(Part 1) Aaron Sisson Graduate of Gary Knepler's Driving School Classroom/Teaching Experience 10/10 Driving Lesson Experience 10/10 Staff Rating 10/10 Overall Experience 10/10 "Classroom/Teaching Experience" 10/10 -Classroom The classroom itself is very clean and orderly, chairs are pushed in, all of the driving books are in very good condition and they are all up to date, spacious, no gum under the chairs, ect. Based on my own experience the student to teacher ratio is about 10-15 students per one teacher with the main instructors being Gary and Howard Knepler. Walking into the classroom was very heartwarming and accepting, everyone there had good intentions and all had the same goal (to become a safe and well-rounded driver!). Classroom times and lessons are flexible as a few different times throughout the week and weekend are offered. Private lessons are also offered for all ages so if you are an older individual don't be shy or embarrassed that you want to take a lesson, we all need a refreshment and we all as human beings have room to expand and grow our knowledge. A driving simulator is also offered in the course. -Teaching Experience I was never a fan of taking notes but then I realized just because a teacher or a person in general is talking does not necessary mean you are listening. Repetition is key in learning and storing that information into your long term memory. Many driving schools will just teach you how to pass the knowledge and driving test. Gary Knepler's Driving School does beyond that, they provide you with knowledge that you will hold onto for a life time. They do a perfect job of balancing classroom time with note taking and descriptive memoir's both leaving an imprint in your mind that driving is very real and can be very dangerous if you do not take it maturely and seriously. I loved how they shared their own personal experiences with the class, for many student's actually hearing about personal events in the instructor's life involving driving help's them understand more in depth about how accidents can happen but can also be prevented with the right knowledge and experience. Another thing I enjoyed seeing was student involvement, when students are just taking notes they tend to drift off but when they have the opportunity to speak out and answer questions they feel more involved and much more motivated as a whole. Witnessing an accident is not a "pretty" sight, depending on the person hearing about an accident does not paint a "real" picture but can create certain feelings or empathy but actually watching it helps students realize this is actuality not a video game which is why I believe the videos they show are perfect for the overall teaching experience. "Driving Lesson Experience" 10/10 My driving experience was great! After learning the rules of the road, I was finally allowed to get behind the wheel of an actual vehicle. I was definitely impressed by how well maintained the instructional vehicles were. The vehicles were spotless inside and out and have that new car smell to them. Before even starting the vehicle up, I was instructed to adjust my mirrors, my seat and my hand position on the steering wheel and of course most importantly BUCKLE UP! The instructor wanted to make sure I understood the fundamentals of the vehicle before I even started up the vehicle. I without a doubt felt safe and secure. The first thing that the instructor and I did was drive to an empty parking lot down the road and then I was instructed to rapidly turn the wheel back and forth while accelerating slowly so I could learn how to control the vehicle and not let the vehicle control me. Something that I did appreciate a lot about the driving lessons was how the instructor allowed me to park where other cars were, meaning I actually had to try to not hit a car instead of seeing an empty lot and not giving it a single thought. Another thing that I believed helped a lot was them asking you what you think YOU need to work on, mine being entering the highway safely. So of course I got a lot of practice doing that and now I enter the highway safely every time and I'm really glad the instructor asked me what I wanted to work on. The lessons are flexible as always, they are normally two hours long but if you have a time frame then you can split up the hours and continue when you are free when they are offered. If you have any concern about your child being in a vehicle the best thing about Gary Knepler's Driving School is that you can talk to them, they will do their best to aid your concern, as your child's safety is their main concern. Staff rating 10/10 "With age and experience comes wisdom" Both Gary and Howard are very wise and intelligent individuals with good and precise judgment. All of the Driving instructors including Howard and Gary are intelligent and easy going and highly professional. The front receptionist is very sweet, kind and respectful and will answer anything read more

(Part 2) Aaron Sisson Graduate of Gary Knepler's Driving School Classroom/Teaching Experience 10/10 Driving Lesson Experience 10/10 Staff Rating 10/10 Overall Experience 10/10 Overall experience 10/10 * It's critical for parents to be involved in their teen's process of learning to drive, take the extra time to take a class with your child to see what he or she is learning as parents are free to enter classroom or car announced or unannounced. Parents listen and trust their kids too much, today is today, tomorrow is tomorrow, yesterday was yesterday. Point being, stop dwelling on the fact that you grew up a certain way or this was the way you were taught. Minds develop much differently in today's generation then years ago. Instead of believing what your children are saying, please take a moment of your time and actually watch what your child is doing. Driving a vehicle requires being mature. Do not expect any driving school in this world to automatically make your child a safe driver. She/he must have the proper mindset before attending driving school. Just because you are ranked #1 on the racing game "Burnout paradise" does not make you a good driver!). Overall my experience at Gary Knepler's Driving School was magnificent, I walked in as a very anxious and nervous teen learner and came out a very confident safe driver. The location is easy to find, easy to access and has plentiful parking. There is a bathroom inside, the classroom hours being flexible and offered throughout the week and weekend is a plus. The cars used during driving lessons are very well maintained and clean. All of the staff members are all amazing people, the front receptionist has to be the sweetest woman I've ever met, and she is very kind, very respectful and will gladly sit down and answer any questions you have. Both Howard and Gary are intelligent and caring. The driving instructors are all very understanding and will let you drive at your own pace, for example if you feel the need to pull over and calm down don't hesitate! They understand we all learn at our own pace and we all have our bad days. They don't just teach you how to pass the test, they teach you how to safely drive in all of Mother Nature's conditions. I would recommend Gary Knepler's Driving School to any parent looking for a safe and reliable driving school. So you may still be asking yourself after reading this review "Why should my child attend this driving school?" Well first things first there are two different reasons why people choose their careers or jobs, first being is because the person actually CARES or second the person see's the money and power/control. Gary and Howard not only dedicated their life to teaching and driving but they really care. They understand what it is like to raise kids as they are parents themselves. They are the type of people that will call the DMV and complain if wrong information is being provided, they give information speeches all around, and they are very involved in the driving world. They want to make sure your child is safe when driving and even before getting in the vehicle they make sure you know the rules of the road. Letting your teen drive is not easy for any parent, it is actually quite a scary and nerve racking experience. This is why Gary and Howard take what they do very seriously. With all this being said, your child should attend Gary Knepler's Driving School because your concern is their concern, they want to work with you not against you! Overall it was a very heartwarming experience, I am now fully confident in my driving ability's, invest your money and go to Gary Knepler's Driving School, it was worth every penny! read more

I lost my right leg last year and i have not been able to drive since my amputation. I wanted to drive but did not find a good, caring, and affordable driving school around Greenwich CT. Then I found Knepler Driving Schools in Monroe CT, it is about an hour from where I live, I decided to stay for a week in a hotel close to the school so I didn't have to go back and forth everyday. I wanted to concentrate and focus on this new journey of my life. I made an appointment for my driving evaluation, that is when I met with Howard Knepler, he is the owner of Knepler Driving Schools, they have been in business for more than 67 years. He tested my vision and cognitive skills. It was determined that i needed to drive with my left foot. I was very impressed about his knowledge and his kindness, he treats his clients with respect, he is very assertive and lets you know in a non condescending way when you are not doing a correct action. His secretary Sandy is very sweet and a kind person, she is very welcoming and helpful. I highly recommend Knepler Driving Schools and Howard, you will be in the best care possible. To enhance safety and confidence, the driving school utilizes dual-controlled cars during lessons. I completed the classes and I can now drive with my left foot, my car will be adapted with a left foot gas pedal accelerator. Do not look any further for a Driving School, they are the best! read more

Knepler Driving School is hands downs the absolute best and offers you the most for your money. Howie demands a lot, but all in all your learn way more than any other driving school school has to offer based on the way you're required to take notes. Through Knepler you're forced to earn your license, not just obtain it. Howie is the most approachable, patient, funny, and knowledgeable person I have ever met. He truly knows what he's talking about and has a passion for what he does. You learn to drive in a very comforting environment (conversations with the instructors and music playing in the car preparing you for what it's gonna be like to drive in everyday situations) that's low stress. Through Knepler everything is done on you're own time and what's/ when's best for you. When I first learned how to drive I was extremely nervous and had anxiety every time I was behind the wheel. Howie specializes with beginner drivers who are all different ages and come from all different walks of life. He taught me personally how to drive safety and confidently, ultimately eliminating my constant panic. Howie is extremely accommodating to your needs not only financially, but also mentally and physically on an individual basis. Without Knepler Driving School I wouldn't be where I am today. I am so grateful for 100% satisfying and memorable experience I endured! Knepler Driving School is the way to go!!! read more

I did the 30 hour classroom and 8 hour driving program. It is not good for someone who wants to slack off and get their license quick and easy with their friends. As a teen that's all I really wanted, but this driving school does not even compare to my High School in terms of learning. The book work was a little excessive because it was barely checked at the end, but in retrospect I did read it all, and I am not one to read (the manuel and a book). The lectures were informative probably 95% of the time, and so were the clips played. The driving part was also very informative. They had tricks that made reverse parking, parallel parking, and other "difficult" maneuvers easy. I took the test today, and passed and it was SO easy. I love the school because it fit my schedule. I play school sports and do not have time to sit through a mandatory class in school after school. Knepler is extremely flexible and you can take one of the classes whenever your heart desires. I recommend this school for people who want flexibility, skill, and safety! read more

Thank you so much to the Gary Knepler Driving School! The rigorous curriculum for the 30 hour classroom program truly taught me the rules of the road. Having such an in-depth knowledge of the Connecticut Driver's Manual is something I pride myself on. The Knepler Driving School truly goes the extra mile to teach their students about the rules of the road. As a nervous/anxious driver, I was apprehensive about learning how to drive, but the instructors at the school did a phenomenal job of teaching me safe and defensive driving skills. not only know how to drive defensively, but I know the consequences of unsafe driving and have an extensive understanding of how important it is to be safe on the roadways. The instructors have an obvious devotion to promoting safe driving and, in turn, they are in the business of saving the lives of those who might otherwise fall victim to the consequences of dangerous driving. Simply put, there is no better driving school than the Gary Knepler Driving School. read more

Thank you Knepler Driving School for providing the best possible driver education learning experience. Our twins just completed the Platinum program and passed their driving exams at Knepler Schools in Monroe. We are thrilled with the experience and grateful to the Kneplers for all that they do. The course is really comprehensive and they invite and encourage parental participation. Parents know what is being taught and can reinforce similarly. The best part is their parent/student coaching service. We needed guidance when practicing reverse parking on a Saturday night. Parents have a special number to call for assistance and we called on a Saturday night and an instructor guided us until we were successful. WOW! Thank you Knepler Driving School for providing such a valuable service. read more

I took Knepler Driving School's Classroom course, 8 hours of On-The-Road instruction, and I also took my driving exam with the school. By doing this, I was able to learn the theory and how driving should work, and how it really works when I hit the road. Because of the fantastic instruction, I was able to pass my driving exam the first time. The business is a great old-fashioned family business, the classroom course was taught by Howie, his sister Cindy helped me with all the logistics and scheduling, and Gary, their father, was there with his adorable puppy on the morning of my exam to calm my nerves. I had an incredible experience here, and if you aren't sure of the quality is worth the price, I would recommend making a stop in and seeing for yourself. read more

My daughter took driving lessons at Knepler Driving School. I heard great things about them but had NO idea how exceptional the training is both in terms of the laws/book work and the on the road driving. This is not an express driving program like the one offered at our local high school (which my older daughter took lessons through). They will not put your child behind the wheel of the car until they think he/she is ready and they will tell you when they think your child is ready to be road tested. Howard Knepler has the patience of a saint and makes nervous drivers feel more comfortable and confident. I would strongly recommend this program as it truly teaches teenagers to drive and is very demanding of the students. read more

I can't say enough good things about this driving school. My son has autism and I was worried about how he would handle the driving lessons. But the instructors here were so patient and understanding with him, and they really went out of their way to make him feel comfortable. Howard, in particular, was incredible - he provided my son with not just excellent instruction, but also emotional support and encouragement. Even the receptionist was amazing - she was always so organized and helpful, and her positive energy made our visits to the school a joy. I would recommend this school to anyone, especially those with special needs. read more

My 16 year old just got his driver's license thanks to the Gary Knepler Driving School. I highly recommend them. He took their 30 hour classroom course at a local high school. Then, I had them give him 32 hours of certified road driving lessons. They were very flexible with the days and times they were available. He was able to get experience on weekends, at night and in bad weather conditions. They arranged his road evaluation on a Monday, so that I didn't have to go to the DMV. He passed on the first time. They taught him everything he had to know. His confidence grew because of their instruction. read more

Fantastic driving school! So easy to set up classes & complete them, Sandra is a wiz and can answer all your questions & is very accommodating with scheduling lessons. Joe was Mollies instructor & got her road ready & she passed with flying colors. The whole process was stress free, road test was done at Knepler too, I don't know why anyone would do it any other way. Thank you to Howard (Knepler) for being there, especially on road test day calming nerves & keeping things light hearted. These people all really care about getting your kid through this process, thank you to them all. read more

I am so grateful to this driving school for helping my son overcome his anxiety and become a confident driver. He has autism and social anxiety, and I was worried about how he would handle the lessons. But his instructor Howard was absolutely amazing - he provided my son with personalized instruction and emotional support that went above and beyond what I could have hoped for. Even the receptionist was incredible - she always had a smile on her face and went out of her way to make our appointments as stress-free as possible. I can't recommend this school enough. read more

Gary Knepler Driving School is the best! I am a very nervous/anxious driver and all of the instructors are top notch and made me feel comfortable and relaxed. No one yells or is harsh and the training is excellent. I was very well prepared for the on road exam; they won't let you take it if they feel you aren't ready. Overall going to Gary Knepler Driving School was probably one of the best decisions I've ever made! If you have any sort of fear or trepidation about driving this is the school for you--class act all around. read more

I just passed my road test today, and I just like to say, this was a very helpful, and fun driving school. The staff are very respectful nice, and they really make your safety their number one priority. They also really help ease all the anxieties of driving. They also offer very informative online classes that really helped me understand the rules of the road prior to starting driving. If you're looking for an affordable and welcoming school, this is the place for you ! read more

My son just got his driver's license through much effort by Howard Knepler. He is kind and patient and really knows how to connect with young people. My son was extremely nervous learning to drive, and he finally gained his confidence through lessons with Howard. He and his staff make the experience from start to finish seamless, including the driver's test, which happens on site at the school. Thank you Howard for your patience and support! Best, Lucca's mom! read more

Really, really well done program. This was the most informative program which is structured well with very informative information which kept me awake and was never boring. My friends all told me that they fall asleep in other driving schools. The teachers were all amazing with lots of knowledge. My parents are very happy with my progress and my dedication to this program. I really feel like they made a HUGE difference in making me a better driver and a safer one. read more

Thanks Knepler Driving School for your expertise, you teach well and the staff was awesome. The classes that you taught was clear understanding that prepared my son for his driving test. Is great that you have the mandatory son/Daughter parenting, in how alcohol and driving on the influence, how Serious it could be on the road, you helped my son to become a safe driver. His ready for college and is been an honor for your assistance. Thanks again Family Vega read more

Just passed my driving test thanks to Knepler Driving Schools !! Really impressed ! I was lucky enough to have Howard as my instructor, he was so pleasant, patient and knowledgeable about all things driving,cars ,tips & tricks to park. Loved our chats on our drives and feel much more confident and competent as a driver thanks to his guidance. Would definitely recommend learning with Knepler Driving Schools! A big thank you read more