If the way this "driving instructor" is teaching its students to drive the way he was, I highly discourage this company. There was unexpected huge volume traffic today on the freeway near the San Fernando valley, the individual operating this vehicle had intense road rage. Apparently he must have forgotten the functional features of his vehicle and signals, expecting me to predict his moves. He flipped me off and started road ranging, making me highly uncomfortable. I was in a black truck. I didn't reply nor engage in his negativity. I did snap a picture to come back and review on this behavior. The road rage this individual presented is definitely reflected to the company and lack of integrity. Such a disappointment, I wouldn't utilize services from such a bad character shown. read more

A Genesis Driving School - Road rage driver using company car. Single motorist. - Driving Schools Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I found about this driving school through my friends . Really good driving school. I learned all the basic needs for driving and free way experiences. It's a good experiences driving in the free way. read more

As I mother of a teenager I wanted to make sure my daughter was going to be ready for her behind the wheel test but also that she learned the safety rules as a new driver. My instructor was very professional, and gave my daughter the confidence to learn everything what she needed. She felt safe and passed her test on the first try. Very good driving school. read more

My 17 year old daughter started her driving lessons with Genesis with no experience behind the wheel. She tells me that Ernesto is a great instructor. He is very patient and takes the time to explain the mistakes that she makes so that she does not repeat them on the drivers test. My son is getting ready to take lessons also and I will definitely be giving Genesis and Ernesto a call. read more

As a person with anxiety, I didn't want to ever learn how to drive. My mom encouraged me and I decided to reach out. I was very grateful I did because I passed my test in the first try. My instructor Ernesto was very patient with me and didn't get mad when I made mistakes. I wouldn't have gotten my license without him. read more

Genesis Driving School was undoubtedly the reason i passed my drivers test. Long story short, i took the test the first time without taking any lesson and seamlessly failed like i never thought possible. I then decided to try taking a lesson with Ernesto, and thankfully he was an outstanding teacher. He took the time to really explain to me what i was doing wrong, to make sure i didn't repeat it during the test. I passed the driving test after just one lesson, and i completely owe my success to him. p.s don't listen to the girl and her sister giving them 1 stars, she attempted to do the test in her bathing suit. I'm sure there were no ulterior motives behind that... *cough* THOT *cough* read more

Let me start by saying that I PASSED!!! Prior to taking driving lessons with Genesis Driving School, I practiced with a friend on the basics. Before taking the behind-the-wheel test, I decided to take proper driving lessons with a professional to make sure I'm driving properly and ready. Thank god I did! I got Ernesto as my driving instructor and he's the best! Ernesto, if you're reading this, thank you thank you thank you! 1. He corrects your bad driving habits. I thought I didn't have any, but when we went over the mistakes that I've made, it made me realize that I really wasn't ready for the test. 2. Not only does he give you advice on how to pass the driving test, but he also gives you pointers on how to be a safe driver overall, which is what I was looking for. 3. He's very co guy. Throughout my whole lesson (10 hours) I felt really comfortable driving with him. He chats with you to make you feel comfortable, but is always focused on the road and your driving. 4. He's very professional. He was always ON TIME! We did have to reschedule a lesson once, but he called me ahead of time. He was also flexible with the lessons. I have a full time job so I had to take lessons early in the morning (6:30 am). He would pick me up from my downtown apartment and then take me to my workplace after the lesson which was 2 hours. I can't say enough good things about my experience with Ernesto and Genesis driving school. If you are a new driver, or want to make sure you're ready to take the behind-the-wheel, I strongly recommend taking lessons with them. It's worth all your time and money. read more

I really want to thank Genesis Driving School and my instructor Ernesto because they are the reason why I could pass the behind-the-wheel test at the first time. My learning experience was excellent. I am new resident and I was worried about language barrier but I never had any problems! Ernesto is punctual, attentive and has real experience on teaching people how to drive exactly for practice test in DMV. Besides, the price is very good $240 for 6 hour lessons + practice test in DMV. read more

Fraudsters! My sister signed up for driving lessons. Ernesto promised $250 for 3 lessons and driving test. Even though she paid, he refused to take her for the test. Complete rip off and terrible work ethic. read more

Ernesto was great in providing me with little tips and tricks on driving in Los Angeles. I passed the road test on the first try. Definitely would recommend to friends, family, and others who are looking to pass their road test. read more

I'm a fan because I am a lifelong New Yorker learning how to drive for the very first time, and in Los Angeles at that. If I could get a license, in 6 weeks, and not hit anything, anyone can!!! My experience from the beginning was pretty easy. I called and asked for Ernesto (the owner of the school) because I had read a review elsewhere that he was great. He answered but was booked for weeks so he referred me to Gary. Oh Gary, I LOVE Gary!!! He is the kindest, most patient, sweet-hearted man you will ever meet. He is professional, he is ON TIME ALWAYS, and you will think you hired him as your personal cheerleader. Your accomplishments are his. He knew his stuff, he walked me through every step of the driving test. He gave me pointers and hints on how to make turns easier, he even drew me diagrams (as I am a visual learner)!! I can't say enough about him. And I am a tough cookie, I ask a lot of questions, I swear like a sailor when frustrated and he took it all in stride. I gave him a big hug today goodbye - he even gave me a highway lesson AFTER I got my license last week so we could ensure I was comfortable. Pricing - cheaper than anything I have seen around. It was $220 for 6 hours of lessons (3 two hour sessions, plus lesson and the test) and $50 for any additional two hour lesson. You really hit your groove in the second hour so I wouldn't recommend trying to do 1 hour lessons. They are fluent in English and Spanish. Also, even though they are located in Downtown L.A., they will work with you anywhere. I work in Santa Monica and they would pick me up after work and my lesson was driving myself home to Downtown. So why 4 stars? I think Genesis is a great school, but being an HR person, I like my shop run clean and there were a few things that frustrated me: 1) On my 1st driving test day - Ernesto was supposed to pick me up. He didn't show. I get emergencies happen - but I didn't even get a phone call. Gary was great though when I called him, got to the bottom of it, and they rescheduled me another test. 2) On the rescheduled test - Ernesto showed up early and I was thankful. BUT he showed up in a different car than I had been practicing in!! I would have appreciated a heads up. Most people are already nervous but to see a bigger car on test day - f*&%s with your head right?! Being a loud mouth, I expressed my frustration and we spent two hours before the test getting me comfortable with the car. Now for what it's worth, business etiquette aside, Ernesto was AMAZING. He knew the ins and outs of the DMV, understood what they were looking for, he was stern and pointed out all the places a tester would take points off but he wasn't mean. I could tell he cared about his business, the students, and it's evidenced from the fact that they have a 95% first time pass rate with the DMV. By the end of the day Ernesto and I were friends and I respect him a lot but if I'm gonna be a true Yelper, I had to tell you what went down. The people at the DMV knew him and so I got a tester who was saying hello and go in the car and said "oh yeah, we know Ernesto, I'm sure you'll do fine." That put me at ease immediately. So all in all - I would recommend this school to anyone. In fact, my friend's wife is going to start with Gary soon. I think what happened to me was fluke (not showing the first day - shit happens right). Though I would ask if the car you are practicing in is the one you'll be driving on test day, if that is important to you. For me it turned out to be a good thing, because if you can actually drive, then you can drive any car (well unless they showed up with a stick shift!). So thank you to my friends at Genesis. And if you are sending your kids to driving school, Gary will do them good if they need some gentle handling and Ernesto will give them a kick in the butt if they need one. I was happy they didn't laugh at the old New Yorker trying to learn 12 years later than normal. read more

Ernesto is an excellent driving instructor and a kind person! As someone completely new to driving, and scared of it, I was impressed with how much progress I was able to make (even within the first lesson) - thanks to his expertise. I'd recommend him to anyone seeking driving lessons. read more

I would definitely Genesis Driving School to anyone, whether you're a beginner or have had some driving experience. I had taken driving lessons and gone through the whole license process in Canada when I was a teenager, but hadn't driven since. So, I thought since I hadn't driven in several years I should take a few lessons just for practice before getting my California License. I was recommended Genesis by a friend who had done her lessons through them, and couldn't say enough good things - and she was right! I ended up learning WAY more then I thought I would. There was a lot that I had never been taught before, even in my previous driving school, that the instructors at Genesis taught me. Both instructors I dealt with were very patient, and very thorough (as well as very nice and supportive!). If there was any area I was having trouble in, they were great at letting me know what I needed to improve exactly, and how to improve it. They would go over everything with me until I got it 100%. When driving with the instructors it's obvious how much experience they have doing this. They both gave me a ton of great, practical tips for general driving, and taking the driving test. I only took 4 lessons with them and I feel like I've greatly improved as a driver and feel much more comfortable on the road. I was also very prepared for the driving exam, which I passed! read more

I passed my driving test on my second try thanks to Ernesto, he is the very best driving instructor. He made me feel comfortable and at ese while taking the lessons.He literally went above and beyond, my permit was about to expire so he did everything he could to squeeze me into his schedule! He will also work with your schedule which is amazing. He explained how long the driving test will actually be, what the DMV is looking and requires to pass the test. I was also able to use his car for the test, so I didn't have to worry about that. I would definitely recommend if you want to pass your test, if you never driven before or if you've had very little experience. read more

I created a Yelp account just to make this review. I want to urge people to avoid supporting this business and it's sole money hungry owner Ernesto. - The physical location does not exist. - Ernesto will take your money and completely disappear, because he solely owns this business and can. My initial interactions with Ernesto were definitely misleading as I never foresaw the situation I am currently in with him. On my first class without me asking, he brought forth the assertion that he wasn't after my money and just wanted to make sure I learnt which I appreciated. However by the 2nd meeting I wasn't sure I was dealing with the same person any longer, all ideals of customer service had gone out the window, and he would scream at me and refer to me rudely which was upsetting. I had never really experienced that with any business but he is pretty much a one man business, who already had my money and I really wanted to go through with the lessons and pass my test. Last week Tuesday I met with Ernesto for class but he didn't take me that class as we realized the data page of my permit had been destroyed in my purse between then and our last meeting. He told me to go get a new one from the DMV which I did. Following receiving my new permit, I gave him a call saying I had done so but he said he was out of town and wouldn't be back till next Wednesday. Wednesday came and I called and sent a text message but no correspondence, I continued to do so over the days but didn't hear back. My driving test is in 2 days and I still haven't gotten in touch with him except one instance where I called with my friend's phone and he hung up upon realizing it was me. I know like me you are probably tempted to use this business because of prior good reviews on Yelp but do not; I later came on to realize the bad reviews including one which stated that the physical location listed on yelp did not exist had been marked as unrecommended. Ernesto is arrogant and unaccountable and no one needs to go through this for a service you have paid for. read more

Don't go this place. He just wants your money. I paid $100 to take the driving test and he didn't let me do so and I had to cancel my driving test. He even went to get his food during my driving test preparation. Ridiculous! Don't even. read more

I had little driving experience. Ernesto was very helpful with everything. He helped build my confidence and after taking 6 lessons with him. I was able to pass the test. Very happy about that. Unfortunately, I failed my first time but it was my fault. He helped me get over it quickly and back behind the wheel. The second time, I passed! and I was very happy. Ernesto is stern and will let you know when you are doing something wrong. It may sound like he is mad at you but he is helping so LISTEN to him. Thank you, Ernesto! read more

I needed to brush up on driving in the States after moving here from another country. In particular, I wanted to be shown the ins and outs of what the California DMV want and don't want from you on the day of the test. Reading the previous reviews on here made me confident that Genesis Driving School could do exactly that for me. Unfortunately in the end, I was let down in a big way. I arranged with Ernesto to have two 2 hour lessons, the second lesson being right before taking the behind-the-wheel driving exam. To be fair, although Ernesto was slightly late for the first lesson, it was only by 15 minutes and he took it upon himself to let me know about it in advance. The lesson went well, the only hiccup being that at one point he had to wiggle the battery cable for the car to start (which he gave me the impression was a normal occurrence for that car). Apart from that, I felt that his calm demeanor lent itself well to his role. His knowledge and tips were very helpful, and by the end of the two hours I felt more confident that I would pass already. He then arranged my behind the wheel exam date, which was to be weeks later as he was going on vacation, but I was OK with that. He was going to pick me up at 7.30 on a weekday morning for a two hour lesson, before getting to the DMV at 9.30 for the test. Here's when things went wrong. 7.30 AM came on test day, and I was ready and prepared. When there was no sign of Ernesto, I called him and he answered almost straight away. He told me that he was having car trouble (broken fan belt) and that he had already called out a mechanic and had been waiting for him or her to show. I found it slightly strange that he had neglected to tell me what was going on while he was waiting - it's an important day for someone who doesn't have a driver's license in California, so that bothered me. He said he would call me back as soon as he heard anymore news... and that was the last I ever heard from him. Unfortunately, that call never came... and I do mean NEVER, not even to this day, nearly a week later. The very least I expected was a call saying "we won't make the test today, let's reschedule for another day" or something along those lines, but.... nothing. I've called him several times and left him a text message, but have heard nothing back from him at all. I've also called Genesis on their direct number, which goes to the same voice mail. Why did he bother to answer the first time? I don't know. Was he really having car problems? It wouldn't surprise me if the answer was no, since it seemed very obvious he was going out of his way to avoid contact with me afterwards. To make things worse, I forfeited a day's work for the test, which is a big deal to me as I don't have a full-time job at the moment, and had Ernesto let me know what was going on straight away instead of keeping me there waiting for his call like an idiot, I could have gone out and earned some very much-needed money. I have been (walked, of course) to the address shown on yelp (1605 W Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90015) to sort this out in person with him/them, because I'm not the type of guy that will let something like this slide without an explanation at the very least. When I got there, there was no Genesis Driving School in the building. It didn't exist (there, at least). There was, however, a Genesis Glamor Studio. Any relation? Who knows. So, why the 1-star rating? Because no matter how good an instructor he is, the way he "handled" (see: "avoided") his business on the day of the test completely voids that. Whatever the problem was, even it it was nothing to do with the car, the VERY LEAST he could have done was to let me know that the lesson and test wasn't going ahead, instead of avoiding contact like a child, and leaving a paying customer angry and frustrated. I have given Ernesto or anyone else from Genesis more than ample time to contact me and rectify the situation (or just apologize) before writing this review. I can't recommend Genesis Driving School in Los Angeles to anyone, because you can't rely on them. Simple as that. read more

We're all about honest reviews here, right? I first chose this school because of its competitive price, and don't get me wrong, it really is a good deal. However, I'm not too sure if the prices fluctuate, but I believe I paid nearly $180 for the 6 hour lessons. I met with Ernesto, who is a great guy if you get to know him, I'm sure. Now my problem isn't with anyone specific, but the disorganization of the business. Allow me to explain. First, as I was promised 2 hours of behind the wheel training every appointment, I would only receive nearly 2 hours; normally it lasted around an hour and a half, and I would feel hesitant to give him the $60 per lesson, because I felt I didn't get the most out of my money. Second, I did not receive my certificate upon completion of my last lesson as I was supposed to. Unfortunately, Ernesto had forgotten my certificate or the certification book, and I had to walk away with no certificate in my hand that day, being promised he'd give it as soon as possible. Now, allow me to ask, is more than a weeks time "as soon as possible?" I had to continuously call him and he would scold me for calling too much, for I was bothering him. I felt as if he'd taken my money and that was the end of it. Finally, after more days had gone by, he sends someone else to deliver my certificate and that was the end of it. I'm not saying anyone is bad here, but there is no discipline and promise in this business. Are the lessons valuable and is Ernesto a good teacher? Yes. Will you receive the most out of each lesson as you're promised a certain amount of time? Probably not. Will you receive your certificate without any hassle or stress? Again, probably not. The last I dealt with this school was early 2013, so I can't speak for the school and its standards now, but I hope it has changed for the better. Not going to recommend for all the stress I endured. read more

Before I received my license with there were certain rules that I didn't know about which I was informed of, Ernesto let me know the small mistakes I should be aware of during the test and while also driving in general . Within 1 hour and 30 minutes I was effectively taught the wrongs and rights of the road and passed. read more

So I'm not gonna write a long review. Just wanna say that I PASSED MY DRIVING TEST TODAY!!!! I had 4 lesson with my instructor Ernesto who is a very professional teacher. He's strict and demanding but it only made me realize my mistakes and not repeat them during my test. I would strongly recommend that you go and study with Ernesto. You won't regret it! Cheers and good luck. read more

Ernesto was a great teacher he help me pass the driving test he really knows what he is doing. I really recommend people to try him. Once again thanks for helping me pass the driving test Ernesto. read more

I PASSED! Behind-the-wheel test July 22, 2016 :) I was originally taking 3 hrs driving lesson but I was not too confident yet after and I'm still making mistakes on turns and lane changes. So, I took 12 hours instead. During our class, Ernesto has been very patient and really explaining me the road situation, rules and reglations and gives tips to pass the driving test. It was very difficult for me as I am a first time driver and I've been exposed to bad driver habbits in the Philippines. I live in the heart of DTLA where traffic and driving are crazy. Ernesto told me not to take my driving test at DMV Downtown in Hope as Downtown road is hard to drive and with the kind of driving I have, there's a chance that I won't pass. I took his advise and took my driving test at Lincoln Park (which he suggested) as the road is not complicated. He has his marker and White board to use and make illustrations about the traffic rules which is great. He's always on time and comes 5 mins than the scheduled appointment. There's just times that he had to cancel the appointment due to some emergency reason but that's okay, no biggie, as my scehdule during the weekend is flexible. He's polite and very professional. He would ask and try to make a conversation while you drive (which is helpful) as I feel so nervous. On the day of my test, he picked me up at 6:30am and had some lesson before my test at 8:20am. I am still nervous about my driving but I know the rules of the road (not all but at least the basics). So I did the test and nailed it! Only had 6 errors and that's when First, I over turned that I touched the Bicycle lane when I did my left turn. Second, I stopped a little over the limit line (Pedestrian crosswalk). My suggestion to you is schedule the appointment in the morning, as early as possible, or at noon time if you'll be in Lincoln Park. Keep the Traffic rules and regulations in mind. Know how to read signs. Follow what Ernesto is saying about "this is what DMV wants" Once you know how to read signs and know what DMV's way of driving, then go ahead and take the test with no haste. And, before your behind-the-wheel, Ernesto will show you the controls and hand signals (which is psrt of the DMV test) and then after, he will ask you to show it to him as if he's a DMV personnel. I forgot to mention, he provided me a DMV handbook (this is guide to pass the test and the DMV point system). I highly reccommend this school. Genesis Driving School passers scored 96-98% (hard to ge 100% as maybe DMV never gives them) For adult drivers, it's 94%. So, you're in good hands. Rate is $245 for 3 hours. $135 for Behind-the-wheel test using his car. Hope this review helps you. Goodluck and you cn do it! read more

I had Ernesto as my instructor and he was great. I've never driven before and I was able to pass the exam after 4-5 lessons in three weeks or so. He was able to teach me step by step on improving and if you listen to him, you can pass the exam easily. Price is moderate, and I was able to pass after two tries. read more

Ernesto is nothing more than a thief! He quoted me a price for behind the wheel only of 150.00, he picked my son up late and my son tried calling him several times but he never returned calls He then talkedcrazy to me and my son and refused to fullfill what he was partially paid to do. This is a prime example of a business that will be sweet and nice until they get your money then they wont return your callsand will take advantage. Be aware of this s,hool. I plan to tell everyone about how they ars CROOKS read more

I have to say Ernesto is really proficient. I am really hard to please so that's huge! Lol. I passed first time with only 2 hours instruction with him before my test! If I was a parent I would definitely put my kid with him, he takes no nonsense and is very safety conscious. It's true if he thinks you are really not ready or are dangerous on the road, he would probably say not to take the test as they are much stricter with you once they know you have failed before and it's better to cancel the test at that point until you are ready. I found him to be trustworthy, very kind (I was soooo nervous, exams eak! Every time!) and he was great at keeping me focused and calm. I passed with flying colors! Yay. He not only teaches you all the rules of the road he teaches you about how to be a good driver and look ahead to avoid potential accidents. Sounds like common sense but as I'm not from LA I find that some drivers here often don't signal or consider others on the road (especially when you're trying to parallel park or reverse) and can swerve into your lane unexpectedly or be texting and then stop very suddenly to avoid something ahead. I would recommend Ernesto. Things to bear in mind: whatever you do, listen! He is quite a character, in a good way and does not like to be talked over at any point. He is kind and knows what he is doing. His car could be a little tidier, that's the only thing I would say but I would definitely recommend Genesis driving school to anyone and everyone of all ages looking to pass well and become a good safe driver who avoids collisions. He's great! read more

I wish I could give no star! This school is a scam and a ripoff and Ernesto is the worse! I contact Ernesto two weeks ago and explained him I have last then a month to pass my driving test because my intentional driver license going to expire. He said no problem u will pass the text by then. I was happy. Beside him canceling on me and reschedule the Appointments over and over again making my class short in 10-15 min every time. He even stopped in the middle of my Lassen to get himself food while I'm waiting for him and I'm paying for it! But the worse thing he didn't show up to my driving test! and never answered his phone or called me back. I payed him head of time that was a mistake! I will recommend all of you to stay away from this school this!! read more

I passed!!! I had 3 instructors in New York but Ernesto was best one. He explains everything simple way. Every lesson was very productive. I learn quick. It was worth it to pay $100 per class. I highly recommend. read more

I passed my drivers test on the first try thanks to Ernesto. He makes you feel comfortable and corrects your mistakes in a very clear, direct and strict way (at times), however, keeping it very professional. For some people who are are not open for mistake correction or who are sensitive to direction, this type of instruction may not be for you. However, let me add that he is VERY friendly and easy to talk to. Holds interesting conversations which does not make the lesson boring or awkward. He really prepares you for the test by focusing on what you need the most help in. Also as the test date approaches, he breaks down the lesson to what the DMV is looking for during the test and how you may lose points. He does this in order to minimize your mistakes which really helped me out a lot. Also, let me say that the only driving practice I had was with Ernesto (as I had no car to practice my driving on those days I had no lessons), which says a lot about how great of an instructor he is. Would recommend if you are trying to pass the test on the first try. read more

Just moved to LA and had to take my behind the wheel driving test. Ernesto is my main man! hes super chill and a great teacher. When Ernesto heard I was new to LA he offered to drive me down to check out the beaches after our lesson and he even bought me some dank shrimp tacos. If you want to pass the driving test, Ernesto is your man, trust me im famous. (btw im a guy for those of you wondering) read more

Let me start by saying that I passed, my father passed, my sister and all the people who I have recommend. Ernesto is the best!! He is straight foward so if he tells you that you need more practice it's only because YOU DO!... I took 2 classes with him, a total of 4 hrs and I still felt like I needed more practice but he told me I was ready to take the test! that just shows that he is an honest man because if he just wanted my money, he would agreed that I needed more classes. However he knew I was ready. He is awesome and everyone whom I have recommended agrees with me. He teaches you step by step and it's really patient. If you are scheduled for a driving test and he feels you are not ready, he'll rather have you wait until you are, so he will recommend you reschedule. If you still don't have a appointment he will do it for you when he feels you are ready. He is AMAZING, I will definitely recommend him^_^ read more