Defensive Driving School of Mercer Island

Experiencia fantástica: Jason was an AMAZING instructor. I had been bracing for a boring, bureaucratic sort of curriculum, but, by the second session, Jason had me looking forward to class all week. The staff are happy to answer questions, and are genuinely interested & invested in making their students excellent, safe, defensive drivers. I already have (and will continue) to recommend this course to friends looking for a great place to become confident, safe drivers. Thank you!

Experiencia fantástica: Jason is the best drivers ed instructor! I hate Tyler though (Never met Tyler).

Experiencia fantástica: Great location! Great instructors!

Experiencia fantástica: Jason was so much fun!! I looked forward to the classes every week and I loved that Jason gave us mics!! I wasn't sure going into my first classroom session that first day because of things that other people have said about their experiences and instructors but from the first day, I knew it was going to be a fun group. Thanks Jason and DDS for helping me and tons of other students great and safe drivers!!

Experiencia fantástica: My instructor Clay made zoom engaging and fun :)

Experiencia fantástica: For the online course, my instructor was Jason and he made the class very fun and engaging

Experiencia fantástica: Three of my daughters went through the Defensive Driving School on Mercer Island. We were very happy with the school and caliber of the instructors, particularly Walter. He was patient, kind and diligent with instructions.

Experiencia fantástica: Great experience

Experiencia positiva: the class was great but the drives are very stressful only because of the way they teach being extremely critical

Experiencia negativa: Some of the most uninspired and insufferable teachers I have ever had the misfortune to deal with, however, I am here to rep my homie Vincent, he's a real one.

Experiencia fantástica: Defensive Driving School was great - thorough information and education that was appropriate for my kiddo. Steve was our only driver instructor and he was OUT OF THIS WORD...so patient, reassuring, good-humored...he made the learning how to actually get behind the wheel less scary and more managable. THANK YOU

Experiencia fantástica: Took a minute but we finished with amazing shoulder lane assistance!

Experiencia fantástica: taking drivers ed with Clay. he’s cool, teaches really well & makes learning entertaining. Clay is a winner

Experiencia positiva: I learnt a lot and feel very comfortable driving now that i have completed the course. However some of the videos, stories and simulations that are apart of the curriculum can be so violent that they often brought me very intense anxiety and stress to the point of wanting to quit.

Experiencia fantástica: dub place, easy classes as long as you pay attention, driving instructor was the best (give willow a raise)

Experiencia fantástica: Excellent school. All staff were dedicated and helpful. Thank you.

Experiencia fantástica: My teen now knows more about driving than me. This was an extremely thorough experience. I feel very confident in his skills.

Experiencia fantástica: Jason kept doing backflips and parkour on camera. Would give six stars if I could.

Experiencia fantástica: One class with Willow Moon changed my life. She is truly the best. She taught me basics of driving so well in one class that I went back and started driving with my learners license on small roads just to finish the homework she gave me. But I never stopped driving after that. She taught me about the practical aspects for driving like space around the car, how to focus on my driving path etc so well that made me lose my irrational fears about driving. I am so glad i chose her randomly. Strongly recommend her if you are looking to ace driving with ease. I later on took another class with her to better prepare for my skills test and of course that was awesome too. Have my driving test today! Hope I get it.

Experiencia fantástica: My daughter had very good experience at MI Defensive Driving School. They have high qualification and experienced instructors. I definitely recommend to others . Thank you for your help and support!

Experiencia fantástica: While I don’t condone the privatized mess of a DMV system in WA, this facility met my needs perfectly. My instructor Willow is highly experienced and a really good teacher.

Experiencia fantástica: Clay was a great teacher he kept classes super engaging and always fun. He also had discipline tjo. When people got unfocused or used chat in the wrong ways he got them to stop or closed chat so we’d focus. It’s a long class but he made it go by fast. Loved his stories! I haven’t had in person drives yet but I’m hoping those will also go well:)

Experiencia fantástica: Kizeni is the best instructor! I was so nervous and scared of driving but she is always patient and encouraging. She gave me all the confidence and also taught proper approach about driving. I’m so thankful I have her as my instructor

Experiencia negativa: Tina is a really bad teacher.

Experiencia negativa: This place is a scam, been driving for more than 10 years and needed a license from washington. Took driving test twice and was failed with the main feedback to taking their courses. its unjust to offer $90 driving test just to force people to take their driving school.

Experiencia fantástica: Before starting my driving classes I was very anxious and nervous to drive. My driver instructor Willow was able to guide and teach me on how to become a safe driver through clear and calm instructions. With each lessons and a lot of practice I was able to build my confidence and pass the skills test. I am very thankful for all the lessons I had with Willow. I also want to thank Tina who stepped in towards the end of my training! Tina was very supportive and helped me continue to build my confidence! Thank you to you both! I highly recommend Defensive Driving School for both adults and students, it was a great experience!

Experiencia fantástica: Great location.

Experiencia negativa: We just went to this place in Mercer Island to ask for more information. Looks like no one was there but there were no sign that it was closed, we knocked and suddenly a woman with a real bad attitude came from behind us and told us that they hate when people knock on the window?! What! The whole front door is made of glass She never asked us if we need something or if we were looking for some one. She just told us to wait on the bench until someone arrived back from their drive. Such bad costumer service. ☹️ You better believe I will never be coming back!

Experiencia fantástica: The instructors were all extremely kind and I really appreciate their help! Can definitely recommend this place. No complaints!

Experiencia fantástica: Mike Riendeau and Chao Huang are both amazing instructors

Experiencia fantástica: Michelle was an amazing teacher and I'm glad to have taken a course with her.

Experiencia fantástica: I had fun learning with ms. Willow, she mold me how to become a safer and better driver., she approached mistakes in a well mannered way..i never drive car before i took the classes at dds i was so nervous but the instructors really helps me to boost my confident on the road, i appreciate all the patience that they have ., (Chow and ms willow ) my husband noticed all the changes on my driving skills after the classes i would say i invested a really good school for my safety!!!

Experiencia fantástica: When I first started driving I barely knew what I was doing. I was very insecure and nervous, and I never thought I was going to get better. Willow, one of the driving instructors at this location, helped me learn everything - from basics to advanced which helped me with the skills test. Willow cares about her students, she bonds with them and makes them feel safe and comfortable while still maintaining a very professional relationship. Today I am very comfortable driving, I received all the knowledge and guidance I need to be able to drive safely. I can't believe how only 12 lessons with Willow turned me from a very scared student to a very confident driver. I would highly highly recommend Willow as a driving instructor.

Experiencia fantástica: Got a lot of info, the course was easy to understand and the work wasn’t overwhelming!

Experiencia positiva: It was fun very nice people W

Experiencia fantástica: The instructor/s mostly Willow has clear guidance and communication skills during behind the wheel sessions. In a respectful and patient way, she points out my mistakes while driving and educated me to improve. I had called their office phone and it is always attended in a timely manner. Highly recommend.

Experiencia fantástica: Quality driver's ed experience, the classroom time was fun and informative, even despite zoom's restrictions, and the driving instructors were very patient and helpful during the drives. I have my license now and for that I thank Defensive Driving School.

Experiencia negativa: Has yet to respond to a single one of my several. emails

Experiencia fantástica: Had a great experience, even with online learning during COVID. Kyle and Willow were especially friendly, constructive, and helpful. If you pay attention and take the classes seriously, you'll have no problem with the tests, both driving and physical. This is a great school, and I would highly recommend it!

Experiencia fantástica: They were great. Nice, friendly instructors.

Experiencia fantástica: After several conversations and such, everything turned out great at the end, the owner really fixed everything, thank you!

Experiencia negativa: DO NOT GO HERE. Very unprofessional and RUDE.

Experiencia fantástica: The owner JC is professional, understanding and with great work values. If there's any issues he's ready to help!

Experiencia fantástica: I ammended my review because I have to recommend this location. The owner himself went above and beyond to address our issues. Don't do like me and leave a review before contacting them.

Experiencia fantástica: A fantastic Driving School. Extremely happy with their instruction in class and in the car. A big shout out to Michelle Feil, German Yuen and Willow. They really hammered home the rules and the responsibility of driving safely! Would highly recommend this school for all new drivers.

Experiencia fantástica: Great instructors - I did my classes with German and Michelle - most with German. I had also sought for classes on the freeway. German had the unique ability to understand why I was making the mistakes I was making. And he helped me understand in a visual way how to go about correcting my way of driving. Thank you Michelle and German for getting me to learn driving the right way.

Experiencia fantástica: Having a driving school that is local and convenient is very beneficial! The instructors are very well informed and seem passionate about their job.

Experiencia positiva: Classes aren’t boring and the instructors are nice.

Experiencia fantástica: The teachers at Defensive are so patient and well-spoken that they make learning to drive a fun and entirely stress-free experience.

Experiencia fantástica: Great class, the teacher is very nice

Experiencia fantástica: My instructor, Mrs Welch, not only taught me how to drive safely and responsively, but was extremely kind along the way. Through lots of amazing constructive criticism, she explained what I needed to improve upon in order to successfully succeed in driving. She additionally taught me in the classroom. Her bubbly personality always brightened my (and my classmates) mornings. Instead of it being lecture upon lecture of boring garble, she managed to make lessons interactive and fun. She honestly was one of the best teachers I have ever had in any class. Thanks Mrs Welch!!!

Experiencia negativa: Willow has a broken branch and I have had 5 different instructions

Experiencia fantástica: German was a great instructor and helped me a'lot with my class driving test. The education was also very good. I would definitely recommend.

Experiencia fantástica: The class wasn’t boring and teachers were really nice. Especially, German was very nice. I really enjoyed it.

Experiencia fantástica: I myself was a student here, I had German as a driving instructor. He was really great at explaining what I needed to do and he really made me a better driver.

Experiencia negativa: I had to take the test as an adult in order to get a new driver's license. I was assigned to Michelle for the driving test. From the moment I walked in for the appointment, she was passive aggressive and unfriendly. She told me that because of my name change due to marriage the DMV probably wouldn't accept the results of my test but I couldn't re-schedule. Note that I had previously called the DMV to ask about my name change and they told me just to bring in marriage certificate when I cam in for the license. We started the test and she seemed determine to find flaws with my driving. She actually chastised me during the test "for braking too suddenly." She spoke to me like a deliquent high school student, not a competent adult driver. She clearly likes telling people what to do and that may fly in the classroom, but not in the real world. One of the most unpleasant interactions I've every experienced. The only reason I gave them 2 stars is because the owner of the company is very nice and followed up me directly after I called to voice my concerns. I re-took the test at the Kirkland location. They were much nicer.

Experiencia fantástica: Michelle and German are amazing teachers!!! I feel like a learned so much taking this class and everyone was were so nice! :D

Experiencia fantástica: My experience at Defensive Driving School was definitely worth my while to maybe get the odds back on my side for safe driving. Take a month long class with Michele or German and you’ll be on the road before you know it!

Experiencia fantástica: The course was only a month long and the classes were easy attend and fun to listen to. a break was provided every single class to get up and stretch your legs or go to the local rite aid to eat some tasty candy. The driving instructors, Michelle and German were very supportive and fun to drive with on all of my drives.

Experiencia fantástica: Michelle is a great instructor. All instructors at defensive are very nice and helpful. I loved my experience, Michelle is very informative but also keeps the class engaged!

Experiencia fantástica: I'm very confident in my son as a driver after sending him here, he was able to pass his tests first try and I'm glad i made the right choice.

Experiencia fantástica: I did my driving test here with Michelle. She is a wonderful person. Her instructions were very clear. During the warm up session, her tips were very helpful. This made the driving test to be straight forward.

Experiencia fantástica: My instructor was very informative and made learning both entertaining and fun. I enjoyed my class work load and activities.

Experiencia fantástica: This is a p good place.

Experiencia negativa: Took my test here with a middle aged female instructor here. She was late and incredibly rude to me - judging from the other reviews, think part of the reason may have been I wasn't a student of hers. She spoke to me as though she would rather have done anything else than administered my test. Would not come again it was the worst experience with a driving school I've ever had in my life.

Experiencia fantástica: This place is great! Great environment to learn in. The teachers are very nice and make things easy and enjoyable to learn, even if you don't know all the teachers they become friends immediately. If you need to take driving school or are thinly about it. Do defensive driving. You'll learn new thing everyday, even my parents learned a few things!

Experiencia fantástica: Great teachers, class was fun, and I learned a lot :D

Experiencia fantástica: Was an absolute joy to learn driving at. Michelle is a wonderful teacher and she made everything easy to understand. The cheap power points were appreciated.

Experiencia fantástica: I took classes mainly with German and I can tell he is a great teacher! He helpfully points out all the ways to improve. He is very patient and helps you practice until perfection. He is very efficient, uses every minute, and is always on time. He is a natural teacher, pays such close attention, and always knows what to say, when and how. Even though I have driven before, I learned so much more from him. I also had one class with Valerie who is also very good. She has lots of helpful tips. She explains things very clearly.

Experiencia fantástica: Love it here! The instructors are great and do a great job of showing you how to drive but not make it scary.

Experiencia fantástica: German and Michele are great instructors who always corrected my mistakes and my experience here was absolutely fantastic.

Experiencia fantástica: My daughter (19 yo) took 5 classes with German and Michelle at the Mercer Island location. They are excellent teachers — calm, clear, positive, specific feedback and tips. Location is great for student drivers, too. I strongly recommend this school.

Experiencia fantástica: Great instructors, kind people, 10/10 for Michelle and German

Experiencia fantástica: Michelle was the best!!!

Experiencia fantástica: Michelle was very knowledgeable and kind! I feel very prepared to take my drivers test after the last few weeks.

Experiencia fantástica: The course is very thorough and understandable and the instructors are super patient and understanding!

Experiencia fantástica: The teachers are great- Michelle is my fav- 10/10 recommend

Experiencia fantástica: I had a great time learning to drive.

Experiencia fantástica: cool

Experiencia fantástica: dank

Experiencia fantástica: Dank

Experiencia fantástica: They told us we'd get free pizza if our class gave ten reviews, and the class was fun, so here is my review for pizza

Experiencia positiva: Great class

Experiencia fantástica: Wonderful teachers who care for their students. Good learning and expierences.

Experiencia fantástica: Michelle is the best and makes lessons interesting. 15 lessons can seem like a lot but time flies! Def would recommend!

Experiencia fantástica: Super fun learning experience

Experiencia fantástica: 10/10 would recommend. Michelle is a homie and Germans nicest dude around. Both are very smart and knowledgeable individuals. Meme appreciaters will love this class

Experiencia fantástica: Michelle is a knowledgeable instructor.

Experiencia fantástica: Great teaching, I usually have trouble concentrating but I know what's going all the time.

Experiencia fantástica: Great content and had a good teacher! Fun but serious matters.

Experiencia fantástica: It's pretty fun, there isn't too much work, and if you pay attention you'll be fine

Experiencia positiva: Teachers are incredibly polite and patient. Highly recommend for all teens looking for a drivers ed program.

Experiencia fantástica: I had German Yuen for two of my drives, one of them being the test and I really liked him as my instructor. Every time I did something wrong he would explain me how to do it right and made me do it again. That really helped me to learn more skills. I really recommend Defensive driving to anyone who wants to get a liscence.

Experiencia fantástica: Good information!

Experiencia negativa: I am an avid review reader BEFORE I go anywhere. This is the review that I wish I had before choosing Defensive Driving School (I will refer to them as DDS). First of all, dealing with driving schools and DMVs is always frustrating. But my frustrating experience was increased 10 fold by choosing to go through DDS. I took a driving test with an instructor who didn't speak English that I could properly understand. While telling me to do things I felt like I was playing the guessing game trying to figure out what exactly he wanted of me. Then by the end of the test he said I failed! I asked what the reasons were and there were a few things he completely made up! He said I cut into other lanes while turning, he said that I was past the safe line at a light, he said I didn't look in my blind spots or signal! Which is all a bunch of bull! I have been driving for over 10 years and my license from out of state just expired a few weeks prior to going to the DMV so they said I had to take the knowledge and skills test (which I was really frustrated about!)..how IN THE WORLD could I fail a driving test??!?!? Well after getting home from the test I called and expressed my unfair scoring and frustrations and the person told me that there was nothing he could do. I asked him then another time, what my other options are and he said nothing, sorry ma'am. So here I am, already having paid $30 for the knowledge test and $50 for the driving test which I failed, and forced to pay $50 for ANOTHER driving test (which who knows if I would pass, because clearly the company is hurting for money, if they think they need to unfairly fail great, experienced drivers.) Super annoyed, my husband called and found that he can talk to someone higher up, which she told him to have me write an email and explain my side of the scoring/driving test and she would reply within an hour...was that special 1 hour promise fulfilled? NOPE. Then, when I went to dispute it (because the scoring was totally bogus and unfair) via email, the lady responded to me 3 days later and said sorry, the instructors comments are below. Nothing we can do, good luck with your next test! Well what was in the that same instructor's comments "below"...a bunch of lies! He lied to the supervisor and said I had agreed with all the mistakes he said I made, at the end of my test! He also changed what he said he docked points off for. All of a sudden it wasn't the same thing he had told me at the end of my driving test. So now we're dealing with my word against his, which always makes the customer the loser in the end. This company has had problems in the past and has also received fines from the Washington Department of Licensing. Beware of this sketchy company! They have horrible customer service and are out there to make money and rip you off, and fail you ;) Also, there's a bunch of other driving companies you can go through that will charge you WAY less than these fools are charging. Do your research and DO NOT go to DDS.

Experiencia fantástica: MI three great teachers, one was fantastic, I'm typing this under duress. They paid me 38 cents to say this. -Josh Chansky

Experiencia fantástica: Very happy with defensive. Great instructors and good people.

Experiencia fantástica: thinks for driving school, I learn how to drive