I had a great experience with Bay Area Driving Academy and especially with my instructor, Efrain. He was patient, supportive, and explained everything clearly, which really helped me feel confident behind the wheel. Thanks to his guidance and teaching, I passed my driving test on my very first attempt! I truly appreciate all his help and would highly recommend him to anyone learning to drive. read more

I scheduled and paid for a 2nd lesson, but unfortunately the instructor texted the morning of the lesson to cancel because he was sick. Totally understandable. The next day I called and their answering service said email or text was the best way to reach the company. So I emailed and sent a message via their website to try to reschedule. No response. I sent a text and emailed again the following day with the same request to reschedule. Still no response. It's been 3 days and I haven't been able to get a response about rescheduling the appointment that I've already paid for but was canceled by the instructor because he was sick. I just sent another text and am crossing my fingers someone will reply to something. read more

Worst driving school experience I've had in the Bay Area. There is no reliable way to contact them at all. Calls go unanswered and emails are ignored. That alone should have made me walk away. I still went ahead with lessons and the experience was even worse. The instructor, David, wore a mask the entire time and barely spoke, which made it very hard to understand instructions. He was unprofessional, unfriendly, and clearly not interested in teaching. He gave unclear guidance and made no effort to explain things properly. Despite claiming to prepare students for the DMV test, he never once took me on an actual DMV route or anything close to it. The lessons felt random, rushed, and not structured for learning. I have tried other driving schools in the Bay Area, and this one is by far the worst. Many of the positive reviews appear fake or at least highly misleading, because my experience was the complete opposite. Avoid this school. Avoid David. There are much better options elsewhere. read more

Helped my daughter to learn to drive and pass drivers test. My daughter's instructor was very helpful and gave my daughter confidence to pass the test. read more

Awesome Experience with Bay Area Driving Academy!! They serve an extensive part of both the North and South Bay Area. It's an easy place and website with which to schedule, have prompt pickup/return time, and are very professional, friendly. Family owned and operated for many years, Carrie is awesome!! My daughter drove with Instructor Steven and absolutely enjoyed her experience, too. Cannot speak highly enough of Bay Area Driving Academy!! Thank you!! read more

My daughter had her first lesson yesterday with David. She came back so happy and excited that it just melted my heart. David was polite and calm and that helped tremendously. I'm too nervous and my husband talks too much for her. She was much more confident with David and came home with that confidence. So, this is a big thank you to David for a job well done. I asked you to take good care of my child and you did that and so much more. This was a great experience for the driving student and for her parents. I also liked the unmarked car. I think that helps the student not feel conspicuous. read more

Great driving lesson! I had a refresher course with Leroy mainly focused on highway and it was such a great way for me to build confidence in driving as someone who got her license as a high schooler but hasn't driven much in the past 10 years. Leroy was such calm and supportive during my 2-hour lesson. We went on the highway for the first time and I definitely became much more confident afterwards and have been able to drive a lot more comfortably by myself. An added plus that they'll pick you up from a location of your choice! read more

I've worked with multiple instructors at this school to get my adult driver's license and they are all very nice and knowledgeable about the test and the rules of the road. The post lesson feedback which scores the core competencies is extremely helpful to make sure I am making progress with each lesson. I worked with Forest, Scott, Leroy, Carrie, and Ryane (I had Ryane for my passing test assist) and I would highly recommend all of them! Also shout out to Jenny for always being understanding of my work/test schedule and working around it. read more

We took my daughter to Bay Area Driving Academy for her behind the wheel lessons and could not be any happier. The instructor that worked with my daughter was very helpful and patient. They picked her up at our home with the time that worked for us, and their rates were VERY reasonable. My daughter said that her instructor gave her positive feedback while driving, and made her feel at ease all in a while learning the rules of the road. Like they say..."the proof is in the pudding", because my daughter passed her driving test on her first try with a 100%!! Thank you again Bay Area Driving Academy! read more

Even though I had gotten my drivers license 20+ years ago in New York City, I never ended up getting a car or driving there. So I was quite nervous about driving when I moved to the Bay Area and I put it off for a few years. I was turned on to Bay Area Driving Academy by a friend whose two kids had great experiences learning to drive with them. I took several refresher sessions with Carrie, Ryane and Leroy and I loved them all! They were all super relaxed and extremely helpful with feedback and were totally not worried about how anxious I was. We did some city and highway driving, then on our third session, Carrie had me driving through the mountains to Santa Cruz on the very curvy Route 17! That was quite the confidence booster! I really appreciated that they have the custom course that you can tailor to exactly the things you want to work on. I'd recommend these folks in a heartbeat! read more

Great instructors !! My perspective here is going to be a unique one as I did lessons with literally all of them. From the booking process, to the lessons and the post-lesson reviews, it's all very helpful. I have, without a doubt, created some very good habits as a driver through their work. Passed on first try for my practical test and got great pointers throughout. I would say take your time with lessons and get very comfortable with driving as the test could be nerve wracking otherwise. Hugeee shoutouts to Ryane, Scott, Carrie, Leroy, and Sandra, they are all very knowledgeable, patient, and good at giving direction. Special thanks to Jenny too, always on top of getting me lessons when there are cancellations and a delight overall. read more

Amazing driving instructors particularly Forest and Clifton who helped me to feel comfortable and become a confident driver. I passed the test on my first try and felt relaxed the entire time read more

I recently had three 2 hour lessons with Sandra. I booked about a month in advance and received plenty of notice and reminders prior to the appointment which was really helpful. When I had a question about the booking process, I only had to wait 20mins for a response from the company via email. This was my first experience behind the wheel and though I was really nervous, Sandra did an awesome job guiding me through the different parts of the vehicle, pointing out things to keep in mind while I drive, and how to approach different situations. Whenever I made a mistake, she would point it out in a way that wasn't demeaning. She was very easy going and it definitely made me feel relaxed behind the wheel. It felt like I was in capable hands. I never felt rushed or panicked and she gave lots of good tips for the DMV exam. While you do need to book lessons way in advance, overall it was a worthwhile and great experience, especially if you're a new driver learning for the first time. I would also recommend Sandra as a driving instructor. read more

My kid took 3 lessons with Carrie and thoroughly enjoyed and learned during each. Carrie is a great instructor, pleasant, and we are very happy that a friend recommended her to us several months ago. We'll be coming back to Carrie when our other kids need lessons as well. read more

Took the driving day assist test, Scott was fantastic! gave some really useful tips before the test which helped a lot

Not sure if we just caught Carrie at a bad time - but we did not have a pleasant experience, at ALL. The first two lessons were actually good, and I felt positively about Carrie's teaching and attitude, but after that, something changed. Carrie spent most of the lessons texting on her phone, even reading the text messages out loud to me and laughing, chatting with me, telling me what she was replying to her texts, etc. Very little teaching... mostly chatting. She also ranted to me about her personal life problems, such as her marriage problems -- I was there to learn to drive, not to act as a marriage counselor. Other than that, she asked me a lot of personal questions that made me feel uncomfortable. I get that some teachers do small talk to make you comfortable, but this was far too much, there were some questions I felt extremely uncomfortable upon being asked and felt were hardly appropriate for the situation. Plus, we wasted a LOT of time chatting... again, I was there to LEARN, not to act as a friend to chat for Carrie to chat with. Wasted time and money. read more

I booked a lesson with this service for a first 2-hour lesson. I waited 3 weeks for this lesson, and finally it was a bust: driver arrived late, but also not at the scheduled address. The attempted communication to find the driver ended up taking time and one hour into the lesson time we still hadn't found each other, so decided to cancel after running around the neighborhood for 30 minutes. I just didn't get any service. The question now is: will I get my money back? read more

I'm so grateful to the team at Bay Area Driving Academy for helping me develop my driving skills and confidence. I had several instructors (Carrie, David, Leroy, Ryane and Scott), each of whom was patient and thoughtful. They provided me with actionable feedback for my behind-the-wheel test, as well as practical advice to help me be a safe and confident driver after passing the test. Whether you're a first-time driver like me or just someone who's not very confident navigating the Bay Area roads, I highly recommend Bay Area Driving Academy. Thank you so, so much, everyone! read more

My daughter had a great experience with Teresa , she took the 2hr road test preparation course as well as the 2hr road testing day with her at RWC dmv. Thanks to Teresa my daughter passed her first time. read more

I had a 6 hours course package plus a 2 hours extra lesson and the test day assist course. However, i had never tried a complete test route - drive out from the dmv, finish the route, drive back to the dmv and park the car. On the test day it was the first time I actually drove out from the dmv and also drove back to dmv parking lot and I didn't know what to expect. Also, I didn't know that I have to park the car after the test. I was told that I don't have to park. Finally, I didn't know that for the pre-test checklist, I have to turn on the battery without turning on the engine first. All these things were not taught by the instructor. Finally, I completed the 6 hours course with the instructor using the car, but on test day it was a different car. read more

Just passed my driving test and all thanks to Carrie! I had taken a 2 hour session "Pre-Test Preparedness Course" with Instructor Carrie and she really boosted my confidence. Really impressed with the Bay Area Driving Academy's 5-CORE COMPETENCIES Assessment. I was lucky enough to have Carrie as my instructor, she was super cool, patient, friendly and knowledgeable about all things driving, safety, cars and tips. Loved our chats during the session and feel much more confident and competent as a driver thanks to her guidance. Carrie even sent me notes and feedback post our session for my reference anytime. Would highly recommend learning with Bay Area Driving Academy & specifically from Carrie! read more

We had a great experience with your company when our daughter learned to drive a few years ago, and were confident putting our son in your care for this important job. We will definitely recommend you to anyone who asks for our advice on choosing a driving school! read more

I need to revise a review I made on 2/20/2023 "Very non-responsive. I have been trying to contact a real person for a week by text, phone, email and even went to their office TWICE and nobody is ever there." - There were some strange communication breakdowns, and the Bay Area Driving Academy did email me a day after I emailed them, though my email program did not show it. Therefore, I am giving them 5 stars in a new review until Yelp lets me delete or edit my first one. read more

Thank you so much Carrie and Bay Area Driving Academy!! It was an amazing learning experience with you. I passed my test and all thanks to the focus on Attention to detail that you taught me!! I would definitely recommend Carrie and Bay Area Driving Academy to anyone who is looking for the best, price vs Quality of lessons experience, because it sure was the best 2 hour lesson that stuck with me well especially during the test for the most affordable price I could get. So Thank you once again, Carrie and Bay Area Driving Academy!!! read more

If I could give zero stars I would! We scheduled three consecutive driving lessons for our teen son. We were proactive and scheduled all three sessions mid July for first driving lesson end of August, second mid Sept and third in Oct. We just received an email few days ago that his first appointment was rescheduled from 8/31 to Oct 3rd!!! So the reschedule is already beyond his first, second and third originally scheduled session!! Complete lack of communication to align on what works for us with rescheduling, the reasons for rescheduling etc... just an email to say oh your appointment is now on Oct 3rd! Not acceptable, and not a company that we want to do any business with. If there is no regard to you as a customer prior to the lessons, I can just imagine how reliable the actual driving lesson schedule would be... Pass, asked for a refund and already looking for a different school, we are in no rush but If you are DON'T book with Bay Area Driving Academy as you cannot trust them. I would advise look around some more before booking this driving school, especially if you are counting on the schedule they have you pay for upfront, they are not reliable!! read more

Bay Area Driving Academy - Bay Area Driving Academy email to us just a few days ago - Driving Schools Near Me - Santa Clara, California

Teresa was wonderful, I selected the Test Day Assist Course and right from the jump she was super helpful and knew how to have a good time. She made sure to give me good pointers and that I knew what the driving instructor would expect from me. I highly recommend going with her if you need any help driving whatsoever because she will break things down nice and easy and will make you feel prepared. Thanks again Teresa you are awesome! read more

This company is awesome! I definitely recommend, my 16-year-old took classes with a few different instructors and they were both great. They were helpful, knowledgeable, professional. When originally trying to get information and set up the appointments they were very prompt and everything was set up via text and email making payments were convenient as we did them online and Carrie In the office is the one that I dealt with. She was very professional helpful, and friendly. Definitely a five-star company! Needless to say my daughter passed her drivers test with flying colors and got her first car in the whole experience was was great. read more

Bay Area Driving Academy - Driving Schools Near Me - Santa Clara, California

Best driving school and best instructor in Bay Area!! Hassell is such a great instructor. He is so nice, knowledgeable and extremely patient! He is the best instructor I've ever encounter!! I took two lessons with him and he taught me soooo much, not just everything about road test but also very practical skills like how to drive on freeway, in mountain area and a lot more. AND I PASSED MY ROAD TEST FIRST TRY today!! I highly recommend taking class with Hassell, ur driving will just instantly improve magically :D. Be sure to ask for Hassell for you lessons, you won't regret!! read more

Thank you to Carrie at Bay Area Driving Academy for teaching my oldest son to drive. He just passed his driver's test!! As a parent, I appreciated the email feedback with the information on what he is doing well and what he needs to work on. Carrie was a calm and straightforward instructor. I will definitely use this driving school for my other two boys. read more

My teenage daughter took 3 driving lessons with Sandra the last few months. She passed the driving test today. Have to give Sandra a lot of credits, especially after the first lesson the kiddo already got a lot of confidence driving when I practiced with her. Sandra also shared some tips and tricks with her for the actual test. Sign up with her! read more

Bay Area Driving Academy - Bay Area driving academy Yelp page - Driving Schools Near Me - Santa Clara, California

I booked the freeway-focused lesson with Sandra. She is just amazing and instructed me for two hours. She made me super comfortable on the freeway while merging lanes, lane changing, and following Google maps. I definitely recommend Bay Area driving academy as they rescheduled classes so many times and responded promptly. And I am extremely happy with Sandra, she is an awesome, knowledgeable, and patient instructor. read more

I chose a custom-tailored course with BADA to improve my driving after moving here from the Midwest. I was very fortunate to have Armenia as my instructor. She was extremely patient and offered real-time feedback throughout the lesson. She was very observant and pointed out many areas I need improvements in. She shared a lot of practical tips on driving in the Bay Area. Her explanations helped me identify my bad habits and start forming good ones. In my opinion, this course was 100% worth the investment. Thanks! read more

It took me a while to get over my fear of driving, I felt so much confident and safe when I started these lessons! I took three lessons with Sandra and she made me feel so comfortable, I usually get really nervous when driving on the road but Sandra guided me perfectly and had a lot of patience, first two lessons were on the streets and different areas in my city. We practiced on hills and eventually I got on the freeway :) definitely book a lesson with Sandra if you're a new driver! I then took a pre-test lesson with Carrie a week before my exam and by this time I was comfortable with driving, Carrie as well had a lot of patience, she made me feel safe on the road and took the time to make sure I was prepared and ready for my exam. I as well would recommend Carrie as an instructor! Today was my exam and I passed! Huge thanks to both Sandra and Carrie, passed with 6 mistakes. read more

Our daughter passed her driving test last week thanks to BADA instructor Erin Young! Before her first lesson she was very hesitant to even try, had no desire to drive and was convinced that she will never be a good driver but after one lesson with Erin - she loved it! in a few month our youngest daughter will be practicing for her driving test and we'll be asking for Erin's help again! Yelena McCulloch read more

Very professional and helpful. I passed my drivers test on the first try. If you are looking into booking with them, please book Ryane, she is the best!!! read more

I tried to schedule online and paid. After paying, the appointment confirmed for a date 3 weeks later than what I had selected. So I tried to cancel. I received an email asking if I would like to reschedule or receive a refund. I replied requesting a refund because I had found a different company with times that better suited my needs. I have called and emailed several times over the past month and have not had any communication back and I have not received my refund! Don't give them your money. read more

I took 3 classes with Bay Area Driving Academy: 1 with Sohrab and 2 with Carrie and I loved it ! They are both easy going, patient and very approachable. Having taken classes with other schools, what stands out with Bay Area Driving Academy is how comfortable I felt and the tips and tricks from both Carrie and Sohrab that will always stay with me. In terms of background, I am from Singapore and had never driven before. I would highly recommend Bay Area Driving Academy for beginners and those looking for a refresher course! read more

We used Bay Area Driving Academy for an au pair driving check, using their adult International Relocate Driving Course option - I figured it was better having a "neutral" third party evaluate a new au pair's driving skills. In January 2019, our new au pair had a course the day after she arrived and it was fine. So I booked one for September 2020 for our next au pair, for two days after SHE joined us. This time, Bay Area Driving Academy went out of their way to find some technicality to cancel the two-hour lesson and make us forfeit $145. Even when I pointed out that this was the exact same scenario we previously scheduled them for without a problem, they didn't care and refused to refund us the money. I'm currently trying to contest the charge through my bank instead. I suppose if you have a teenager who needs more practice and you don't mind potentially throwing money away, you can use this group. They seemed fine for the one course we did get almost two years ago. But beware that it seems that they'll find any excuse they can to cancel last-minute and then blame YOU for it. read more

Carrie was my driving instructor, and serves as the CEO of the Bay Area Driving Academy. She is incredibly kind, compassionate, knowledgable, and professional. Before learning with Carrie I had no driving experience. Through only a few sessions with Carrie I had the tools I needed to comfortably pass the driving test at the Santa Clara DMV. Carrie is a particularly good instructor given her effective and clear communication (verbally and via emails), organization, and genuine dedication to her students. She is a pleasure to work with, and is highly recommended as a driving instructor. read more

I took a pre-test preparedness course with Carrie. She is a great instructor and taught me all the things that I needed to do to pass my dmv driving test. I passed my test a couple of days after I took the lesson! I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking to take a driving lesson. read more