Worst driving instructor I've ever had. Incompetent and rude. Yells and doesn't teach. I had recently gotten my license in NYC, but had only learned parallel parking not perpendicular parking (not a lot of parking lots in nyc). I came to her to learn that skill after moving to California. The entire lesson felt like a fever dream. She talked down to me and yelled at me for perceived non-existent slights, doing what she asked or not reading her mind. Some examples: yelled at me for not going when she had her foot on the break, hit brakes hard when I approached a 15mph speed bump going 11mph. I asked her what speed she expected. She couldn't tell me. Yelled at me to go when there was a car coming, I could go on and on... For parking her only instruction was "use your eyes" and "work your wheel". When I asked if there was a specific distance I should start turning from, or any visual cues, she got angry yelled at me that there's no such thing and that she can't "do it for me". I asked her if she could tell me if I pulled in too soon, or when to turn so she could help me develop the sense. Couldn't do that either, and put me down "what are you gonna do when I'm not here?". Ma'am you are a driving instructor, people don't teach themselves to drive, if you can't explain to someone how to correct their driving, you are in the wrong field. I spent the rest of the lesson just "trying" and hoping to get it right, without any guidance or feedback. And that was just the lesson itself. She rescheduled our lesson a half hour later an hour before, and then she parked somewhere else than the meeting spot discussed and turned her phone off. Told me to wait by a sign that didn't exist. I walked around for 20 minutes until I found her. She couldn't point out the "sign" when I found her. We ended up starting 1 hour after our start time. When we ended the lesson I asked to be dropped off by a BART station. She said we were close to one. It was a 30 min walk from one. Horrible horrible experience. TLDR: Gives zero instruction and then yells, talks down and blames students for her inability to teach or explain a damn thing. Save your money and go literally anywhere else. read more

A Five-Star Experience: Anita is the Absolute Best! Anita is truly exceptional, and thanks to her expert instruction, my daughter passed her driving test on the very first try! The confidence, experience, and trust that Anita imparted were the foundation of this success. My daughter felt completely at ease with her, which is invaluable during such a high-pressure learning experience. As an outstanding business professional, Anita sets clear rules and expectations for passing the test, and she sticks to them. We greatly appreciated her straightforward, knowledgeable approach and were relieved that she provided a reliable car for the official examination. Her systematic way of teaching is a proven method for success. What sets Anita apart is her wonderfully cheerful personality and sense of humor. While waiting for my daughter at the DMV parking lot, I managed to get my own car stuck on the side curb! Anita immediately came over, all smiles, and not only helped assess the situation but also gave me--the father--a piece of advice on how to avoid curbs next time. This unexpected moment drew a laugh from both of us. Her ability to pivot from the focused intensity of training my daughter to sharing a lighthearted, helpful moment with me demonstrated her tireless good spirit and dedication. Thank you, Anita, for the success, the confidence, and the unexpected moment of humor! Highly, highly recommend. Mahmoud M.11/20/2025 read more

Our experience working with Anita was excellent. Our 17-year-old had three sessions with Anita in order to prepare for the DMV behind-the-wheel driver's license exam. Communication and schedule coordination were a breeze, and Anita was totally flexible about switching the start location when we had logistical issues on our end. Our teen returned from each session more confident and also more conscientious about the details of being a responsible driver. He passed his exam with no problems! read more

Ms Anita was great she got my daughter together next up is the big test! Thanks Ms Anita read more

I had a car accident last August18, I was on a passenger seat. The car hit my friend(driver seat) I am trauma/panicked/my reflect is off. My road test is on Sept11. I went online, two guys did not respond. I went on Yelp. My friend's car is in Oakland. Therefore, I found Anita and read the reviews. Thankfully that she called me. It is worth taking Anita two hours sessions. I had been driving for 13yrs but no one taught me how to drive the proper way. I almost reschedule my road test. I accept to fail and to call her back. I was practicing on my own without a car by moving my neck to make sure I am scanning my surrounding. All her advices, I tried to keep remembering and other input to keep me in shape. Yes! I passed my road test! read more

Anita's Driver's Training - It's a nice car for road test/driving lessons :) - Driving Schools Near Me

Yo! Anita gave me some of the best driving lessons I've ever had, hands down!! She gave me so many great driving tips; and we went through driving foundations, freeway driving, and a mock driving test (she's a previous DMV examiner). I haven't laughed this hard in days. I really enjoyed her company. Will come back if I ever need to brush up on my driving skills. read more

Screams at students while driving on the freeway, berates and ridicules students, threatened to kick my daughter out in east Oakland and then snakily remarked she wouldn't be able to find her way home from there. Typical ghetto attitude and very petty. Against better judgment and advisement that she was mean from other students, I hired her just to find out she was worse than told. Horrible experience. Do not trust your teen with her. read more

Overall; horrific. The only good thing is that Anita signed my Granddaughter 's official DMV paper for 3 hrs. Very arragant and doesn't want to see reason or quality compromise. Wants things her way whether it's right or wrong and can believe it when people says she's disrespectful with yelling and insulting people's intelligence. In closing; Think I'm being more than gracious when I say she should have retired long ago. Potential future students put their well being on the line trying to get taught by her. read more

Anita is a former DMV examiner with a wealth of experience. She knows exactly what you need to pass your driving exam with flying colors!

For me, learning to drive with Anita was a great experience. I am 35 and was definitely anxious about it. Anita instilled so much confidence in me and really simplified the process with a few rules of thumb. This was also reflected in that she believes in giving only as many lessons as required, rather than asking you to come back again and again just for the money. I had two lessons and a 30 min practice before the behind the wheel test, and the rest was taking her advice into my practice with friends. I passed the first time. read more

I did a 1 hour crash course before the behind the wheel test at Oak Claremont DMV with Anita. Anita's style of teaching didn't work for me, mainly cause it involves her saying multiple times that I'm going to fail if I think the way I think. When I asked her to guide me in my weak areas, she said only pointed where I'm going wrong but not what to do right. She made a lot of insensitive comments (the one where she mocked my accent bothered me most). She kept talking about my chance being a hit and miss till the very minute of the test. For those who thrive in negative reinforcement maybe you're experience wont be the same. Also, I struggled with the gas on her car-too sensitive (this could because I was used to a certain kinda car). She definitely taught me a few good driving techniques (turning, scanning) that I'm grateful for, not to discredit her knowledge. I passed the test, but came out feeling very demoralized and hurt by the experience with her as an instructor. Maybe it was tough love she thought she was exercising, but I felt it was down right demeaning. I wouldn't recommend. read more

As a 32 year old who has never driven (or really tried to either), I wasn't very excited about getting behind the wheel. But I did some practice and then contacted Anita about some professional help, she was great. I did a two hour session, where she calmly walked me though the test neighborhoods and the required skills, giving me lots of practical tips and a mock test (she knows the DMV behind the wheel test inside out). Overall she's very calm and helpful, gives good feedback and encouragement. Would certainly recommend her to anyone looking for some tuition or driving helpers. read more

I cannot say enough good thinks about Anita. It had been ~8 years since I'd last driven, and I was pretty nervous about starting back up again. Anita's calm and friendly approach made it easy, and she quickly helped boost my confidence on the road. Worth every penny - cannot recommend enough! read more

Anita is great! She is caring, explicit, knowledgeable, and 'no nonsense.' She'll teach you the rules of the road while driving around the neighborhood. If you want to learn defensive driving or are a senior she'll gently but firmly guide you in the right direction. Every penny spent with Anita is worth IT! I had a great time and will not forget her gentle coaching. read more

Anita is your go to person. She will train you well, she will reach you all you need to know to for your driving test, she is strict behind the wheel but for your own good. At DMV, she was super efficient and got the entire process done as fast as one can expect from DMV. Highly recommend Anita. read more

'Scanning and driving' - I'll never forget that and everything else Anita taught me. Anita is the best, she's cool, calm, fun and most importantly prepares you not only to successfully pass the test but also safe driving techniques. She can be busy (I had to make appointments well in advance) but she is punctual and even calls you the night before to confirm the appointment. I highly recommend Anita. I couldn't have done it without her. read more

When my 161/2 son stated he wanted to learn to drive, I was scared out of my wits. I thought I could prolong the process thinking he wouldn't pass the written, but he aced it Now I have to find a driving instructor, I already knew whom I was going to get, Anita. There was no one else I had in mind. Everyone is untilled to their own opinion, but Anita always worked with our schedules and even picked my son up from school (BHS) to began his driving training. On the actual day of the drive test, again my son aced the drive test with only 2 ERRORS!!!. I don't know how she does it, because I didn't feel comfortable driving with my son until he got his lessons started with Anita. Now he has his drivers license and takes and drop me off to where I want to go!..Thank you Anita, keep up the good work read more

I'm not gone lie I just got off the phone with her and she was kinda rude. Wasn't willing to work with my schedule I get off at 4 she said that that is too late. Even for an hour lesson at a time which I find highly unbelievable. So needless to say I will be going with someone else she didn't even seem to care. Or even try to make it seem like she even wanted to teach. read more

I I'm so thankful for Miss Anita's driver's training because it took me a very long time to get behind the wheel and the force of my mom pushed me to look at Miss Anita's Yelp reviews.When I first got with her I had a small experience but, as soon as I was finished Miss Anita whip me into shape and now I am finally driving. and I'm thankful for her because she was the most amazing instructor and made me feel confident. Even though she would call me Mabel because I drive so slow but she gave me the confidence to drive like never before and now I can drive on the street and hop on the freeway like it's nobody's business so thank you so much again Miss Anita for everything that you taught me!!! If you are really thinking about wanting to drive she is the one to call!!! read more

Anita is great! She is very personable, friendly, and has a great manner with the kids. At the same time, she is an excellent instructor. My son (17 yo) is very pleased with her. Best of all, after the six hours of instruction was completed, she met my son at the DMV 45 minutes before his test (at 7:15 am!) and prepared him for the test in our car (the test is taken in our car, while her 6 hours of instruction are in her car). That was so she could confirm that he was ready to take the test. She went over all the parts of the car, everything! She even waited for him to take the test and confirm that he passed, even though the inspector didn't get to him until 45 minutes after his appointment. So, Anita is very thorough, friendly and conscientious. I highly recommend her. read more

Stop looking right now. You will not find a better instructor. Not only does she know what she is doing on the road, she has been a behind the wheel examiner! You just can't get any better. She really cares, and provides excellent customer service. Best of all, she really connects with youth; she made my son feel very comfortable and confident. Thank you, Anita! read more

Anita gets it done. She has personality to spare, knows how to prepare you to pass the driving test the first time you take it, and clearly takes your progress and success personally. She even stuck around the DMV until the test was over, I think because she takes pride in watching her students pass with flying colors. Great with teenage drivers. Very reasonable rates for the level of personal attention and quality of instruction. Thanks, Anita! read more

Anita is awesome! Period. She is very knowledgeable about the whole driving exam and how to drive properly. I have some driving experiences in other country where the rules of road are quite different. I took one lesson (2 h) with her and passed the driving exam the first time. She can be very busy. So make an appointment in advance and you won't be disappointed. read more

Anita is an amazing instructor. She teaches you all the basic skills you need to know to pass your driving test. So pay attention and learn. She going to push you hard and I mean hard but I take it as a motivation to do better. You'll be amaze once you pass your test like I did today. Believe in yourself and have faith in Anita cause that's the only way you will learn. read more

LOOOOOVE ANITA! I definitely wouldn't have been able to pass my driving test without her help and guidance. I think I have "scanning and driving" imprinted in my brain every time I step behind the wheel, but it's just that important! There wasn't a time I felt uncomfortable or scared over the two lessons I had, she knows her stuff esp. since she worked for the DMV for 26 years. I remember the day of my driving test, the DMV in Claremont ended up being closed because their system was down and I was scared I had to wait another month to schedule an appointment. However, they still let me do the driving test and Anita was there to prep me two hours before. I ended up getting "cut-throat Christina" who was notorious for failing people minutes into their test for driving too slow, but I got absolutely no errors regarding my speed because Anita had advised me before! Definitely go to Anita if you want a cool and comfortable lesson that'll teach you so much more than you think. read more

I had never driven in a street with cars around me before meeting Anita. The first time I met her, I did not have my knowledge test done (I did but it was expired, I had to take it again) so we just sat in the car as she went over everything I needed to know for the future lessons. After 2 driving lessons of 2 hours each, I was ready! It was an adventure. I even drove under the rain and on the freeway. Anita is fun to be around, stays calm even when I made mistakes, but also knows everything you need to know, so you better not argue with her about what to do because SHE KNOWS (and then you will). Finally, on the test day, we drove about half an hour before, and then went to the dmv for my examination. While we were waiting, she made me feel confident and relaxed, and yes I got it!!! read more

Please read the 5 stars review below - Anita will definitely be teaching our younger two to drive in few years. Our eager 16 year-old adores Anita, loved every minute with her, and (as some have noted below) frequently begins sentences with, "Anita says ..." Her lesson on the day of the test was invaluable - he passed with 100%. More importantly, he has several routines for mirror checks and signaling that we hope will keep him (and the rat of the world) safe when he drives. Anita is worth the wait. read more

I scheduled a lesson with Anita after many back and forth phone calls. When the day came, she never showed up, and would not answer my many calls. I do not recommend her, very unreliable. read more

My son took 3 lessons with Anita and passed his behind the wheel test today on the first try!! When I called her for the first time after reading these reviews and I told her that my 18 y/o son was a "reluctant driver," what I meant was that he was utterly opposed to it!! I think if my husband and I hadn't pushed him, he might have still been bumming rides off his girlfriend and his friends until he was in his 40's!! He has always been a cautious kid, and the thought of crashing a car or hurting someone made him terrified to get behind the wheel. Although he was willing to drive around with me in a large abandoned parking lot, he adamantly refused to venture out onto any street that had a single car or pedestrian on it. But he is also a respectful and dedicated learner, and I knew if he had the right teacher, he would not refuse to try. When I described him to Anita, she just laughed and said she was sure she could teach him and help him pass his driving test. Unlike a lot of driving schools that make you drive your student to their facility, Anita comes and picks up her students at home. When she took my son out for his first lesson, he came back shaking, saying he hated every minute. Anita had made him get right behind the wheel on busy streets for two hours, and she had even made him drive on the freeway!! I was shocked, because he had never even been on a city street before that day. My husband said to me, "That woman must have nerves of steel." Lol. Although my son resisted practicing in between lessons, every time he came back with Anita he was less and less fearful, and more and more confident. After his second lesson, he was cool with driving across town, changing stations on the radio, and chatting with me. After his third lesson, he was calmly driving on the freeway with me. He would come home from his lessons and share the little anecdotes Anita had told him (presumably to help him calm down), and he began correcting MY driving errors ("Anita says..."). He told me Anita kind of reminded him of his grandma, with her no-nonsense manner and lack of coddling. She constantly voiced faith in him and cajoled him out of his anxieties. He told me she gave him a "mock test" during his second lesson and declared that he had "passed." My only complaint about Anita is that she is very busy and in demand. Because of that, I had to wait over a month to arrange for my son's lessons. Also, she is so tightly booked, she often runs behind and she arrived 10-20 minutes late to several appointments. However, she always made sure my son got his full two hour lesson, and often even more than that. Anita offers an invaluable additional service, free of charge, which is to meet her student at the DMV an hour before the scheduled driving test, warm him up, and get him familiar with the streets that he will be driving during the test. Because she was herself an examiner for the Claremont DMV for many years, she knows all the examiners and office staff. She was able to arrange for my son to get behind the wheel at the time of his lesson, while other test-takers had to wait anxiously in a long line. After he passed his test, she went over his errors with him, then walked us into the DMV and got us to the front of the line so he could get his temporary license and get the heck out of there to celebrate! If you have a reluctant driver like mine, Anita is worth every single dang dollar. read more

Overall, an average (or slightly below) experience. Was able to finish 2 of 3 lessons, but had to use another company to finish the 3rd lesson after two last-minute cancellations (the last one was a car accident, so not Anita's fault). I thought it was odd that the letter of completion for the 2 lessons came from Driversity of Dublin when Anita operates under her own name...but, I was glad she worked with us to get a letter we could use with another driving school. read more

Anita is a Retired DMV Examiner whose services I used to teach my son (19) to drive. She did not disappoint. Professional and patient. He knew what he needed to work on between lessons after each session. She told us when he was ready for his driving test, coordinated date and time with us to enable her to take him driving one last time before his test. She even waited to see his scores after test...talked to him about test and congratulated him. He did very very well. And for those who want to know cost ... AFFORDABLE! read more

Echoing the other positive reviews, I high recommend Anita!! According to my grandson, who was her student , Anita is patient, a great teacher, and has a technique that helps. She tests the kids to see if they are observant drivers, and helps them focus. She's supportive and encouraging, with great teaching techniques. I didn't even price other schools--we were that impressed with Anita. She gives a free pre-test lesson if you've taken all six hours of classes. Worth every penny! Oh--the student passed at his first road test. You won't regret choosing this DMV retiree who knows what's required for safe driving! thank you, Anita! read more

Love, love, love Ms. Anita. She is a GREAT instuctor and knows exactly what she's doing. She teaches by the book and makes you feel comfortable. Didn't make me feel bad about being 25 with no license. I recommend her to anyone ready to get on the road and tired of having no experience. read more

Anita is an amazing, knowledgeable teacher! I am (or now, was!) an extremely nervous driver but after the first lesson I was confident enough to actually get on the freeway. When I lost confidence or made mistakes she would talk sense into me and get me out of my head. As someone who was once scared and unwilling to drive, after her lesson I was so excited about driving that I surprised my boyfriend by driving him home that same night! All thanks to Miss Anita and the Emerald Princess! read more

Anita, has great knowledge with the whole licensing process. Anita is professional and brought a calming to the whole experience. I even referred other family and friends, who've become skilled driver's. read more

DITTO !!!! Anita is great!!! My daughter loved her. She is very calm and patient, unlike myself when sitting in the passenger seat with my teen driver. She goes the extra mile and schedules an xtra hour with the teen driver before the test at the test site for the last refresher course and added support. I highly recommend her for ALL teen drivers. read more

Anita is wonderful with teen drivers - instilling confidence and common sense skills from the moment they get behind the wheel.

Anita did an excellent job teaching me how to drive and made me feel calm and comfortable on the wheel the whole time. She will tell you all the basics that you need to know and that are easy to remember. She had great taste in music which is a plus for me. I think she's really good at what she does. read more

Anita, Anita!! What can I say except she is the best! I've always had a fear of driving, literally panic attacks, turning red and itchy, all of that when I was younger so I kept putting off learning how to drive. Being in my late 20's it's always a little embarrassing when people ask me why I don't drive. So this year I made the decision to get over my fear and learn to drive. When I met Anita, she was so sweet and warm, she felt like a long lost aunt! She made me feel comfortable about driving and made me laugh whenever I felt nervous. I was so scared the first lesson and she pushed me to where I know I wouldn't have done as much if it wasn't for her. You learn a lot in that first lesson so if you are like me (didn't know a damn thing about driving) she gives you a crash course so you feel prepared before you get behind the wheel. I only took 2, 2hr lessons and Anita told me I was ready for the test. She gave me a mock exam on the 2nd lesson which was great because it showed me what I needed to work on and also gave me confidence in what I was doing correctly. I was really nervous but I trusted her and Passed my driving test today!! She got me familiar with the area I would be taking my test at, at my 2nd lesson so during the test I already felt comfortable with the streets and turns. I ended up having to use her car for the test (for a fee) but it was great for me because I was comfortable in her car. She also gave me a refresher right before the test which helped so much! She gave me so much moral support and I was so happy she was there! The only bad thing about Anita is that she is BOOKED!! I had to wait a month in between the lessons but it was well worth the wait. I'm so grateful for her and I recommend her to everyone !! read more

Really unprofessional. She was rude and couldn't stand to wait five seconds to work with a student. I don't think anyone should hire her. That's very rude and unprofessional.. Don't ever pay her in advance. read more