Our Reviews

Carrie is amazing! I was totally a new driver in my 34 years. And I was so scared 🙂 Also I had a few lessons with instructor from another driving school who was immediately available and it was nightmare. When I took lesson with Carrie (originally from Sunnyvale Driving School) it was like day and night. And Carrie let me do all things myself – she didn’t touch steering wheel or brake except a few times. Though I think some times she really wanted to 🙂

I had only 5 lessons with Carrie because she is extremely busy. So my husband had to teach me too. But Carrie’s lessons were the key. And I passed my driving test from the first time!

P.S. I’m new in US and my English is not perfect as you can see 🙂 But communication with Carrie was always easy and pleasant to me. I clearly understood each small thing. So don’t be afraid – you don’t need instructor who speaks on your native language. 8/11/2016

I haven’t read the other reviews for Bay Area Diving Academy but I have been using them for months, for both of my daughters, and this review is long overdue!

I was recommended to Bay Area Driving Academy from a friend; I think most of their business is word-of-mouth so because of the high demand they get booked up quickly. My experiences are with Carrie, who I would describe as highly professional – an expert in her field and Jimmy who is in operations and manages the excellent customer service side of the business – both are wonderful!

Basically I don’t know what I would have done without Carrie. I have alternated weekly appointments for my daughters because I was not able to take them driving. Matter-of-fact my eldest daughter spent the first year after she got her written permit barely driving. It wasn’t until I started lessons with Carrie that everything got serious – I didn’t have the wherewithal to take them on freeways especially Highway 17!

So Carrie came to our house weekly and taught the girls from square one; my eldest has since passed her drivers test (first try) and my youngest will test when she is eligible. That being said, it’s not just about passing the test and getting a driver’s license but it’s about becoming a safe, confident driver who is prepared for driving here is this traffic on these roads. This is what Carrie does.

Bottom line is that I would very much recommend this company to anyone who is learning to drive because in my opinion, well trained drivers are good for everyone! 11/18/2016

I would definitely recommend The Bay Area Driving Academy to anyone who needs lesson. Especially, if you are a nervous driver. I had lessons with Carrie and Jen but ALL of the instructors are very friendly and patient.

What I appreciated the most was the fact that when little issues arose (on my end) the staff expressed professionalism and understanding.

If you want professional and patient instructors, with no attitude.. then this is your place! 1/11/2017

I booked a lesson after a recommendation from a friend. Teresa was a really good instructor. I told her that in my thirty something years I had never driven till a month ago for about 8 hours. She told me that she would try her best. And she did. She explained me thoroughly how DMV would test me. She also instructed me how to plan my practice leading to my road test. I passed it the first time I took.

She’s really knowledgable about the test. If you follow her instructions step by step, you have a high chance to pass. More importantly she’s knowledgable about the local driving culture, which could really safe your life.

Last thing, she’s strict but fun! 🙂 1/30/2017

I had gotten a license when I was younger, but at the time didn’t use it and had let it expire. Fast forward 10 years, I move from the city to the suburbs and have to get back to driving. I am generally pretty uncomfortable in cars and much rather take buses and public transit. So I look for a driving school that can help me feel comfortable and safe behind the wheel of a car.

Carrie at Bay Area Driving Academy did just that. I told her that my primary objective with these lessons was to become a confident and safe driver, and a secondary goal was to pass the driving test. Carrie helped ensure that both of these goals were met.

I took 4 lessons in total: 3 with Carrie and another with Jenn to gain a different perspective. They have a relaxed composure, despite me sometimes being not so relaxed, calmly point give guidance and point out things to watch out for or areas of improvement. They help and take over if needed. For example, I managed to take a wrong turn and drive into a construction zone, Carrie helped me quickly back out of it, and when there was enough space and it was safe, guided me through a 3-point turn, at which point I could continue driving more normally.

There were times when I had to cancel a lesson or when one of the instructors was late or had to cancel; this sort of thing happens. In all of these cases, I felt like I was treated with thought, care, and utmost professionalism. In all such cases, there was plenty of heads up given, there were also always various options given and accommodations made as needed. Regardless, the lessons were always their expected 2 hours (never less!) and if rescheduling needed to be done (whether it was because I had to cancel or one of the instructors did), it was handled promptly and my needs were taken into account.

I highly recommend Bay Area Driving Academy if you’re looking for someone to teach you how to drive well, feel confident behind the wheel, and set you up for success to pass the test. 5/14/2017