I have had an amazing experience with Zapiti Auto school from day one to the end. A big thank you to my driving instructor Angel he is the BEST!!! He is an amazing person and instructor. Angel taught me all the techniques which I would need for my road test and driving safely in the future. Angel was extremely supportive and encouraging. And yeeeeees I passed my test on a first try!! Thank you Angel! Thalia is also wonderful - so helpful in booking my lessons and being flexible. I highly recommend them to everyone. read more

I did a 5 classes with two different instructors. (3 with Victor, 2 with Adam) Both seemed annoyed and unclear about my mistakes, only stated "I need more lessons." They both made me feel like a bad driver, too quiet, little explanation, attitude, etc. I had my road test booked, I was only confident when I wasn't in the car with either instructor. On my last driving lesson they booked me with JuanCarlos. He helped me more than ever! He is attentive and clearly cares about the wellbeing of his students. He does an amazing job with correcting and fully explaining steps to becoming a great driver. He built my confidence right before the test and I NAILED it! With only 5 points off!! Highly recommend requesting Juancarlos if you not only want to pass with flying colors, and be a great driver !! read more

I finally got my driver's license!! First try school is a very simple and easy to understand it's a school that allows you to learn and get a feel of the road. My instructor Juan Carlos was very encouraging ,understanding & Personable with unique method of teaching that allow you to learn, master, and refine the driving skills that you needed to pass a road test. If you ever need to learn the road, I would highly recommend Juan Carlos. The best ! Thank you Zapiti Auto School & Thank you Thalia & Adam Abdel read more

Juan Carlos was very helpful and I passed my driving test within 3 lessons! He has tips and tricks that'll help you pass. He'll tell you what you need work on. read more

I am writing a review as a parent and as a pedestrian. An instructor from the Zapiti Auto School who was driving in a silver sedan almost drove into my child. My child was secured in her stroller, however, the instructor did not make a complete stop at the stop sign and almost ran into my child. How could a company hire an incompetent instructor who simply does not know how to obey the stop sign. Please be aware that the instructor is a Caucasian female around 40-50 of age and has brunette hair. read more

I took all my driving lessons here with Angel and I passed my driver's test on my first try afterwards! Angel is a phenomenal instructor -- he's very kind, knowledgeable, patient, reliable, and clear. I couldn't have chosen a better instructor and school to teach me how to drive. read more

I highly recommend Zapiti Driving school and especially Angel. If you want a patient, knowledgeable and punctual teacher, he is the one! His techniques made me a master on parallel parking that was my biggest nightmare. He showed me everything i needed to know in only 6 classes and because of him i was confident and I passed the road test! Also, Ms. Thalia is always sweet and very helpful! read more

I highly recommend Zapiti Driving School and I want to share my great experience while I was taking classes with them. Thalia, the owner, is a warm-hearted and kind lady. She is very accommodating in rescheduling appointments even without much warning. Always available to answer questions and very easy to communicate with. I first started driving with Victor, who is knowledgable and precise. I learned the traffic laws and driving rules thanks to his commentary during driving classed, which stuck to me and taught me to be a conscientious and aware driver. However, I can certainly say that I gained the right amount of confidence to navigate the roads seamlessly only once I started taking lessons with Angel. Angel's patience knows no bounds. No matter how many questions I threw his way or how many times I made the same mistake, he remained calm and encouraging while teaching me how to fully grasp control of the vehicle. His positive attitude truly made a difference in boosting my confidence behind the wheel. What I appreciated the most was his personalized approach to teaching. He tailored each lesson to focus on areas that needed improvement, helping me learn great tricks on how to adjust my parallel parking and how to maintaining a constant flow in traffic. His friendly demeanor created a positive and supportive learning environment, making me look forward to each lesson. I felt fully prepared on the day of my test and thanks to his lessons and his genuine interest in my success I was able to feel confident, and pass the driving test smoothly. I wholeheartedly recommend Angel to anyone seeking a positive, patient, and expert guide. read more

I took five classes and was over prepared for my road test, which I passed! They taught me new strategies for parking and 3-point turns as well as informing me what would be on the road test. Highly recommend Zapiti Auto School for preparing for a road test. read more

Can't say enough good things about Zapiti. I started researching driving schools well before the pandemic and, since they're so close to where I live, scheduled the 5 hours course with them. Unfortunately, that never happened because I was scheduled for the weekend that the world shutdown. Fast forward to summer where Covid cases in ny were really low and they were allowed to operate again. I worked with the wonderful Thalia to buy myself a lesson to try it out. To be fair the first lesson was a little rocky. I had Victor and got this feeling that he didn't really like me. In hindsight, he may have been having an off day. I *DID* takeaway that Victor gave awesome instruction and I learned a ton my first time behind the wheel. Personality aside, I was comfortable doing lessons with him. I went to buy a package and had no idea what to buy. 5 Lessons? 10? I explained this to Thalia who couldn't have been more wonderful and accommodating. She told me just buy the 5 lessons and if I needed more, I could just pay the difference down the line. I love this no pressure approach. Throughout my whole time with them, Thalia's communication was really solid. Always a call the day before to confirm - or if they needed to change the appointment. They were also really flexible if I had a last minute need to change or cancel. They did wind up doing the 5 hour course over Zoom eventually - which was great. Probably even better than doing it in person. The instructor was good and though the videos were dated the content was informative. As for the lessons, turns out my intuition about Victor was right - he gave incredible instruction. I still to this day say things he would say to remind me to do things. If my fiance had to take a $1 every time she's heard me say "I come first, I go first" at an all way stop she'd be rich. Parallel parking? "Slowly slowly, carefully carefully, gradually gradually." I felt so confident going into the road test, until about a day before when I was just suddenly so nervous about hitting the curb during the parking because I did that during one lesson and it's an automatic failure. The day of my road test, they had me meet with Victor to do some practice beforehand and I told him about my parking fears so we focused on that. The best thing he told me was to stay calm and if I had any feeling I was going to hit the curb, just reposition the car and take all the time I need. The road test itself was a breeze - I felt so well prepared. Got in the car, made a right. On that block they wanted me to parallel park. I did mirror to mirror but since I was nervous I didn't realize how big the truck was so it took me more maneuvers than I can count to get it in without hitting the curb. The tester took out their ipad to show me that, while I should wait for all traffic to pass before starting to park, once i start I need to just keep moving even when there's traffic around me so I can get out of the lane as quick as possible. I hoped this didn't mean I failed, but he did say before we got in the car that he may give feedback and that doesn't indicate a failure. I did know that if you fail, they bring you back right away. He had me make a right turn ... then another right turn so I started to grow a little nervous that I was being brought back for failing. Then he said "right here, when save, make a k turn." If he had me do this, I didn't fail for parking and if I didn't fail for parking there was no way I was going to fail. Completed the K turn, did two more lefts and a right and got handed the sealed envelope. Passed with only 10 points off. Can't recommend them enough for a smooth learning experience. I feel like such a confident and safe driver thanks to Victor. The #1 thing he taught me was that people around you are going to do dumb things. Expect that and stay calm when it happens and you'll handle it just fine. Words to live by ;) read more

Amazing experience! I must say that the lessons I took with Adam were extremely helpful! He not only flawlessly (!) taught me the techniques (of parallel parking, U-turns, STOP signs and more), but he emphasized the nuances of how fast or slow I should drive at any given moment. Although I used to drive a while ago, I must say I am a better driver because of him. And easily passed the test! Thalia (the owner) is extremely professional and on top of everything from appointments, tests, students preparedness and so on... She really cares about every student, not only her business. Overall, I was impressed! I was not expecting such an amazing experience with this driving school. And I highly recommend it. I usually don't post reviews, however, I felt compelled to do so with this business that is so professional. Thank you Thalia, thank you Adam. I cannot be grateful enough. read more

Zapiti is the best when it comes to teaching .. From the staff (Thalia) and instructors nikk, ines and Angel.. they are the best... I didnt pass the first time because im still recovering from covid that time and so my concentration is not 100 % .. But thanks to Angel who taught me everything and in just 2 classes he helped me pass the road test woohoo.. The words of encouragements and his knowledge in teaching is fantastic!!! Highly recommended... They are amazing and very nice people too ! read more

I 100 percent recommend Zapiti for driving classes and for the actual road test. They made me a safe complement driver and I was able to past the road test on my first try. The staff are warm, helpful and good stewards of safety. read more

Victor was incredible!! Knows everythingS about cars! Will recommend to allllll my friends!!! S

I have been going to Zapiti ever since back in the late 80's for driving defensive course and driving lessons. They are all nice people. My father had taught me to drive first before i do to the driving school. This way i get a feel of it. I had Mr Zapiti as my instructor and he was nice and made it comfortable for me. With everyone showing me to drive my father and Mr. Zapiti i was a bit nervous to go for the actual test. I had a big tall inspector whatever you call them. We went around astoria Park and then i had to park in between two cars. I remember my father telling me, when you back up and your back window is at an angle from the back headlight of the parked car then you turn your wheel to go in the spot and then change to move forward to straight out. I parked perfect, BUT.... I scared the inspector when i got out the spot as i will never forget this at all, he jumped up and thought i would hit the car in front that is parked, he jumped up and got scared and i didn't hit the car in front of me at all. I said to myself i guess i failed. After the driving test he told me about my driving ability and told me im a cautious driver, i drive well, then he said the only thing is when you came out of the spot and you almost hit the car parked but i see you had a good vision to get out of the spot and did it good i just got scared you were going to hit the car - you passed... i jumped up. I told Mr. Zapiti when i saw him as he was with other people and he was happy. I thank my father for this and always will and for everything he's done for me. I miss him dearly as he passed away Nov 2019. I cannot get over it or believe he's gone. :'( I am due for driving defensive course Dec 2020, will see what their policy is since this covid is around. i never had a problem with them. When i was last there 2017 defensive course i did not know Mr. Zapiti passed away :( Mrs. Thalia did a wonderful job doing the course. I look forward to going there again for my class. Thank you again for everything read more

Difficult to compare with others driving school, since we usually stick with only one. The people working there are just simply amazing, step in their office and you will feel already comfortable. The teachers, Victor and Adam, will conduct you to your success road test. They deserved my time and my money. This is my first Yelp review, I promise you : I'm not a robot or paid reviewer. God bless Zapiti. read more

It was a great moment for me to learn driving at Zapati driving school, my instructor was Angel. He was very nice and patient. I had 6 packages with him. Getting lessons to learn from an instructor is very important as you and your loved ones' lives will be involved when driving. Angel teaches these techniques and steps with patience. I passed the road test, hooray. I would highly recommended him to those who want to learn how to drive. read more

I had the best experience with Zapiti. I had no driving experience, nor ever moved a vehicle. I began my license journey with them and purchased a 10 class package. My instructor Adam was simply the best. He is so patient, kind, and a great teacher. He always explained everything, and never made me feel bad about making a mistake. He takes my mistakes, and nicely makes it into a teaching moment. He was very encouraging the day of the road test and I passed on my first try! I couldn't have asked for a better teacher or experience. This is the place to go to learn to drive. Ms. Zapiti and Angela at the office are both wonderful and accommodating when it comes to classes. Thank you to everyone! read more

I went in for a 10 lesson plan as a first time driver. My instructor was Victor for all 10 lessons. At first I was VERY, VERY nervous. The first few lessons were a struggle for me. I felt like I was unprepared and being thrown into the ocean to either sink or swim. Luckily I managed to swim. It took time for me to get comfortable, so if you are anxious about driving - it's okay. It takes time. You will feel anxious and nervous for a while and that's okay. Victor was very soothing, patient, and encouraging. The first few lessons can be very intimidating, yes, but after a while I loosened up and was able to relax a bit. The car was always very clean and Victor was very professional and warm. And I'm happy to say that I passed my road test on the first try! read more

I had never been in the drivers seat ever before, so I was a very nervous driver, my instructor Nikki was informative, patient and very helpful. I passed my road test the very first time and finally feel like very confident driver. Everyone was wonderful to work with, I highly recommend this driving school! read more

Exceptional Servises by the best in the industry, A place that still today you can find good ethics and morals. Above and beyond, highly recommended read more

My instructor was really patient with me and it helped with my confidence as a VERY nervous rookie driver. I only saw one instructor for all my lessons so I also felt safe during this pandemic. We both wear masks and roll down windows, she disinfects the car after every student. The owner is really kind as well. I recommend this school to everyone. I passed my road test! read more

I have been going to Zapiti ever since back in the 80's for driving defensive course and driving lessons. They are all nice people. I am due for driving defensive course Dec 2020, will see what their policy is since this covid is around. i never had a problem with them. When i was last there 2017 defensive course i did not know Mr. Zapiti passed away :( Mrs. Thalia did a wonderful job doing the course. I look forward to going there again for my class. Thank you again for everything read more

Took the Defensive Driving Course with Zapiti Auto School today and was very pleased. My instructor was Thalia Moshakos-Zapiti. She was knowledgable, patient, and an articulate speaker. I couldn't believe how nice she was, offering us all coffees, orange juice, and water, as if we were in her home! This class taught us the essential laws of the road, how to correctly maneuver the vehicle in the event of skidding, DWI penalties, vehicle condition, risk profiles, proper observation, mirror set up, clearance, steady vs. flashing lights ...etc, and the instructor led open discussions amongst the students. There was a quiz at the end, so paying attention to the speaker and workbook helps! There was light paper work in the beginning and end but the experience overall was very positive one. read more

One of the best decisions of my life!! Everyone was so pleasant to work with. From the owner to the administrative staff and the instructors; it was all 5+ star service! Felix was absolutely amazing! He is kind, patient, and detailed. I was completely nervous the very first time, however Felix teaches in a way where you are comfortable, confident, and educated behind the wheel! read more

This Auto School is horrible, the people are unorganized and they're liars. They have horrible instructors that hit on their students. This place needs to go out of business for good! I had my road test schedule for 9:30, I went in and she swore that it was at 12:30. Meanwhile Ms.Zapiti was the one who made my test for 9:30 after telling me that there was no space at 12:30. This place is a joke and no body should bring their business here. It is truly a waste of time and money. Go somewhere more professional and organized with driving instructors that are only worried about perfecting driving abilities not worried about their students body figure. Im truly disgusted by this place. read more

Waste of time. I called on Wednesday to find out the rates, hours of operation, etc. Receptionist was informative and polite. Go to the location and find that instead of being open until 7 PM as informed, they close at 6:30 for the summer. No big deal, returned the next morning. Met Mike Zapiti. Here open the gates of hell. Noone appears to be in the shop. After a few minutes, I made noise. Mike stayed in the back and yelled at me and my son, the student. Largely incoherent. After a few minutes I explain that we'd like a trial lesson. One lesson. "No. You have to sign up for at least two lessons and the road test." How come you advertise a per-lesson rate and don't say it's a come-on. "Sign up for two and the test or get lost." So we did. And their rates are no better than the prevailing $39/45min rate in Astoria. Without having to schlep all the way to Ditmars Blvd. read more

The driving instructors are very helpful, and the employment of this driving school, Thalia Zapiti is good and friendly. They both make me feel happy and comfortable. However, the receptionist, is rude and makes me feel uncomfortable. At my 10th driving course, when I asked the receptionist to help me find my driving instructor, whose name is Sarah, the first time, she told me where my instructor is without telling me the exact place and location. When I asked her the second time when I didn't manage to find my instructor again, she rudely started yelling at me. I told her that she could have took me to my instructor at the exact location and it wouldn't take too long to take me their, and she rudely started yelling at me again. The receptionist made me feel uncomfortable..... Next time, it was my 11th lesson and I did much better thanks to Mrs. Sarah. Mrs. Sarah is able to calmly teach you in a friendly way about driving and you easily become better and better. At the end of my 11th lesson, both Mrs, Sarah and Mrs. Thalia were so proud of me and both of them gave me good compliments about my improved driving skills and my friendly and good human behavior. However, the receptionist didn't approach me and apologized for her unfriendly and snobbish attitude towards me after Mrs. Thalia got mad at her for this reason above. I suggest you taking drawing courses at this driving school cause it has good driving instructors, and Mrs. Thalia is very capable to help you with everything. Also, just in case the receptionist is rude and ecogentric towards you, go and talk to Mrs. Thalia. She knows how to deal with it. read more

The people in charge are RUDE!!!! I went in to take the defensive driving course. I had forgotten to bring my ID with me, so i phoned a friend to get it and bring it over. While i waited i informed the receptionist that a friend would be bringing over my ID. I asked her to please let the woman in charge know so that i may join the class and get started. The receptionist, whom i think didn't have a brain of her own, said the woman in charge has gone into the back room and has asked NOT to be bothered. BUT......i told her as a customer i need assistance. She needs to know i will proceed with the class and that my ID is on its way. The dumb receptionist insisted (with the classic DEER IN THE HEADLIGHTS look) that she was specifically told NOT to bother her again. Ummm......wasn't the receptionist in a position to put me in the class? What is she there for? Also, if she is NOT in a position to assist me (the customer) with my issue, then it is the duty and responsibility of the woman in charge. Right? So she NEEDED to get her ass out of the back room and assist the CUSTOMERS!!!!!!! No one would help me so i left, telling them i would never set foot there again. I took the course online and at a cheaper rate. Terrible place. AVOID!!!!!! read more

Jose, the driving instructor, is great! I passed my road test after only 3 lessons with him.