Signed up online for the May 14 class on April 13 but must have clicked the wrong on the schedule for April 14 start and was out of town. Received one call and I called them back and left message. No return call, I sent them proof of only one call from them and they said I needed to cancel 72 hours before class and that they lost out on a seat when I didn't. Hard to do when the class started less than 15 hours after I signed up. I emailed them back it was a simple mistake and they refused to move my daughter to the May 14 start date and took my $99 deposit. Truly unbelievable, I have their crappy responses via email if anyone is curious. read more

I'm very disappointed with the customer service I received from this company. I did most of my research before choosing this place for my two sons but obviously not enough. I brought my oldest son to take a knowledge test and I also wanted to sign my youngest up for drivers ed classses. When we arrived we weren't greeted immediately with a smile nor a hello. Which seemed strange to me. We were told prior to arrive 30 minutes early to get signed onto the computer just in case we had problems signing on because the test starts exactly at 12. We were told to have our license Xpress log in and we did. She asked if we had that and I explained to her that we did but needed help making sure it was what she needed. We were told from Patsy the owner that she had no clue how to log on or what it looked like but to go onto the DOL website. We stepped aside and logged on and shortly after we approached the counter and Patsy the owner was in the middle of training. We stood there for a few minutes which felt like longer than a few minutes. The phone rang and Patsy the owner answered the call and put the call on hold. She then picked up the phone that she originally put on hold and assisted them first before assisting the customers at the counter. Once off the phone Patsy continued to train so I walked back over to the counter which was only a few steps away and told her we were able to log in and showed her. Patsy then said that she had no clue what or how it looks when logged in. I then explained to her that we had everything we needed to log in and get started. She finally allowed my son to go back and log in. A customer walked in to take the knowledge test and since I wasn't getting help from the owner I politely asked if it was possible if I could see how they were able to log on. The young man had no clue what the license express account was. The parent of the young man asked if she could explain what it was her son needed in order to take the test and Patsy the owner explained it in detail on what to do and also walked her through it on her phone. Once my son was finally able to login I left until he was done. I decided to not let this type of behavior slide and went back in to get Patsy information, and she didn't want to tell me her last name but shared with me that she was the owner. I was appalled to hear that she was the owner and didn't have any customer service experience. While there I was met with unhelpful responses which I should have left when I first noticed it. Patsy the owner seemed uninterested in resolving the issue and offered no clear explanation to why we were being treated unfairly. DISCRIMINATION IS REAL. I expected much better customer care and would hesitate to use this company again. read more

I was a student at this establishment. My instructor for 4/5 drives was incredibly inappropriate. She kept making comments about my race. I quote this "You mixed right? Have any siblings? Is your brother lighter or darker than you?" if you think that's all then you're wrong. Another direct quote was "I've only ever been with black guys" like excuse me, ma'am, I am 16. If I could give this place no stars I would. read more

My older son went through this program four years ago. The experience I've had with my second son has been TERRIBLE. I would not recommend this place to my worst enemy read more

I am posting these photos because this company believes that it is okay to park like this. I approached the business and spoke to a very rude lady. I was very professional and unfortunately have to give this place a one for rude employees and being a driving school and not really knowing how to drive. I probably would not have posted if the individuals inside the establishment had a little respect when someone calls them out. read more

1st Avenue Driving School - Business name - Driving Schools Near Me - Puyallup, Washington

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Our daughter took her driver's examination here, after a very poor experience elsewhere. We were very thankful for friendly staff in the office, and an examiner who made for a comfortable testing environment. When it comes to our next daughter's driver's education, we will definitely be signing her up here. read more

Cheapest probably in the area if you don't care about customer service. Not helpful at all. I wouldn't recommend coming here even if you save some money. read more

Disgusting behaviors from the OWNER of this establishment. Brought my son in for his learner's permit ($25 test). The clerk threatened to deny us service when my son said, "no thank you" to a mask. I asked to speak with a manager in private. I told the owner I was unhappy that they threatened to deny him service after he politely declined to wear a mask. She refused to accept that our exemptions, are LAWFUL and that it is unlawful to discriminate. He is exempt. I am also exempt. Then, she argued with me. She demanded "evidence" or "proof" of his exemption as if we are to swing by God's house for a hall pass. Instead of being gracious and understanding she argued with me and said that maybe he should take his business elsewhere. "We follow the laws here." Yeah?? Discrimination is ILLEGAL in the State of Washington last time I checked. I am disgusted by the manner in which we were treated today and I would never recommend this place. read more

This driving school is unbelievable. They can't show you your test result to see if u really didn't pass the test. I was like I paid for it show me at least the result. They just saying it honestly they want u to take a lot of time so they can get easy money from u. Service is hilarious! Cheep for cheep service. 3-4 times taking a test and same result that's unbelievable and they can't show the proof that u fail the test! That's unfair! read more

My teenage son had a terrible experience today taking his driving test. First we found out when we arrived we didn't have the option of using our own vehicle. So we had to "pay extra" to use the their vehicle. If we had taken course at their school, $399, we would of course be familiar with the vehicle. The speedometer was difficult to read which my son told the instructor. Instructor failed him because he didn't do the required speed. Instructor was rude and wouldn't tell him if he had drove too fast or too slow or how to read speedometer. Instructors like this should not be allowed with our children and should have been a "human being" afterward and showed him how to read speedometer and told him what he did wrong. We will investigate our options and see if we can test in a state run facility or with a school that knows how to treat young people. read more

My daughter has been a student at 1st Avenue Driving School. She completed the classes online due to the Covid-19 situation. Drives were to start today, 05/01/2020. My wife woke up unable to drive due to an illness. We did not have any forewarning of the illness. While we are aware that there is a 24 hour cancellation policy regarding in person drives, we were unaware that this pertained to illness and not just running late, negligence, or scheduling conflicts. They are now charging us a $50.00 fee even though we have no one that could transport my daughter to her drive. This is unethical at best considering the current epidemic. read more

Be aware of the attitude that one of your employees is demonstrating. This elder woman did not have a name tag and when greeting new people, she does not state her name. The elder woman was speaking to a family with a minor child present, who seemed to be an interrupter between the parent and the employee. Not understanding the context of the information of what is needed, the elder employee proceeded to raise her voice. Unhuman to speak to anyone in a causal comfortable setting. read more

My husband and I had an excellent experience here. He just moved to Tacoma to be a school nurse and needed a license as soon as possible so he can commute. Several other driving schools were not answering calls in Tacoma so we found 1st Avenue. The ladies answering calls have always been friendly and informative. I called several times to confirm info and they were always patient with me. When we went in to take the test, everyone was friendly. Sean failed the written the first time but took the second time for no extra cost and passed. We practiced on our own using the DOL videos on what to practice. We practiced for three days and he took the driving test here and passed with 95%. Everyone was friendly this time also. They have adapted to Covid protocols very well with seating arrangements and sanitizers throughout. It's understandable Sean had to use their car, that's probably the law as far as I know. The car was basic enough for him to see everything. I see another review where someone had difficulty seeing the speedometer. That's very unlikely in these basic Ford cars. Plus my husband is Asian and not an excellent driver in my opinion, but good enough to follow laws and drive safely. So if he can pass, I guarantee it's possible for others! Sean and I were very happy with this school and recommend it. Excellent prices as well. read more

I took my drive test here, and the staff is amazing! the lady I did my drive with was so awesome!

Quick and easy IF you study up and practice enough beforehand. I was 18 at the time so I didn't need to take any course. Had a permit for a short amount of time to practice. Was able to just walk in, took my written test, and passed. A week or two after, took my actual drivers test and drove their vehicle (only option, cannot use your own). Either the gas or brake was stiff (I forgot), but the instructor was understanding around that aspect and took that consideration. I also had a nice instructor during the test, so I was lucky in that too, I've heard others didn't have that luxury and would fail because their instructors would stress them. Was also able to pass my test first attempt as well. I cannot stress this enough however, study alot, take practice tests online for the written test (IMPORTANT), and watch lots of youtube videos on drivers tests and read comments, gather information. During the drivers test, be aware of your speed, and USE YOUR INDICATOR, that is very big on points, like when you're pulling in/out the side of the road, turning, changing lanes. That's all. My situation was on the positive note so take my knowledge with a grain of salt. read more