days we spent driving together I mastered parallel parking, properly navigating roundabouts, and merging into the highway, as well as the basic rules of the road. I can't recommend this business enough, there simply aren't enough adjectives in the English language. Learn here and you're guaranteed to leave an expert.

Fantastic experience: Butch thought 2 of my daughters how to drive including my nephews, with that said I can attest first hand how phenomenal these experiences have been for the family. Butch is a true professional and a master at what he does. He keeps you engaged and builds your confidence while maintaining a very relaxed environment. My kids really enjoyed having him for an instructor. I would highly recommend Butch to anyone who is either looking to learn how to drive or taking a defensive driving course.

Fantastic experience: I really enjoyed their driving class. My instructor, Butch, was very calm and patient during my behind-the-wheel training, even when I made mistakes. He taught me how to drive defensively and how to be a safe driver.

Fantastic experience: Butch taught my wife how to drive. He is a very good instructor.

Fantastic experience: Butch is awesome owner of the Academy: very experienced, patient, funny, diversified! I took his class myself nearly 17 years ago, and it changed my life. I became very confident driver. Recently my son took his classes, and it helped us to reduce insurance payments nearly to a 40%. I would recommend the services of this Driving Academy to absolutely anyone!

Fantastic experience: It was a really good environment and now I feel super comfortable behind the wheel

Fantastic experience: I am a road safety advocate. While I have no personal experience with the 'Be Smart Driving Academy LLC', I DO know the academy supports 'Turn Off Cell B/4 Driving' which promotes ATTENTION to JUST driving. Makes us ALL SAFER on our roads. STAY SAFE!

Fantastic experience: Butch was very patient with me. Being an older student I felt nervous but Butch put me right at ease.

Fantastic experience: Butch taught both my kids to drive. I started teaching them but got to anxious so sent them to Butch. It cleared my mind to know that they have been taught all the correct rules of the road not what I do. He was on time picking them up from school and dropped them off at home. My kids seemed more at ease driving when they were finished with his class. I would recommend him over and over again to anyone that asks!