TLDR: The first lesson was a little rough, but the second through fourth made up for it! The second instructor I had, Deseri, was extremely qualified and knew everything about driving. I was able to improve immensely due to her wonderful teaching. The third person helped "spice up" my driving (to use her words) and make sure I was doing as well as I possibly could before the test. I felt sufficiently prepared for the test, and I passed! Initially, I was extremely nervous when it came to driving. I didn't even drive for the first few months I had my permit because I was so scared (that, and school was time-consuming). I eventually had my first lesson in the summer. The instructor was nice enough, but did not seem to be very attentive. At one point he told me to look up from the road to admire the view, which I was not comfortable with at that point. I could have just told him that, but I still found it a little strange of him to ask me to take my attention off of the road. I did not feel that he prepared me very well to continue driving after the two hours I had just paid for. However, my next lessons were much better! I had a much better instructor (shoutout to Deseri!!). She was clearly knowledgeable about driving and conducted herself in a professional manner. I was very impressed because she knew so much about driving, and was able to sufficiently answer every question I had. Thanks to her, my knowledge of driving increased significantly over the course of those two short hours. She made sure that I learned necessary skills for driving, such as backing up along the curb and driving on the freeway. Deseri pointed out my areas of growth, explained how to improve, and told my parents about how I could improve. This way, they can monitor my driving better to ensure that I'm actually improving. For the third lesson, she gave good positive reinforcement and excellent advice. I was still insecure about my driving, but she reassured me that if I gained a little more confidence in my abilities it would be easier for me to drive well. She was also very kind and friendly, and I enjoyed talking to her during the drive. She laughed at my (bad) jokes, which I greatly appreciated! My last lesson was with a new instructor. She was very nice and we got along fairly well. I did not feel that she was as detail-oriented, but she assured me that I was doing almost everything correctly. She helped me practice my lane changes, my main weakness in driving. She had me pull up next to a parked Prius and showed me how its position in my mirrors changed depending on my car's distance from it. This helped me gauge a safe distance to make my lane changes. Additionally, I was able to perfect my backing along the curb under her tutelage. After my four lessons, I felt as prepared as I could going into the test. I was still very nervous because I knew there were some areas that could have caused me to fail. I believe that these were more a result of my lack of practice than the driving school, since my final three lessons were all crammed over the course of about two weeks before my test. I ended up passing, surprising as it may be! I had three errors on the test. I found that the course I went on was closest to the roads I drove with the final instructor. The route with Deseri were not as similar to the test, but more useful for everyday driving. I was disappointed with my first lesson; however, my other two instructors made up for his lesser performance. I would recommend Sterling to anyone looking for a good driving school. Just make sure you get a good instructor who pays attention and is able to answer all of the different questions that come up on the road! Thank you Sterling for helping me get my license today! (And thank you, if you bothered to read this long review! Hopefully, it was at least a little bit helpful.) read more

My experience with a driving school was far from pleasant. I signed up for a two-hour driving class, costing $130, hoping for valuable advice and instruction. On the day of the class, the instructor arrived early, but he was short with me and mentioned he was tired when I asked him how his day was going. Throughout the two hours, he grew increasingly impatient and didn't seem to trust my driving abilities. He would often interrupt me while I was trying to concentrate and even grabbed the steering wheel or hit the gas/break pedals unnecessarily, making me more anxious. At one point, I had to ask him to stop because his behavior was stressing me out. When it came time for the instructor report, I was disappointed. He rushed through it and didn't include any details that I could use to improve. While he offered verbal feedback, it was hard to remember without it being documented. Overall, the experience felt rushed, and the instructor's lack of patience and annoyance with my beginner's mistakes was discouraging. I would recommend the driving school, but I'd advise seeking out instructors mentioned in positive reviews. Also, avoid scheduling lessons late in the day, as it may have contributed to the instructor's attitude and impatience. read more

The day before my permit test, I finished my drivers ed only to realize that it would take 2-3 days for my certificate of completion to arrive in the mail. As a last minute resort, I called Sterling and asked them if they could deliver my certificate to my house tomorrow, to which they said that they could because of their great service but that I had to do their drivers ed course since I completed a different one. The next day, I received the certificate and passed my drivers permit test all thanks to their dedication to their costumers. A few days later, I had my first 2 hour lesson with one of their teachers who guided me from Aptos to Watsonville and back, while teaching me the practical parts of driving. The teacher proved to be a comical and teenager friendly guide who took time to teach lessons embedded with humor. Even with my mistakes, the teacher had a positive attitude and turned it into a learning attitude. In the end, Sterling Driving School is the place to go for your online drivers ed course and your first driving lesson if you want an affordable, professional, and fun time. read more

I rarely write a review with a 5/5 star rating but Sterling Driving School really deserved it. To be honest, I'm really scared to drive and I've already gone to two different driving school instructors about 3 years ago but both didn't work. This year, with the help of my family & friends I finally decided that I need to get my license but I failed twice and I can't afford to fail again for the third time. So I decided that I needed some more training again with a "professional" driving instructor. Due to it's higly positive reviews, I give Sterling Driving School a shot. I called Alan and he set me up a schedule with Stewart. Stewart taught me which area that I really need to work on and he really help boost my confidence. There is no dull moment during my driving lesson because he is a very funny and cheerful instructor. They also offer that I can use their car during my driving test. Yesterday, I passed my test and it was a life changing experience for me. THANK YOU SO MUCH Stewart and Alan. Kudos to you guys :)) read more

I'm refugee because of war in Ukraine and came in the USA three months ago. It was important for me to start working here as soon as possible in order to be around people and to increase PTSD symptoms. So it was important for me to get driving license. I checked all driving schools around and realized that Sterling driving school have less expensive and the most affordable price for driving lessons than other driving schools. I came at school and met two amazing people Mel and Alan, owners of this business. They have understood my situation and scheduled my lessons as fast as it was possible in convenient time. Also they gave me a possibility to use school's car in order to pass exam in DMV. It was enough only 6 hours of lessons to pass driving test successfully without any mistakes/errors. It was possible just because of great instructors of Sterling driving school Elisa, Jeff, Keehan and Desiree. I'm very grateful to all these highly professional people and recommend Sterling driving school. read more

Due to a physical problem observed while renewing my license, the DMV made me take a Supplemental Driving Performance Evaluation (SDPE) test at age 80+ I was very concerned, not having been tested since age 16. A friend suggested I get an independent evaluation from a driving school and I had the good fortune to find Stewart at Sterling Driving School. He was extremely helpful, both in making me aware of all the factors used in the DMV scoring, as well as boosting my confidence. We wound up doing two separate sessions. The second one, caused by a delay in testing due to the Covid19 shutdown, was very helpful as it reinforced what Stewart had taught me before. I passed with flying colors, having only two minor errors (out of an allowable 20). I would urge any senior faced with an SDPE to get an evaluation from Stewart. Along with learning what you will need to do, it will boost your self confidence tremendously/ read more

My first step down the exciting road of learning to drive was with Sterling's online drivers ed. The online course is only $30, no gimmicks or scams! I was able to complete the material in one week. After receiving my learner's permit I signed up for lessons through the company. The lessons are by far the most reasonable price. With the online course and 3 lessons, the total comes to $300 ($90 per each 2 hour session), whereas a classroom setting may come to $500, not including the required lessons. The whole staff is helpful and friendly and made the whole experience delightful. My instructor, Stewart, was a huge help and I could not have done it without him! I recommend him to beginners as he built my confidence and made me the safe and successful LICENSED driver I am today. Thanks Sterling Driving School! read more

Just passed my drivers test on the first try yesterday and I couldn't have done it without Sterling Driving School!! Deseri was my instructor and it was the best experience I could've asked for! She helped me and was always there for support and stayed calm throughout the whole experience even when I went on the freeway for the first time. She taught me all the rules of the road and she was also just very nice to be around during the lessons :) I feel that it was a really positive learning experience for me and I really recommend Deseri as an instructor she was amazing and helped me from day one when I had only ever driven in a parking lot before to making sure I was all the way ready for the behind the wheel test. Thanks for a wonderful experience and for giving me all the tools I needed to succeed! read more

I can't begin to even explain what Sterling Driving School has done for me, and in particular Stewart. I am 32 and was deathly afraid of learning to drive. From my first lesson with Stewart I felt safe, supported and like I had a great cheerleader/instructor that wasn't going to give up on helping me gain the independence and self confidence that comes with having a drivers license. Every lesson I learned more and more about how to drive, but also about having faith in my abilities. On March 16th, I became a licensed driver and I couldn't be happier!!! I highly recommend Sterling Driving to anyone that wants to learn to drive. Don't let fear hold you back anymore, Sterling Driving has instructors that are more than willing to give you the knowledge and support to get your license. read more

This driving school and the instructor exceeded my expectations! I am an adult driver who had to start learning to drive a bit later than most people usually do, so I was a bit anxious and insecure about my driving skills. The instructor was very encouraging and understanding, he worked with me patiently and explained everything I need to know when it comes to driving. After only two lessons with the instructor, I felt much more confident and was able to pass my behind-the-wheel test on the first try! Also, it was very easy to schedule lessons (unlike with some other driving schools in the area that I reached out to), so I would definitely recommend Sterling to everyone who is learning to drive. Amazing! read more

I am from Russia and was wishing to receive Californian driver's license. Rules in Russia and in California are pretty different. I attended 3 classes with Desiree before taking behind the wheel exam. Desiree is very professional, knowing very precisely not only rules, but small nuances needed for the safe driving and passing the exam. She also is very attentive and observes great the weak points of specific student to improve the skills. I felt safe and prepared, knowing what to expect and how to deal with potentionally complicated moments. I also felt that the team of the school really cares and wants me to pass. My big gratitude to Desiree and the school for professionalism and support. read more

To start with, Alan was very helpful through the phone and it kind of was a last minute situation. He solved my problems. Now, specifically on the big day - the test's day - Stewart was so precise giving me absolutely all tips he could, telling me all I needed to know, and so kind while trying to make me feel comfortable and confident that it really worked, I got way more relaxed and did really good on the test! It's really nice when you see your instructor truly rooting for their student. He was genuinely happy when I passed, I was so happy and glad :) I didn't have many classes and yet I've passed in the first try, no problems at all, thanks to this guys mostly! Thank you!!! read more

Sterling really helped me through a pretty nerve-racking process. After years living in cities, getting my driver's license at 31-years-old felt pretty daunting. But Sterling was there for me along the way: telling me what I needed to do to get my learner's permit; picking me up at my house and taking me out for my training sessions; taking me to my first behind-the-wheel test at the DMV; consoling me when nerves got the best of me and I made a critical error and failed the test; and taking me back again, putting me at ease, and helping me pass on my second attempt. I'm extremely thankful for everything they did to help me finally get my driver's license. read more

Desiree, our driving teacher was so caring and really enjoys her job. She made our student driver feel confident and also let him know what he needed to work on. I loved that we, Mom and dad got an updated report on the session, not only in person, but recapped through email. We are so grateful for Desiree and her commitment to making our teens confident new drivers. Thank you, Desiree for caring about what you do. It does make a difference. Thank you for empowering my son to actually take his test when he really didn't care. You made a huge difference in our lives! We were very satisfied with the service from Sterling Driving School! read more

I've been using Sterling driving school for a long time, and I gotta tell you, everyone there is fantastic! All the instructors are incredibly nice and Alan is always very punctual and organized over the phone! I went to the DMV with Stewart for my driving test, which I would highly recommend as it seems everyone at the DMV are always happy to see Stewart, and when it comes to the DMV, you really want to put people in a good mood there. I passed on my first try thanks to Sterling! Whether you're a high schooler, college student, or full-grown adult, I would highly recommend Sterling driving school! It can't get much better than this! read more

If you want your kids to have a very positive experience and a very good driving lesson, this is the place to go to! Not only the instructors are amazing (both my kids had different instructors and according to them, all were super good!), but also the office service was exceptional! I had a situation that needed last minute schedule changes and they went above and beyond to fit us in with such short notice, and I'm so thankful for all the help, just excellent customer service!! Another very important note, both my kids passed their tests at their first attempt. Big thanks to Alan, Stuart and Desiree, you guys are the best! read more

After practicing with friends and family for a while, I wondered if I needed a professional to help me pass my driving test. My instructor's expertise was noticeable right away. I was very nervous but Deseri was very patient, respectful, and understanding and very receptive to all my questions. She helped me work through my critical issues and explained them in a way that was super easy to understand. The amount of excellent information given to me was invaluable and stuck with me, and I was able to pass my test with flying colors. I'm so glad that I chose this school, and I would highly recommend them to all learning drivers! read more

She passed on the first try!! My (then) 15yo daughter wanted to start driving. I asked around and got recommendations for another well known driving school in the area, but had an awful experience with the owner/instructor. I called Stirling and told them about the problems I had with the other school. They were very understanding and provided me with all the information I requested. My daughter's instructor, Desiree, was very nice to work with and gave constructive useful feedback after every lesson. I now have a newly licensed driver in my family! I enthusiastically recommend Desiree and Stirling! JR-Freedom,Ca read more

I highly recommend Sterling Driving School, Great instructors. My instructor went the extra mile to encourage and support me. She was patient, knowledgeable and full of encouragement. She prepared me for everything that was on my test. The training I received at Sterling Driving School gave me the ability to successfully pass my road test. And for Desiree, Thank you so much for your help and endless support in getting my licence. With your guidance and patience you taught me the skills to become a safe driver. Thank you for giving me the confidence to drive and for helping me to overcome my nervousness. read more