Defensive Driving is a chain throughout the Skagit area, and it has some pros/cons. A positive is that the instructors are engaging, especially online, which is very helpful for a digital class. However, a con is that they often cut observed drives short, and ask the students if they want to end early. I wish they wouldn't ask a teenager if he/she wants to end early - because the teenager invariably wants to go home and do nothing. Defensive Driving needs to provide the hour of observation/instruction that I'm paying for. A pro is that the instructors provide good feedback and lend confidence to the learners. However, a HUGE con is that they never have drive times available afterschool or on the weekend. They only put one month up at a time on the schedule agent, so if you don't get any dates that month, you can't even go forward to the next month to schedule. I refuse to let my son to skip school to do observed drives. Perhaps they need to hire more trained observers. Another positive is how easy it is to take both the written and practical driving tests with Defensive Driving. It really is seemless. But, another negative is that the instructor has the students use his own personal car for the exam (maybe he gets a tax write-off), instead of the cars they have been practicing in and are used to. Unfortunately, there is odd rubber-band placed on the brake pedal, which really distracted my son who has sensory issues. He failed his first driving exam because the rubberband on the brake pedal was a huge distraction. read more

The owner or manager at this Stanwood location is AMAZING. We had the opportunity for my sons high school or this drivers Ed company which happens to be within walking distance of the high school. It's a tad more expensive but worth every penny as I've heard nothing but amazing things about how this school operates. I also get the pleasure to watch these adorable teens parallel park in front of my house quite often. I stopped in the other day to sign my son up in which they do sign ups on online. I stopped by and the owner/manager was so helpful, so positive, such a great guy. Works well with kids with learning disabilities he mentioned also. Who teaches my son how to drive legally is so important to me. My son (all kids) are my world and teaching styles can be so different. I immediately knew not only the first time but the second time I was able to talk to him that this hands-down was the place to go. It's worth the extra 40 or $50 trust me. And there flexible so many different options like weekend versus weekdays. Also currently still doing online classes also however I am choosing in person as it will fit my son better. and it's next-door to the YMCA in which he's always at. When it comes to your kids safety it's priceless not to mention the experience, even the memories that he will gain are important. I feel this will be more tailored to his needs but most of all MY BIGGEST PET PEVE is when adults/teachers don't treat kids with the same respect as they do parents for instance that they will be treated I'm sure with the same respect as the parents are. I would highly recommend this location in Stanwood. My daughter went through the high school drivers Ed 10 years ago they did a good job but usually it's teachers teaching at the HS and you don't know what one probably where is I know my son Maddox will be able to succeed and have a better learning experience under this facility and educator. Meeting him twice GREAT GUY WHO YOU CAN TELL CARES but also enjoys what he does huge bonus versus some teachers at the school I'm sure could get a little cranky if there with high school students all day (I get it lol ) and then teaching them to drive after UGG. Bless them. Oh and their cars are very nice new and clean. Thanks Defensive Driving School. We will see you soon. The yellow truck is no longer in front of my home but we have a grey Kia out in front you can parallel park next to anytime. read more

Where do I begin...? Dee at Defensive Driving Stanwood is intuitive to pick up each teen's disposition. Her fun and matter-of-fact style of instructing encourages reserved teens to comfortably warm up with confidence. She is patient with each student's progress, quick to notice improvements, and is very understanding that teens have on and off days. With a lifetime of experience working in literally all capacities at the DOL, she is fully competent and has a wealth of knowledge and practical information. Her classroom is interactive and engaging. On the road, she is focused, giving students her undivided attention, while customizing and maximizing learning on drives. She lights up and sees the potential of young drivers that she teaches. We are immensely grateful, especially through the extra purchased drives, for top notch A1 instruction and mentoring, on and off the road. read more

My wife Ivy needed help for driving since she is from the Philippines. She needed 3 months of instruction. Dee has been instrumental in helping teach all the aspects of driving. All the issues she had were helped in a way she could understand. This is one of 3 languages Ivy speaks. Today Ivy took her driving test and passed. Later in the day she got her license. I recommend Dee highly. read more

Really impressed with the Defensive Driving School of Stanwood. I took my knowledge test, driving classes, and my skill test here. I was lucky enough to have Dee as my instructor, she was so pleasant, patient and knowledgeable about all things. Had a great experience with all of these sessions. Very professional, experienced instructors. Would definitely recommend this school. I'm so glad I found your school. Thank You for making this experience for me a great experience. read more

I was able to quickly schedule both written and practical driving tests. The staff were so friendly and gave really helpful tips to aid in your driving experience in the future. On top of this, they really talk you up and help build confidence. It was just such a positive experience and not at all what I thought the process was going to be like. I paid for the 30 minute warm up and the drive test bundle. I definitely recommend doing this. They'll take you through the route and give pointers in advance for areas you might not be the strongest in. It also takes the edge off of any nervousness about the test. I also saw how they interacted with other students and they were just so encouraging and positive to everyone - no matter what level they were at. Definitely recommend going here as either a teen or an adult learner. read more

vincent is a absolute w driver instructor and paried with clay is even better!!! clay+vincent=w (i do zoom classes) but we love vincent and the class is fun ‼‼‼‼ read more

Defensive Driving School - Stanwood - vincent being a absolute W instructor - Driving Schools Near Me - Stanwood, Washington

This was an enjoyable experience. It made learning to drive easy and fun. Steven was the best!

Jason is a great instructor. He made class fun yet comprehensible, and I left the class feeling very confident and prepared to drive. Great class, great instructor! read more

My daughter attended this course shortly prior to the shutdowns. They are stern but in an encouraging way. She studied, took it seriously and passed her tests with flying colors. You are expected to walk away with knowledge AND are expected to practice at home to be ready. Carl is an excellent instructor! read more

EXCELLENT!!!!! I can not say enough good things about this driving school!!! The teachers/staff are amazing, interesting, kind, great with teens, respectful, and safety is their number one emphasis!!! I sat in every class! I so appreciate their approach! Thankyou so much defensive driving school!!! read more

Stephen and Julie are amazing! We wish we could get Stephen to teach some classes at the high school. He has a knack for engaging the kids and make learning fun! Sad to have the month over, it went too fast! read more

Don't pay attention to all the 5 star reviews. They bribe the kids with doughnuts to write positive reviews 2/3rds of the way thru the course. The vast majority of class time is showing scary videos about the various way you can die or kill people while driving improperly. Last day of class HALF the kids failed the 40 question test. They rely upon the parents essentially teaching the kids to drive, the instructor actually tells kids to go ABOVE the speed limit during the 5 measly 1 hour instructional drives. The class fee does NOT cover the permit, the knowledge test, or the drive test. You pay $500 to teach your child to drive, while they show videos of the dead, dying, and injured and bribe the kids to leave 5 star reviews. Worthless, worthless class. read more