15 Reviews

John's Driving School

Santa Rosa, California
Reviews
NOTguineapigeon
15 Jan 2018
REPORT
I found John to be a pretty good instructor. He knows his stuff very well, as he's been teaching for a long time. He took me to a parking lot near Whole Foods and we practiced turning before even head... Read More
I found John to be a pretty good instructor. He knows his stuff very well, as he's been teaching for a long time. He took me to a parking lot near Whole Foods and we practiced turning before even heading out on the normal streets where I drove myself home. It's a reassuring confidence boost going from being super tense and nervous and completely inexperienced to driving yourself home in a few hours (with his instruction of course). Only issues I have is the BMV (older like 94 BMW) he uses can get pretty loud when going at higher speeds, so it's hard to hear him. It's also not as easy to drive as newer cars, but it's not difficult by any means, and if you can drive it, then you can drive anything. His website is also woefully outdated, and you have to call to schedule an appointment, texts and email don't work. But the purpose is to learn how to drive, and that's what he's about. Read Less
Peter Moktan
25 Nov 2017
REPORT
This place should be banned. They had my wife do like 5 lesson and still she was not ready to ready. They ripped my money off
Sheridan G.
8 Jun 2017
REPORT
I don't recommend. Even after talking with John and giving him feedback, he didn't really seem to care. A simple thing, A RECEIPT, on letterhead, would be nice! When I asked the driver if I could have... Read More
I don't recommend. Even after talking with John and giving him feedback, he didn't really seem to care. A simple thing, A RECEIPT, on letterhead, would be nice! When I asked the driver if I could have a receipt, the driver told me no. Then, after the lesson, my daughter came home with a "receipt" on a piece of torn notebook paper - hello, I could have written that! They also shorted my daughter 15 minutes each lesson. Look, if you're not going to give a 2 hour lesson, DON'T ADVERTISE THAT YOU ARE GOING TO GIVE A 2 HOUR LESSON.I told John I couldn't recommend his business and all he said was, "Sorry you can't recommend us." Read Less
Nina Sweets
14 Sep 2016
REPORT
There awful customer service
Beatrice P.
14 Aug 2016
REPORT
My son took his driving courses from them.  I was amazed by the skills they gave him.
Lacey W.
26 Oct 2015
REPORT
Very, very rude, unfortunately I am continuing my teens driving lesson as there is only 1 more! So irritating! I email to set up a final drive appointment with an extremely rude email back. I acknowle... Read More
Very, very rude, unfortunately I am continuing my teens driving lesson as there is only 1 more! So irritating! I email to set up a final drive appointment with an extremely rude email back. I acknowledge the situation, clear up the situation, apologize and receive a second email with more threats and just plain rude. I'm so irritated I may call someone else to complete this process.  I strongly do NOT recommend them. Read Less
Katelyn Wilkinson
5 Oct 2013
REPORT
We had a very positive experience with John's Driving School. The instructor came to my house to pick up my child and he looked professional, trustworthy and almost like he may have daughters of his ... Read More
We had a very positive experience with John's Driving School. The instructor came to my house to pick up my child and he looked professional, trustworthy and almost like he may have daughters of his very own. I immediately felt comfortable that my daughter was in good hands. She came home so excited and much more confident about driving and it showed when she drove me. Good job John's driving school.Read Less
Jan Wilkinson
5 Oct 2013
REPORT
We had a very positive experience with John's Driving School. The instructor came to my house to pick up my child and he looked professional, trustworthy and almost like he may have daughters of his ... Read More
We had a very positive experience with John's Driving School. The instructor came to my house to pick up my child and he looked professional, trustworthy and almost like he may have daughters of his very own. I immediately felt comfortable that my daughter was in good hands. She came home so excited and much more confident about driving and it showed when she drove me. Good job John's driving school.Read Less
Christina E.
10 Jun 2013
REPORT
Very pleased with John's Driving School. My 16 year old son just completed his 3rd driving lesson. First two lesson's were with John and John was great. My son had zero driving experience...not even b... Read More
Very pleased with John's Driving School. My 16 year old son just completed his 3rd driving lesson. First two lesson's were with John and John was great. My son had zero driving experience...not even behind the wheel of a go-cart. John was great with my son. The last lesson was with Andy and Andy did an excellent job preparing my son for the test. They went over key issues that most likely would be on the test and I really saw a huge difference in my son's driving. Both instructors arrived on-time and made my son comfortable and made me comfortable with the process. The price was reasonable and I felt comfortable with what my son learned and felt the instruction was good. A quote from my 16 year old, "they were cool people." My son passed his driving test the first time which was great! Read Less
J G.
20 May 2013
REPORT
Rude, rude, rude....did I mention...rude?When I called to schedule an appointment for behind the wheel training, it was before my son had taken his permit test.  I clearly stated his test was schedule... Read More
Rude, rude, rude....did I mention...rude?When I called to schedule an appointment for behind the wheel training, it was before my son had taken his permit test.  I clearly stated his test was scheduled for Friday morning and wanted to schedule a lesson for Saturday.  They told me as long as I gave them a 24 hour notice to cancle in the event he didn't pass, that would be fine.Unfortunately, he didn't pass.  I called them FROM the DMV parking lot to make them aware. 26 hours in advance.  The lady was INCREDIBLY rude and said, "We would appreciate a 48 hour notice." I explained to her that I was told it was 24 hours when scheduling so I called them as soon as I possibly could.  Her response..."ok" and then she HUNG UP.Needless to say, I am scheduling elsewhere. Read Less
Kim R.
22 Jun 2012
REPORT
It's fun when you are 14 and easily amused by bad words and dirty drawings but as an adult this place is old and unprofessional. Did my permit classes here with a class full of kids not learning a who... Read More
It's fun when you are 14 and easily amused by bad words and dirty drawings but as an adult this place is old and unprofessional. Did my permit classes here with a class full of kids not learning a whole lot. After class most kids drive off in front of instructors who are too busy trying to look cool then trying to set a good example. They say everyone drives a BMW but what they don't tell you is that they are old dirty BMW's with an instructor who doesn't do much instructing. What I'll say to kids is its fun and easy, what I'll say to parents is take your kid somewhere else. Read Less
Ryane C.
10 May 2012
REPORT
I took my classes here and my behind the wheel. Although its a bit odd, they do a really good job of getting along with teenagers.
A Google User
18 Jan 2012
REPORT
My daughter went to John's and she had 3 lessons. We made sure she had the opportunity to drive in a few different conditions, dusk, night, rain, etc. she enjoyed it all very much. They gave her a lot... Read More
My daughter went to John's and she had 3 lessons. We made sure she had the opportunity to drive in a few different conditions, dusk, night, rain, etc. she enjoyed it all very much. They gave her a lot of confidence to drive safely. I definitely recommend John's Driving School! Read Less
Lauren M.
4 Jan 2012
REPORT
So, admittedly daughter has only completed day 2 of a 4 day driving school, but the axiom "You get what you pay for" holds true for this service as well.  Can't complain about the price, $50 for four ... Read More
So, admittedly daughter has only completed day 2 of a 4 day driving school, but the axiom "You get what you pay for" holds true for this service as well.  Can't complain about the price, $50 for four days  but the classes basically consist of students watching videos, and then the 'instructor' goes over practice tests with them.  On day two, the 'instructor' didn't even remain in the classroom for most of the time.  One kid kept smoking on an electronic cigarette (at 15 1/2?) the whole time.  Also, every single page of the classroom texts are scrawled on with pictures of male anatomy or other vulgar sayings - daughter showed me a picture of one of the offending pages.  Videos are very old (they still show Red Asphalt - really?).There was a new booster seat law eff 1/1/12 and my daughter knew about it and the 'instructor' did not.  Okay, I get not updating texts/videos, no supervision for $50 - but not even knowing the law?  Seriously? Read Less
A Google User
18 May 2010
REPORT
I wouldn’t give this place any stars. The teachers are disorganized and dishonest. We paid in advance and felt locked into the school, even after several bad experiences we tried to stick it out…. THE... Read More
I wouldn’t give this place any stars. The teachers are disorganized and dishonest. We paid in advance and felt locked into the school, even after several bad experiences we tried to stick it out…. THE LAST STRAW: They sent a HORRIBLE driving instructor to our house that literally looked like "IT" killed the real driving instructor and came to murder us, not teach my child to drive. Still trying to be open minded I tried to express my concerns to the instructor, who simply said,"well you already paid, is your child gonna drive today or what?” When I called the school to get a refund, I NEVER got any response. To date: They have kept my money, and NEVER even bothered to return any calls or letters. I BEG YOU, PLEASE SAVE YOUR CHILD THE HORRIBLE EXSPERIENCE WE HAD! We now found a more respectable school and have had a great experience! I have spoken to several people who had similar issues with JOHN”S SCHOOL.I don’t know how they are even in biz. If you enjoy the sink or swim approach, this is the place for you… Read Less
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(707) 528-7423
1150 Coddingtown Center
Santa Rosa California 95401
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John's Driving School

Santa Rosa, California
(15)
1150 Coddingtown Center
Santa Rosa California 95401
NOTguineapigeon
15 Jan 2018
REPORT
I found John to be a pretty good instructor. He knows his stuff very well, as he's been teaching for a long time. He took me to a parking lot near Whole Foods and we practiced turning before even head... Read More
I found John to be a pretty good instructor. He knows his stuff very well, as he's been teaching for a long time. He took me to a parking lot near Whole Foods and we practiced turning before even heading out on the normal streets where I drove myself home. It's a reassuring confidence boost going from being super tense and nervous and completely inexperienced to driving yourself home in a few hours (with his instruction of course). Only issues I have is the BMV (older like 94 BMW) he uses can get pretty loud when going at higher speeds, so it's hard to hear him. It's also not as easy to drive as newer cars, but it's not difficult by any means, and if you can drive it, then you can drive anything. His website is also woefully outdated, and you have to call to schedule an appointment, texts and email don't work. But the purpose is to learn how to drive, and that's what he's about. Read Less
Peter Moktan
25 Nov 2017
REPORT
This place should be banned. They had my wife do like 5 lesson and still she was not ready to ready. They ripped my money off
Sheridan G.
8 Jun 2017
REPORT
I don't recommend. Even after talking with John and giving him feedback, he didn't really seem to care. A simple thing, A RECEIPT, on letterhead, would be nice! When I asked the driver if I could have... Read More
I don't recommend. Even after talking with John and giving him feedback, he didn't really seem to care. A simple thing, A RECEIPT, on letterhead, would be nice! When I asked the driver if I could have a receipt, the driver told me no. Then, after the lesson, my daughter came home with a "receipt" on a piece of torn notebook paper - hello, I could have written that! They also shorted my daughter 15 minutes each lesson. Look, if you're not going to give a 2 hour lesson, DON'T ADVERTISE THAT YOU ARE GOING TO GIVE A 2 HOUR LESSON.I told John I couldn't recommend his business and all he said was, "Sorry you can't recommend us." Read Less
Nina Sweets
14 Sep 2016
REPORT
There awful customer service
Beatrice P.
14 Aug 2016
REPORT
My son took his driving courses from them.  I was amazed by the skills they gave him.
Lacey W.
26 Oct 2015
REPORT
Very, very rude, unfortunately I am continuing my teens driving lesson as there is only 1 more! So irritating! I email to set up a final drive appointment with an extremely rude email back. I acknowle... Read More
Very, very rude, unfortunately I am continuing my teens driving lesson as there is only 1 more! So irritating! I email to set up a final drive appointment with an extremely rude email back. I acknowledge the situation, clear up the situation, apologize and receive a second email with more threats and just plain rude. I'm so irritated I may call someone else to complete this process.  I strongly do NOT recommend them. Read Less
Katelyn Wilkinson
5 Oct 2013
REPORT
We had a very positive experience with John's Driving School. The instructor came to my house to pick up my child and he looked professional, trustworthy and almost like he may have daughters of his ... Read More
We had a very positive experience with John's Driving School. The instructor came to my house to pick up my child and he looked professional, trustworthy and almost like he may have daughters of his very own. I immediately felt comfortable that my daughter was in good hands. She came home so excited and much more confident about driving and it showed when she drove me. Good job John's driving school.Read Less
Jan Wilkinson
5 Oct 2013
REPORT
We had a very positive experience with John's Driving School. The instructor came to my house to pick up my child and he looked professional, trustworthy and almost like he may have daughters of his ... Read More
We had a very positive experience with John's Driving School. The instructor came to my house to pick up my child and he looked professional, trustworthy and almost like he may have daughters of his very own. I immediately felt comfortable that my daughter was in good hands. She came home so excited and much more confident about driving and it showed when she drove me. Good job John's driving school.Read Less
Christina E.
10 Jun 2013
REPORT
Very pleased with John's Driving School. My 16 year old son just completed his 3rd driving lesson. First two lesson's were with John and John was great. My son had zero driving experience...not even b... Read More
Very pleased with John's Driving School. My 16 year old son just completed his 3rd driving lesson. First two lesson's were with John and John was great. My son had zero driving experience...not even behind the wheel of a go-cart. John was great with my son. The last lesson was with Andy and Andy did an excellent job preparing my son for the test. They went over key issues that most likely would be on the test and I really saw a huge difference in my son's driving. Both instructors arrived on-time and made my son comfortable and made me comfortable with the process. The price was reasonable and I felt comfortable with what my son learned and felt the instruction was good. A quote from my 16 year old, "they were cool people." My son passed his driving test the first time which was great! Read Less
J G.
20 May 2013
REPORT
Rude, rude, rude....did I mention...rude?When I called to schedule an appointment for behind the wheel training, it was before my son had taken his permit test.  I clearly stated his test was schedule... Read More
Rude, rude, rude....did I mention...rude?When I called to schedule an appointment for behind the wheel training, it was before my son had taken his permit test.  I clearly stated his test was scheduled for Friday morning and wanted to schedule a lesson for Saturday.  They told me as long as I gave them a 24 hour notice to cancle in the event he didn't pass, that would be fine.Unfortunately, he didn't pass.  I called them FROM the DMV parking lot to make them aware. 26 hours in advance.  The lady was INCREDIBLY rude and said, "We would appreciate a 48 hour notice." I explained to her that I was told it was 24 hours when scheduling so I called them as soon as I possibly could.  Her response..."ok" and then she HUNG UP.Needless to say, I am scheduling elsewhere. Read Less
Kim R.
22 Jun 2012
REPORT
It's fun when you are 14 and easily amused by bad words and dirty drawings but as an adult this place is old and unprofessional. Did my permit classes here with a class full of kids not learning a who... Read More
It's fun when you are 14 and easily amused by bad words and dirty drawings but as an adult this place is old and unprofessional. Did my permit classes here with a class full of kids not learning a whole lot. After class most kids drive off in front of instructors who are too busy trying to look cool then trying to set a good example. They say everyone drives a BMW but what they don't tell you is that they are old dirty BMW's with an instructor who doesn't do much instructing. What I'll say to kids is its fun and easy, what I'll say to parents is take your kid somewhere else. Read Less
Ryane C.
10 May 2012
REPORT
I took my classes here and my behind the wheel. Although its a bit odd, they do a really good job of getting along with teenagers.
A Google User
18 Jan 2012
REPORT
My daughter went to John's and she had 3 lessons. We made sure she had the opportunity to drive in a few different conditions, dusk, night, rain, etc. she enjoyed it all very much. They gave her a lot... Read More
My daughter went to John's and she had 3 lessons. We made sure she had the opportunity to drive in a few different conditions, dusk, night, rain, etc. she enjoyed it all very much. They gave her a lot of confidence to drive safely. I definitely recommend John's Driving School! Read Less
Lauren M.
4 Jan 2012
REPORT
So, admittedly daughter has only completed day 2 of a 4 day driving school, but the axiom "You get what you pay for" holds true for this service as well.  Can't complain about the price, $50 for four ... Read More
So, admittedly daughter has only completed day 2 of a 4 day driving school, but the axiom "You get what you pay for" holds true for this service as well.  Can't complain about the price, $50 for four days  but the classes basically consist of students watching videos, and then the 'instructor' goes over practice tests with them.  On day two, the 'instructor' didn't even remain in the classroom for most of the time.  One kid kept smoking on an electronic cigarette (at 15 1/2?) the whole time.  Also, every single page of the classroom texts are scrawled on with pictures of male anatomy or other vulgar sayings - daughter showed me a picture of one of the offending pages.  Videos are very old (they still show Red Asphalt - really?).There was a new booster seat law eff 1/1/12 and my daughter knew about it and the 'instructor' did not.  Okay, I get not updating texts/videos, no supervision for $50 - but not even knowing the law?  Seriously? Read Less
A Google User
18 May 2010
REPORT
I wouldn’t give this place any stars. The teachers are disorganized and dishonest. We paid in advance and felt locked into the school, even after several bad experiences we tried to stick it out…. THE... Read More
I wouldn’t give this place any stars. The teachers are disorganized and dishonest. We paid in advance and felt locked into the school, even after several bad experiences we tried to stick it out…. THE LAST STRAW: They sent a HORRIBLE driving instructor to our house that literally looked like "IT" killed the real driving instructor and came to murder us, not teach my child to drive. Still trying to be open minded I tried to express my concerns to the instructor, who simply said,"well you already paid, is your child gonna drive today or what?” When I called the school to get a refund, I NEVER got any response. To date: They have kept my money, and NEVER even bothered to return any calls or letters. I BEG YOU, PLEASE SAVE YOUR CHILD THE HORRIBLE EXSPERIENCE WE HAD! We now found a more respectable school and have had a great experience! I have spoken to several people who had similar issues with JOHN”S SCHOOL.I don’t know how they are even in biz. If you enjoy the sink or swim approach, this is the place for you… Read Less
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CLAIM IT HERE
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