Gerald is an amazing teacher! Very patient and knowledgeable! I had no experience with driving and was kind of scared of cars in general, but after a few lessons! I passed the test on my first try ! He helped me accomplished the thing I thought I would never be able to achieve! He also took care of the appointment for the final test! Very flexible schedule and affordable price! Highly recommended! read more

I took 3 lessons with Gerald and passed my driving test the first try! Very appreciative of Gerald and his knowledge. Easy to book lessons, flexible schedule and prices are more affordable than most driving schools. Would recommend for any first time drivers! read more

Gerald is the best instructor one can ask for. I had no previous driving experience and was quite nervous. Exactly 16 days from the beginning my lessons with Gerald, I had passed my driving test! He's extremely calm, respectful and a great teacher. He helped build my confidence while giving me very useful tips and tricks not just to pass the test but for driving itself. He's very easy to coordinate with, and flexible. He booked the test appointment for me and took care of all those details. I cannot recommend him enough. You can't go wrong with him. read more

Gerald was great! He gave lessons to both of my daughters, one to get her license and the other to practice since she hadn't driven for two years after getting her license. The younger one passed and got her driver's license! He taught both of them how to parallel park (very important in SF) and gave them more confidence so that I can take them practicing without fear. Highly recommend! read more

Gerald is a highly effective driving instructor and I would recommend it. I came to Gerald after I failed my first driving test. For context, I have a license from another country and am OK but not a great driver as I don't drive regularly, and so needed to learn the stop sign rules, etc to pass the test. He walked me through all the necessary local rules to be aware of and tips and tricks in one lesson, and I passed the test the next day!! read more

Gerald is an incredible instructor! I am such a nervous and cautious driver, but he was able to teach me to be more calm and believe in my driving skills. I am glad to say I passed my test today!!! I originally planned to schedule 5 sessions with Gerald, but I was able to pass my test in 3 sessions. Thank you so much! So glad I came across such a great instructor! read more

I contacted Gerald after seeing such good reviews for him and he was very helpful and straightforward with pricing plans and options. Amazingly flexible and willing to work with me even on short notice. Took one lesson with him, and that alone was enough for me to pass on my first try. He's detailed, patient, and to the point when teaching you. I'm extremely thankful to have had him be my instructor and he's worth every single cent. read more

Gerald is an amazing instructor. I had only driver in India before this, that too right hand drive around 10-12 yrs ago so basically was re-learning how to drive from scratch. After 1-2 driving sessions with friends in empty parking lots, I signed up for a class with Gerald given all the positive reviews. He was able to gauge my driving ability within the first class (2hr session) and then after only one additional class he had me scheduled to give the driver's test. He set everything up as we used his car for the test and I passed on my first attempt. Gerald is calm, patient, and most importantly he neither wastes your time or money and helps you earn your license as soon as possible. Highly recommend him!! read more

Gerald is the best! Always on time, super patient, and really supportive. He praised my progress, which gave me so much confidence while driving. Thanks to his guidance, I passed my driving test on the first try! Highly recommend! read more

I had basically zero driving experience and managed to pass my driving exam at the SF DMV on the first try after only 3 lessons with Gerald. Would recommend to anyone learning to drive in the city! read more

Gerald, is an amazing instructor! I am a first time driver and have ZERO knowledge about driving. He teach me what are the important things that I need to learn driving in DOWNTOWN SAN FRANCISCO the tips and tricks how to navigate my way around this busy and crazy street. He makes me gain confidence behind the steering wheel. I was so nervous on the day of my actual driving test but he was there all through out to give support and some tips to pass the test. After 3 sessions or more likely 7 hours of lessons with him I passed my driving test in ONE TRY! Beyond bless to know him and be my instructor. He is the best! I am now waiting for my driver license card to be mailed to me. read more

Highly recommend Gerald! I passed my test in the first shot!! He is super patient and friendly. He knows exactly how much practice you need and doesn't push you to take more lessons if you don't need them. Very grateful that I found the right instructor read more

Finally achieved my goal of getting my license and passed on the first try thanks to Gerald's amazing lessons! He's a very patient teacher and gives plenty of valuable feedback throughout each session. After Gerald's lessons, I have the confidence to take on any road inside or outside the city. read more

Best instructor in the world. Gerald responded super fast and was extremely accommodating with my busy schedule. It only took two lessons to get the license and I will be taking a lifetime of safe driving from him. Although our time was short, it was super efficient and he helped me build the confidence I needed to drive in the city. Will be recommending and sending all my friends without a license your way now. thank you!! read more

Gerald is the best driving instructor you can hope for, especially if you lack confidence as I did. When I contacted him, I hadn't driven a car for over 5 years. Moreover, I only had driven a handful times in the past. Every time I had either my dad or both parents with me. They are both anxious people, and I always thought that my driving skill was not good enough to drive alone because they would constantly freak out. Then I took a lesson with Gerald. After 1 hour of correcting some of my bad habits, he basically told me that I really just needed time to drive by myself, my driving skill was not bad at all, and my my instincts were great. With his encouragement and tips on using ZipCar as a means to practice without having to worry about liability, I just accomplished one of the big milestones in my life yesterday: I drove all by myself in a car I had never driven before for 3 hours total! I drove in SF, onto freeways & highways without an issue!! Thank you so very much, Gerald! I wouldn't be able to hit the road confidently without your help! read more

Gerald is so nice and patient. I had a little experience but he helped me gain confidence and skills that's helped me pass my test on the FIRST try. I recommend him to anyone that wants to get their license and have the necessary skills after the test. Thanks again Gerald!!!! read more

Gerald is an excellent driving instructor. He teaches students to have a calm and confident attitude on the road for a seamless driving experience. Gerald goes above and beyond with additional tips for the best driving practices. I had previous experience driving but I had a large gap before I started driving again in the US. Gerald gauged my skill in one lesson and adapted the lesson for me to clear the driving test with ease. Thanks to him, I was able to clear my test in the first attempt. He is truly the value for your money. read more

What an amazing instructor! He taught me from 0 experience whatsoever to getting my license in just around a month. He adjusts to your experience and teaches you what you need to know to pass the exam, while also teaching you how to drive well (even on the freeway!). Very flexible with your schedule as well. Definitely recommend! read more

Best instructor in the city! I passed my driving test in my first attempt with his instruction. I only did 3 classes. His pricing is very reasonable and he teaches so much in very little time. I HIGHLY recommend him! read more

Gerald was amazing. I highly recommend him. He helped my son pass his driver's test...on his first try. His rates were very reasonable, and Gerald was very patient. Moreover, he even help schedule the test at the DMV. read more

Gerald is the best!!! I was so nervous to take my driving test and he gave me the confidence and taught me all the rules and steps that I needed to pass! Hi is the most patience and kind! Don't hesitate to hire him if you want to learn from the best and pass your test! read more

Gerald is a highly experienced, professional, patient and well-mannered. I also think his system of reserving multiple sessions at a time as an option makes more sense than others. I would highly recommend booking with him before this driving school gets so popular that you have to be on long wait list. read more

Had an excellent experience passing my driver's test with Gerald as my instructor! I had 2-3 years of driving experience several years ago (before college), but since going to college and moving to San Francisco I haven't been driving. Gerald suggested I just take one lesson to refresh and learn the road regulations before doing the test, and it worked perfectly for me! Gerald is very thorough with his teaching and not only shares tips & tricks specific to the test, but teaches beyond the test to make sure you feel confident driving. Even though we took the test in Vallejo (which he suggested for ease of passing over taking it in SF), he spent a good amount of time having me drive around San Francisco (learning to drive on steep hills!) and taking the freeway a couple times (which is not covered on the test). All of the prep has given me a lot of confidence with driving again! He's also very responsive and easy to coordinate with. He offered me lots of options in terms of scheduling and I was able to book an appointment quickly. read more

It was great learning driving from Gerald! Passed first attempt. Gerald was kind and gets the point across. Would recommend!

PASSED ON MY FIRST TRY! :D Gerald is an amazing teacher. I have never driven before and he helped me go from zero to hero. In my first lesson, he taught me how to turn a car. I kept trying but kept doing it wrong, so he swapped seats. With him at the drivers seat, he explained and demonstrated how to turn. After that, it all started to click and through repetition repetition repetition, I was able to turn safely and correctly. At the end of my second lesson, I developed enough skill to drive home via the freeway. Gerald thought I was ready for the test after my 3rd lesson, but I hired him for a few extra lessons anyways -- just to develop more skill and confidence in myself. His rates is very reasonable AND he does the DMV scheduling for you AND you can borrow his car for the road test. Even though Gerald books your road test in Vallejo (trust me, you want to take your test there), all my lessons took place in various parts of SF, so I got "real world" exposure to all the stress of urban driving as well as hills. read more

Gerald is the best instructor! I got my drivers license 10 years back but I did not drive much since then so I needed a refresher. Gerald helped me and I got confidence within three lessons. He is patient and understands your skill level and guide accordingly. read more

I took driving lessons from Gerald before taking the test. It was an awesome experience! Not only will Gerald teach you the rules of the road, but he will make sure you are prepared for every possible scenario. He will work with you very closely to make sure you are comfortable with every aspect of driving. He will also help you with road confidence if this is the first time you are driving and you are nervous. I would highly recommend him if you are around San Francisco and looking for a driving instructor. read more

As a typical New Yorker I put off getting my license bc well, I didn't really need it. Then I had 2 kids and thought it was time to do it. So I reached out to this school and got a response from Gerald. He is great, he worked with my schedule, told me exactly what I needed to work on and how many lessons he thought I needed (he said he didn't want me to waste my money on taking so many lessons) and he told me exactly where to go to get a quick appointment and the easiest to pass the road test. We drove around SF and drove in the highest a few times. He was very patient and his critiques were very precise and in a well mannered tone not condescending or rushed. I did pass my road test on the first try so I totally recommend him to anyone that wants to learn or brush up on their driving. read more

I loved my classes with Gerald. Today I passed my driving exam and finally got the California driving license thanks to his great classes. Thank you Gerald for your patience with me and teaching me everything I needed to be a good driver, I truly had a great time and felt comfortable in your car and with you as my teacher. You are a wonderful teacher. read more

I thought learning how to drive with friends was the way to do it but I was wrong. After taking just 2 lessons from Gerald I realized that I really needed someone to teach me the proper way of driving but also just building your confidence which you will not get from your friends. He's very nice and he has a calm voice so I was able to build my confident and drive within 2 classes and passed the test right away! The classes are also very affordable too! Great experience! Will highly recommend him to friends and family! read more

Payless Driving Lesson - Driving Schools Near Me

My kid passed driver test on first try. Gerald is very informative, detailed, patient, and it's easy to schedule all throughout the 6 months required between permit and license. Highly recommend! read more

At the start of my first lesson, I could barely make a turn properly, but at the end of the lesson, I was on the freeway going 60 mph on my way home. I had no driving experience and I was able to pass my driving exam in only 2 lessons with Gerald. He's an amazingly good teacher. Very patient, observant, and knowledgeable. After you schedule an appointment with him, he comes and picks you up at your home and each lesson is 2 hours. He will ask you to start driving, then he identifies your flaws and gives you steps to improve. His car has two sets of pedals and he occasionally takes the wheel from you as needed, so I never felt out of control or nervous with him in the car. After the lesson, you drive yourself back home and you pay - he takes Venmo which was very convenient. After my first lesson with him, I felt a lot more comfortable behind the wheel and by the second one, he told me I was ready for the exam which was a big confidence boost. He even let me use his car on the day of the driving exam and guided me through the entire course. From when I contacted Gerald to when I passed the exam was around 6 weeks. I will be recommending Gerald to anyone who is looking for a driving instructor! 10/10 read more

I started lessons with Gerald with absolutely no experience whatsoever. In less than a month, he taught me how to drive and pass the test on the first try! He'll cater to what you personally need help with and even help you the morning of your DMV test. We used his vehicle for the test and had an hour lesson practicing the exact same route the dmv uses to insure that you pass. Great instructor, would recommend to anyone who has never driven before read more

Gerald is the best instructor anyone can find. He not only teaches driving, but also helps in getting over nervousness and build confidence. Having failed my driving test the first time, I started taking lessons with Gerald. He helped me in picking up my skills and get my license within 2 classes. He doesn't overcharge and recommends only the ample amount of classes you need judging your skill level. He also takes care of the driving license process by booking appointment for the test, driving to and fro the DMV and using his car for the test. Definitely follow his advice and take the test at Vallejo, easiest to pass in no-time and get the license. I started driving around in San Francisco and all credits goes to Gerald! Thank you Gerald! read more

Success! I passed my behind the wheel test on the 22nd and I honestly have no idea how I would have done it without the help of Gerald! When I first contacted him he was so quick to respond. I appreciated that he was so considerate of other students while he was in a lesson and let me know that he would call me as soon as he had time. He was very thorough about the services he provides and also about his prices. I'm not new to driving but I needed to refresh my memory on defensive driving so I could get my license. It only took 1 two hour lesson and a hour lesson on the day of the test and I passed! Gerald was so patient with me and provided all the knowledge I needed to finally achieve something I never thought I would ever get! Thank you Gerald, once again! read more

I highly recommend Gerald. Both my sons were taught by Gerald. My older son had a bad case of nerves and failed the test twice. Gerald talked to him and made him feel a lot better and it really helped my son not feel so bad. Thankfully he passed on his 3rd try but I think it was Gerald's kind words that helped him not feel so down about himself and try again. My younger son passed on his first try. Gerald even told him to stop his lessons when he felt he was ready for the test. They both learned how to park better than I could teach them, My kids said I confused them when I tried to reach them. read more

Gerald was an amazing instructor. I passed on my first try! Granted, I already had a driver's license back in Canada, but I barely drove even back home and hadn't driven a car for over 4 years. I bring up this context because it really goes to show that Gerald truly does have your best interests at heart, as the other reviews suggest. Let me explain: Originally, I figured we'd need at least two lessons to relearn everything. I also wanted to learn how to drive on the freeway since I had never done that before (even back in Canada), even though it's not something covered on the exam. As soon as we met--he picked me up at my apartment--he immediately realized that I had prior driving experience and adjusted our lesson plan to ONLY go over exactly what I needed to pass the exam. Nothing more, nothing less, saving me money and time! That one two-hour lesson ended up being all that I needed. For the lesson, we went on the freeway, went over common mistakes drivers make on the exam, and even how to parallel park, even though it wasn't covered on the exam. Again, he did these things because he not only wants you to not only pass the exam with flying colours, but also actually know the right skills to be a good driver beyond getting your license. (Minor aside: both Canada and the US don't test freeway experience or parallel parking... sort of baffles my mind. Why not?!) He told me that I shouldn't need a second lesson and that I was ready. Gerald recommends taking the test at Vallejo. I took my exam there just 3 days after my lesson and passed with a perfect score(!). You might be skeptical why you would go so far, but there are actually several advantages to this: - The exam is practically easier. There are virtually no pedestrians/hazards and fewer tricky turns. Basically, there are just way fewer times you'll be screwed over by something completely random. - There's way more flexibility in booking. If you go to Daly City or SF, you're likely going to have to book it at least a month or two in advance (Gerald kindly takes care of all the booking for you as well!). I needed my license ASAP, so Vallejo was perfect. I literally reached out to him the week before, then took the lesson and test in the following week. Efficient! - The total time spent for the exam will roughly be similar anyway. That is, the time you spend on the freeway to and from Vallejo will basically even out with the huge line you'll likely face when you go to either SF/Daly City anyway. Just make sure you go early in the morning (we left for Vallejo at like 7AM) so that you don't get stuck in traffic. - Free highway training to and from Vallejo! I personally wanted this to get more general experience, so this was perfect. In terms of pricing, I paid by the hour (2 hours for the first and only lesson), as well as for the exam (lump sum for taking his car to and from Vallejo, a mini lesson to preview what'll be on the exam by exploring the area, advice for driving on the freeway, and being able to use his car for the exam). I don't own a car, so this was perfect for me. I don't think it'll be worth mentioning exact prices since they fluctuate based on supply and demand, so I recommend giving Gerald a call if you're interested. All in all, I especially recommend going to him if 1) you need your license ASAP, 2) you don't own a car yourself, and 3) want to maximize your chances of passing the first time. Of course, even without any of those things, I still recommend him because he's an awesome, patient, and knowledgeable instructor. read more

Gerald is such a great instructor! He'll give you constructive criticism and gives the best trust. Thank you, Gerald. Would recommend him over and over again to my friends. read more

Geralds a great instructor with great lesson rates in SF. I had three lessons with him and went straight to the DMV drivers test and passed. The way Gerald teaches you is by repetition which is incredibly helpful when learning to do anything new. He will also not charge you for extra classes if he thinks you are ready for the test. Gerald is honest and is an experienced driver--I would recommend him if you're looking to get your driver's license read more

Gerald is a great instructor. He is very knowledgeable about all the driving test details. I only needed two lessons before taking the test since I had some experiences in my home country. The two lessons were totally worth it! I got to practice driving on highways, parallel parking, and of course the test route which was in Daly City. And, I passed my test with one try! Highly recommended to people in the Bay Area! read more