Professional staff and great instructors!!!!' Safest has successfully helped both my kids pass their driving test on the first try with near perfect scores and they feel confident behind the wheel. Derek was a wonderful teacher for both my kids. Highly recommend this school read more

My son signed up with Derek in 2020, during the pandemic. Driving lessons began in June and were completed in December. Derek with patient, understanding and was able to teach my son how to be more comfortable behind the wheel. I'm glad to report that my son passed with flying colors today. He was only marked off for 3 points out of 100 - fantastic! I highly recommend Derek and the staff at Safest 1 Driving School. Thanks again for everything. read more

I recommend driving with any other instructor besides Walter. Overall I stopped practice driving with Safest 1 Driving College and learned by myself and took all the tips I received with Carlos because Walter was a negative rude person saying "I will never get my license the way I'm driving." Update: Well Walter I did get my license and only missed two on the behind the wheel test and the DMV tester was amazed at my driving skills. read more

DO NOT ENROLL HERE! TRUST THE REVIEWS IN GOOGLE AND YELP. IT IS REAL!! I purchased 3 sessions and I only used 2. I gave them a benefit of the doubt despite of the bad reviews in google and YELP. I had horrible experience. 3/19/21 Devin Gordon is the driving instructor. At first he is good. Then, eventually he is using his phone and I guess he is mad to that person and he threw the hit on me. He started being impatient and shouting at me. He expects me to be a good driver in my first day of practicing driving. I studied in driving school in the Philippines and I drove manual not Automatic. So, I am still learning that's why I got there service. He is using his phone, then I full brake. I know its my bad, but I got scared with the other driver in a wrong side in the round about. He got so mad at me and screaming at me. He asked me rudely to get out the car. He told me he will not finish the session and he doesn't feel safe me driving. He even stated that's how you drive in your country? He is so racist. He even did the full brake and said that's what you do! Now you feel how I felt earlier. He dropped me to a wrong dropping place and he even had the guts to say, not to book him next time. I called and reported it. They didn't compensate for what happened to me. Vilma just apologized and told me to tell the next instructor to finish the 30 minutes from the first session. I gave them a chance for my 2nd session. I got Derek. He is much better compared to Devin. I told Derek at the start of the session what happened to me and he is on the side of the Devil Devin. I let him know I am a Special Education Teacher and I know how to teach a student. Screaming to a student is a big NO. Then, he shut up and apologized. The session is much better, but the teaching way is not okay with me. Shouting or raising voice is not okay. I was traumatized with the sessions I got from them. Good thing my boyfriend helped me a lot and I got a perfect score in my DMV driving test. Safest 1 only gave me few bucks for the 3rd session I didn't finish. read more

Had 3 lessons and they showed me what I need for behind wheel driving test and I pass with first try!

I booked in for a one hour lesson before my DMV test to get some pointers about the test itself, rather than to start learning from scratch as I have been driving for over a decade in Australia. My instructor, Walter, was not interested in my previous driving experience or what I needed to get out of the lesson. He continuously grabbed the wheel (including dangerously at high speed on the highway) and constantly used the brake for me, which was confusing and unnecessary. He referred to me as 'Young Lady' constantly and in a pejorative way throughout. I successfully got my licence following the lesson but would not recommend Walter, particularly to any women who want to be treated respectfully during their instruction. read more

DEREK IS AMAZING !! did all 3 lessons with him and i got my license with only 3 errors !!!!

UPDATE: Today I had Derek for my third lesson. If you are going to use this company, request to have Derek for each lesson and make sure that you don't get an appt. with Walter Branch. Derek gives positive criticism, is calm, patient, funny, and knows how to ease the nerves of a new driver. Would be giving five stars for the service I had today, but Walter majorly brings down my overall rating of this school. read more

Signed up with Wilma at the office and she was very thorough explaining the process for my 16 year old son. CHERYL was the behind the wheel trainer and she was absolutely sweet, humble and trustworthy. My son trained with her on three different occasions and told me what she observed with my son both positive and a few negative on what he should focus on before taking the behind the wheel test. A few weeks later he took the test and passed! Thank you ladies for the great experience! read more

I booked driving lessons with Derek based on the yelp reviews. I am glad we did it. My daughter learned a lot on her driving lessons with him and passed on her first try for her driving test. He gave her tons of information that I would never think to tell my daughter because it has been years since I took my test. I would definitely recommend DEREK as a driving instructor. My only negative comment is on the first day, I wish he would have introduced himself to us and made us feel a little safe that he was taking our precious cargo. Besides that, he was great. read more

I signed this up with the president Walter whose worked with special needs and deaf students for a very good deal. Driving lessons began in February and I am proud to say I just passed on my first try today. I do recommend to take lessons with Walter. He was professional and helpful. He also gave me a lot of good tips which I will always be aware and remember this for the rest of my life. Thank you for helping me and I now know what to do while driving for safe! read more

Just felt the need to give Safest 1 driving a great review since my daughter just passed on her first try! The upfront price was a deal and the staff is very professional and helpful over the phone. Most impressive was Derek! He was knowledgeable and extremely helpful to my daughter. She learned a lot from Derek. He was so professional and calm. He gave her constructive feedback and so many helpful tips for the big day. Derek made her feel very comfortable and confident!! Thank you Derek !!!!! read more

My daughter took lessons with Derrick Perkins last year. He was very professional and made her feel comfortable while driving. She had no anxiety while taking her test and passed the first time! Thank you, Mr. Perkins and Safest1! I'll be scheduling my younger daughter this week! read more

I just signed my daughter up for these courses. We have not yet done a driving lesson, however, Wilma has been very responsive and helpful throughout. She was extremely pleasant and helpful and made this company stand out! read more

Made appointment with instructor, They called me a day before my lesson day that instructor is sick can't make it. So they rescheduled me another day for 1:00pm, So I'm looking at the clock and it past the 1 o clock and called the office to ask for instructor but the lady said that he already came out to the Address you gave out, and also the instructor called the contact number and person in the phone said that he has no idea about the appointment,lol These guys are time wasters. And later on I got called from another cell number and this person was telling me that the instructor is not doing well and he's sick can't make it. He also said that they been running this business for 26 year". So i don't call this professional business and basically they don't care about ppl times. I would never recommend this business to anyone. 26 years of business experience lol. Bs read more

I just got my license yesterday so I'm going to review my experience with this driving school. First thing first is I'm surprised by all the negative reviews this school has gotten because I had a very positive and motivating experience (of course cause I got my L in the end). I had 3 of my driving courses through Derek (ask for him, he is great!) and day of my driving test I used one of their cars and Walter picked me up and was there for me for the test. My lessons with Derek were very informative and he helped me build up my confidence as a driver. He's also a laid back funny guy. He made me feel comfortable from the beginning. I would definitely recommend him if you're signing up for lessons. And if you don't get him, I would recommend Walter. I don't see why he has such a bad rep here. He really wants you to succeed and pass / get your license - it's just he doesn't sugar coat anything and he gives you positive feedback. He's very straightforward with his teaching which may come off as strict to others - but I found him incredibly helpful. Also apparently all his students get perfect driving tests. Day of my driving test he picked me up and we drove around for an hour. Granted I've never been in a car with him so I was pretty nervous but then as we were driving he would always tell me something I could fix, or something I need to work on. I actually learned a lot with him in that short drive for my test and it was a great refresher. We get to the DMV and all I had to bring was my permit while he provided the car and insurance for my test. I was incredibly nervous while we were waiting in the car together but Walter helped me remain calm. He answered every last minute question I asked. Emphasized on scanning your surroundings, and repeated where all the lights, defroster, gears, brakes etc are in the car (since I was unfamiliar with the car). My behind-the-wheel test went great and I only got 1 wrong! I was so excited I hugged Walter and he responded saying I almost got a 100. I scoffed but I thanked him afterwards for his help. After the test I even got the chance to see Derek and I was ecstatic to show him my test score -- he was so happy. This school really wants you to pass. They won't tell you bullshit - they will give you feedback and all the help you need so you can become a safe and prepared driver. Thanks again Derek, Walter, and to this school for everything! read more

They took my payment and never showed up to pick up my daughter on the scheduled date and time. O They close at 6 pm her apt was at 4 pm and i called for 2 hours and left several messages with no return on my phone call. I will be disputing the charges with my bank! read more

I've had lessons from 2 other driving schools and had failed my driving test twice! After my sessions with safest 1 driving school and my instructor Derek, I was finally able to pass my driving test!!! Derek is the best! He is easy to talk to and has a relaxed teaching style. When scheduling your driving sessions ask for him! Wilma is also so very helpful with scheduling appointments. Will recommend this school to everyone trying to get their license! read more

This driving school is EXTREMELY ghetto. BEWARE WALTER BRANCH the president/operator instructor is VERY unprofessional and overall is NOT A GREAT INSTRUCTOR. He's beyond negative.He showed up to my house with a mean vibe. He didnt even say hello. I was in the Car with him for 3 MIN before he started making rude comments and remarks like " im making the money at the end of the day so i really dont care" and im the " #1 driving instructor in the state" ,VERY unnecessary. Im all for black owned businesses but this one is just NOT the right place for an inexperienced driver. read more

Didn't have any problems with my instructor. In fact he's the best I've had (and he's my first!) Made my experience 100% safe, calm and relaxing. If you're going to call safest 1 i highly recommend asking for Bill as an instructor. I am a very shy person with little to no confidence in myself or any of my abilities. Bill is very professional in my opinion and believed in me more then i did myself. He gets here early and works hard to insure I've done well. Took a short review before driving to the DMV for my driving test. Passed on my first try. Ask for Bill when signing up. read more

Got my license in just 2nd session with DEREK and Safest1 helped me alot specially building confidence when driving.

This place was reasonably priced and the instructor was great with my son. I would recommend this school to anyone.

My daughter passed with flying colors. Saw Derek all 3 times and he was very informative, patient and made her feel very comfortable driving. If you go through this school ask for Derek. He'll teach you right!!!Thank you Safest 1!! read more

Safest 1 Driving College is awesome. Their staff and instructors are great and informative. I would definitely recommend them to teach your teen driver. read more

This is the best school in the Bay Area Region! Walter Branch is the best instructor ever! I have two children and my son attended a school in the Sacramento area, and I was very dissatisfied with the school/service. My daughter went to Safest 1 Driving College and the experience was spectacular! I would recommend this College highly to anyone! Ask for Mr. Branch...... Thank you Mr. Branch for the outstanding service! read more

We signed for driving training for my daughter. As soon as the president/operator Walter Branch came into the house he had a very very bad attitude. He gave me his business card and I asked for his id to verify his identity. When I asked his identification he got very defensive and upset that I would ask for an id. I told him that if I'm going to let you take my 16 year old daughter it's my job as a mom to make sure you are who you say you are. He again kept getting defensive and kept repeating I've been background checked. I told him how I as a parent should know that you have been background checked? I would not recommend this guy to anyone as he had very negative and crappy attitude. If I'm going to allow my child to be thought by someone it has to be someone who has a positive attitude and shows patience. I highly would suggest not to go with this company. No vendor should ever be insulted when asked for an identification and especially when your teenager is involved. Also he was 15 minutes late and he would not take personal checks. Again, if I'm handing you my cc number....that in itself should be enough to ask for an id. read more

Im not stating my instructors name (out of compassion that i shouldnt have), i had this instructor all the 3 times and keep in mind she is elderly and is only an instructor as a side job, and i will admit i learned alot but omg. each lesson was a headache so much SCREAMING, so loud, banging on her side dashboard, putting me in unsafe conditions. The final straw happened when i scheduled an extra lesson the day of my license for her to pick me up and allow me to drive to and from my appointment. My appointment was scheduled at 8:20 she was supposed to show up at my house at 7:20. I Live in condos on the top floor so i was up at 7 just sitting by the door the whole time. It gets to 7:10, and i call i say just checking in are you on your way and she said yes ill be there shortly. 7:45 i start to get mad bc im paying $100 and i needed the extra lesson, and shes not there. I call and she says," i left im in pittsburg i came up your stairs and knocked on your door there was no answer" in my head im thinking bs, my dad and myself were waiting by the door the whole time and if she came up my stairs why didnt she call me to let me know she was outside like she normally does for lessons. So i said what well are you coming back and she said yes ill come. So to skip ahead its 8:10, i was SOOO upset and she gets there and shes like hurry up get in your gonna be late, and you cant drive ill have to drive you so you wont be late. And i said well its not my fault you did not even walk up my stairs i was waiting by the door and why didnt you call? She straight up said "so are you calling me a liar" and i said well yeah because i was at the door and i know for a fact you didnt walk up those stairs, and she says thats it GET OUT! I WAS LIVID and my dad was fuming too. She wasted my whole time and put me in bad mojo i was crying so bad because i knew i was gonna fail. Luckily, i drove my own car there with my dad and i passed! Safest1 hires some of the most unprofessional instructors ever. Do not schedule with them read more

This seems like a small family business. You will leave a lot of messages. Just be very clear with the lady on the phone- about payment and appointment times, and who to call if they need to change something. The fee for lessons was fair. The first instructor's lesson wasn't great. But then my son got Bill-ask for him by name. He is very good, detailed, and goes the extra mile to ensure your student passes. Always early, gave a full lesson, and even came early to prep my son before his DMV test. He passed wtih a 98 on the first try. read more

If I could I give this damn school 0 stars, I have driving lesson with Walter, he was very rude and I could sense a not so good vibe with him when he first came to my door, while I was driving he was criticizing me in a bad way like he knew me personally and I tried to explain to him that I just moved to the contra Costa area the weekend before and so I was practicing with another instructor before then and he was saying "whoever taught you how to drive was teaching you the right way" and just being overall rude and talking about things that were irrelevant and unneascary to the driving lesson and I'm really not happy so I don't know if I'll go through this company again, I'm thinking about asking for another instructor or what.. read more

My experience with Safest One Driving College was excellent i recommend Walter Branch as the instructor he explained himself very well about how the driving was going to go and his duties as a teacher and i would recommend him anyday my son alex was very happy with him read more

This company put my child in danger more than once! We had the same instructor all three times. On the second lesson the car broke down. It didn't stall, but the breaks stopped working. My son wanted to pull the emergency break and the instructor said no because it could ruin the engine. He was told to run into a curb to stop the car. He got home 2 hours late because they had to wait for a tow truck and no one ever called me. The third lesson was even worse. This time the instructor got a call from his kid that they needed a ride somewhere so he dropped my son off at the Antioch mall and told him he would be back in about 30 minutes. He was suppose to be home in five minutes so was going to get home late again with no phone call to me and without my permission for him to be dropped off anywhere. I don't even let my son go wander around there alone! The company only said they "are shocked" that this instructor would do this. I never felt like they took it serious. read more

This school only saving grace was the instructor named bill in which I took my remaining lessons with. Originally I had the instructor Walter Branch who had me use a good majority of my time learning how to control the wheel of the school's car in a housing complex. I believe that this is fair to a point but to use 75% of the two hours I had to pay for isn't right. As for the other 25% Walter had received a phone call from another instructor who told him that his car broke down so they needed help. Walter had me drive to the area and had me sit in the car with the other instructor's student for close to 20 minutes, and then had me drive the other student home with hardly any feedback given. I could have learned more from a newly licensed driver all of this for 90$. Now the only way I can only recommend this school to the next person is if they ask directly for the instructor bill who helped me pass the behind the wheel test. To be fair I did not meet the other instructor Derek, but I would advise that booking one appointment would be the best route for newer drivers. read more

One of the worst driving school out there, AVOID AT ALL COSTS! Never have I been so humiliated and embarrassed for another driving school. I went through 3 different instructors and both we're extremely cocky and rude, never once did they apologize for their attitude especially towards inexperienced drivers. For example. On the very first lesson one of the gentleman instructors picked up his phone and started cursing and openly discussing his work while attempting to teach. Afterwards he yelled at and insulted the driver (myself) for asking a question. The other instructors we're just as bad if not worse. The supposed "owned" of the company came out to teach and insulted the driver for asking a question and would not leave it alone even after the driver remained calm, polite, and silent. After openly rambling on for about 20 minutes straight (NO JOKE!) and the lesson concluded he said "Have a nice life" to the driver and muttered extremely offensive comments to himself as well as cursing at them. I am extremely surprised this company has not been sued or even better yet shut down for their extraordinarily unprofessional practices. I have first hand experience with customer service and general politeness to others but this company seems to have no idea what that is and how dangerous being in a vehicle can be, especially with the wrong tutor. Take your money elsewhere I promise you'll be glad you did read more