I have had two experiences with Bell. They conducted my Driver's Ed program in High School - which was fine. Not great, or extremely helpful - but good enough to log my hours for my certificate. Lenny and Pete were fine instructors and the students were happy with them. My second experience, however, was dreadful. I took a 5 hour course on a Sunday in Manhasset with an older man named Ed. Racist and Sexist doesn't even begin to cover what I experienced. He was horrible and definitely humiliated anyone in the room who didn't English. And anyone who looked Mexican/Latino/Spanish - he spoke horrible Spanish at. ( I can occasionally pass as Latino when I am really an Italian American, so he spoke Spanish at me until I answered him in English) I completely advocate for this type of class being conducted in a bi-lingual manner and that this man should be speaking both English and Spanish. But it should be done professionally and seriously - not sarcastically and jokingly. When collecting money he asked us for our "gringo pesos." (Gringo being Mexican slang for white person.) He referred to a shy middle aged Mexican woman as "Margarita Senorita" and continued to hassle her throughout the class. He called a few black teenagers who came late and had to stand as "farm hands." He also insulted Europe as a whole as well as Britain specifically. (There were various people from the U.K., Poland and Sweden in the room.) He showed two videos, ranted, raved and rambled on about plenty of things that made the whole class feel uncomfortable - not to mention his talking was completely unrelated to driving. He made comments on girls' outfitts and actually spent quite some time on the nail polish colors of the teenage girls in the front of the room. This was all ridiculous - and insanely creepy. I called Bell today to complain , which I never really do - but I felt really uncomfortable for 5 hours and I was betting that this had happened before so I should just do it. The manager I spoke to was very apologetic but then confessed that they had gotten calls like this about Mr. Carlson before and had let him keep teaching because they couldn't find anyone else to teach the days that he does. He seemed most concerned with losing business not about how inappropriate this man's behavior was. I highly doubt they fired him. The manger said he would "look into it." If you're thinking about going with Bell, I honestly, wouldn't risk it. It's not worth it. Even if you don't get this man, who knows who else they've kept around ? read more

Okay first of all bell auto school is definitely a good school to attend for new drivers it was a life saver for me because now I finally have my license earlier than I expected. My brother passed his first time through bell and a next door neighbor of mine went through bell years ago and passed his first time. I definitely recommend. I've been practicing with them since about May of 2019. My instructor was Gordon and he's actually a very professional and friendly driving instructor. He can be hard on you if you keep making the same mistakes BUT that's the whole point of being a driving instructor. Just like when you play a sport and your coach is hard on you or impatient it's so you improve on your mistakes and get better in the end. Giving the easy way out on the same mistakes won't lead to improvement and progression. I would not say he's impatient he just takes the job seriously also his driving lessons aren't boring if you are outgoing you can literally drive and also have a funny conversation with him which was great for me because I was NEVER BORED, and always looked forward to learning. I had my road test today and passed my first time. I was confident not only because of Gordon's driving methods but also because they let you practice around the site before taking the test. If you are sensitive to driving instructors being hard on you so you progress then man up. It's to benefit you and hey it worked for me! Although I know everyone has a different experience you just have to make the best out of it and try your best and work to perfect mistakes. Watch videos at home, practice aside from driving lessons with someone if you can. Gordon does take you around the same areas the first few lessons but that's to make sure you adapt to easily doing 3 point turns, signaling, parallel parking and making right and left turns. Once you master that he lets you drive on the main roads and it's a piece of cake. Thank you Gordon!!! read more

Bell was so helpful throughout the whole process. After failing my first road test, I signed up for a 5 lesson package with the road test included on the fifth day. It was very easy to schedule each appointment (I happened to set them all up when I called to sign up, but you can make them as you go). My instructor was Mike, and he could not have been more helpful. What was great about him was that he narrows down on what your weak points are and actually demonstrates how to correct it. In my first lesson alone, he showed me the proper hand-over-hand steering for both turns, as well as the absolute best parallel parking method I've ever seen. To further demonstrate, he would have me watch from the passenger seat as he drove the car, and I found this extremely helpful. He is one to comment on the nitty-gritty and to constantly remind you about where you could improve, which I really appreciated as we got closer to the test. In just a week and a half, I was already taking my road test again, and thanks to Mike, I passed in what might just be the shortest road test ever. I only got two deductions, compared to my first one, which had at least six. I would totally recommend them as a service, as well as Mike as an instructor. Thank you Mike and Bell Auto School!!! read more

You'll notice that at Bell Auto driving lessons come in packages of 10 (45 mins each), and typically the driving exam is taken afterwards. I had Chris M. for only 6 lessons and I passed my driving test on the first try. If I were you I'd ask for him by name. Chris is a very efficient instructor; he doesn't make a big deal out of mistakes, he tells you what you should be doing in a straightforward manner, and he is highly knowledgeable about both what is generally important to know on the road and what testers are specifically looking for. He won't lather you in praise but he won't harp on accidents, only focus on getting you to drive better. I don't think there's any better quality in a driving instructor. Chris also gave me an extra 15 minutes on the last lesson I took with him right before my driving test, which he does with every student. What will I do with my remaining lessons? Chris offers highway lessons after you obtain your licence. One of those lessons uses up 2 lessons, so I'll be taking one of those. The last 2 lessons I bought went to Gordon before I requested an instructor change to Chris. Don't get Gordon. read more

After 3 fails of my road test. I have passed my road with the greatest help with Bell Auto Driving School has helped me become more confident with learning how to drive and being able to be good driver with safety. The manger named Earl was so nice and was able to help me confident and fearless of driving. I would like to thank Earl for seeing where I was at and being able fix the mistakes that I had failed for the previous road I had taken and failed. His skills was well said and taught me a lot. Thank you Earl so much. Earl made sure to see where I was at or what I was struggling with. He had The next lesson I had was with (Bob) for a lesson two hours before my road test . Every time I got something right or was nervous he helped me become fearless and positive about my mistakes that I would make and it helped me become confident before the test. I would love Thank Earl (manager) and Bob (instructor) for helping me become fearless, confident and using the strategies you gave me in order for me to pass. It did help me pass the test. I am forever grateful for this driving school and what is taught me. read more

Took bell auto courses, would highly recommend Stephen. Not only did he help me pass my road test with only 5 points on the test, but he gave step by step classes and made all of us in his drivers ed car WANT to come to class every Sunday. I feel I can speak for everyone in my car, that we all felt like he had the utmost care towards helping us get our licenses. Even after I finished the required amount of classes, he still took time out his day to call us and instruct us the day before the road test with nothing to gain from it except to see his students pass. In my 5 months in Stephen's car, I went from a 16 year old kid who never drove before to having my license and being able to drive comfortably. Even when we would mess up, he was a man of integrity and respect and was always remarkably level headed. I had to take 0 additional classes/private lessons and he was the one who brought me from 0 to license. I would highly recommend Stephen to anyone in NYC looking to get their license. read more

I had Chris M. As my driving teacher during driving ed classes with bell auto school and had an amazing experience with him. He took us to different locations to practice every time which made it also fun. He is an amazing driving teacher and is always patient and kind with me while I'm driving. I decided to do private lessons with Chris to prepare for my road test because my parents cars were too hard to learn on. The one on one help was really helpful to me I would sometimes do a double lesson to give me more time. I used the bell auto-school car and Chris picked me up from my house to take me to the road test. He generously gave me extra time before my test on top of my lesson before the test. This made me a lot more confident before taking my test and I passed! In the future I am thinking of doing more lessons with Chris because he was so amazing and am looking forward to doing a highway lesson with him. read more

Had a fantastic experience with Bell Auto in Manhasset. Before signing up for 10 lessons, I had very very little experience driving and had just practiced around large parking lots etc. My instructor Chris M taught me everything I know, he was always very professional and most of all PATIENT. I did do my due practice every week but nonetheless his instruction was excellent, so much so, that I passed my road test with a perfect score! P.S. Upon finishing the 10 lessons (which is the best package) I highly recommend taking a separate 90 minute highway lesson or two; highway driving is a completely different animal compared to the local roads so it's worth getting some time with an instructor before doing it on your own. I took 2 90 minute lessons on the highway and it was extremely helpful! Special thanks also to Linda and Carol who always helped me schedule new lessons over the phone, they are great. read more

I am glad and grateful I chose Bell Auto School to help me with getting my driving license. It is not difficult to find a driving school, but finding the right driving instructor, this is the real challenge. I passed my road test on the first try and this is not (in my case) a matter of skills or practicing with family/friends. The merit is all Gordon's, my third attempt at this school, the instructor I chose after reading so many great comments, the one who made my wish become reality. He has every quality that anyone would like to find in his instructor, but never expected to find them all together and even more: patience, punctuality, dedication, great communication and sense of humor. Thank you so much, Gordon! Thank you for this very entertaining journey from clumsiness and hesitation to comfort and confidence behind the wheel. On a scale of one to ten, I GIVE YOU 12! read more

When I first started taking lessons here, I had pretty much zero driving experience and was intimidated by the quietest of suburban side streets. After just a few lessons, I was comfortable enough to drive on busy streets, but since I was still having some trouble with a few things, I took additional lessons. My instructor, Gordon, did a very good job when it came to focusing on the problems I was still having and I was able to spend a lot of time practicing things such as parallel parking and 3-point turns. After my 10 lesson package, I was able to pass my road test on my first try. I overall had a great experience with this school, and if there were any problems regarding scheduling I was contacted in advance. I also took the 5-hour class here; there were no problems, the class was pretty straightforward, and I got my certificate at the end. read more

I have to start off by saying I had 2 of the best driving instructors through this company l. At first I had George and then I got sick and could not continue driving and I called them and I still had two lessons left in my package from the following year and they allowed me to use them and then I got the other best instructor Gordon he was so cool and made me feel comfortable throughout my lessons. I was horrible at parallel parking and thought I was never going to pass my road test until Gordon started showing me his technique and it worked. Gordon was funny calm and a great teacher I would defiantly recommend this school to anyone needing driving lesson! Thanks bell auto school for hiring Gordon which got me to pass my road test the first time! read more

I had an amazing experience with Bell Auto School, and I highly recommend them! My driving instructor, Michael, was very efficient and knowledgeable. His teaching methods were clear, practical, and extremely effective, they truly helped me understand and improve my driving skills. Every lesson was well-structured, and I felt more confident behind the wheel after each session. I made mistakes throughout but he was patient and dedicated to correct my mistakes during the lessons. I really appreciate Michael's patience and dedication to his students. His methods are foolproof, and he genuinely knows how to teach in a way that sticks. Thank you, Michael, and the entire team at Bell auto School for such a great learning experience! read more

Bell Auto School helped tremendously. I had tried three driving instructors, and ultimately stuck with Chris M. The other instructors I tried out were careless and not very helpful. However, I do not think that I would have passed the driving test without Chris. He really prepared me for the road test and it was especially useful getting to have a full lesson right before taking the test. He is very straightforward when it comes to what is needed to pass the test. He always gives great driving tips and has gone into overtime on multiple occasions. Now I am getting 90 minute highway lessons from him, which are extremely helpful. He has made me feel comfortable driving and I highly recommend. read more

Grateful to have had Bob from Bell Auto School as my driving instructor. Bob always arrived on time and with a positive attitude. He made me feel confident that I would be able to drive on the highway and return safely home. He was kind, patient, alert, and highly focused. After thirty years of local driving, it was great to finally discover that driving on the highway was something I could do. Bob made me believe it was possible. He didn't let me be a prisoner of fear but got me right onto the LIE on the first day. He paid close attention to road conditions and prepared me for the challenges and obstacles ahead. He's a terrific teacher and I hope future students will appreciate him. read more

I just recently passed my road test thanks to Adam! Finally, at the age of 19, I don't feel left out in my group of friends that do know how to drive. I took the 10 classes with the scheduling for the road test and every second of those classes were worth the money. Adam, my driving instructor, was very kind, understanding, and super informative. He made sure that I was comfortable and always answered questions that concerned me about my driving. I had little to no experience with driving, so having Adam as my instructor really put me at ease with his calm and reassuring demeanor. Thank you to Bell Auto School. I no longer have to depend on my parents to drive me everywhere. read more

I had driver Chris M. I have had an amazing experience with my instructor as he really helped me learn how to drive. I passed my road test the first time, thanks to Chris, and got very little points off. I feel extremely comfortable when I drive now and always remember everything that Chris has taught me. In my driving car we also learned how to drive on the highway, and we were the very few who got to do that since a lot of the other instructors didn't provide that opportunity to their students. Overall, my drivers ed experience with Chris M was amazing and if anyone is looking for a great driving instructor, Chris is definitely recommended! read more

We decided to have my son take Drivers Ed and also get private lessons with Bell. Best decisiion we ever made! Even though Bell taught the drivers ed class, his private instructor, Bob, was the best. He took him on the highway which they did not do in drivers ed. Bob built his confidence and he was able to be relaxed at the wheel. Private lessons definitely cover more than drivers ed and we can not say enough good thhings about Bob, his style of teaching and the care his has for the kids. Always on time and accomodated my sons hectic schedule. Would recommend Bob highly!!! Bob is the nicest guys you will meet. read more

We reviewed a few schools before we decided on Bell. It was an overall excellent experience for our young, extremely nervous, first time driver. Our teenager had never been behind the wheel and Lisa was fantastic as her instructor. Our child always looked forward to lessons. Lisa was patient, punctual, outgoing and offered a lot of information during lessons and helped put our child at ease. The communication between the instructor and student was professional and courteous at all times. We were very happy that we chose to use Bell and our child passed the road test confidently. Thank you! read more

I PASSED thanks to Gordon! I took only TWO 45 minute lessons with him and he was able to quickly and easily explain things that made my maneuvers a LOT SMOOTHER fixing errors that I didn't even know existed. I failed SIX times, I had to learn to drive as an adult and never got the chance to learn as a teenager since I was working since high school. In between college and work and bills, the driving process was frustrating, annoying, and expensive. I HIGHLY recommend Gordon and Bell Auto School is reputable and professional. They managed to set up appointments with the DMV fast and easy. read more