I rarely write reviews, but I genuinely feel like I have to write one for The Hills because they quite literally changed my life.
For context, I grew up in Southern California but never got my driver's license when I was living in Los Angeles. Later, I moved to Syracuse for college and never really needed a car there either, so I put it off for years. When my job eventually brought me back to LA, my Uber bills started piling up and I knew I could not avoid getting my license any longer.
The problem was that I am a very nervous driver, and I also deal with anxiety that can show up at the worst times. Learning to drive became one of the most frustrating experiences of my adult life.
Before finding The Hills, I tried several driving schools. Some were disappointing. Others were honestly shocking. I had instructors yell at me, insult me, and make me feel even more nervous behind the wheel. I had an instructor who smelled like weed when I got into the car. I had lesson vehicles that were so old and dirty that I asked to end the lesson early.
At one point I was back in New York venting to a coworker about my driving situation in Los Angeles. Ironically, she was the one who recommended The Hills. It seemed funny that someone in New York would know about a driving school in LA, but I am incredibly grateful she did.
From my very first phone call, I knew this company was different.
The cars were brand new. The instructors were exceptionally kind, patient, and experienced. Scheduling was effortless. Unlike many schools, their customer support is actually local, which made a huge difference. I had to reschedule appointments three separate times, and every single time they were accommodating and professional.
The overall experience felt much more polished than what I had encountered elsewhere. In fact, I initially assumed they catered mostly to wealthy families and high-end clientele because the level of service was so much better. I was surprised to discover that their rates were only about 20 to 30 percent higher than some of the questionable schools I had tried before. Considering the difference in quality, it was worth every penny.
To put it into perspective, one of my previous schools assigned me an instructor who could barely communicate with me in English, despite the fact that I had specifically requested an English-speaking instructor. The contrast between that experience and The Hills was night and day.
I do have one complaint for the owners: why is your school so difficult to find?
I understand that great businesses often grow through word of mouth, but there are people out there desperately searching for companies that actually deliver on their promises. The Hills deserves to be easier to discover.
Most importantly, I want to thank everyone who helped me through this process. A special thank you to Dan, Phoebe, Nicole, and Alberto for their patience, encouragement, and excellent teaching techniques. Getting my license felt impossible at times, and I truly do not think I would have accomplished it without your help. read more
