Very nice Vietnamese lady! Taught me very well and I passed the first time Also tried to know me on the personal level :D

I have had 2 sons do their mandatory driving time with Sam and both of them said she was good to work with both from her reactions to things she had to provide correction on and her calmness in the car. She explained things thoroughly. She is very responsive to inquiries, confirms appointments, shows up on time and schedules in advance. She accommodate when we needed to move some appointments. She returns phone calls and texts in a very timely fashion. I contacted about a dozen driving schools, the ones that I spoke with were very booked and impatient trying to find time to add new clients or I never heard back from them (most, actually). I would recommend Sam to help your new drivers meet their 6 hour training time with a professional instructor. read more

I passed my test in the first try but definitely not happy about the driving lessons I took from her. She's a nice lady but she's not for everyone. She has a very strict way of teaching and criticizes your every step. She didn't let me learn at my pace, and I was under constant stress when driving with her. She discouraged me so much during my lessons and was very hard on me just before my test. What she taught was accurate but the way she teaches and communicates is very rude. If you know how to drive and just need a couple of lessons, she is a good choice. read more

Don't ever use the service with them. If you want to know how to drive correctly, hire someone else. I don't think they know what they are doing. I hired the school to teach my daughter. After only two sessions and the instructor said she was ready. she failed the test twice. I had to hire someone else to finish the job correctly. Very poor service. Thx D. read more

Background info: I had some driving experience from other driving schools, but when I moved to the area I looked to find a new instructor. I took 4 classes with Sam and (attempted to) use her car for my driving test. Pros: - Sam is the cheapest driving class available in the area ($80 for 2 hours) -Her flexibile availability worked great for my busy working schedule. Cons: -If you are looking for a friendly face/someone to engage in small friendly conversation before a lesson, look elsewhere. -Also if you are looking for positive reinforcement while driving, look elsewhere. This was a con for me, but to each their own! -UNPROFESSIONAL: Called me at 11pm to reschedule class time. Would frequently change the time of scheduled class last minute to best suit her schedule. -Would use driving class as an opportunity to run errands (I visited her home while she went inside on more than one occasion, would drop things off for family, etc.) -Would talk on the phone during the lesson LASTLY: We go to the Los Gatos DMV for my driving test and I am in the car ready to take my test. The driving instructor examines the car-- turns out Sam's "driving instructor" car did NOT meet DMV standards (was missing a mirror), and I was unable to take my lesson after waiting for 6 weeks for the appointment day to come. The driving instructor had told Sam apparently THREE TIMES before, and Sam failed to fix it. On top of that, Sam failed to provide the proper driving school certification to the DMV instructor, who in turn reported her and her driving school. OVERALL: Very stressful experience, very very unprofessional. read more

passed my test first try with one error. but she did take me to pick up her taxes but its all good cuz she gave me candy.

I booked a last minute lesson with Sam before my driving test the next morning. First of all, she was 20 minutes late and she used her phone throughout the entire lesson. She would just give you directions and expect you to do it right. She always hit the brake even though it's not necessary and blame you for it. Therefore, I didn't really learn anything from her. She brought up conversations not related to driving and asked me random questions about my personal life. It's very disturbing and I wish she used that time teaching me instead of talking to me about nonsense stuff. I like the fact that she was flexible and was down to do a last minute lesson with me and the price was affordable ( I paid $90 for a 2 hour lesson). But other than that, I wouldn't recommend her. I passed my driving test, but I definitely know it wasn't because of her. read more

Sam was my instructor. I took the test at Santa Teresa DMV and only got 2 wrong. Pretty good. But for the lessons I felt that I was just driving around and picking up and dropping off her other students. While she did have me practice the course at the DMV, I kinda felt like i was wasting my time. Just FYI, Sam also owns a beauty salon. My last lesson was over and instead of taking me home she made me go to her salon and wait while she gave a lady a shampoo and haircut. Weird and unprofessional. Hire her if you want. She's not bad. Just a little unprofessional for my taste. read more

I took 8hr driving classes from Sam . Though I had little experience driving before , she patiently explained me where I am going wrong . The Mock driving tests she conducted on the very day of drive test helped me a lot to pass the test. I dont find her unprofessional as other reviewers say , Instead she accommodated my last minute without any complains .. read more

This lady shouldn't be an instructor in the first place, well first she texted me and changed the time last minute, she wanted to start an hour early than the original schedule I booked. She doesn't have patience at all, not good at explaining things. Very rude, she asked me a question where I'm originally from and I answered her and then she goes, are you married? and I said yes! And then she continued... Oh so you don't wanna go back to your country that's why you got married pls don't fall for a cheap price it just not worth it. When a person trying to teach you and treat you like you are still a child it is NOT going to work. Instead of you giving me a little confidence before the test, you actually discourage me big time! I WONT RECOMMEND HER AT ALL... read more

Sam is a great driving instructor. She teaches you all the necessary things to prepare you for the behind the wheel driving test. She also took the time to take me to the driving test and helped me passed it with flying colors. Even though I had a few mistakes I think it was my fault that I made those errors. overall a great experience with this school. read more

Do not use this service and do not believe what she has listed on her website. We signed up and paid for the Teen Driving Class. This is what was listed on her website - Teen Driving Class : - 6 hours of private behind the wheel instruction: $300 - Schedule DMV Tests . - Use our car for your drive test and we will arrange the DMV appointment for you. - We pick up and drop off students anywhere in San Jose, Campbell, Milpitas, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale. When it came time to use the car for the driving test she tried to charge an extra $150. When we called her on it she said "her website listed what was not covered". This is very misleading - no where does it say "not covered or extra fee". In addition to this she showed up late, talked on the phone the entire time. She also had my new driver go to someone's house to print out the certificate during her driving time.She should have had these done in advance. Very unprofessional. WOULD NOT RECOMMEND, NOT WORTH THE CHEAPER PRICE!!! read more

Today 01/23/19, I have a driving test today. I pass for the first time I have never driven before. She taught me from a brand new driver and after 6 hour of class I have passed. She's very strict, she repeats all the rules all the time and she's very patient. She tried to teach me all the rules, detail and technique so I would learn very fast from the beginning. I am the second student of my family coming to her. I highly recommend her to all of the teen new drivers in California. I am very grateful for her school and will recommend all my friends to her. read more

My friends recommended Sam's for my behind the wheels preparation. First thing I have to mention is their commitment, and the communication. Sam came right to my office on time to pick me up. She took good time and patience to explain about the rules and teach the nuances of the driving. She is honest with the comments which will aid us to correct the mistakes on time. They are very knowledgible on the driving courses across many locations in the Bay Area. They can take you right to the drive test areas and make you comfortable and feel prepared to take the Behind the Wheel test. I would certainly recommend Sam's to any of friends who are learning driving/ taking test. All the Best !!! read more

Very unprofessional. Showed late, talking on the phone and texting during the lesson. Also very rude. Won't recommend. read more

I took two 2-hour classes with Sam and had to drop the third one because I did not feel like I was learning anything and what little courage I had in myself was fading away. Sam gave confusing directions and was far too emotional for a driving instructor. She would gasp and shriek when you made a wrong move. If that's not enough, she was also on the phone 97% of the class. Her gestures describing what to do were quite clear, I'll give her that, but I don't think her hands is where I'm supposed to be looking while I drive. In addition to all this, she has a habit of being about 30 minutes late for class which is very unprofessional. This school is a waste of money, don't take classes here. It's better to pay a little more and have a decent instructor than pay low rates here and then have to pay more to a different school at will actually teach how to drive. Don't make my mistake, look into a different school. read more

Sam is very nice and open. We found a lot to talk about since we both share the same cultural background. I felt very comfortable with her, and she rarely delivered criticism in a harsh manner. However, I do not think you can prepare for the behind-the-wheel test by taking just a few lessons with her alone. You definitely should drive a lot on your own to prepare. A few things to consider: 1. She made me drive to her house on the first lesson so she could take care of personal business. I had to wait in the car and in her driveway for about 10 min. She did not include this time in my 2 hours with her though. 2. She will put her hand on the steering wheel if she doesn't think you are turning correctly. There is nothing wrong with this. I just wasn't used to someone doing this. 3. She does pick up personal and work calls on her cell phone while you are driving. If this might be a distraction to you, keep that in mind. I didn't really care. 4. She made me pick up her next appointment after my first lesson was done because she would have been late if she dropped me off first. I thought this was unconventional. 5. She only charges $80 per lesson. This is probably one of the most reasonable prices you will get for behind the wheel training. 6. She will take you to your drive test and allow you to use her car for the test as well. You will have to pay her for it too. Overall Sam is a decent instructor, but certainly not the best. I only drove with her twice as well as on the day of my exam. I did pass though, but I think it was because I had plenty of practice outside of Sam's services. read more

I took 3 classes ( 2hr each) with Sam. My overall experience has been that I did not get (in fact lost) the confidence I initially had about driving. I had basic knowledge earlier but had never practised much. Like a few others also mentioned, Sam takes calls, eats in the car and takes a 10min break during the class. All that would have been tolerable if she made a genuine effort to really teach me. She would just spend 2 hours giving navigation instructions. She would scream (color me panic) at some mistakes instead of showing me the right way to do it. She did NOT teach how to take turns the right way, how to make 3 point turn, and how to do parallel parking! She took me on the freeway only when I asked for it. I have practised on my own afterwards and feel confident now. I suggest you go to other professional driving schools. read more

Sam was very nice and helpful during the driving lessons. She taught extremely well and corrected mistakes when it was necessary. It was easy talking to her and she would occasionally offer very helpful tips throughout the lessons. read more

I was driving in my country for 3 years, but when I moved here I looked for a new instructor and contacted Sam, since she offers the cheapest driving lessons (80$ for 2 hours). I was very confident that I can get the license since I know driving before and just need to know about the rules here. But, My overall experience was awful, in fact lost the confidence I initially had. As few others also mentioned, She eats in the car and takes calls. She offered her car to take the driving test, but for the whole 2 hours of waiting time she was on the phone. I dint pass the driving test on that day, later joined a different driving school and passed the test. read more

I passed my driving test at Santa Theresa with only a few points deducted after a few lessons with Sam Driving Schools. I did a lot of research and contacted several schools beforehand, and Sam's is pretty much the cheapest school in the area, and they are very responsive when you call them or text them (unlike other schools that I tried contacting). The teachers are professional, decent, and hardworking people, and know the driving test areas well so they can prepare you very well. Their cars are also in good condition, and they helped me to book my test so the whole process was very stress-free. Would recommend this school! read more

I took three lessons with Sam 2hrs each, and honestly if I could give more stars I would... Sam picked me up from my home and she would drop me off after our lessons, she gave me clear instructions, prior to meeting her I didn't have any confidence in driving and after only 3 lessons I was able to pass my test. She is very patient, and most of all her rates are very reasonable. I would recommend her to anyone. read more

Sam is a very nice lady, she is very apt in her lessons and straight to the point. She helped me get my license from the DMV after I had spent a lot of money on another tutor who didn't teach me the rules. I'm surprised at the comments here... oh well we all have different opinions and I respect that. read more

I just took a single 2hr class with Sam about a week before my test. She took me to the DMV route that I was suppose to give test on. She really helped me understand some basic rules which I didn't know before and gave me tips to pass my test. It was overall good session which definitely helped me boost my driving confidence. And I did pass my test with zero mistakes. She does take her calls during the lesson but I didn't find them distracting. Would definitely recommend. read more

If you are looking for someone who knows her job and makes it her job to teach you how to drive well and SAFE, then you should get in touch with Sam. I can honestly say that I passed my driving test because of Sam. She kept pushing me and correcting me every single time I made a mistake and God knows I made a lot of mistakes. On the day of the test she ensured that I drove around DMV, especially around areas where there was construction work going on - that was good thinking and also shows that she is a dedicated instructor. Don't think twice, just get in touch with Sam. Thanks Sam, keep up the good work! read more

Sam is a very very good driver teacher,She is very patient.If you want to pass your behind the wheel test.Choose her. Today I got my license since she teaches me four classes. read more

I needed my drivers license fast, I used Sam Driving School to learn how drive quickly and proficiently. She helped me learn the rules of the road, how to keep calm while driving and having the confidence to be a safe and aware driver. Not only did Sam help me pass my behind the wheel test but she also picked me up and drove to my test appointment. She taught me in a manner that was calm, clear and was very patient, something that I needed and other driving instructors could not. She is very nice and knows what she is doing to teach you to be comfortable on the road. I will be going back to her for freeway driving lessons. read more

This is the first time I have ever wrote a review in my life and it was motivated by how horrible this driving instructor was. Sam would constantly ask me uncomfortable questions like why my parents divorced, yell the whole time I was driving(making it hard for a new learner to drive), make me drive to her house, etc. After dropping her and picking up a new instructor I was able to learn more in a couple days than I did with the two weeks being stuck learning to drive in a car with a screaming woman. One thing I can give her, however, is that her price is very affordable; you get what you pay I guess. read more

They are the most approachable and good driving instructors. With good pricing available.

I passed my driving test today and I owe it to Sam! After having bad experiences with 3 other driving schools, I finally went with Sam and have to say that she is the best. She is very calm and patient and will adjust to your schedule even though she is always in demand! I was not very familiar with driving but now I am a much more confident driver because of her lessons. She is very dedicated and committed to her work and I will highly recommend her lessons to anyone who not only needs to have a driving license but also be a safe and aware driver. read more

Sam is a great, friendly, and very nice person. I had three lessons with her 2 hours each and each time was great! Whenever I made a mistake, she would be sure to correct it and make sure I know what I did wrong and avoid doing it again. Whenever I have a question, she answers nicely and eagerly. Also, she has always been on time and would even call/text reminding me I have an appointment that day! Highly recommended to go to Sam for a driving instructor read more

Took 2 classes from sams school. As mentioned in other reviews, she just navigates you and expects us to figure out the rest. She could at times be rude if you make some minor mistakes. read more

I personally did not like Sam as a driving instructor. She answers her cell phone and talks away while you are behind the wheel. Her full attention should be helping you learn to drive. She was always late. The first day she was 45 minutes late. One day she had told me a specific date and time and she NEVER showed up. I had to call her to say that I was scheduled for that day and time then she said I don't know what happened. So I had to reschedule. She gets angry if she has to repeat something...it is her job to teach how to drive. If she is running late for her next client she will make you drive her car to pick them up. She was always negative and never once said anything positive. She will make you drive her car to do personal errands for her which counts for your driving time. Once she made me drive to her insurance company. I had to wait in the car for like 20 minutes or more waiting for her. And yes she counted that time waiting as part of my 2 hours. The only reason that I took a few driving classes with Sam was because I got used to driving her car so I used it for the driving test. Also she told me the exact price it would be for using her car for the driving test. On the day of my driving test she had wanted more money than what she had told me. Her answer for this was because the DMV wait was too long! I told her that I only had enough cash for what she had told me. I told her that is why I asked her the day before. I would not recommend her as a driving instructor. read more