I didn't catch the girls name but she looked very very young. My son said she was nice but that's where the positive comments end. He is a brand new driver having only driven a few times and the car is unfamiliar. The instructor kept saying "what are you doing??" instead of offering concrete specific instructions. She made my son incredibly nervous. She asked him multiple times to speEd up beyond his comfort level. I asked him did he learn anything and he said no. This was a very expensive signature for his permit to make it legal. I don't recommend this agency. read more

I HIGHLY recommend ADS! I strongly believe my review can go a long way for anyone who is just beginning their driving school search, I went through two other options. First, family members tried to teach me and that wasn't the most helpful unfortunately because there really isn't anything like getting practice behind the wheel with a professional. Then, I went through another driving school in the bay and I did not receive merely as much help. Finally, I took a lesson with ADS, instructor Elton and he was a very calm, helpful, professional that gave me all the skills prior to the behind the wheel test. He's someone who has helped a wide range of people pass, he exposed me to a very similar simulation to the exam, and explained my errors with practice tests to give me a feel for the actual exam. Truly, my moneys worth! After one try at the DMV, I passed! read more

Academic Driving School - I'll make it easy for you. Copy and paste: 510-481-6666 Call and ask for Elton to help you pass!!! - Driving Schools Near Me - Alameda, California

I have one thing to say--fantastic! Actually I have multiple things to say, and they're all good.  Sher was my instructor. I have previous driving experience, but I let my out-of-state license lapse. I went with Academic Driving School for the DMV behind-the-wheel test and for a little driving training.  Sher picked me up at my apartment and got me in the driver's seat. He helped me regain my confidence in driving and he made sure I was comfortable behind the wheel before the test. We went over all the little things they ask you to do before you start driving, and we drove around the city near the DMV under his instruction. I was pretty nervous before riding with Sher today, but by the time the test came around my nerves had cooled, and I passed no problem!! He even walked me to check-in counter for the driving test at the DMV. Super nice.  If anyone I know ever needs a driving school, Academic Driving School will be my go-to recommendation! Thanks again Sher!!! read more

I normally don't do ratings. But I have to in this instance, especially since it has to do with safety. My teenage son received instruction from this school. He said his first two sessions were good. But his third was one where the instructor was busy on the phone making a real estate deal. I called to report this. The person who answered sounded like the person my son rode with, according to my son. He was apologetic and said he would correct his instructor. He then said we would have a make up session. Still no action to date. My son is a decent driver so I don't really need the make up session. But for those looking to receive full attention, I would reconsider.. read more

I bought this schools 6 hour package for around $160 an hour expecting to be taught DMV related information and have a helpful instructor. I was instead given a careless instructor who was on his phone half the time and gave me little to no information on how to pass my test. One of the instructors though named David Chang was extremely helpful and nice and helped me pass my test. The rest of the staff are just scamming innocent students out of hundreds of dollars. read more

Really really accommodating and patient instructor. I had a DMV driving test with them and they accommodated my appointment at the last minute. There was a really big line at the DMV but the instructor was extremely patient and didn't complain at all. I passed my test and kept in mind some of the tips he had given me before the test which were really helpful. I would really really recommend them to anyone who is in need to learn how to drive and also for a DMV test. read more

Beware: these guys take 2 or more contacts to respond to requests. Waiting 10 days for the promised "report card" from my lesson. Otherwise, a decent service. read more

taking a driver lesson with this school was good Hammid S was very cool calm funny professional the Toyota Corolla were clean small easy to drive & his prices were affordable I drove mostly around Oakland when I was learning to drive read more

For anyone who is still considering using this company the inefficiency and ineptitude appears to still be a Apart of this driving school. I reviewed this company in 2017. And today, in 2019 they are demanding proof of original purchase of our driving lessons. Not only did they lose my paperwork in two years they just be unaware I spoke to the manager back in 2017 to discuss the issues I had. I do not believe removing the post is beneficial to any potential customers since it appears the issues are still issues. read more

My instructor was Elton and he went above and beyond. Elton answer all my questions and made sure I had a full understanding of how to operate a vehicle. Elton not only taught me how to drive but also made sure I was familiar with the route for my driving test. read more

I had Elton, he's a very cool driver instructor. Taught me what I was doing wrong and taught me how to fix it. Told me what to expect on the dmv behind the wheel test. He also answered all my questions. He was very patient, and didn't seem bothered by my questions. I would overall recommend this company to others. read more

Well worth the price. I had Ahmed as instructor and he corrected the mistakes through my lessons and I was able to pass my driving test in first attempt. read more

I generally don't leave a review but wanted to provide a great experience I had. Overall, a positive experience - patient and knowledgeable coach who started from the basics and helped advise on the bad habits as well - which improved my overall driving. The instructor clearly has a lot of experience with coaching which was evident in my few practice sessions with him. Highly recommend this service to those interested! read more

I love this school it's really good Highly recommend it I am a panic button and can't do anything really I freeze behind the wheel like literally And the instructor was super helpful had confidence in me He was calm and very patient absolutely kind I don't regret using this school read more

Given their very good reviews, I recently paid for 6 hours of behind the wheel training for my daughter. Because of a very heavy academic/athletic schedule, my daughter decided to wait on taking the lessons. I was very grateful that Academic Driving School refunded me in full almost as soon as I called them - I was afraid I might be given some hassle. Thank you, Academic Driving School, for being so understanding and accommodating - your professionalism is very much appreciated! read more

Amazing service! I just took one class and i went so amazing that i got my license. The instructors here finds a very minor mistakes in you and help you overcome it. Some of the things you don't know will be told already when you take a lesson here. I would really recommend this place for the beginners. Good luck read more

It's awesome experience and great teacher (Sher)! I passed the exam just because he given me the best advices and had a patience to teach me!thank you a lot! read more

i recommend this company because i was able to get over the fear of being a first time driver and not knowing what to do or how!now i have more confidence in driving behind the wheel after my first session :) my instructor is very patient and helpful!! just finished my 4hrs and i am able to practice w/staying in the middle of my lane, my turns, stops, look at mirrors&over my the shoulder, going 25-50mph,watch my speed, merging/changing lanes,dealing w difficult situations& more... i just love that i have a better understanding towards the rules of the road by driving everywhere, dealing w/so many diff situations, him correcting me on the spot and being very approachable& informative when i ask questions! read more

Very good customer service and the driver is super patient. I would recommend Academic Driving School to everyone who's willing to learn driving. read more

I highly recommend this school for taking driving lessons. Sherzad was my instructor who is an extremely polite and calm person. He had so much patience while he sat with me and gave me many useful tips to pass the test. I took 10 hours of driving lessons and it seemed worth it after I passed my test. read more

I was initially unsure about signing up due to one negative review, but things which were described there never happen to us. In the contrary, we were very impressed with Academic driving school , they are very efficient, answered our emails and phone call inquiries within 24 hours, very attentive to our needs and concerns. Instructor Sher arrived on time, was very nice and professional and my daughter was very happy with his instructions. I highly recommend this school to anyone read more

Great driving school. I got my license the first time. I had such a great experience. I had gone with other school and I had very bad experience. Thank you ADS read more

After my complaint they called me and apologized, they gave me another complementary lesson and the service was very professional this time. It's satisfying to see that people wanna improve their services. read more

Took 3 lessons of 2 hr sessions with this driving school a couple months ago and the price was reasonable and setting up dates was never a problem, I could almost chose my exact date and time for lessons except once because the time I needed was already taken...no big deal. Instructor was very nice and respectful and not once did I ever feel uncomfortable or like I was pressured. However the reason why I am giving this school 3 stars is because the instructor really didn't help me at all.. maybe taught me one or 2 minor things but other than that nothing. We just drove around the island for 2 hours and twice went over to Oakland for about 30 mins. if I made a mistake he would just tell me "that would fail you on your test" . There were so many times where it would be so silent in the car that he would actually be on his phone texting! Idk not very professional to me. One last thing is that after my first lesson the instructor told me for the second lesson we would work on parking and backing up. Once the second session rolled around, all we did was drive around the island for another 2 hours. 3rd session rolled around and same exact thing... but the last TEN MINUTES he decides to take me to a neighborhood to back up and park. I wouldn't recommend this school to anyone else just because i didn't get anything out of it whatsoever . I passed my drivers test first time but I can guarantee it wasn't because of him! .... also I realize that there were many times where I could have spoken up and suggested to do something different but I feel like for the amount of money I was paying, the instructor should have already had that down read more