Five Star Driving School

(85 reviews)

2.2 mi

Instructor Bob not only teaches me how to pass the test, but he also teaches me how to drive safely.read more

Overall a great experience! My son passed his behind the wheel first try! He was very confident in…read morethe skills he got from bob, would highly recommend! Great teacher! My son was even happy to text him to let him know he passed! Thanks bob

1 mistake everything else was perfect ! thank you bob

My test result

Driving license passed!

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Allstate Driving School

4.0

(139 reviews)

1.3 mi

Available by appointment

25 years in business

A relative of mines paid $549 for six hours of lessons over three days…read more I want to start off with the negatives: The experience will be very hit or miss across lessons. Your experience will depend on which instructor was assigned to you. My relative had two different instructors, very different from each other. Soleiman had a nice modern car, but his heart was not in teaching the driver but more of criticizing him all the time. His attitude, I've been told, was as if this job was a side gig to him. Not passionate about teaching, and seems to not be passionate about driving in general. My relative then switched instructors to Mayela. Mayela's car was a tad outdated and kinda dirty on the inside. The good: Business owner Dee, I've been told, is a lovely woman to have a chat with. She is certainly someone who is passionate about teaching, and I'm certain most of her employees are the same. Mayela definitely was someone who shares the passion as well. Kind, patient, understanding. TLDR: Don't waste your time and money on taking driving classes with Soleiman.

Such a scam! Warning do not use these people. They are incredibly rude to deal with and will try…read moreand hit you with compounding fees. This is a scam'. There are other honest schools avoid this place like the plague!!! Not affiliated with the insurance company. Update; I called on Friday morning to reschedule the appointment on Monday afternoon and you said you'd charge me $65 to reschedule. I call that excessive as your competitors require 24 hours notice. Seems a bit excessive. You said, "Take care sir! This is the policy that help us to keep our business running." Per your text.

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Professional Driving Instructor

4.7

(97 reviews)

1.3 mi

Beckham is the GOAT. Took a few lessons with him and was able to pass the test right after. Very…read morepatient and understanding. He will make sure that you are ready for the test. Highly recommended!

My daughter had an amazing time. I wish I could have done several visits with him. It was easy for…read moreme to drive with her after him. But I feel like she still needs a little bit more help.

Driver's license 2023

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Driving Eric Crazy

(179 reviews)

21.0 mi

I was a little bit nervous because I heard that Keiki was a new instructor and I knew I was already…read morean anxious driver. However, Keiki is very calm, friendly and kind person to talk to. He makes it easy to feel comfortable driving and he even got me to go on the freeway a few times with minimal stress. I am also in my early 20s, so I'm grateful that they accommodate all ages and Keiki never once made me feel bad for starting a little later. The prices were really great and when I wasn't able to pay right away, we figured out a system that worked out for everyone, and they treated it like it was no hassle. I was able to get my license after months of hard work. Keiki was always an amazing instructor and I cannot recommend him enough!

exceptional service and professionalism. From my very first interaction, i knew this was the place…read moreI can trust with my daughter and have great results. Josie explained the menu of services (single, multi sessions, pricing and structure), what to expect from it all and was an overall pleasure to interact with. Mikayla is an asset to this business, my daughter really valued the time spent with her and learned so much. She gained confidence along the way with her driving and this was all due to the style of teaching from Mikayla. Since I lived in downtown, Mikayla was able to pick up my daughter for instruction and schooled her with all the ins and outs of the dreaded DMV driving exam. Like most people, i kept asking myself "does my daughter really need this? I can drive, why cant i teach her?" ... well yes, but I can assure you we don't all drive the way the DMV handbook lays it out and what they actually test for... so do yourself a favor and hire the pros! I cannot stress enough, learning from an actual instructor who knows what to expect from the DMV will be the difference maker in having a successful result. Fast forward to yesterday and my daughter passed her driving exam!!! Thank you Josie and Mikayla for being part of this important milestone, you two are the best. Be sure to check them out!! =)

Officially a licensed driver!

PASS!!

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Perfect score!

Express Driving School

(72 reviews)

15.0 mi

Not the cheapest but you do get a small discount if you pay in full. My daughter liked her…read moreinstructor.

My instructor, Howie, was absolutely amazing. Incredibly attentive and always made sure I felt…read morecomfortable and confident behind the wheel. One thing I really appreciated was how they tailored each lesson to my pace. I never felt rushed or overwhelmed. My instructor gave clear, constructive feedback after every session, which helped me improve quickly without ever feeling discouraged. You can tell they really care about their students' success, not just checking boxes. I passed my behind-the-wheel test on my first try and I can say it is because of this driving school!

6 hours of behind the wheel lessons complete!

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Congratulations to Angel on completing his 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training with Express Driving School.

Golden State Driving School

3.3

(116 reviews)

2.3 mi

Yolanda was a great instructor to our son. He often referenced her instructions and teachings while…read morehe was driving. He successfully passed his driving test and no doubt her lessons made a huge difference - I am telling you parents none of us would pass the current driving test based on our outdated driving style. Yolanda keeps her voice in a respectful and certain tone while guiding the lessons. She was easy to get a hold of for scheduling, arrived on time, kept lessons focused, and was a pleasure to work with. Her business practice is simple, making the whole process a smooth one.

Yolanda and Dago were great instructors. They took the time with my son to make sure he was ready,…read morespent time with me after each lesson to brief me on what to help him practice, and he passed on 1st attempt. Thank you for your patience and professionalism.

This is a 2004 Toyota Camry used for lessons by Yolanda Midgette

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MM Traffic School

4.8

(83 reviews)

6.1 mi

Very easy, seemless processs for online traffic school. Easy to follow, self paced, easy test. Was…read moredone in one day, alot more painless then I thought. For addition extra, they can process proof of submission when sent and received for the added peace of mind. Very nice customer service too.

I searched around last minute of course I waited until the last to find a TRAFFIC SCHOOL in San…read moreDiego for online. This one seemed good then I had trouble signing in it was probably user error and it was late in the evening, so I called the phone number in the website and a very polite young woman answered She was very polite and what is more she helped me get signed on and told me I could call back if needed This is impressive these days you can't even get a human to answer the phone Well, I got everything in just by midnight and I checked the next day and Maurrice answered the phone. He was very polite. Couldn't follow up yet because it takes a couple days for the DMV to note that you got your paperwork in well. I did follow up when he asked me to and he got right back to me and told me everything I've been taken care of . The course itself is definitely doable. I highly recommend this TRAFFIC SCHOOL .

The MM TrafficSchool office.

DMV Approved Traffic School

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Pacific Safety Center

4.3

(216 reviews)

5.5 mi

I really enjoyed my experience. Charli and Kenny were both extremely helpful and laid back - just…read moreenough to make a very serious class feel tolerable and fun. The students that were most successful were the ones that were humble and just doing their best to follow instructions. I could tell that the instructors wanted us all to enjoy our experience and pass our riding test. I passed but still have ALOT to learn. The tips i'd offer are: - Find a friend with a bike prior to the class so you can sit on it and learn the controls. Just learn whatever you can -Get on any two wheels available to warm up in the days prior to class/morning of, and practice going around corners and turns (even a bicycle) -You will get hot, wear comfy clothes and plan to sweat. The gloves, boots, helmet, and pavement roast you -Be humble and try to relax - everyone is a newbie. They will give you feedback and and constructive criticism. You're not in trouble and you probably don't suck as much as you might be thinking lol - Pack your own snacks and cold water Thanks again for the cool experience. It's much appreciated. I learned alot and will be a safer rider after attending. I do plan to take more classes.

Mary and Kenny were such GREAT instructors. I learned so much. And they really cared about us…read moregrasping the proper techniques and safety knowledge to keep us safe out in the real world. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS COURSE.

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The bike I had

Matt Driving School

2.8

(50 reviews)

1.3 mi

I took 3 classes with Gilbert to prepare for my license test. He was very patient, understanding,…read moreand informative. I always felt comfortable driving with him. He was very easy to make conversation with, so it wouldn't be awkward. We watched 2 short videos focusing on parking that were very helpful. They communicate very well and respond quickly to make appointments. I definitely recommend taking him.

We have had three kids use Matt's and could not be more pleased. Communicative, reasonable and…read moreaccommodating. All 3 felt safe, comfortable and increased driving skills after each session.

Take Advantage of Our low prices.

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West Coast EMT

4.4

(17 reviews)

4.3 mi

Certified professionals

Free parking

Had an amazing experience with the WCEMT San Diego location (Aka get Spencer as the instructor). As…read morea newbie into healthcare/emergency services etc and without any previous knowledge like anatomy classes etc, I had so much to learn, just listen in lectures and you'll pass and do great. I did the accelerated course for 5 weeks Mon-Thu 8am-5pm. Tips: 1. whether you have general knowledge of the topics covered in an EMT course or not, acknowledge that you are gonna be digesting a lottttt of new information. Get good sleep, take your notes, apply yourself don't just show up to class and expect to pass 2. Create a good set up. I did my sign/symptoms homework over the weekend in addition to the online JBL quizzes. (both graded). This way during the week all I had to worry about was learning new information, being ahead, and studying for the in person quiz and exam. 3. Ask questions, the instructor is a tool that you can use. They are always there to help you and want you to succeed. Super knowledgeable and helpful, just have the courage to ask questions, especially when it's needed. 4. Sign up for your 2 required EMS rides early, if you do them in the second or third week it's better. A lot of the students including myself put dates for the last 2 weeks of the course, however EMS services can only have so many ride alongs.Hence, I just finished the course and am taking my 2nd ride along the week after because it was backed up. Do it early. 5. Make friends in the class and help each other out. We were all able to bond over the topics that were harder to learn etc, it ended up helping a lot. Everyone the first week is obviously nervous but everyone is super nice just put yourself out there. 6. When your class is studying together for the quiz or exam and Spencer is talking, listen CAREFULLY to what he says, if he repeats something or says it slowly, it's for a reason, study it for the quiz/exam. You will be doing yourself the biggest disadvantage if you don't listen to the instructor in class. 7. The skills assessments. You get out what you put in. Skills instructors are there to help teach you and correct you in practice, but be able to make mistakes and learn before skills testing day. 8. Manage your time effectively. Some students understood the information better than others and were able to enjoy themselves more outside of class time, for students like myself, the information was hard to grasp and the extra time outside of class is needed to study more. Expect to be done with class, go home and study what you learned. 9. Quizlet helps a lot, however cross check the information on there with your notes. (the book wasn't really much of help). But Spencer goes over all of the important topics in detail. Quizlet is good for practice but know your definitions and how things work. 10. Not everyone in the class but most were taken as a prerequisite for Fire Service. Super nice to network with everyone on this journey and get more information about the different routes people are on. I believe we started with 60 individuals and ended with 40 passing or so. Overall, the class was not that difficult if you followed these. At a bare minimum, turn everything in on time, keep up in the class or get ahead, LISTEN to the instructor. Great experience. Also the Cargo Cafe coffee shop there is phenomenal. Very convenient. About to take NREMT, super confident and studying pocket prep after the class. Goodluck y'all.

I just completed the 5 week course with Crystal Wyant. She's a great instructor. I came in with…read moreyears of EMS experience and was humbled. Out of a starting class of 50 only 12 of us finished. THIS IS NOT AN EASY PROGRAM! If one wants to do well he or she better dedicate a lot of their time studying for this course. Keep ahead of the required reading and REALLY MASTER the signs and symptoms of shock, cardiac, stroke and diabetes disorders or your you're giving them $1500.00 for free

August-September 2023 EMT Graduates

Class of 2024 December graduates

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ABC Children's Center at San Diego

4.6

(118 reviews)

12.5 mi

Women-owned & operated

Kid friendly

Both of our children had attended ABC Children's Center over the past 7 years and we have had a…read morewonderful experience and are so grateful for the care our children received and continue to receive every day. The staff is warm, caring, and creates a safe, fun environment where children can learn and grow. A special thank you to Ms. Swapnil, whose kindness, patience, and dedication have made such a positive impact on our child. It's clear that she genuinely cares about the children and loves what she does. Knowing our children are happy, well cared for, and excited to go to daycare each day gives us tremendous peace of mind. We highly recommend this learning center to any family looking for a nurturing and supportive environment.

Our two children have been attending this daycare for 3 years and 1 year respectively, and we…read morecouldn't be happier with our experience. Communication is excellent. We receive regular updates throughout the day via the app and email, which gives us real peace of mind and keeps us connected to what our kids are doing. It's clear the staff genuinely care about the children -- they're attentive, warm, and create a nurturing environment. We also love the variety of activities they organize. From family hour to the summer and fall parties, and special outings like the SeaWorld excursion, there's always something fun and engaging happening. These events also help build a real sense of community among the families. Honestly, we can't say enough good things. If you're looking for a daycare where your kids will be genuinely well cared for and you'll always know what's going on, this is the one.

We offer a learning environment that promotes your child's creativity, emotional well-being, and intellect. Book your school tour today!

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Fleur De Lis School

(42 reviews)

6.2 mi

Fleur de Lis School provided our son and our family the most incredible experience we could have…read moreever asked for. In our 2 years there, we watched our son grow immensely in his confidence, relationships, and overall love of learning. He was sad to leave school every day and excited to wake up and start the day with his amazing friends and teachers. The approach and philosophy that Fleur de Lis takes truly allows each child to blossom in their own unique and beautiful way and we not only got to experience this with our son, but saw it with his classmates as well. We saw our son make presentations to his class about a science or art project he did with us at home or proudly present his show and tell Spider-man toy to his classmates - we are so grateful to the entire Fleur de Lis community for encouraging this level of self-esteem and individuality. The staff at Fleur de Lis is truly one of a kind - the professional, yet individualized attention of Tina Smith and April Kozelh as directors is amazing. They know your child personally and do everything in their power to make your child's experience at Fleur de Lis enriching and creative. Our son still talks about Ms. Tina coming into their classroom and reading them special books (his favorite was about an owl in NYC) and Tina consistently shared specific memories of our son's social and emotional growth during his time there. The teachers we had at Fleur de Lis (Ms. Sandy, Ms. Chelsea, Ms. Amber, Ms. Kiara and Ms. Diana for Spanish) were incredible in every way - we appreciated the attention to the holistic needs of each child - the cognitive, physical, and emotional were all given attention and we saw our son blossom in each area. The day our son "graduated" Fleur de Lis School was a bittersweet one - we were thrilled to know he was ready for kindergarten, but also so sad to say goodbye to the daily moments of this special community. Our son couldn't stop hugging his amazing teacher Ms. Sandy at the singing show - clearly showing the same emotions we felt as parents.

If you are a new parent, join the FDL wait list now -- trust me, your older parent self will thank…read moreyou! It's hard to explain the magical and nurturing environment this school provides. I remember my son, Julian, sobbing when I left him on his first day as a two year old, and my heart was breaking. In less than a week, he was all smiles at drop off, excited to see his teachers and friends. Since then, he's thrived at this school, both emotionally and educationally. Now, two years later, he's heading to Francis Parker, and looking back on his time at FDL, I can't express how grateful I am to the amazing team there. There are a few specifics that make FDL special: The community -- everyone at FDL knows Julian's name, even teachers who aren't assigned to his class. Pre-Covid, when I would pick him up from his classroom, his daily departure was like a little parade, with waves and goodbyes to friends, teachers, directors, everyone. You really feel like part of a family here. Kira, Bev, April, Julie, Julia, Diana, Iris, Nina, Autumn, and many others...each has been a unique and positive impact on Julian and our family over the past two years. The safety -- speaking of Covid, I don't think I appreciated how nice it is to have total confidence in the efforts of the FDL team to keep my child safe at all costs until this pandemic. When they reopened under new safety guidelines, I never once worried they would slack or not keep the sanitation and safety bar high. In fact, Julian now inspects my hand washing and admonishes me if I have not made enough soap bubbles or washed long enough . They always ran a tight ship, but it's exceptional now. The positive reinforcement of high expectations -- on my visit prior to enrolling at FDL, I saw all the kids eating lunch as they chattered politely and consistently used manners. On the playground, no one pushed. They all took turns. What's more, they were still incredibly joyous little kids, giggling and delighting in silly play. I was in awe. And yet, now Julian models those same behaviors. FDL teachers are kind and warm, but firm. They set a high bar, and the kids rise to meet it. At the same time, there is tremendous fun had on the daily at this school. Julian greets me at pick up with a big smile and a hug, his cheeks flushed from play and sand in his shoes. He excitedly shows me his projects and tells me funny stories and things he learned from the day. FDL is exceptional. If you have the chance to send your child there, take it. You would be hard pressed to find a more loving and capable setting. We will miss it terribly!

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Ana's Little Kangaroos Child Care

(18 reviews)

2.5 mi

Our son spent close to a year with Ana. We are so grateful to have had Ana be a part of our sons…read moreand our life. It is easy to see how much love Ana has for the children. We saw improvement in development steps right away, sharing, communicating, playing with others. Ana is great with communicating with the parents, and I always felt like I was leaving my son in great hands. We are sad that his time with Ana has come to an end, but know that other families will benefit from a truly caring provider.

Ana and Mirko set the standard for a loving, nurturing, and safe home daycare experience. Both my…read moreson and daughter have attended Ana's Little Kangaroos, starting in summer of 2022. Ana has always been so in tune with what is going on with my children developmentally and is very observant to their individual needs. She goes above and beyond to model respect, autonomy, and love. I trust Ana and Mirko implicitly with the care of my children, which is a true blessing as working parents. They provide healthy breakfast and snacks, structured activities, learning, art, and have lots and lots of fun :). If we could take Ana and Mirko on our cross country move to continue caring for our children, we absolutely would!

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The Lulus Montessori

(28 reviews)

7.6 mi

We absolutely love the Lulus Montessori! The staff is amazing with the kids and they get an amazing…read moreeducation. We are always surprised by how much they learn and how much fun they have. Also their meal plan is great. We are very fortunate to have our son there. We looked at around 10 different places and it gave us anxiety because we really wanted our son to be at Lulus which was much much better than all the other places we saw all over San Diego.

We've been taking our son to Lulus Montessori since he was about 18 months, and it has been the…read morebest daycare/preschool experience we could have hoped for. The teachers are incredibly loving and thoughtful. I especially love the fact that they celebrate birthdays and holidays and create opportunities for parents to get to know each other, too. My child has grown by leaps and bounds, and his interactions with the other children are fun to see. The fact that meals are provided (bfast, lunch and snacks) is a godsend. Several daycares/preschools in the region claim to be Spanish immersion but aren't actually (e.g., they speak English to the kiddos). At Lulus, I feel like we get a truly authentic Spanish immersion program for our son, knowing instruction is exclusively in Spanish. And it shows. My son 100% understands Spanish when it is spoken to him and he mixes Spanish and English in his vocabulary regularly. I credit Lulus for a large part of that bilingual ability and look forward to seeing his fluency improve in the years to come. Highly recommend Lulus!!

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ABCD Montessori Christian Preschool

(24 reviews)

5.9 mi

I wish I could give more stars. We love it as well, because our daughter loves learning at her own…read morepace here. ! She learns both English and Spanish! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! Quality of her teaching and the value the kids learn is amazing!!!!!

This review is overdue. Aria came under Ms, Gladys' care 2 years ago. She was skinny, picky at…read morefood. Aria could have gone to TK but I kept her at Gladys 1 more year bc I did not think she was ready for a bigger school. Now after 2 years, she has flourished so much. She eats all kind of food, actually Ms Gladys' food is the best not mommy's . She reads well, is good at math, follows Montessori. Kumon even complimented her she had passed TK level on math. This is coming to an end for Aria at ABCD as she will start kindergarten soon. It is such a bittersweet moment. But at least I know I will bring my second daughter to her soon. Thanks Gladys and Pablo for loving her, caring for her from feeding 1 spoon of food at a time. She is now ready for K, and she is well equipped because of you. This is not just daycare, it is preschool and love and heart. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Ready the area for our Thanksgiving pictures!!

The table is ready to take a picture of all of you!

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Sensory activity

Aspen Leaf Preschool - BTMCCC

(6 reviews)

8.3 mi

Aspen Leaf Daycare in Downtown has been an absolute blessing. There are so many benefits to speak…read moreof including incredible teachers and staff with extensive degrees, experience and training; three quality meals served each day; very flexible drop off and pickup times; consistent availability; and options for discounts for federal and military parents. I can't speak highly enough about the great community, Parent Board, and tremendous learning environment that our kids get each and every day. A tour is your best bet to see for yourself! Overall, great value.

The teachers and directors at Aspen Leaf Preschool Downtown San Diego are so wonderful. My son has…read morebeen going here since he was in the infant room and just runs in every morning excited for the day. You can't beat walking to school to drop off your kiddo in the morning at a place they love. If you're living/working in or near downtown San Diego, I highly recommend this daycare and preschool. The low ratios and provided snacks/lunch are just icing on the cake. We are not federal employees, but the daycare is located behind security in the federal building and there are special rates for those who are government employees.

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98 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Shirzad 1.

4 months ago

I recently completed my driving training, and I can confidently say it was an outstanding experience from start to finish. The entire program was well-structured, professional, and incredibly effective at building both skill and confidence behind the wheel. What stood out most was the instructor's patience and expertise. Each lesson was tailored to my pace, and even the most challenging aspects of driving--like parking and navigating busy intersections--were broken down into simple, manageable steps. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I felt consistently supported and encouraged. The training went beyond just preparing for the driving test; it emphasized becoming a safe, responsible, and aware driver. I learned valuable defensive driving techniques, improved my road awareness, and gained the ability to stay calm under pressure--skills I know will stay with me for life. The vehicles were always clean and well-maintained, and scheduling lessons was flexible and convenient. Communication was clear throughout, and the instructors were punctual and highly organized. I especially appreciated their flexibility--if something came up, lessons were often rescheduled for later the same day or the next day, which showed a real commitment to accommodating students. I started with zero experience, and practicing at least six hours between my weekly lessons made a huge difference in reinforcing what I learned. By the end of the course, I felt fully prepared and confident--not just to pass my driving test, but to drive independently in real-world situations. I would highly recommend this driving school to anyone looking for a thorough, supportive, and genuinely empowering learning experience. read more

Kim S.

3 years ago

Samim is the worst driving instructor you can possibly pick in San Diego. Don't trust any of these 5-star reviews. What they don't tell you is that he ends his sessions 15-20 minutes early, and insists on taking his 15-minute breaks throughout. I pay a lot of money just to have these lessons, and Samim has the audacity to tell his customers that "this is fair" whenever he decides to end his sessions early. There was this one time when he was teaching me how to park into a parking space from the left/right. Whenever I would miss a turn, Samim would give me an attitude (rolling his eyes, dropping his hands onto the clip board) and give out a loud sigh. EVERY SINGLE TIME. I could care less if you're having a bad day, Samim. If you're merely discouraging a new driver in the middle of a lesson, you're making your customers feel like crap instead of encouraging them. When I've tried contacting Ana (front desk) about what happened, she shrugged off my concerns and merely said "he's going through a tough time with COVID". Excuse me? If my time and my money is not your concern, then why call yourself a driving school? I also brought up the fact that he was giving me the most disgusting attitude in that parking lot. If any of your students have anger issues/road rage because of how you're treating them as an instructor, you're putting yourself in great danger. Ana was too afraid to confront Samim, so she instead laughed it off. Please stop scamming and treating your customers like crap. We are people too, just like you. We book lessons to learn how to drive, not to feel discouraged by a lackluster, unprofessional lowlife instructor like Samim who clearly hates his job. read more

Stephen R.

5 years ago

Usually, businesses are given names for no reason. That is not the case with Five Star Driving School. It is named as such for a good reason. Everything about it is nothing short of Five Star from the service and atmosphere to the training and instruction. Samim does a very good job with teaching the correct way of driving. I was able to significantly increase my driving skill to the point where I was able to pass my driving test with just one small error on my license exam. If that's not enough to convince you, Samim is also very kind, considerate, patient, calm, and friendly. In every session I took with Samim, I found myself improving significantly with my driving while simultaneously having the best time of my life. Samim was also willing to work with me on my schedule for driver training and was kind enough to hold on to the lessons I still had with him when my driver's license exam temporarily got postponed. I would 110% IMPLORE you to come to Five Star Driving School if you need help with passing your driver's license test or just need help with your driving skill. I spent 20 hours and $1200 with Five Star Driving School, and let me tell you, it was the best investment of time and money I ever made. I promise you, you will NOT regret a single dollar or minute you spend with this driving school. Don't just take my word for it, though. Try it for yourself and see the results! P.S. -- This school should change its name to Five Hundred Star Driving School. I would definitely give this place a five-hundred star review if given the chance. read more

Pham A.

7 years ago

I am happy that I had Sam as my driving instructor at Five Star Driving School. In my opinion, Sam is a very, very nice person. He is a very patient instructor. He knows how to teach students at any level. I started from no experience ZERO, and spent 22 hours of training with Sam and learn a lot. Sam not only taught me how to drive, how to pass the test, but more importantly he also taught me how to drive defensively. I can say that I had the privilege taking classes with him. He is only happy if his student(s) learns to drive the right way and be a safe driver. After that I had to move to New York for a job. Due to that I could not take my test in San Diego in Jan 2019. In NY State, the test is much harder than California (SD), because you can only lose 30 points over 300 (1/10), and in San Diego, you can make 15 minor mistakes over 30 mistakes (1/2) in order to pass the test. Today I had my driving test here in NY. I passed the test on my FIRST attempt with losing only 10 points. I very much appreciate the lessons that Sam gave to me. I would highly recommend Sam to everyone who wants to learn driving quickly and professionally. I am sure he is my best instructor. Hit the road with Sam and you will get a satisfied result. If you are a beginner starting from zero like me, it would be a great idea to spend at least 20-30 hours for training. If you can not drive safely, you will have to pay the cost for insurance. It is very very expensive. Thank you very much Sam!!! Hit the road with Sam, and you will get your D/L easily! read more

Ingrid L.

7 years ago

I had a wonderful learning experience with Sam and would definitely recommend him as an instructor to anyone. He was always patient, kind, punctual, and overall just a great professional. I started off with severe driving anxiety and was scared to even sit in the drivers seat. I took a total of 9 lessons(18 hours) with Sam, and I can say that I'm so much more confident in my ability to drive safely and defensively. I took so many lessons because I wanted to be sure I could get as much practice as possible, and it was well worth the cost. I learned all the basics with Sam, building up to freeway driving and ending with DMV route practice. He was also always encouraging and calm about my mistakes, and I always felt safe in the car from start to finish. I'm super grateful for all the lessons, and am so excited to be on the road. Thank you, Sam and 5 Star Driving school! Edit(12/12/2019): I just passed my behind the wheel test at the Clairemont DMV on my first try! Couldn't have done it without all of the great instruction I received. Thank you again! read more

Dylan P.

5 years ago

So I bought driving lessons here for my gf's birthday a while ago. Needless to say, I am very disappointed in this business from what she has told me. I went off of the Yelp reviews online and decided to book appointments with this business because it seemed legit. Guess what? Samim Zamen is not the great instructor that everyone describes him to be. If he was, he would've pointed out my gf's mistakes on the road instead of giving her feedback at the END OF THE LESSON. How would a person know if they are doing things right/wrong if you just sit there, twiddling your thumbs and staring outside the window? Do you realize how dangerous that is? Unless you are someone who enjoys getting belittled by instructors, I would not recommend this driving school to anyone. Please look into other driving schools in the area that offer cheaper prices and no BS like this business. It's a joke that they named their business "Five Star". No one else deserves to experience what my gf has been through. read more

Phoenix L.

7 years ago

Teacher San is nice and patient all the time. I enjoy the time he was seating by the side with me a lot. I am sensitive about speed and get fear easily, he always clam down and consider my mood. The same time use peaceful voice to tell me how to drive better. Every class is a wonderful time to release my pressure of driving, and raise the skill and enjoy full at the same time. I failed once in test before because without enough practice hour. later I asked teacher Sam to practice with me again. He was very flexible in time and skills management. Also I got know more about his personality. He is so responsible for his relationship and families. The type of kind person you can trust on. The most great words he said: No matter when you feel need a friend, a teacher, a family. I am always here! That's very warm. It's great to know this driving school and such nice teacher. Highly recommend! read more

Mursal A.

8 years ago

Hands down to the best driving school in San Diego! Before them I had a couple of sessions with another school but i felt so uncomfortable, and the whole experience was a very stressful one. When I searched 5 star driving school I thought I'd give it a try considering all the amazing reviews they had. And it's Probably the best decision I made! The instructor was super patient and very professional. He was very honest and made me feel very comfortable unlike the other schools I had went to! At the end of he class SAM was very honest of how many classes I had to take and what would help me pass. Because of his suggestions and him motivating I passed my driving test! I have recommend may friends and family here not only because of their professionalism but also the great prices!!! read more

Ivan Z.

7 years ago

I started from almost zero driving experience, but after a few lessons I was able to pass the test on the first attempt with only 3 minor errors. Sam was very calm and never got angry even after I made mistakes. He always explained in a respectful manner what I did wrong and how to avoid this situation in the future. I also very appreciate his punctuality and the fact that he never finished the lesson before we actually were driving for 2 hours. He not only showed me the test route at DMV, but also trained driving on highways, roundabouts, left-turn lanes, through traffic jams and so on. This made me feel much more comfortable and confident behind the wheel. After all, I am very satisfied with my experience at Five Star Driving School. read more

Josh T.

7 years ago

Just passed my driving test with one go yesterday! It was a real pleasure working with Sam. He is really good at teaching as he is very patient and encouraging. Sam points out your mistakes without making you feel terrible about yourself and helps you correct them instantly. He doesn't give you a bunch of directions and "tips" that are most likely to confuse new nervous drivers, instead, he gives a general guide at first and just let you get a good natural feel of driving. Sam did not burden me with a bunch of high expectations; most importantly he did not get frustrated by the mistakes I've made, which made driving a really easy and enjoyable experience! Five star driving school is also really good at working around your time! read more

Zhijian H.

8 years ago

When my daughter decided to learn driving, we picked a driving school close to my home. She didn't like the teaching style of the instructor at all. I googled quite a few driving schools and decided to go with Five Star Driving School because of its excellent reviews. Sam is really an excellent driving instructor. He is so patient and gives lots of details during the lessons. My daughter really liked the sessions with Sam. I requested additional teaching sessions after the initial 10-hours lessons even though the schools is far away from my home and I needed to pay extra for Sam to come to pick and drop off my daughter. It's really worth it. We are very satisfied with Sam and the school. read more

Mrunmayee J.

4 years ago

I will highly recommend Five Star Driving School. I had no experience of driving and that to in the USA. Looking at the past reviews, I joined this school and requested for Samim to be my instructor. He is a very good instructor. He is very calm and patient on the road. Not once did he yell at me for making mistakes. I feel this is very important, especially for someone who is new to driving. This made sure I did not panic on the road. He ensures you learn all the required skills and he prepares you well for the test. I passed my driver's test!!. So if you are a beginner like me, join this school and ask for Samim as your instructor. All the best!! read more

Karen B.

8 years ago

My son took driving lessons with Sam at Five Star and just recently passed his driving test with ease (even with the grumpiest evaluator I have ever met at our local DMV!) Sam was great, taught him much more than I ever did according to my son! Sam was always on time and very professional. It was easy to make appointments. This was my third and last kid to learn to drive. I used another driving school with my girls which was ok, the owner could be rude at times on the phone and the drivers were not as professional, and had called to reschedule at the last minute a few times. So I was pleased with Five Star and would recommend them highly. read more

Khalil M.

5 years ago

I called the company to book an appointment, and they are pretty fast to set you up with a good instructor. I had in particular asked for an instructor who is calm. I got lessons with Samim, and I am very satisfied with his mentorship. Samim remained focused and very calm throughout our 10 hours of driving together. I had close to no experience driving, and I am thankful for Samim's precise advice and guidelines for driving. I passed my test on the first attempt with only 1 minor mistake!! Some of my friends told me they were yelled at by their instructor, and I recommended Samim, who is very calm and professional. read more

Delanie B.

8 years ago

I made a Yelp account just to write this review! Sam at Five Star Driving School was so awesome. I came into college without a license and my parents wanted me to get practice over the course of the semester before getting a car. Sam was great about working with my schedule throughout the semester. Every lesson was different and I feel so comfortable behind the wheel! I highly recommend Sam to anyone looking for an instructor. His calm demeanor and patience when I messed up helped my gain confidence. My parents were happy with my progress and I am happy with the experience Five Star Driving School allotted me. read more

R B.

8 years ago

I was honored to be trainee of 5 Star Driving School with Sam as an instructor. I sincerely appreciate his patience and tolerance to all my mistakes, kind and polite manner to analyze them! Truly grateful for his encouraging and support during all lessons, for challenging me to go forward in building of confidence and comfort behind the wheel! And, results of his hard work didn't delay: I passed successful behind-the-wheel test on my FIRST attempt! Thank you very much, Sam! Thank you very much 5 Star Driving School! I wish all of you great days ahead and many, many successful students! read more

Marco P.

7 years ago

Sam was amazing! He was always very patient and friendly. I was not very confident behind the wheel at the beginning: Sam being encouraging and polite when pointing out my mistakes helped me with keeping the nerves at bay. He was also very kind when answering to my questions, and somehow seemed to know when I was ready to get out of my comfort zone and improve as a driver. This made the learning process move on smoothly and by the time I got the exam, though still nervous, I felt confident that I could pass (which I did). I definitely recommend him as a driving instructor. read more

Hyovanalisa G.

5 years ago

For someone who has NEVER driven a car, Samim Zamen managed to teach me how to drive in a total of eight hours, he was extremely patient and answered all of my questions. On the day of my test I was not very hopeful that I would pass but I did and I really owe it all to him. The lessons weren't rigid and the fact that he made it enjoyable made me learn and retain a lot more information than I would normally retain if the instructor was strict and impersonal. I couldn't have hoped for a better instructor, thank you so much. - Hyovanalisa A. read more

Brian H.

3 months ago

As a 74 year old driver I was required by the DMV to take a driving test after decades of driving. Instructor Anna did a splendid job of giving me the pointers I need to make sure passed the test, apparently flawlessly. Just as importantly, she gave me the final boost of confidence I needed as the thought of failing and the loss of lifestyle was quite stress inducing. I highly recommend Anna and Five star Driving School. They respond quickly to enquiries and are highly knowledgeable and professional. Brian read more

Deepika G.

2 years ago

Samim is a phenomenal instructor and I was very lucky to have him as my coach. I had driven in India before but needed to learn the DMV rules and Samim helped me with expert tips to smoothen out my drive, pointing out mistakes openly but calmly so that my confidence kept building up with every class. He was also always on time and scheduling the class was super easy to do with a simple text message. I would highly recommend him if you want to improve your driving skills and pass the DMV exam! read more

Five Star Driving School - driving_schools - Updated July 2026

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