Pinellas Driving School

Negative experience: I changed my review to one star. I wrote my original feedback out of goodwill, just to share my honest experience. But their reply felt passive-aggressive instead of understanding. I didn’t expect sarcasm in response to something so genuine. I took lessons here back in early 2023 — about 14 sessions over a few months as a complete beginner. I didn’t have any car to practice with during that time. In early 2024, when a friend finally let me use their car for a few days, I took the road test and passed on my first try. I’m now a safe and confident driver, and looking back on that experience, I wanted to leave an honest review. My instructor Jim and Steve were patient, knowledgeable, and truly cared about safety — I could tell he wanted his students to become careful, responsible drivers. I really appreciate that. But for me, things were quite hard. I was living alone in St pete, working full time, with no access to a car and a learner’s permit that is expiring. I explained my situation several times and asked if we could prepare for the road test, but he insisted that I shouldn’t rush and should keep “polishing my driving first.” After 8 Or 9 classes, when I felt I am ready to practice and pass the test, he insisted that he wanted me to be a good driver and kept teaching me skills that were not for exams. I completely understand his point, but it left me feeling stuck and helpless. Their slots were fully booked at that time and it was hard to make appointments for continuous practice, especially the price was not cheap and I couldn't take so many time off from my work. so I really want to finish the test first then practice my driving slowly afterwards. Sometimes, getting the license first isn’t about being impatient — it’s about having a chance to keep learning and to finally move forward. I wish there had been a bit more understanding and flexibility in my case. Overall, a caring instructor and a good school, but not the best fit for someone who’s on their own and trying to make things work with limited time and options.

Fantastic experience: Steve was an amazing instructor! He was very patient with me and helped me sharpen my skills. Because of him I got refreshed on all the basics while also getting accustomed to driving in Florida. I passed my driving test with flying colors because of pinellas driving school. Thank you and a big thank you to Steve!

Fantastic experience: Excellent experience with everyone I've been in contact and lessons from! Would reccomend for anyone interested in lessons. Easy to make schedules, easy to change times if need be, amazing instructors making it possible for anyone to learn how to drive.

Fantastic experience: My experience with this company was great. My instructor Loren Williams was wonderful and made sure i understood everything fully by explaining in different ways without making me feel judged at all. I not only can drive correctly now, but smoothly as well. Thanks a bunch

Negative experience: No.

Fantastic experience: I chose 8 classes because I was a beginner driver. As in, didn’t even know how to turn the ignition on. The website is fairly easy to navigate and the scheduling was also a breeze. I was paired up with Loren based on location, and couldn’t have been paired with a better teacher. Not only did Loren help me get over my fear of driving but with his style of teaching, I was able to get my drivers license, something I found unimaginable before even booking my first class. I highly recommend Pinellas Driving School

Fantastic experience: Had a great experience learning to drive stick! Scheduling was very simple. Steve as the instructor was super calm and patient through the initial jerky shifts and stalling out - his demeanor was perfect for my nervousness/embarrassment! Was up and running and 100% comfortable doing it by the end of the lesson!

Fantastic experience: This driving school helped me get my license!!!! I had tried getting lessons from some wonky guy from my church and I failed the first time (he said he knew I wasn't ready and still made me set my appointment and take my money ). But Jim and Steve were highly professional and helped me learn the specific techniques on the exam to set me up for success! They were there for me the whole way even during the exam, they walked me through and guided me. I felt well prepared and supported. 10/10 would recommend and would say the classes are worth every penny!!!

Fantastic experience: We purchased a package plus some extra additional driving lessons for our son, Loren Williams was my son’s instructor and was simply amazing in every single aspect from start to finish! Thanks to Loren we now have a safe and well informed new driver on the road and our sons confidence and skills he was taught will last a lifetime! We can’t thank Loren enough! :) Highly recommend him!

Fantastic experience: I have tremendous progress with my younger brother after working with Pinellas Driving School. Some need extra assistance. I appreciate these instructors.

Fantastic experience: Loren is an excellent, calm and competent teacher. He taught both of my teens to drive ( both were quite nervous at the beginning). I highly recommend Pinellas Driving School

Fantastic experience: I had a very pleasant experience with the Pinellas Driving School. I only did three lessons and for the last two I had Steve Frank. I took my test a few days ago and passed. Steve made sure that I was ready and knew everything I needed to in order to pass. Each lesson I had with Steve, I felt that he always gave detailed explanations, suggestions, and tips. I was struggling with my parking technique right before my test, and I had a lesson with him where we practiced parking quite a few times. With his help, I was able to easily pass the parking on my test. I would certainly recommend him to anyone looking to use this school for driving lessons because he was so helpful and very kind every time.

Fantastic experience: Excellent driving School. Loren is an awesome instructor and is very knowledgeable. We particularly appreciate the regular progress updates. We purchased a driving lesson package for our son, and we are glad we did because he learned how to drive with confidence and become a safe driver. He was able to recently pass his road test. I highly recommend Pinellas Driving School!

Fantastic experience: Took a stick shift review lesson with Steve. He was very patient and clear with his instruction. He had me drive in several different areas and at the end we practiced parking and backing out of a parking space.

Fantastic experience: Vinny Parisi is the best. He helped me with the three point turn and proper ways to park things I’ve been struggling with. Yesterday I took my drivers test and passed it my first try. He’s really patient and will continue to push you until you feel like you have it down pack. I never once was frustrated or wanted to quit thru the whole process ! Thank you again!

Fantastic experience: Did a 4 lesson package and it was extremely helpful! Both Steve & Jim were very kind and made me feel calm. Passed my drivers test today! 10/10 recommend.

Fantastic experience: HIGHLY RECOMENDED. I had three of their instructors- Steven, Jim, and Derek- and all where phenomenal! The instructors are very communicative and are commited to making sure you learn how to be a defensive driver and that you pass your DMV test. The lessons are also well priced (the best rates in Pinellas county) and are definitely worth their value. Based on my experience, they are the best place to learn how to drive.

Fantastic experience: Moved to Florida without a license and about 8 seconds of driving behind the wheel. After 9 lessons (and practice in between) I was able to get my license easily on my first try, and more importantly I feel comfortable driving safely thanks to the coaching received. Shout out to Jim - best instructor in Pinellas!

Fantastic experience: We purchased a driving lesson package for our daughter and the experience has been wonderful. Loren is a great instructor (patient, knowledgeable, kind, and calm) and has given our daughter both the confidence and the skills needed to become a more safe driver. She recently passed her road test, and we intend to schedule future lessons once she has been driving a bit more. When it comes time for my 14-year-old to start learning, we are thankful to have such an excellent resource.

Fantastic experience: Best driving school, with such amazing instructors thanks!

Fantastic experience: I took 8 lessons from them. All the instructors are very professional, nice, and they take the time to teach you what you need to work on. The feedback I got from them was really useful and I recommend anyone try them out! I will have to take a few other lessons with them in the future to become the best safest driver I can be. Thanks guys! I feel more than ready to pass my road test tomorrow.

Fantastic experience: Had a lesson with Steve today to learn manual transmission. Super helpful, got me up and running to drive competently in one lesson. Definitely recommend Steve for driving lessons.

Fantastic experience: Great driving school. Jim, Derek and Steve helped me relax behind the wheel as I was extremely nervous. They prepare you well for the road test. Give them a try as you will not regret it. Thanks guys!

Fantastic experience: I’ve had 6 driving lessons with Pinellas Driving School, all with Steve. As a mid-20’s first time driver with no prior experience outside of parking lots and the occasional side road, tackling the roads in Pinellas County seemed like the impossible, but in a matter of weeks my driving skills have improved drastically and I feel much more comfortable behind the wheel. Steve was a patient, thoughtful instructor who did a great job of tailoring lessons to my specific needs and remembering the things that I needed to work on. He gave plenty of little critiques and tips on the road test that I would have definitely overlooked had I tried to practice driving without a professional instructor. Also, he was very punctual and always arrived at my pick-up location at approximately the scheduled time. I would absolutely recommend this school to anyone in the area who is learning to drive for the first time, or anyone who would like to brush up on their skills.

Fantastic experience: These guys are good. First of all, I contacted multiple other driving schools, but they were either booked, didn’t answer or just didn’t call me back. The guys at this school responded to me within minutes and explained step by step how set up my account and get me going. They also have online scheduling which is super easy and convenient. I scheduled all my appointments that day and was able to start the very next day! The instructors were very knowledgeable and cool, so I actually had fun while learning a lot. Overall great experience. Probably the best driving school around 10/10 would recommend!