Super happy I decided on the Defensive Driving School located in Silverdale! Three things made my…read moreexperience at Defensive positive, stress-free, and successful (as I passed my driving test on the first try!) 1. The instructor: Mitch is such a rad guy. He is patient, laid-back, and upfront-- if you are doing great, he let's you know what you're succeeding in which increases your confidence in driving and reinforces GOOD "habits" (driving techniques)! If you're struggling, he will also not hesitate to let you know where you need improvement without condescending or belittling you. I made some pretty embarrassing mistakes during some lessons, but he never once made me feel silly or discouraged for messing up, instead he provided insight and tips which alleviated a lot of pressure. His style of teaching also makes it so much easier to learn because there are no surprises and there is no awkwardness either. Ultimately, I believe his teaching style would work for anyone because he adjusts his lessons to fit his learner and what works best for them, whether that is more verbal guidance or taking you step-by-step once, twice, fifteen times. I really enjoyed my time spent with Mitch and his success in teaching really reflects in his students' vast improvement-- I never thought parallel parking would be such a snap for me as it is now! Additionally, because he is the main instructor at this location, more often than not you will end up taking your skills test with him which really is a huge benefit for anyone taking the skills test the first time around-- I wasn't nervous at all and my confidence showed because I knew he had given me all the tools I needed to pass. 2. Flexibility of hours and Variety of driving packages: As a recent college grad just getting their driving license, I am so happy I was able to skip the classroom sessions and group car rides and instead get one-on-one lessons with Mitch. I am a much better individual learner than I am group learner, so this contributed to my comfort, lessened my anxiety, and allowed me to really grasp the skills quickly. From browsing around, Defensive is the only driving school I found in the area that had so many different packages, from classes with driving practice for teens to those like me who want multiple 1-hr or 90-minute one-on-one lessons. I liked that I could shape the lessons around my schedule, as someone going through lots of changes-- something which was not offered at other competitors in the area. Additionally, as an adult, there are options of booking lessons as closely/far apart from one another as desired which may be a helpful note for folks like me who are not teens-- just call their customer service hotline and let them know you need them to change your profile to fit this feature. However, it's important to note that teens cannot book lessons any closer than 5 days apart. The schedule agent online booking site they use makes appointment bookings easy as can be. You don't have to wait to call to book lessons and there's no need to walk in with a check, which was convenient for me. If you ever need to reschedule or made a mistake on the site, Defensive's customer line is just as impressive as everything else, as they were always super kind, clear, quick (but not rushy), and helpful on the phone. 3. Price: For my 5 lessons, I thought what I paid was fair and every dollar was well spent. Some people may look at the classroom/driving packages for their teens and be tempted to not book with Defensive and go for a cheaper competitor, but I cannot sincerely say enough that you cannot compete with the level of professionalism and skill that they have here! Overall I'm a happy and safe new driver thanks to Mitch and would recommend Defensive @ Silverdale for new drivers!

Dave was on time and was very helpful after the road test in explaining what I did right or wrong.read more

In helping my granddaughter obtain her drivers license, we went to the 911 Driving School in…read moreSilverdale. The instructor there did not make her feel comfortable about his presence at all. The entire experience was very stressful. Needless to say, she did not pass. We decided to try to the Port Orchard office. The staff and instructor were so personable and helped her feel comfortable about her driving experience. If you ever have a choice in drivers testing facilities, drive the extra mile to go to Port Orchard. You and your child won't regret it.

Whoever was driving the white Kia Soul in Poulsbo, remember you're advertising for your company…read morewhenever you're on the road. And pulling out onto the 305, causing another car to slam on their brakes, doesn't recommend you to folks entrusting you to teach their kids.

I came here for a Women's Off Road day with Avants held at DirtFish, it was amazing and so fun. The…read morestaff at DirtFish were great and we can't wait to go back and do a rally school.

I mean this place is amazing. super fun and great people all around. Not sure what else to say!read more

I would absolutely go here!!! Ted and Duane are very professional. This is a great place for your…read morekids to learn to drive.

From the owner: We are a Teen driving school. Our mission is to provide a…read morehealthy learning environment while creating safe and responsible drivers for LIFE.

I was so nervous to take my drivers test but they were very helpful, knowledgeable, and nice! The…read moreinstructor, Dave, was very patient with me and this driving school was just overall filled with greatness.

Note to everyone with teenagers…read more DO NOT USE DEFENSIVE DRIVING SCHOOL! Not only did the receptionist sit and agree with me instead of coming up with a solution - after we paid almost $700 for the classes - she sat there and didn't even apologize for giving my daughter the wrong information!! I hope she gets replaced

It has not been a good experience since we started. First they "forgot" to submit to the DOL my…read moreteen was enrolled in drivers ed, which slowed the process to getting the permit. My teen reported getting yelled at by the instructors. Communication to the parents was not consistent. And when we asked how we could better help our teen, the response of the instructor was condescending and provided no help.

The unprofessionalism is real. I went here for classes as a teen and I don't remember much, but 1…read moreyear ago I took the test twice to get licensed and it was awful. The instructor rescheduled on me at the last minute and then was at times very hostile and inappropriate with me during our drive. Laughing, jeering, scoffing at very minimal mistakes such as leaving my blinker on a few seconds too long. I ended up failing the first time by about 3 points or so, and crying my eyes out. I was a 22 year old woman at the time, I struggle with ADHD, and I think this establishment is bordering on unsafe for young people when instructors are allowed to say and do just anything to young people who are already possibly scared/uncomfortable. I think that my specific instructor (not all I'm sure) really leaned into the expected behaviors of an aggressive, hostile old retired cop who still wants to bark at people and make them feel small somehow while on the clock. I'll also add that my boyfriend left them a bad review after hearing all of this from me, and they responded by blasting out his PERSONAL INFORMATION that they got from estranged family members who they found in their system. That was shocking to me!!! So privacy and personal information are also not respected here.

My instructor was extremely calm and cool during my drive. He didn't react to any mistakes I made…read moreand gave clear and helpful directions.

From the owner: Ready to hit the gas? Our teen driver’s ed course is your ticket to freedom and independence!…read moreMaster the road with 17 engaging sessions covering everything from traffic laws to real-world driving. Plus, enjoy hands-on experience with 5 hours behind the wheel lessons. Also learn from observing another student in action for 1 hour. We offer in-person and online classes. In addition to Teen Courses we have Adult Private Lessons and are an Approved DOL License Testing Center. Mention this add and receive 20% off courses at our Olympia Defensive Driving School location.