Charlie's driving traffic school really helped me, only 4 classes in total and they helped me pass my DMV behind wheel test first try! Im so greatful to Charlie and my instructor Obér! read more

Ending 2025 on a great note! My daughter passed her behind the wheel test today, in the rain & on her first attempt. Two years ago my son passed on his first attempt with Charlie's Driving Traffic School. Everything is smooth from beginning to end. Communication is excellent, & scheduling is so easy. 10/10 recommend Charlie's!!! read more

Great teacher. Easy to sign up. Nice car. Punctual. Professional. My son learned well with him. If you are looking for a reliable instructor for yourself or loved one, Charlie is great. read more

I had a great experience with his driving school. They were patient and make sure that I felt comfortable while driving even though I was a little nervous I really appreciate the time they took to drive on freeways. I highly recommend. read more

My 17-year-old daughter had a similar experience to the review posted by Tala, the mother of another 17-year-old girl, a month ago. My daughter reported the uncomfortable experience of being told by a middle aged male teacher, the owner of this business, how preferable his country of Peru is for him because it is acceptable there for men his age (he told her that he's in his 50's) to date 20-year-olds which is generally frowned upon here. She didn't respond, and he then stated, "because I like younger women". She explained this to us at the community pool where we live, and less than ten minutes after she arrived and told us, we quickly packed our things and exited the pool. As we did, my daughter sort of gasped and said, "he's there!", when I saw a man walking away from the pool area. I followed him to his car, which he had entered, and he rolled down his window when he looked up. I confirmed with him that he had given my daughter the lesson, and asked him what he was doing--we live in a private community and I didn't see any reason why he should still be next to the pool where we were several minutes after concluding their lesson. He stated that he "was talking a walk". At that time it was my intention to report him to his employer but when I contacted the school I ended up learning that he is the business--Carlos is Charlie. His response to being confronted about it was similar to his response to Tala's review here: apology, blaming job stress, and saying that he will learn from it. It is unclear why the stress of his job compels him to disclose details about his sexlife and sexual preferences to minor females. He provided a full refund promptly, asked me not to review him, and used the word slander, which is absurd when he had admitted saying these things. I have no clue whether he will repeat this a third time but felt a responsibility to share this incredibly inappropriate interaction with my minor daughter. 9/30/24 I see that the owner has responded to my review by deflecting and criticizing me for posting a truthful review. Doesn't seem very accountable despite the lip service, and he can post all the excuses in the world but the fact is, the teenage girl clients you serve aren't your psychotherapists or companions, pal. And the parents who warn others aren't the bad guys. read more

My 17year old daughter had a behind the wheel driving lesson. The instructor had conversations w her about his personal life, which made her very uncomfortable. Cheating on his gf, his disinterest in American women due to them acting manly, and how much he liked Filipino women and how they treated him. All of which are very inappropriate to discuss with a teenager and not what I'm paying for. read more

Terrible terrible someone tried to prepare me for written test. Dmv books very old. Tests were already filled out and also wrong. "Instructor hardly spoke English read more

The lessons Carlos gave my daughter were great. He was always on time and she learned a lot. Highly recommend!

I recommended this driving school if you live somewhere nearby it in the valley! The instructors are very nice and I passed and got my license after just taking two classes. They really know how to instruct and understand where you stand as a new driver/ how comfortable you are behind the wheel. read more

Charlie's driving school helped me pass my driving test on the very first try! I was very nervous to get on the road and start driving but with Carlos's help, it all worked out and I became confident on the road. Carlos was very patient and understanding. He also made sure I was comfortable and also taught me a lot about driving. I'm very happy I took Charlie's driving school! I recommend it to everyone! Also really good prices! read more

Just passed my driving test on my first attempt with 0 errors thanks to Carlos & Alicia! The driving instructors here are nice and laid-back, all while being professional at the same time. They always came on time to my driving lessons & were very accommodating with my schedule. I had Carlos for my first 3 lessons, and Alicia for my last lesson + driving test day. I know it isn't a huge deal for some people, but I get really anxious when I'm driving. Carlos and Alicia always made the environment very relaxed for me. They would never raise their voices - and they would always help me build my confidence by having me take practice tests. They explain everything to you, and they often remind you of road rules and regulations. They're also very knowledgable of what DMV examiners like and don't like, which is a HUGE plus. I'm so very thankful for having the pleasure of having these two as my driving instructors. Very reasonable prices! Such a great way to end 2015 :) Thanks so much! read more

Highly recommend Charlie's Driving School, they go out of their way to accommodate you, I had a great experience with them!

Carlos is the best instructor so patient and willing to give a lot of instructions for you to learn and pass the driving test I passed today read more

I passed my DMV exam and thanks to Alicia for helping me pass the exam, from the first time I only took 2 lessons and I was passed the test. Thanks a lot guys read more

Pleasant and professional, arrived at my behind the wheel test confident and ready to pass. Definitely recommended! Thank you. read more

Charlie is a wonderful teacher. Patient, knowledgeable and effective in his teaching methods. I'm so happy, I passed my behind the wheel driving test with zero errors! It was all because Charlie taught me all the skills I needed to know to pass the driving test and above all, to be a good and safe driver. I also found that the pricing was a lot more affordable in comparison to other driving schools. I'd highly recommend Charlie's driving school to anyone. read more

Charlie always came on time for appointments (usually a few minutes early) and his calm demeanor was ideal for instruction. He was able to teach my son how to drive and even took him for the test at the DMV. He passed on the first try and I am COMPLETELY satisfied! I would highly recommend him to anyone who needs driving instruction young or old. read more

Today was my 16th birthday, and I passed my behind-the-wheel driving test with flying colors thanks to the superb service of this driving school! My instructor, Carlos, was exerted a calm atmosphere that made me feel very comfortable and confident. I am the third of three siblings who have used Charlie's Driving School. All of us passed the first time on our 16th birthdays thanks to our high-quality driving instruction. I would definitely recommend this service for all who wish to obtain their driver's license. read more

My instructor Carlos is a really chill, laid back guy and I enjoyed my lessons with him. I highly recommend taking these classes, he helped improve my driving, spoke in a calm voice and showed me these cool dining spots as well. Not only that, he knows to keep a conversation going. Thank you Carlos! read more

I recommend 100%... My instructor was Carlos, a very nice and lay back guy! It was my first time driving and he made me feel very comfortable. He spoke with a very calm voice, explains everything and he makes sure you are ready to take the behind the wheel exam. Thank You Carlos for everything!!!! read more

Great Driving School! I had Carlos and Charlie as my instructors, very calm, easy-going and patient individuals. Not boring at all, great sense of humor. Took me about 4 classes to be ready for my exam and I passed on my first try!! Thanks alot guys. read more

I signed my 16 year old son up to take his 6 hours of required driving. The instructor was on time all 3 days and not only had my son practice what he needed to so he can be a defensive driver but also told him what to expect on his driving test. They were very flexible in the schedule as we had to get all 6 hours done in a week and a half. I called other instruction schools and the other schools couldn't accommodate our need to jam the classes together. After the 6 hours were complete we decided to use Charlie's service to rent his car and have him take my son for his drive test at the DMV. He picked my son up and had him drive an hour before his test. He took his test and passed first try!! I am a happy parent and highly recommend Charlie's driving school! read more

I am happy to say that I am finally a licensed driver, no small thanks to Charlie's Driving School! I always put off getting my license because the idea of getting behind the wheel of a car completely freaked me out. At 22 it was finally time to take that pivotal leap into serious adulthood so I nervously dialed the number to Charlie's Driving School beacause of all the rave reviews I'd seen. I came to find that they're all true! For starters, I work full time and Carlos, the lead instructor, seemlessly worked with my packed schedule to get in three 2 hour sessions in a short time frame. Beginning immediately with the first session, Carlos helped me to feel comfortable behind the wheel, that comfort soon turned into confidence, and ultimately excitement about getting behind the wheel again. Carlos was calm and reassuring in the midst of my nerves and shakiness. His demeanor will put any anxious driver at ease. He tells you exactly what to expect on the test, and he works with you until you can confidently execute each skill. You'll take the actual route of the driving test a few times for each session to ensure you feel comfortable driving that course. He doesn't pressure you, but he does challenge you to try more advanced driving techniques as he feels you're ready. Believe me, at the end of these sessions you'll be the calm, confident, and defensive driver you never thought you could be. Seriously, I used to have driving nightmares, and now I'm having dreams of car shopping! :) read more

I had a great experience with Charlie's driving school. I started with almost no driving experience and my instructor was excellent. He taught me everything I needed to know so that I was ready to pass the driving test the first time around after 5 lessons. I never take the time to write reviews but I feel that this guy deserves credit for being an awesome instructor! read more

I had a great experience with Charlie's Driving Traffic School. My instructor, Carlos, was extremely laid back and very patient and always told me what I was and wasn't doing so well on. I was always comfortable about asking the dumbest of questions and about suggestions to become a better driver. One thing I really like about this company is that it's not a stuck-up commercial business that has polos, beige slacks, and their brand dame painted on their cars. I went into my driving test confident and drove out of the DMV with a license on the first try. If you're looking for a low-key, family-owned business with good prices for you or your student driver, then this is the place to call. Thanks Carlos! read more

This is my first time writing a review for anything, but after getting my driver's license after only a couple of one hour lessons with Charlie, I decided I would. Anyway, he's a laid back and charming man with an easygoing demeanor and a way with giving direction. Not to go directly against the one star post here, but my experience was 110% positive. Yes, he is a small business, but I paid him to help me get my driver's license and he came through. Charlie explained the rules of the road as we drove, told me all about the driver's test in a clear and concise manner, was very honest with my driving ability so I knew what to practice, and helped keep my nerves steady by chatting idly with me. Instead of everything being by-the-books business, Charlie was just a cool guy with a wealth of driving knowledge to impart and good suggestions for improvement. I failed my test the first day due to a critical error and bad judgment on my part, but we went for another practice run the very next morning and I passed immediately afterwards ... and I hadn't driven in almost two years. Apparently I remembered a lot of basic information, but I did not have the confidence anymore. If you take it easy and let him do his job you'll be successful and even enjoy the experience. I was frightened to death at first, but he kept me sane with fair criticisms and positive reinforcement. I took my passing test on the 17th, so this review is a bit late. But if you need a school to help with your driving test or just want lessons, know little about driving, (as was my situation), and you live in the SFV then I highly recommend this school and Charlie. I could NEVER have passed that test without his skills and instruction! :3 read more

Charlie was very patient and encouraging. Booking an appointment was easy, I called last minuet and he was very flexible. He was punctual as well. I feel prepared for my DMV license test, as he made me aware of things that would come up. I am confident that I am a better driver now than I was before this lesson, and I highly recommend this school. read more

I've had a wonderful experience here at Charlie's Driving School. My instructor, Carlos, was very calm, careful, and professional, and I didn't think that any part of the learning experience lacked in any way. The business has mostly 5 star reviews, which should indicate something about their methods and effectiveness. Thanks for helpin' me through this milestone in life, and I highly recommend this school to anyone else looking to learn/improve on their driving skills. Best of luck, stay frosty~ read more

I went to the Van Nuys DMV, said to be the hardest behind-the-wheel in the valley, but I passed on my first attempt after just one instruction hour with Carlos. He was friendly and relaxed which then made me feel confident, I barely felt nervous at all. He came on time and went over what was most important to pass the test and made sure that I got all the steps right in order to pass. I'd highly recommend this driving school to anyone who wants to pass the first time. read more

Carlos is AMAZING. Passed my test today with 0 errors. 100%. He is very relaxed, patient and takes you step by step. I highly recommend him. He always showed up on time and very professional. Thank you charlies driving school! read more

I just passed my driving test today thanks to charlies driving school! I highly recommend them for those preparing for their drive test. CArlos came in a few minutes early and my practice with him went smoothly ever since. The 1 hour prep before the test boost my confidence and passed my test the first time! read more

Let me start by saying that I am older new driver. My instructor was very patient and very friendly. I initially signed up for the 6 hours. On the day of my first lesson, the instructor made sure to tell me to make my DMV "behind the wheel" appointment right away - because there's a long wait. I'm glad I took his advice, plus paid for an extra lesson the week before my test. I learned so much - especially since he made sure that I practiced a lot in the area of the DMV where I was to take my test. I passed yesterday and I'm so thankful I took lessons from this school! Now, I can drive to that Wolfgang Puck Cafe sandwich he told me about! read more

I just took my driving test and passed the first time thanks to Charlie's Driving School. The instructor was very nice and calm. He helps build confidence in driving, while teaching you to drive. He has very good reviews online and has lower rates compared to other driving schools in the valley. I would recommend Charlie's Driving School to anyone who wants a nice, experienced instructor that will help you pass the driving exam. read more

Carlos is great. He's a good guy, good humored, and a really patient and kind teacher. Learning was painless (as much as it can be, I guess!), and care was taken to practice everything that was needed for my specific weak areas (evaluations happened after each class period for independent driving skills; awesome to see exactly what needed most attention and fixing). Good guy, good school, and, oh yeah! I passed my driving test the first time! Not to mention got a referral to a reliable, discounted mechanic here in the Valley. Thanks bunches Carlos :) read more

I recently bought a package from here so I could learn to drive & pass my driving test. I have never driven before & this was a waste of time. The instructor yells at you & doesnt listen to any concerns you may have. His directions & explainations are not clear, its all very rushed. I wish i wouldve invested this money on another driving class. What a waste. read more

A week before my third permit was going to expire I called Charlie's Driving School. Thinking that I'd have to settle for whatever time they had open, I was surprised when I was told to choose a date and time. Carlos arrived early each day and was very calm when giving directions and tips for the test. After taking only one 2 hour lesson and an hour before the actual test, I passed the behind the wheel on my first try on the day my permit would have expired (i had completely wasted my first 2). I'd definitely recommend this school if you need to learn how to drive. read more

My two 2-hour class with Alicia really boosted my knowledge and skill of driving. I haven't driven that much before, especially on the road, and that was the first thing I was asked to do. However, driving with her calm demeanor really allowed me to learn quickly. She is patient and observant and she knew what to do as a driver and instructor. I had my first Driver's License test four hours ago and I passed with a few small mistakes! I couldn't have done it without her guidance. They also emphasize a lot about defensive driving and are spot-on about the rules and regulations. Also, they trained me around DMV Winnetka and the exact same route where I was trained was where I was examined which is a really big plus :-) I recommend this school a lot! read more

Took my first ever driving test and pass thanks to charlie driving school I was so nervous about taking the test that I even use the restroom at the dmv lol but thanks to charlie he helped me refresh in my driving and made me confident that I'll pass I just want to say thank you charlie school for helping me get my driver license :) read more