Hate to say it but I can't recommend Roosevelt. Seems like a nice guy, but he only had my son drive 1 hour of the 2 hour lesson (because we don't live in poway and that's where he "always does it" so Roosevelt did the driving for 20 minutes down, 20 minutes back and then stopped for a personal errand. I had already paid and was going to just write it off as awkward, but then when I needed a letter from him for the other driving school we went with for the other lessons, he would not write it and said he doesn't work with other schools. The other school said they have heard of him and actually ahvea concerns that he may not have a valid license anymore (that's not verified). Just not sure why he wouldn't write the letter - he said he doesn't even have any way of writing a letter? read more

Should have listened to some of the reviews first. Would definitely be negative stars if possible. One of the worst experiences I have ever encountered with a business. I finally fired Roosevelt after the second lesson. He not only stood us up once, but yes two times. After making work schedule adjustments and expecting my son to be picked up..............no show, no call twice! When confronted on the phone, he blew up and started threatening comments. I would definitely recommend looking in Carlsbad first! read more

This is a review that I wasn't going to write as I thought the situation was unique to me (clearly not true if you scroll down) and I even went so far as to blame myself for it, though I have since reversed that position. My daughter took driving lessons from Roosevelt two years ago. On the day of her first lesson, as they sat in the car in our cul-de-sac, I snapped a picture for my husband who was at work that day--after all, our first-born was having her very first behind-the-wheel driving lesson. Who wouldn't want a picture of that? Heading back into the house I heard someone yelling at me, "Did you just take MY PICTURE?? WHY did you take my picture? You'd better delete that!" It was Roosevelt, who then went on a five minute diatribe about how it is wrong to photograph a man and his car without permission (I'll give him the point about the man) and how I am sneaky and how ALL women are sneaky. At this point I *should* have removed my daughter from the car. (NO need to mom-shame me here; I have abused myself enough about this over the past two years.) My daughter and I exchanged glances as I debated what to do. When I tell you that no less than a dozen personal friends had HIGHLY recommended this man to me I am not exaggerating so I walked over to the car, gently talked him down, and with my daughter's nod of approval, sent them on their way. I spent the next two hours tracking them on Find-My-Friends. When they got back, Roosevelt was friendly as can be, telling me that my daughter did great and everything went smoothly. My daughter told a different tale. Apparently he spent the first 45 minutes of the ride rehashing the photo incident and telling her how awful and sneaky I was. She didn't know what to say and was understandably nervous behind the wheel. I asked if she'd like to continue with Roosevelt (I know, I know) or work with someone else. Since the last hour and fifteen minutes had been uneventful she said she would stick with him. Oh, and I later found out that uneventful meant he spent the entire time chatting or looking at his phone. No instruction given whatsoever. He doesn't even bring a copy of the DMV checklist (used by the instructors as they give the test) which is standard operating procedure with most driving instructors. I chose not to review him at the time because honestly, I did feel wrong for photographing a person without permission. I do believe that you should ask another person before taking their picture but, honestly, I didn't consider this a picture of him, I considered it a picture of my daughter. At the time I wondered why he was SO adamant about the no photo policy. Did he have something to hide? But then I dismissed that idea as paranoia. So why I am writing it now? Well, recently a dear friend had a much scarier experience with Roosevelt. It is not my story to tell but I believe her post is probably under review by Yelp as I write this. Needless to say, I realized that if I HAD written my review, perhaps others might have thought twice before using him. Maybe my friend might have, and her daughter would not have had to endure what she did. I know that Roosevelt is an independent business man and I do NOT take lightly the idea of tarnishing his reputation or destroying his livelihood. The truth is that he is doing that all by himself with his questionable behavior; I am just reporting what occurred. read more

So disappointed by the dishonesty of this individual. As a physician who has been dealing with this Covid nightmare for almost 2 years, with the recent increase in cases (seeing about 5-6/day), I asked Roosevelt to please wear a mask for my daughter's last instruction, he just flat out said no. When attempting to explain my reasoning, he said he is an adult and can make his own decisions. He finally agreed and said he would, but apparently after getting in the car, immediately took off the mask for the ~2 hr duration of the instruction. I understand at this point of this pandemic, I am NOT going to change anyone's mind and they are free to make their own ignorant decisions, but I DO expect someone to act professional, follow the current guidelines AND NOT LIE when it comes to protecting my daughter. read more

Roosevelt gave me my driving lessons almost 6 years ago and it was an amazing experience overall. He is so kind and easy to talk to which makes the whole experience less awkward and actually enjoyable! He's also very patient and knowledgeable. When we called for my brother to start lessons, he remembered my family and was so excited about my brother starting to drive. My little brother just started driving lessons with him today and he LOVED it! 10/10 recommend! read more

Wonderful experience. My daughter was a nervous nelly lol he joked to have her relax but kept her on task & was professional. Roosevelt was recommended by multiple families from Poway High as well as Parents of girls on her soccer team who had used his services. After realizing the referrals were all for the same company/person I made the appointments. We referred several families since and they were happy as well. read more

A phenomenal and very inexpensive driving instructor! I've referred so many people to him and have heard nothing but good reviews.

PROBABLE PEDOPHILE. Please don't use Roosevelt Courtney to teach your teenager how to drive. He came recommended from a friend who's son used him. On my 15 year olds second driving lesson he called her pretty, sexy, and exotic looking and gave her "love taps". When looking for a new instructor (a female this time) I called a local driving school, the gentleman on the phone asked me if she had an driving hours under her belt, when I told him yes, but I had to let her instructor go (didn't even say who or why), he asked me if it was Roosevelt, when I said yes and why I let him go, the gentleman on the line knew exactly who he was and said he has multiple complaints on this same matter and the DMV is trying to take his license and I need to file a complaint with the DMV investigations dept. Roosevelt is an independent, doesn't work for a school. He is 65 years old. I have filed a police report in him, and will do the same with the better business bureau and the DMV investigations. I should have looked on Yelp, he has other reviews like this. read more

After receiving the run around from three different driving schools, Courtney Driving School was the best instruction I've received. Roosevelt is punctual, very patient, courteous, and professional. The student car is in excellent condition. I would recommend Courtney Driving School to teen and adult students. Roosevelt is one of the best driving instructors in the North County area. Thank you for all you do Roosevelt! read more

It pains me to write this as we were recommended by our neighbor to use Courtney, but I happened to take a picture of my son walking to his car for scrapbook purposes and he happened to be in the picture, even though I was not taking a picture of him. Well, he went ballistic and told me to delete the picture and that I was not to take a picture of him without his permission. Then he spent most of the lesson talking bad about me to my 15 year old son. Unprofessional. He also talked negatively about another customer of his that my son knew. Also unprofessional. read more

My daughter is having a wonderful experience with the driving instructor named Roosevelt. He is extremely kind and knowledgeable. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a great price and friendly instructor! read more

Stay away from this company and this guy! I wish there was an option for zero stars. All the negative reviews I read are true. He called me 15 minutes before our scheduled practice to tell me he had car issues and needs to reschedule. My first option was to reschedule in 2 weeks just 1 day before my driving exam. My second option was to reschedule in a full week which is 1 week before my exam. He was rude and told me I should be thankful he is accommodating me. read more

I would recommend Courtney Driving School wholeheartedly! I previously went to Zoom Zoom Driving School for my son's driving lessons the company went out of business after 2 session. I was in a bind and in a hurry because my son's DMV behind the wheel test was fast approaching. Roosevelt came to my rescue and he was able to schedule in his lessons. He was very likable and professional and very reasonably priced. My son received his driving certificate after the 3rd lesson and today (9/8/15) passed his DMV behind the wheel drivers test and is now a licensed driver. read more

Roosevelt helped my daughter learn to drive! She passed her test on the first try. He's got a great sense of humor and is very knowledgeable.THANKS ROOSEVELT!!!! Kristy read more

We used Roosevelt to teach my older son to drive and he was wonderful. He's patient, friendly and a great teacher. Now he's teaching my younger son how to drive. Three years later and he's just as great! I would definitely recommend Roosevelt Courtney. read more

I would highly recommend Courtney Driving school. It was hard finding a great instructor that you felt safe leaving your child in the care of. Other driving schools wanted payment over the phone and gave me the run around. Roosevelt was very straight forward, honest and great to work with. He made my daughter Kala feel very comfortable. He is very patient and flexible when I kept having to change dates on him. He is reliable and always on time. Not to mention he is one of the funniest and sweetest people I have met. Not only do I recommend him my daughter has starting telling her friends parents about him. If you get a chance to read this Roosevelt Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I pray many blessings for you in the future.. read more

My daughter always enjoyed her lessons. Great instructor! Thank you Roosevelt.

Roosevelt is licensed & is amazing. He is punctual, responsible, informative & the teens love him. My son passed the first time. I have recommended Roosevelt to everyone I know in need of a driving instructor. Thank you, Roosevelt. read more

I recently drove with Roosvelt Courtney and I did not have a good experience at all. He came ten minutes late, and did not even bother to call me. I got in his car, expecting him to be wearing a mask and he did not. Instead, the entire drive he talked about how the virus is not real and how it is political. I was already nervous, given the fact that this was my first driving lesson and him refusing to wear a mask made me feel very uncomfortable and scared. During the entire lesson I was worried that I might get the virus because he was to prideful to wear a mask. He dropped me off at 6:50, even though my session was supposed to be from 5:00 to 7:00. And again he was late so I should have really gotten back at around 7:10. I did not get my money'a worth and he insisted on me giving him the full $200. We are getting our money back, hopefully in full because this is not what I payed for. I was very disappointed because my friend had recommended me to him and I was expecting someone great. I would not recommend him to anyone, he does not care about the pandemic and is putting Many of his clients are risk. If anyone can tell me where I can report him that would be great, give the fact that he is his own business. Please do not be fooled by the good reviews. He made me feel like wearing a mask was stupid and tried convincing me that the virus was political even though there are thousands of new cases everyday. Do not go to him! read more

I was in a bind because our other driving school didn't have an appt for ~6 weeks! My daughter needed to her final lesson since her behind the wheel was fast approaching. Roosevelt was able to work us in within a few days despite his full schedule. He was punctual, professional and had a great personality. He made my daughter feel completely at ease and gave her the confidence she needed to take her test. I will use Roosevelt for my son and I will recommend him to all our friends! Thank you Roosevelt! read more

Well, if possible I woudn't have given any star at all. We had pretty bad experience. Very poor communicator - for an instructor. Besides, he had been complaining about other parents and other customers to my son. When you are teaching fifteen years and sixteen year old kids - who sit behind the wheel for the first time, such distractions are not just uncalled for - but rather dangerous. Also he had been taking breaks during the instruction - which instructor shouldn't do it, as per DMV regulations. If one had to take break, that needs to be compensated. Nothing happened. read more

Roosevelt is a super chill and trustworthy guy. Helped me pass my drivers test with ease.

Our family drove all the way to Texas because Courtney insisted he was the only instructor skilled enough to help our disabled son learn to drive on a special, handicapped driving system. He charged us many thousands of dollars for these lessons. During lessons, he was rude and short-tempered with our son, who has muscular dystrophy. He refused to allow our son a lunch break during day-long lessons. He spoke negatively to my husband and me about our son's abilities. The entire two-week experience was a downer. When we got back home, we were told by our state that Courtney had taught our son on a system that cost $80,000! Courtney insisted no other system would work for our son. The woman with the state agency laughed at me when I asked if the state would pay for it. Of course, we could not afford this system ourselves. We ended finding a great system for only $10,000. Our son has used it successfully for years! And no instruction was necessary. read more