I am late life adult learner, having come from the east coast (NY metro area) it wasn't necessary for me to know how to drive. Upon retiring to Albuquerque I quickly realized how having a driver's license would be much more convenient than being dependent upon the public transit system. Compared to the NYC, ABQ's transportation system (alas buses only) is rather limited in terms of wait time, and complete closure during major holidays! My Experience of Coach Al's Driving School LLC: It was interesting being the oldest student (4 times older) in a roomful of teenagers. On the plus side, It wasn't absolutely necessary for me to attend every single one of the 12 evening classes. Coach Al let me know in advance which classes were imperative. I was initially intimidated by the thought of driving a truck as I only had experienced driving a small car (over 35 years ago!). I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly I acclimated to the vehicle's size and loved the improved vantage point of a higher driver's position. The key to seeing improvement is to practice outside of class. Coach Al and associates don't have "driving fairy dust" to make the student a better driver. Throughout the span of 3 week course, I practiced with my spouse in 10-15 minute increments in my neighborhood. IN A NUTSHELL PROS: * Much to my surprise, we started behind the wheel driving the very first evening! * I had some highway driving practice in addition to city (congested central ave included). * At one of my (private) sessions, I got to choose what skills I wanted to work which speaks to Coach Al's willingness to tailor the lesson to my specific needs. * The instructors are calm and give criticism in a professionally appropriate manner to both young teens and adults. * The instructors were able to instill confidence in even the most nervous students! * The instructors are VERY safety conscious and seek to impart that attitude to all students. * The vehicles are very clean late model Toyota Tacomas. * The instructor/front passenger seat is equipped with a brake (just in case). * Unlike the school-age students, the flexibility of my schedule allowed for me to get my behind-the-wheel practice in a private or semi-private lesson format. The undivided attention was much appreciated! * The price of the 3 week course is quite reasonable. From what I understand, there are referral discounts. * Your Road Test can be scheduled with one of the instructors from the school in their vehicle. Yup, the same Tacoma's you learn in (a plus). Student's of the course get a special Road Test price. CONS: * None really except I was the exception to the norm by being over 60 years old. Teens can be very chatty in class and in the car, which was a good way for me to practice staying focused. * At the beginning, it wasn't always clear to me what my next steps should be in attaining a driver's license. In all fairness, the official state Driver's Manual assumes the new driver is a teenager. After the age of 18, slightly different steps are necessary. I don't have to wait for the provisional phase of the 3-tiered licensing system. In other words, I can go for an unrestricted driver's license ASAP! I highly recommend Coach Al's Driving School! read more

My father had a minor medical happening and it had been a few months since he last drove. For everyone's safety our family decided to have his driving professionally evaluated by a State Instructor, which is why we came to meet up with Coach Al's Driving School. After talking with Kay, we knew that this was the right place to go. Kay was professional, understanding and assured us that Al would be patient, respectful and of course, honest. When we met Al, he was all that and more. His outgoing personality and positive attitude made my dad feel comfortable as soon as he got in his vehicle. And as some of you know, the importance of that fact is crucial when an Instructor is evaluating you, especially with the elderly. My dad did well in his driving and with the "rules of the road" assessment and we are all at ease. Al also shared his professional opinion on what to watch for and easy driving tips for my dad to remember. As my father progresses in age, we plan on appointing Coach Al's Driving School to keep my dad safe on the road. In time, I am certain there will be someday that my dad will not pass his evaluation, but we feel comfortable knowing that Al will be truthful and deliver the news with the respect that my father deserves. Thank you again Al, see you next year! read more

I just came back to US after many years overseas not driving at all/and driving on the other side (wrong side of the road!). I was very concerned because I had to drive again in the US to be able to go to work. I signed up for 3 classes with Coach Al's. I found Coach Al to be a natural! He had the rare talent to understand your weak points right away and make you get over them in a manner that made you feel confident that you could actually drive well. He taught me great tips and practiced positive reinforcement throughout my driving. He kept the lesson very relaxing by conversing and make me feel like I could carry on a conversation while driving. I had never taken passengers in my car when I drove previously because I had concentrated only on driving. After being on the road with Coach Al, I gained so much confidence. Thank you Coach Al! I also found him to be a very nice man with a great sense of humor. Kay, the lesson coordinator, was also very nice, funny and accommodating. If you are anything like me, have not driven for over 6 years, a nervous driver who only drives to get from A to B, then you would be thankful that you chose Coach Al's. I want to thank Coach Al and Kay for their great service! read more

I'm 29 years old, and for various health reasons and anxiety issues, compounded with bad instructors in the past, I had missed out on getting my drivers license. I didn't know it, but signing up with Coach Al's Driving school and with Coach Eddie was setting myself up for the best success. I took the 7 hour course, and the first lesson was the most difficult. I had a lot of nerves to overcome. But, no matter how many mistakes I made, Coach Eddie was attentive and prepared to correct me without deflating my self esteem. The 2nd lesson onward, I gained incredible confidence and encouragement from the coach, ready to learn, ask questions, and casually converse. The directions given for the roads and routes to take were clearly stated, and Coach Eddie had great planning to maximize learning opportunities. By the time I took my test I was very relaxed and felt comfortable. This was exactly what I had hoped for but wasn't sure was possible. No matter what age or circumstances you're in, I recommend Coach Al's driving school. You won't regret it! read more

My names Josette, I'm now 19 years old and it's been roughly 2 years since I attended Coach Al's Driving School. Something that makes me think of them (to this day) is how crazy life can get. It makes me recall all the helpful tips I learned here. With everything they covered, they really taught me how to put my best foot forward when I'm on the road. They really care about their students and truly strive to set them up for success. If you're looking for an affordable driving school that cares about their pupils, check out Coach Al's Driving School. All the coaches are extremely helpful and caring; Coach Al is a really good guy who has this ability to make anyone smile! Coach Eddie was very straight forward and didn't beat around the bush - on any important topics. When Coach Gary was there, he was patient with us yet persistent. They all truly wanted us to become good, safe drivers on the road. I feel really lucky that I get to look back on the experience of Driver's Education as a good one! (-: read more

As far as I know, Coach Al is the only one who trains kids on night driving. He uses examples that kids could relate to, to explain traffic rules and driving tips. He taught all three of my kids to drive. My last daughter completed driving class with him (we specifically asked for him as he now has three more coachs in his school and we did not know the other coaches. Now we know that all four are good). Course duration is 2 weeks (book in advance as we really had to wait to get in) and the fee is $300 (we got a 10% discount as our other kids took the class with him). He himself gives out all tests and exams including road test. You just need to go to MVD with the certificates he gives twice to get 1. learner's permit and 2. driving id. You need not to take any exams at MVD. On the whole, our family really likes Coach Al, feel safe to have my kids in his school and highly recommend (him and!) his driving school! All my kids drive like fish in water now!!!! read more

My son just completed the two week driving course offered by Coach Al's driving school, and we couldn't be happier with the results. Owners Eddie and Stacey Torres made it a very simple process; from signing up, to receiving the certificate of completion. The course was extremely affordable and my son received ample driving time as well as a quality drivers education. Coach Eddie Torres has a way with teenagers and is able to capture their attention while teaching valuable driving lessons. He does this through course materials as well as personal anecdotes. My son had a lot of stories to tell me after class which means that, these lessons will most likely stick with him throughout his life. He said to me the day class ended that he was going to miss "hanging out with Coach Torres everyday." That speaks volumes about this company. Thanks again to Coach Al's driving school for preparing my teenager for the road! read more

My name is Malvrick Lomotey and am 41 yrs, I recently relocated from Ghana, West Africa to New Mexico. I have been driving for the past 21 year back home. I chanced upon COACH Al's driving school online and I must say I have never regretted it. The warm reception and courteous relationship demonstrated by Stacy was exceptional. After she took me through the process, she introduced me to coach Edd; Who from experience understood that English language is not my original language hence the failure in 2 attempts in taking my written test. He patiently took his time to explain to me the process of acquiring a driver's license in New Mexico. His teaching techniques made learning so easy and fun. I single handedly say behind the computer and took the written test a 3rd time, and hurray, today I have my New Mexico driver's license. I highly recommend COACH Al's driving to school anyone and every foreigner.. read more

I would love to give a shout out to Coach Eddie and the rest of the staff at Coach Al's Driving School. We selected Coach Al's Driving School because of all the great reviews, but also because Coach Eddie is a retired Firefighter, Law Enforcement Officer and has a ton of knowledge to help get my daughter ready for the roads. Being a firefighter/paramedic myself, I know first hand the what happens on the roads and I wanted my daughter to hear it from another point of view. My daughter came back confident and each time she was on the road, her skills improved. She made new friends and thoroughly enjoyed her time with Coach Eddie and the rest of the staff. You could not ask for a better set of instructors to prepare the most important treasures in your lives to handle the roads of life. Thank You Coach Eddie and everyone at Coach Al's Driving School. read more

Coach Al's driving school is the best driving school in the state of New Mexico. There Coaches are very nice and interactive with there students especially Coach Eddie. I learned everything from how treat others on the road to knowing how to brake properly. They will actually come to your house to pick you up for driving sessions so you don't need to drive your kid all the way to the school. They will make you drive around the whole city and even outside of the city and even on the highway. I believe Coach Al's is worth every penny of your money and I recommend anyone that's young or old to take this driving school to reach your goal of getting a drivers license. Thank you Coach Al's and Coach Eddie. I will forever retain the knowledge that you and everyone at Coach Al's has gifted me about the basics and rules of driving. read more

I'm happy that my Husband enrolled me at Al's Driving School.I never been drive in my life and because of Al's Driving School they teach me how to drive on the road ,freeway,left ,right ,backing and parallel parking.In my 1st & 2nd day on the Road coach Eddie and coach Manuel guide me how to drive and i feel ,i am the worst driver because I brake so hard ,I always out of my lane on the road,do not know how to change lane,but thank God on the 3rd day I get better on the road until we are done today 24th I got my Certificate .I'm gonna miss Mrs.Cindy ,Coach Eddie ,Coach Manuel ,Coach James and all my co-student.Thank you very much with out Al's Driving School I have confidence driving and believe to my self that I can do it what others can do .(Mary Rose Doolan ) read more

If you are a parent like me, the idea of sitting in the passenger seat while your offspring takes a several ton vehicle on the road with other drivers who are taking selfies, texting and what ever else when they should be driving, is daunting and panic inducing, then I recommend calling Coach Al's Driving School to schedule your child immediately. We worked with Coach Eddie, who by the way, is a police officer. Needless to say, he has nerves of steel. We purchased the 7 hour private lesson package and every penny was worth it because my son is a confident driver who understands his responsibility when commandeering the wheel of a vehicle. I am telling everyone I know that Coach Al's Driving School *is* the driving school to invest in. read more

I am so happy that I got the opportunity to be apart of this class! I went into the class dreading the thought of driving but now im actually comfortable! Within the first 3 days of class we were already on the road. They even picked us up from school to go driving! It was amazing! I looked so forward coming to the class everynight because I new that when I left, I would be able to go home with a better understanding of the road. The class time was also fun and extremely informative! We were also taught about the effects that driving while intoxicated could have on your community, your family, and yourself. It was truly eyeopening! Im sad that the class is now over, but Im excited to continue on with my driving journey! read more

i just finished Coach Al's driving school I think they're one of the best schools out there and they show you everything you have to know they take you on more road time than any other driving school They actually care about their students and show them the way to become a better driver they show you how to do everything and give extra help if needed. they are gureented that you would pass the class. they take you everywhere and they even pick you up they will stay out on the road all the way till midnight if they had too, coach Al and eddie are two supportive and good teachers that make sure all they're students pass I think there the best and the greatest to send new drivers too. Santiago M. read more

Had such a great experience being instructed by Coach Al and Eddie the past 3 weeks. They gave the entire class confidence that they lack to become more confident and to drive defensively on the road. The way that they teach created a bond with everyone in the class in order to have mutrual trust. They got to know all of us individually and always answered all our questions we had for them. They all shared stories including Cindy about looking at the Big Picture. I thank all the 3 for helping me step into the world of driving and all the advice and stories and teachings they offered. Thank you all very much. I'll always recommend the school to future drivers. read more

Just got done with Drivers Ed with Coach Al's Driving School's two week program. Not only did I learn all the rules and regulations of the road, but I also was able to get training with the amazing coaches while actually driving. We accomplished driving time with the instructors, 30 hours of class time, driving in the range and getting our permits all within two weeks! I would 10/10 recommend taking driving school with this program! The instructors made it fun and educational! I have nothing but good to say about the driving school itself and the amazing and loving people running it! read more

Coach Al's school of driving is amazing. They are so very flexible, I had school from 8-1 then we had class at 1:30 so I did not have much time to get my driving hours in. But, they were so flexible that they woke up early before my school and went driving with me and they dropped me off at school. They did this for two days straight which is amazing. Everyone on their staff was so very nice and helped out any way they could. They are not like other driving schools they are the best of the best and everyone should go and learn how to drive from them. read more

FIVE STARS GREATLY DESERVED Coach Al's Driving School is amazing! As a student, I was pretty nervous to go into something that I wasn't used to, especially as a homeschooler. On the first day, Coach Eddy talked with all the parents and students to address any questions, and let everyone know how it was gonna be done in 3 weeks. I had fun in each class and learned more than I expected. All the Instructors are super nice and great at what they do! I recommend this class to anyone! I learned a lot, all while meeting new friends, and awesome teachers! read more

Hello! My name is Owen! I just finished my time at Coach Al's Drivers School and I definitely believe that it's one of the best places to send you or your kids to learn how to drive! The Coaches are the most passionate and trusting people you'll ever meet! They teach you about DWI and the safety's of the road in ways we will remember. This was definitely the best 3 weeks of my life and I was so lucky to have done it all with my best friend which made the experience 10x better! Seriously don't hesitate about going here! :) read more