Academic Driving School

Negative experience: Terrible no te dan información exacta, fui a la oficina y no ayudan ... la página web es terrible, no son claros, no muestra nada ....

Fantastic experience: I had such a great experience with this driving school! Felix was absolutely amazing-super patient, kind, and encouraging the whole time. He explained everything clearly and made me feel confident behind the wheel. Totally worth it if you want to learn how to drive the right way. Highly recommend!

Negative experience: This driving school is poorly organized and seems more interested in taking customers’ money than providing reliable service. They canceled my behind-the-wheel DMV test appointment without notice, and I nearly missed my driving test. The only reason I was able to take the test was because my instructor, Felix, genuinely cared and advocated for me. He managed to get the school to switch the schedule back at the last minute so I could make it. The school also refused to give me a refund for the canceled appointment. Instead, they let my instructor take me to the test by canceling another student’s appointment, leaving her behind—even though she had already taken the day off for her test, just like I did. They also canceled one of my driving lessons without any explanation and didn’t even inform the instructor. The only good part of this experience was Felix—he’s the best driving teacher, and I wouldn’t have passed without him. I wish I could have taken lessons with him directly, without dealing with the school at all.

Fantastic experience: I had my first driving lesson at the age of 39. I knew nothing about driving. I was a first-time learner. In less than 30 days, I learned driving and got my license on my first attempt. You must be wondering - how? All that was possible due to the exceptional driving teaching skills and immense patience of teacher Felix! Felix is very detailed and punctual, very good at explanation, and I had a lot of questions - I mean really a lot. And he always had the accurate answer. If he didn't, and once I asked him a really complex one - he got back to me with the most appropriate action for that scenario. And lastly, Felix has very unique teaching skills, which I realized later and helped me a lot to pass the exam. If you want to experience great driving teaching from a teacher - learn with and from Felix.

Fantastic experience: Felix was the best teacher I took the test three times before and failed he taught me one thing that basically made me pass 10/10 recommend Felix.

Fantastic experience: Felix helped me get ready for my California driver's license test - he was great at emphasizing the basics and it was a joy spending time with him!!

Fantastic experience: Very good

Fantastic experience: Felix is an excellent instructor—patient, clear, and focused on safety. He helped me feel confident and improved my skills in every lesson. Highly recommend! Best Instructor!

Fantastic experience: Felix and Jose were both very insightful in exam preparation. Passed the exam first time with their help and knowledge.

Fantastic experience: Learning to drive with Felix at Academic Driving School was a fantastic experience! They were incredibly patient and professional, always explaining things clearly and ensuring I felt confident during each lesson. What I appreciated most was their focus on safety and helping me develop strong habits for the road. They made sure I fully understood the rules of the road and how to handle various situations calmly and responsibly. Thanks to their guidance, I passed my driving test on the first try! I highly recommend Felix to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and supportive instructor.

Fantastic experience: I signed up my son for his driving lessons and the DMV package. My son was able to obtain his driver's license on his first try. Felix is an incredible instructor. He regularly updates me on my son's progress and answers any questions I had. His teaching is second to none. My son would tell me how great his training went. He appreciates the calmness, attention to detail Felix displays and the driving techniques he teaches. I'm very pleased with Felix and I definitely recommend him as your instructor.

Fantastic experience: Very good experience, very professional and informative, brought a whiteboard for those who need to learn to drive visually, along with good tips to pass your driving exam. Appreciate the professionalism and knowledge my driving instructor Felix taught for the first session of classes !

Fantastic experience: I really loved it!! They helped me a lot❤️

Negative experience: The instructors were great. The company and their organization is not. If you buy the package it is incredibly inconvenient to schedule the driving times because you can only schedule the first one online and not the successive appointments. Also, the instructors are supposed to have the completion form with them so they can give it to the student at the end of the final session. The instructor doesn't have these. They say they'll mail them to you, but they don't. When you call to ask where the form is, they pretend that they've already sent it and they lie about it. You ask if you can come pick it up, but they don't allow this option. It's incredibly frustrating and it just means more canceled DMV appointments and more time off work because you don't have the form.

Negative experience: My experience with the lessons here was extremely unpleasant. The instructor who handled the first two of my three lessons was precise in his teaching and very kind. However, the instructor for the final lesson was by far the rudest and most awful person I have ever met. He repeatedly made insulting remarks that had nothing to do with driving, such as referring to me and the area I live in as a “ghetto-ish.” Throughout the lesson, he mocked my driving and would smirk whenever I made a mistake, eventually going so far as to tell me to “use your brain” in a condescending manner. He also made several negative comments about my previous instructor, boasting that he was better. While it’s true that he pointed out more flaws in my driving and offered potential ways to improve, his insulting comments and attitude severely undermined my focus and motivation. His constant mockery of me as a person, not just my driving, was unprofessional and a reflection of his poor character, far beyond just being a bad instructor. I had sent an email directly to the school detailing my experience, but since I haven’t received a response, I am leaving this review here. This is the first time in my life that I have ever written a review online. The fact that I created this account and am writing this review for the first time should give anyone considering lessons here serious pause. I deeply regret paying for such an experience. Most of the reviews posted here are positive, and I believe that the majority of the instructors, like the one I had for my first two lessons, are good. I feel sorry to leave such a negative review, especially when I consider those instructors. However, the system doesn’t generally allow students to choose their instructor. While there’s a high chance you’ll receive excellent service, I urge you to carefully consider the possibility that, like me, you might be unlucky enough to have the worst two hours of your life and lose all motivation to drive due to a humiliating experience.

Negative experience: My wife took their 10 Hour Driving Training course. Three issues: 1. Every time my wife scheduled a two-hour lesson using their website, they would charge our credit card the entire ten-hour course cost ($815). This happened twice after the first and only authorized payment. They claimed they would refund us for the two erroneous charges but they never have after three months. 2. They assigned different driving instructors throughout the course. These driving instructors do not follow a uniform lesson plan and have completely different teaching styles. One of the instructors was great but the other was terrible. The latter instructor had no structure whatsoever. He simply told my wife to drive wherever she felt was right and had a blunt and rude personality most of the time. 3. One of their vehicles had broken air conditioning. My wife took the course over the summer so you can imagine how uncomfortable that was. She would come back from her lessons sweating profusely. This review managed to avoid receiving only one star simply because of the pleasant experience my wife had with one of their instructors (Jose). He earned them the additional star. Other than that, I suggest avoiding this place if you want to spare yourself the trouble.

Negative experience: This place is the worst driving school of all time. Booked an appointment for my daughter, paid in full should have been my first indication something was wrong. Received more than 4 text to confirm the appointment and then 2 hours before the appointment they canceled. There is no excuse apparently they only have one instructor for all of san diego? This is completely unacceptable, do not waste your time or money with this place.

Fantastic experience: Outstanding service highly recommended.

Fantastic experience: Had a great experience with this driving school. My instructor was amazing. And i passed on the first trial. Thank you!

Negative experience: They had no certificate, so I asked them to ship one out. Even though I told them that my test is in 5 days, they did not ship it out the day before the test. Of course I did not receive on the day before the test. I went to the dmv and showed them the pdf of the certificate. The dmv did not accept the pdf. This cause me to have to rebook my road test, which means I have to wait another month. I wasted my time going to the dmv, and now I have to wait another month just because the instructor didn’t have the certificate, even though they are supposed to have it a it with them. Overall, their efficiency needs improving, even though the service was acceptable.

Fantastic experience: I took a class with Marshall two months ago. His excellent tips helped me pass the driving test. I recommend his instruction.

Fantastic experience: Mashal is an amazing driving instructor. He helped me pass my road test and I would recommend him to give you lessons on how to drive. He gave very good tips on safely driving around San Diego. I want to Thank Him again.

Fantastic experience: I had such a wonderful experience with Mashal! He was very patient with me considering I have zero experience. He was very kind and patient. He gave me a new found confidence! At the age of 58 I never thought I would be driving. He gave me the confidence to do just that. Thank you so much Mashal!

Fantastic experience: Really good driving school with patient driving instructor.

Fantastic experience: Mashall was an amazing instructor who made driving lessons smooth and educational. Fantastic experience.

Fantastic experience: Mr Mashal was by far the best instructor I ever had he was patient and make sure to give me all the great tips that I needed and answered every question that I had explicitly. He’s a 5 star instructor

Fantastic experience: Mashal is a great instructor! He helped me feel more confident when driving and gave me great tips. Very patient and understanding, would recommend to first-time drivers.

Fantastic experience: Mashal helped me tremendously! I passed my test and was very excited! He helped me improve over all of our classes that we had. Took away the nervousness and I really felt prepared for my test Thank you for the awesome classes mashal. If you purchase classes I hope you get him as the instructor he will make sure you get it right.

Fantastic experience: Mashal was so patient and understanding .. 10/10 would do it again <3

Fantastic experience: Mashel was the best driving instructor

Fantastic experience: Mashal was amazing.I passed my test on first try.He is very patient, flexible and has a great sense of humor.He guides you on safety, and gives you the important guidelines to passing your test.listen to him.everything he coaches you on during practice is relevant to the drive test.AcademicDriving School is lucky to have an instructor like Mashal.

Fantastic experience: I took 6 hours driving lesson under Mr. Mashal. It was a great experience for learning how to drive safely. I learned to drive prior to this lesson, but Mr. Mashal provided tips that I never knew before. Importantly, I passed the Behind-the-wheel test thanks to his advices and tips.

Fantastic experience: Mr instructor Mashal was extremely awesome! He is extremely professional and helpful. He was patient and provided insightful information and adivce. I passed on my very first try. Would recommend for any one.

Fantastic experience: I prepared for my DMV test with Mashal. He was very calm and friendly, I enjoyed driving with him and passed my license. He knows everything you need to learn to be safe and drive properly. Thanks Mashal!

Fantastic experience: Excellent instructor! He gave great advice and was very positive. My daughter felt comfortable and more confident after each session. We recommend this school to all her friends.

Fantastic experience: Clear instructions, helpful advice, waited over originally agreed time when DMV was busy.

Fantastic experience: Mashal is a great teacher! Helped me develop as a new driver, teaching me what is necessary along with extra tricks to improve my driving techniques. Glad to have learned from him!

Fantastic experience: Mashal was great! My daughter took two sessions with Mashal. He was very patient and understanding. Mashal is reliable, professional & knowledgeable about the rules of driving. He truly cares for his students' well-being while teaching them the necessary skills to drive on the road properly. Thank you for everything Mashal! I would definitely recommend him to anyone that is seeking a driving instructor.

Fantastic experience: Mashal was my teacher and he got me super ready for the test in about 2 weeks, and I PASSED on my first try! He had a ton of knowledge about what I needed to do to be prepared for the test. I am almost 30 and never had a license and he knew how anxious I was about the process, and was there for me every step of the way. He did above and beyond for me, and I’m so appreciative!

Fantastic experience: I learned so much from Mashal, he helped me feel more comfortable and ready to drive!

Fantastic experience: Great teacher learned a lot

Fantastic experience: I just passed my drive test at DMV at first attempt. Thank you, Mashal from Academic Driving School, for giving me all useful tips that contributed to my success!

Fantastic experience: Great service Shafiq Mashul thank you so much for your help I got my license.

Fantastic experience: Recently had my first driving lesson and my instructor Mashal was really attentive and helpful. He gave me good advice and great tricks

Fantastic experience: As a beginner, I learn a lot from him he's a great teacher.

Fantastic experience: I learned more in three lessons with Mashal than over ten practice sessions with licensed friends! I got to drive a brand new car with advanced safety features, he was very kind and attentive in helping me to correct all of the mistakes I was making, and I passed my behind the wheel test on the first try today. Getting professional lessons is worth the investment, and I highly recommend Mashal as a professional and friendly instructor.

Fantastic experience: I was very nervous and scared because it was one of my very first times driving but Mohammed helped me step by step through the prosses. fast forward 6 months later and I now have my license. I Highly recommend Mohammed I don't now if I would have my license without him.

Fantastic experience: Mohammad was an all around courteous and respectful driving instructor for my Son. He helped install confidence and safety into my Sons driving experience. I recommend his schooling to any parent and their teenager.

Negative experience: Very unprofessional assigned his car for student lessons more worried about his brand new car than giving quality lessons, always on his phone and talks and brags about his student and demean you if you make any mistakes. The worse lesson and experience I ever had.

Fantastic experience: Sher was my driving instructor, he took me for my road test and was extremely helpful, very calm and patient and a very knowledgeable driver. If I had to recommend a driving school, I would recommend Academic Drivers.

Fantastic experience: As a beginners i learned a lot from him, i got all i need to know, he is cool and a great teacher.