We had a terrible experience with this driving school. The driving instructor Yvonne was very mean to my daughter just because she didn't know how to drive. She has no patience and should not be teaching. I tried to contact the school but they do not answer their phone. After they get your money they can careless. Save yourself the trouble and try another school. read more

Karla is a great driving instructor! I Highly recommend her if you want to pass your driving test!

My son passed his driving test on his first try. Before the test, we took his last class as was recommended. He was given instructions to help him pass and information about what to expect during the test. read more

It was hard to get an appointment - we tried in the summer and they were booking several weeks out. But my real reason for the 3 stars is we definitely didn't get our 6 hours of lessons like we paid for. The first lesson the guy was 20 mins late and dropped my child off 20 mins early. I called and complained. The second woman came on time but dropped him off 15 mins early. This last lesson they picked him up 5 mins late and he came home 5 mins early. Super disappointed. read more

My driving practice through behind the wheel helped me so much, especially with Karla. My lessons with her helped my driving skills improve significantly and her advice made me feel more comfortable on the road. My success on passing the driving test is a direct result from all of her help. Karla is a compassionate and welcoming instructor, and I advise that you should choose her to be your instructor for success on your test. read more

I signed up with this driving school to learn how to drive. My experience depends on the attitudes of the instructors. Lesson 1: Steven I was nervous about driving at first, but he put me at ease when he told me that driving a car is like riding your bicycle. He taught me how to parallel park when I am ready to take my DMV test in the near future. Lesson 2: Stacey I improved from the previous lesson. While I was excited about driving the big boulevards and avenues in this lesson, she reduced it to residential roads. It was not a big deal though, as I improved on residential driving. She was the one who suggested Torrance DMV (over Hawthorne) when I get ready for my test. Lesson 3: Mario This is the lesson where I deal with bigger streets and a drive through other cities. While I did decent in my hometown, the drive in Torrance, Lomita, Carson, and Gardena was h*ll. I was doing my best in driving at the speed of traffic like suggested on the actual test, but Mario told me to pick up the speed in a harsh tone. While he does care about safe driving, he did make me nervous when he told me to pick up the speed when driving behind pickup trucks in Lomita. Exam 1: Melissa (?) This was my first test that I booked with the school. She was not as bad a Mario. However, during warmups, there was a point that she yelled that "she can't step on the brakes for me", which was when I was about to crash into a cyclist that was parked alongside Marine Av near the college. Even though Mario told me about my faults on my final lesson with him, I only failed because I forgot to check my shoulder and my mirror before passing parked cars before merging right before making a right turn. Exam 2: Mario I spent the COVID-19 pandemic practicing driving skills. I told Mario that if I were to deal with a rolling turn on a green light, I learned from driving in the pandemic. Even though I drove a few points under the speed limit (on the acutal test, you may drive no slower than 10 points under the posted speed limit, i.e. you may drive 35-45 on a 45mph road), Mario told me to drive AT the POSTED SPEED LIMIT. He had me merge quicker during warmups by tapping the wheel, saying that if they do touch the wheel, it's an automatic fail. I failed in a close test at 17 points (a little over, but not as bad as my first test in 2020). Exam 3: Jasson He was pretty chill. I tired a different DMV for my test with him. We conversed about how I am seeking a driver's license for a job search. I failed that test when there were super tight streets at Torrance. When I made a turn into another residential neighborhood, it got narrower. My examiner (03 or O3) grabbed the wheel because I was about to crash into oncoming traffic instead of looking in both directions (oncoming traffic on my left and parked cars on my right). While I understand that my reason for failing the test with Jasson was my fault, I was not aware that I would deal with tighter streets on my test at Torrance. I told Jasson that somebody (Fullerton Sam) pirated 2 of the routes to the Torrance DMV that past Spring (March-April 2021). That's where I learned that residential driving at Torrance would make me even more nervous. Exam 4: Miriam I returned to Hawthorne after finding out that Torrance had extremely tight streets. My instructor Miriam was a little bit easier than Mario. Warmup was shorter than how it was in the past. Miriam did not have me go into Gardena nor up to Los Angeles Southwest College. She kept the warmup simple and in closer proximity to the DMV. This was where I learned that applicants for the Hawthorne test arrive 30 mins before their appointment. While I was nervous about the test, seeing that I do not want to repeat the same mistake I made at Torrance due to their (Torrance's) tighter streets (in addition to a premature turn). Despite my anxiety about repeating the same mistakes I made in the past, I ended up finally passing my test, therefore obtaining my license from the DMV, officially graduating from the driving school. However, the fun and excitement we call driving does not start here. We have to have auto insurance beforehand. While the process was not that easy, it took 4 years (August 2018-June 2022) of hard work, dedication, practice, self-improvement, and motivation to get where I am today. read more

Behind The Wheel Driving School - Congratulations to Alex M. for passing his test in June 2022 with the Hawthorne (El Segundo Bl) Office. - Driving Schools Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

My first-born is learning to drive! Part I: Preparing to get one's permit! Super easy to buy the class and take the class online! It must have been an efficient course because my son passed and only missed one question: What is the fine for throwing animals out the window while driving on the freeway? (Go look it up). Because it was online it was super easy to fit in around homework and life in general. They had practice tests for him to take. He finished the course the morning of our DMV appt and wanted to print out the certificate right before I took him in - WRONG PLAN! You must allow time for them to print and mail - or pick up in office. They were very accommodating and we picked it up that day. Can't wait for the next step - Behind-the-wheel training! #makesmewander read more

Behind The Wheel Driving School - Follow their instructions. Proof of residence we took School record (w/ photo) & utility bill. They even provide DMV form! #makesmewander - Driving Schools Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

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100% would recommend to a friend. Great staff and Amazing instructors! My child had different instructors and all three of them helped him learn at his own pace and kept him very calm while driving (anxiety) . definitely bringing my youngest here when its her time to drive. read more

I am a loyal customer of Behind the Wheel and have had 8+ lessons with them over the years. I have had great experiences with my drivers instructors but have had 2 incidents where I was not compensated for. A year and a half ago, my instructor was 2 hours late because they were told the wrong time. And for my most recent lesson, my driver had to cancel 12 minutes beforehand for an understandable issue, but I was not compensated by the supervisor for the rescheduling date. I am not one to leave complaints, but I am very disappointed in how I was treated as a customer especially after being with them for many years. I feel that if a customer has to pay a $75 cancellation fee if they don't cancel 2 days before their lesson, the business themself should not be able to cancel my lesson 12 minutes before without compensation as a double standard. read more

Without a single doubt, I can say these are 5 star driving lessons. * My instructor, George, was a VERY good teacher and incredibly knowledgeable about all facets of driving. I improved SIGNIFICANTLY after just one driving lesson and can confidently say that, with a little more practice, I can easily pass now thanks to his help and advice. Before taking these lessons I thought I was a pretty good driver and didn't need any professional help. However, after failing my test I knew that it wasn't the case. I soon found out that I wasn't the amazing driver I had assumed myself to be. But thanks to the professional analysis and training, I can easily say I'm at a higher level of driving than I ever expected to be at. * To keep things simple. Amazing driving lessons and instructor. Good tips, information, and improvement techniques. Worth every. Single. Penny. If you need a driving instructor or even have a doubt about your own skills, this is definitely the place! read more

Instructor: VANESSA Hi, my name is Bria and I've been a Student with Behind The Wheel Driving School, since February I just got my license today. My instructor was VANESSA and VANESSA was my instructor throughout my entire journey at this driving school. EVERY single lesson! she's amazing, she made me feel really comfortable. She let me know about things I needed to work on, and she was very precise and very consistent which I loved. I also got the drivers test package 249$ and I also got the defensive driving program 995$; definitely worth it. Also, if you have areas of struggle, she will work with you on those things, a lot! so that you can be prepared for the test, I know for me personally going in reverse from a parking spot on an empty curb for 3 spaces backwards was treacherous, (it's on the test btw) but she prepared me and I did an amazing job on it during Thank you! Also, she will let you know whether you are ready or not to do the test so if she says yes, or no, know that you are ready or not ready. I thought I was at a point where I was ready to drive the President of the United States but it turned out I was not ready yet. But I still made it and got my license on the 1st try. The driver's test package is extremely extremely worth it. You should definitely get it. Thank you BTW driving School, Most of all thank you VANESSA!!!! read more

Beware!!! South Bay parents - This is a review for any parents considering this school. We purchased the Defensive Driver package for close to $1,000 just over a year ago. Unfortunately, our daughter was so busy during her senior year (and then off to college), she only used one lesson. I called to transfer the lessons to our younger daughter and was going to purchase a 2nd package for my daughter in college when she returns in summer. When I called, I was told the package expired. It is unbelievable to me that a local business would take and keep that much money under the circumstances and within this timeframe. They did not even offer for us to pay the difference for a new package or ANY other compromise. Apparently, I did not read the terms and conditions section as I thought prepaid service packages of this type did not expire in California. This is on me, but this review is more about what this small, local business is willing to do and how they will treat you. I usually prefer to support local companies and purchased their most expensive package to best prepare my daughter. I would advise any parent to consider a different driving school with a better business practice. You actually have to click the fine print at the bottom of their website to read about the expiration timeframe. I don't want any other parent to be treated the way I was on the phone. I am writing so you know ahead to look carefully at the package, fees, expiration, etc. and to inform that this business only cares about keeping your money. I don't want anyone to get the surprise we did. Again - not even an offer of compromise, adjusted fees, partial refund, or other. read more

I've had two lessons with Behind the Wheel so far. I paid for six hours (three lessons) but was told I could pay for the six hours now and upgrade to the 12 hour Defensive Driving course later. That is really helpful with finances. Both lessons have been with Mauricio. He is funny and helpful. There have been a few times where I felt pushed outside of my comfort zone but I know it is needed for me to get comfortable with becoming a driver. I am 32 years and have never had any desire to drive. I also developed a fear of driving once I moved to California because everyone drives like a maniac here. Since my lessons, I am already more comfortable behind the wheel and look forward to getting in the car driving with my friends or boyfriend. read more

Bought a package awhile ago, liked that they had the online drivers test, so bought early. Well my son was slow and then covid happened. Got my son re-engaged with the process and called them to get my Appts scheduled. They told me they were expired, and that Id have to pay 450 to reinstate. Never once did they try to contact me or even work with me on this. Honestly feel like they stole my money. Please use someone else. read more

Best experience I ever had, George was very professional, on time and efficient. Best of all, my 17 year old daughter who was extremely nervous at first, is now very confident behind the wheel and she passed on her first time. Thank you so much for the notes you provided George, I was able to practice on her weak points and now she's an excellent driver. read more

Great practice, awesome instructors! I was very well prepared for my test after the 12 hour driving package, passed first try! My instructor Jason was very kind and explained rules accurately and well. He was especially helpful with his constructive critique, when I messed up he kindly told me what I did wrong and helped me practice until I got it right. As a result I've acquired skills I wouldn't otherwise have if I had practiced on my own. 10/10 would definitely recommend this class to new/inexperienced drivers read more

Don't bother if you want your teenage driver to be safe and pass the test. My kid had 3 lessons with 3 separate instructors and not once did they teach how to use the center turn lane?! But they did spend precious time go on the freeway which isn't required to PASS THE DRIVING TEST. Per their website: Introduction to Multi Lanes and Major Streets. This third session establishes safe driving practices while maneuvering through multiple lanes, including major turns, lane changes, merging and navigating through various unprotected and protected intersections and more. Nope - they failed. read more

Really a great program that made my daughter feel very comfortable than expected. George is great. We took the 3 courses and also the defensive driving class to help her prepare. Scheduling is very easy and they are always on time and if they are running a little late, they'll let you know. I would recommend Behind the Wheel Driving School to everyone looking for great instruction, feedback and help with your child learning how to navigate the roads and a vehicle. Thanks to all at Behind the Wheel! She passed her driving test and is now a licensed driver! :) Woohoo! read more

I purchased 2 lessons for my daughter. Mario was her instructor. He is extremely good and patient. He raised my daughter's confidence level and she passed the driving test. read more

Incredibly inconsistent! We have had amazing lessons and ones that the instructor cut short by 30 min after a stop at a fast food place. I've had great experiences with the front office and I've also been been frustrated with how they operate things. Example, we open the calendar on x date for the following month; I call on x date and they elected to open it sooner. This happened twice. Booking is challenging and I wouldn't recommend getting the 6 pack of lessons since booking is a stress and some instructors don't give you the full time that you paid for. Hoping things will change and they are just having some pandemic bumps. read more

Update 9/26/07 Well my son had his first driving lesson. He came home in one piece and he said the gentleman that was the instructor was really nice. If you request they will pick up and drop off your teen. .............................................................................................................................. My life is very scary right now. My son just finished his drivers ed education portion and now he gets behind the wheel. We came to this driving school because I see them all around town. I will update my Yelp as the saga continues. God help us all. My son's going to be out on the road. EEEEEkk! (photo to come soon) read more

Behind The Wheel Driving School - Driving Schools Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

Had sara as my instructor and she's absolutely lovely. Scheduling lessons was easy and pleasant! Thank you btw!

I've had two daughters use BTW for their driver's education and it's the best around! One did the standard 6 hr program and the other did 12. My third child will definitely be taking 12, as they teach more highway driving and defensive driving and thoroughly prepare them for the test. Both girls passed the first time. Pro tip: If you can afford it and even if you can't, do your best to take advantage of their drive test service!!!! An instructor will pick up your student, give them 30 min of practice in the area of the test and they will take the test in the school's car. They even book the appointment for you! Thanks so much, BTWDS!!!!! read more

(Cross posted) I wish I could give a better rating but it's being held up by only a few positive things. I had very little driving experience and opted for 6 lessons/12 hrs. I had multiple instructors and passed BUT it's really dependent on which instructors you get that makes you feel like you're actually learning. I had some time after my last lesson/driving test to gather my thoughts and write a detailed one as possible. I also want to put this out there that I suffer from high anxiety which is why I opted for more lessons/time on the road. ++Phone/Front desk/Admin++ AMAZING! I really enjoy speaking with them and felt like my questions are answered properly. Very courteous people. I emailed the contact information on the site when I was researching and got a reply from the manager that didn't answer my questions... so I had to end up calling the number the next day. The person who answered was very nice. All of the administrative staff I set up appointments with via phone were great!! ++Pricing++ A little pricier than others I was looking at but they had more availability in terms of types of things they might be able to teach you that other driving schools might not want to give besides the basic 6 hour lessons. ++Timing/Lesson appointments++ They are pretty busy so I was only able to get 1 appointment per month with a fairly open availability. 2 if I got lucky. This is without asking for certain instructors. There was a lot of weeks between each lesson so it felt like some knowledge didn't stick as I did not have the privilege of a practice car without the lessons like some folks might have. ++Pickup/Drop offs++ Some were prompt, some were not. Most were 5 minutes late, which is fine, no problem. A few were 10-20(!) mins late. Probably due to traffic. Did they make it for extension of time to get my full 2 hours? No...One of them dropped me off early because of their next lesson because they were running behind... so I only got 1.5 hours ... ++Cars++ You're probably going to end up driving a Prius. I, particularly, did not like it too much but it's an OK car to drive around in. Almost all the cars have giant logos company information on it so people will know you're a student driver. LOL ++General COVID safety++ No hand sanitizers, coverings, some instructors don't wear the mask and I had to ask them to wear it ++INSTRUCTORS++ I had a few but will give a quick run down ... WITH RATINGS :D (Jason): [3/5]Fine, I think. It was 6 months ago and was my first instructor. Friendly. I didn't feel safe that he downplayed covid though so I didn't feel comfortable in that aspect along with improper mask usage. A little aggressive teaching method which was a little off-putting for someone with high anxiety and new driver but, obviously, understandable. (Steven): [5/5]. They were extra patient with me and explained it to me in a digestible way and gave me good feedback . I would have LOVED for them to be my instructor the whole time but they are super popular. I could see why! (David) : [0/5] I had this instructor for total of 2 lessons (my 5th and 6th). After my first lesson w/ them, I asked the Admin to see if I can take my last lesson NOT with him and, it was a no because of availability Although they possibly seem like a nice person, out of being an instructor, they mainly talked a lot about themselves or other things and barely instructed me. They said I would do well and didn't seem nervous and would pass the test but I felt like I was just driving him around while he talked away. There was little instruction. He was very non-chalant and 'chill' about it which might be to make the student/me comfortable and relaxed while doing so but it just made me feel like I wasted my time and 2 of my lessons. Not just that, he saw how many lessons I bought and judged me on how much I spent?! UM??? Thanks... Makes me great.. Also, this was the person who kept being late and only gave me 1.5 hours :) (Mario):[5/5 ] Helped gave last min pointers before my test. I wish I got him for 1+ of my actual lessons! read more

My instructor, Vanessa, was extremely compassionate and understanding from the beginning. In the four lessons I had with her, she not only taught me the basics of driving - but also valuable side advice only an experienced driver would know with a welcoming & friendly attitude. Because of Vanessa's teaching, I was able to pass my drivers test the first time around, and I've strongly recommended BTW Driving to all my friends still in the process of obtaining their license. read more

BTW Driving School is beyond excellent! I had no driving experience, when I started driving with them. Thanks to my instructor Ruben I was able to pass the driving test from the first attempt. The Customer Service is great. They are very professional and open to accommodate your schedule. I had a very short notice for my Drive Test day and Ryan (the owner) helped me to schedule everything. read more

My teen son had 12 hours driving with Steven. I bought 12 hours as is recommended in Europe and I think, it was a very good decision. After 12 hours and driving with me I could see, after 2 months, the confidence in the driving of my son. Everybody at school was very helpful. Thank you Steven, for the perfect service. read more

The online sign up was easy. Good price. Jason picked me up on time and was very professional. I would recommend this school .

I agreed to use them and on 8/17 (agreed to pay $210) and they charged my cc for driving school. Then, they decided to charge me again on 9/17 and again on 10/20/17. OMG, what the heck. Thank god I reviewed my statements on time to dispute these charges. We live in Montebello and had to drive to Irvine to meet a gentleman, that told us we would have a group driving class and would be picking up other students. When we got to some locations, people refused to go with us, and said they did not know it was a group class (neither did I). This place is shady. Be-ware!!!! After I disputed $$, I got a call that our permit was cancelled because they gave us the wrong permit. read more

1.) Driving Instructor #1: Mario Overall Experience with Him: Beyond excellent Driving Instructor #2: Ama'da Overall Experience with Her: Beyond excellent Driving Instructor #3: Javier Overall Experience with Him: Beyond excellent Aspects of the Instructors' Service that Stood Out: All three instructors were very nice, friendly, and calm. I had a great time learning how to be a much safer driver with all three instructors. All of them made me feel much more relaxed when I was originally very terrified of getting on the road. --------------------------------------------------- 2.) Receptionist: Yvette Overall Experience with Her: Beyond excellent Aspect of the Receptionist's Service that Stood Out: I really enjoyed how helpful, accommodating, and friendly Yvette was. I had only one week to get all of my driving lessons done before my test and she looked for all available appointments to try and fit everything into one week. Because of her help (and the instructors' help), I was able to pass my driving test on the first try with only 3 errors. Yvette also calls students two days in advanced to let them know about their next scheduled class and what they should bring in order to avoid a cancellation fee. --------------------------------------------------- 3.) Overall Quality of Service I Received: Beyond excellent I am beyond satisfied with the service I received. All of the working staff was very friendly. I did not feel like I was being treated differently. Behind the Wheel Driving School worked with my schedule to make sure I get my six hours done in the week that I had left while simultaneously preparing me for my driving test and I could not be more satisfied with the service. By far, they have provided me with the best service I have ever been given. I definitely recommend this place to people who are still looking for a driving school. Because of my satisfaction with this school, my parents have decided that they will enroll my brother here, which is very exciting to me. Thank you Behind the Wheel Driving School for teaching me the skills and attitude needed to drive safely so I can be collision and moving violation free for life. You have definitely achieved your goal. read more

I chose this place over many others primarily because of the reviews but also because the person first answer the phone. She was very polite-but short, but also gave good information about the basics of what was offered/available. We only had six days before my daughters permit expired. We had to get six hours in and it was during Easter weekend. I purchased the six hours behind the wheel for my 16-year-old. She took two hours Thursday afternoon two hours early Friday morning to ours Monday afternoon. She had three different male instructors. All three were super polite and accommodating and all three offered to bring my daughter home because it was on their way to their next appointment. I was very concerned with three different male instructors for different reasons. But they were respectful and knowledgeable and made my daughter feel very comfortable while learning enough whereby she passed the test on the very next day with only a few deductions. I highly recommend this driving school because they get the job done. So my daughter will continue to practice with me. I'm confident in her beginner skills as a direct result of this driving school. read more

I enjoyed my experience with Behind the Wheel Driving School. Vanessa is a great instructor who taught me well about the rules of the road. She is a kind and enthusiastic person for what she does. The course was very helpful and made me the licensed driver I am today! read more

BTW was very informative and educational with my daughter. We found our instructor to be kind and very patient. She was familiar in the DMV testing requirements. She was very knowledgeable and explained in detail driving rules and laws. We highly recommend BTW and ask for Britney!!! E. M. read more

Our family loves Behind the Wheel!! We had a great experience with my son and now my daughter. They are very good at what they do and both of my kids passed the permit and driving test on their first try. Their instructors are excellent and very good with teens and explaining exactly what they need to do to not only pass the test but also to be a good driver period. read more

I had my freeway lesson today with Jason. Amazing instructor, super calm and collected which really helped me focus today. Highly recommend if you're someone who gets a bit nervous and need some encouragement :) read more

Never using this school! When I came in originally, I spoke with Jessie who was very informative and helped out a lot with my questions. Though I was a bit put off when a man came from the back making what seemed like passive aggressive remarks towards her and came off extremely arrogant. to which I was displeased given this man was the manager I found out! But I brushed it off as, maybe I misunderstood. Then when I called to get some more information and make the payment, ended up speaking to a different girl. They themselves were amazing! However, I was in the middle of speaking to her and this man in the back kept stopping her. Telling her "Your doing this wrong. Don't keep them on the phone. You need to talk to others!" She was doing just fine I thought, not to mention, I want information if I am spending my money with you! I can only assume this man was the same manager and he was so rude to everyone it makes me sick! And to this this man is an instructor. If that's how he treats his employees, I don't even want to know how he would be with my child! I refuse! read more

I've never taken a driving class before this one. When I was 16 my dad took me to a parking lot, then promptly to a freeway on ramp. A couple terrified screaming moments later, I learned how to drive. So...now I'm on to stick shift. I've always wanted to learn because it's sexy when a girl can drive stick. I booked a 1 hour lesson with Jack. In reality it takes a couple weeks of constant driving to get good at it. I stalled a LOT which is very normal. Jack was very patient and a good instructor. Although I will need a lot more time practicing, this was a good way to try for the first time (since none of my friends own a stick). I would recommend doing a two hour versus a one hour lesson. I guess it also depends on how quickly you pick things up and how coordinated you are. I'm a pretty good driver on automatic, but I had some real difficulties out there for that hour. read more

This review is for an adult student who had never driven in the US and had not driven a car in 15 years. Let's start with the administrative side of things. Nothing to complain at all. Making appointments, changing appointments, adding appointments were all super easy to do. They have a well trained desk/office staff who know how to get stuff done. The trainer, Mario, was great. Excellent teacher. He speaks clearly, with patience, and with good humor. He also has eyes for details which was very helpful to point out the improvements I needed to make for both the test and general driving. I passed my exam on first try - enough said, right? I didn't shop around for price so I can't say much about that. I picked them because of convenience ... they pick you up and drop you off before and after the sessions. read more

This is the first time I've had to use a driving school as I learned in the olden days.....keys were tossed to me and I just drove, trying not to hit too many things. So our oldest girl needed to start learning to drive and we called Behind the Wheel. Ryan was so nice and reassuring.....I told him how nervous I was! We scheduled the first lesson with him, he picked our girl up right on time and she loved it! She learned so much in just the first lesson that when dad and I started to drive with her practice, she was really steady and confident. She had 3 lessons, the 3rd lesson we scheduled a week before her driving test at the DMV and........SHE PASSED!!! Many of her friends that went to other driving schools did not pass the first time, so we were a little nervous, but Ryan and Behind the Wheel prepared her so well. She's now out and about, running errands for me! Behind the Wheel is the ONLY driving school I'd refer anyone to. read more

AMAZING SERVICE. I just had my first lesson today. They are totally relaxed, they talk to you while your driving. When you drive, you feel SO comfortable, I love it. Would recommend this to everyone in the South Bay area looking for a behind the wheel training. read more