My son was taught by Frank at Bill's Defensive Driving school in the Marin County area.  Not only was Frank an incredible teacher, personable, funny and very serious, but the team at Bill's Defensive Driving really bent over backwards for us. My son splits time between his Dad's house and mine and due to those circumstances he didn't have his official permit with him for Frank to sign at the last lesson...only the copy that he carried around. My son's DMV test appointment was right after the holidays and we were without the final certificate.  The staff at Bill's Defensive Driving school - Deb and Frank both made us feel like we were part of the family by coordinating a meet up with Frank for him to sign the paperwork and hand out the certificate just in time before the appointment. Frank also knew all the ins and outs as to where the Corte Madera DMV would test him...which neighborhoods, etc.  This really assisted in calming my son's nerves and allowed for him to only miss 4 points on the test altogether.  HIghly recommend Bill's and definitely request Frank! Read Less

Bill has taught two of my kids how to drive.  He gives solid memorable instructions.  Parents are invited to ride along to learn as well and reinforce teaching points when driving later with your teenager.  He took both of my girls straight onto winding hilly roads and then the highway their very first time behind the wheel.  While it was a bit nerve-wracking (for me), his teaching approach also gave them a ton of confidence.  Proud parent of two good drivers. Read Less

This is our 2nd experience with Bill's Defensive Driving school.  3 years ago, our older daughter took 3 two-hour lessons with Bill during her 6-month permit period.  She learned so quickly with Bill's calm, thoughtful, supportive style.  Within 30 minutes, she was driving at the speed limit along curvy roads like Camino Alto between Mill Valley and Corte Madera.  By the end of 2 hours, she was at highway speed with the flow of traffic down 101 South from San Rafael back to Strawberry!  I was amazed at how her confidence and control of the car progressed.  I am also proud that she passed her driving test with flying colors and has been a safe driver with an independent license for the past 3 years.Now, our 2nd daughter has completed her 1st of 3 two-hour lessons, and she has a different instructor named Frank.  I was pleasantly surprised that Frank has a similar calm, reassuring, expert style that is at once disarming and inspiring.  He instantly picked up on my daughter's anxiety and adapted his style to her needs.  Within about 10 minutes, we were out of the parking lot and on the road!  I don't know which of us was more surprised -- my daughter or me?  Frank took us on the same route that Bill had taken 3 years ago, and many of the same teaching points were covered in the same locations.  Clearly, the organization has a method.Last time, my wife accompanied my daughter on the 2nd lesson -- which is a trip to Stinson from 101, but now I am curious to go on that one myself.  Finally, the 3rd lesson is more of a prep for the test -- usually just a week or two beforehand.Overall, I think Bill and his staff are terrific, and I would highly recommend them to any Marin parents of aspiring teenage driver.  Both your teen and you will be happy with the experience and the results. Read Less

Our son passed with flying colors!  I  have to give props to Frank and Bill's Driving school.  Our first instructor from another company couldn't fit my son in for his remaining two lessons and Bill's came to the rescue.  My son really enjoyed Frank's teaching style (better than his first one).  Thanks for the lessons.  We appreciate your help.  Let the driving without me begin!! Read Less

After an ordeal with an unnamed driving school, Bill's Defensive Driving School came to the rescue. My niece needed to take her driving test and was anxious about failing again. Bill helped her feel at ease behind the wheel, and for a two hour class she learned a lot! I highly recommend this school for beginning drivers, and even experienced drivers. After the instruction, Bill called me and gave me a full report of what she needed to work on. Excellent customer service and not shady like some of the other schools out there. Read Less

Bill does more than just meet the six-hour requirement; he gives you more than your money's worth teaching your child how to drive in real world situations. The level of skills my teenage daughter has after just four hours with Bill is remarkable. Makes the value of other driving schools I used in the past highly suspect. Read Less

We hired Bill for both of my teens and thought he was great! I rode along with both of them for the first few lessons, taking notes so I could use the same language that Bill was using, and reinforce what they were learning for practice time. Not only did that help them - and help me see what they needed to work on - but it gave me an insiders glimpse at how Bill works with his students. He is confident, patient, extremely knowledgable and reads driving situations like the pro that he is. Although we didn't need it, his car is equipped with a brake pedal AND a gas pedal that he can use if he needs to to get away from danger or stop suddenly if need be. I especially appreciate the fact that he clearly cares that his students become safe defensive drivers, not just learn enough to pass the test. Read Less

Do not use for au pairs! Poor customer service! Little progress no willingness to accommodate!We booked in 12 sessions in rapid succession to get our Columbian au pair (had a international drivers license) ready to drive our kids to school. I spoke to Susan in the office at length about my concerns about the language barrier and I suggested a FREE translator app in which would help the instructors with explaining the why in their corrections to my au pair so it would be understood. Susan said all her drivers should have it and ensured that she would make it happen and I was told that every day I would get a progress update. The first instructor Paul didn't call until the second double lesson. He said progress was slow and that my au pair may not have understood. Asked about the translator and he said he would use it next time but Susan never told him. I explained my au pair is very sweet and if asked if she understood she will always smile and say yes, but she still wouldn't understand. Two session later he reports that progress is small and asked if she understood the rules. He said he didn't know and would use a translator ( thus was the 6th session I paid for)   He said he had his "own ways of being understood"!  Was passed to the owner Bill for lessons and he too didn't call until after the 4th lesson--not the deal. No translator used even though he knew she understood little. He offered he regretted that "we should have talked earlier". Bill chastised me and said I should have rode along (I was traveling--was discussed to Susan and Paul) No discount offered for the MASSIVE money wasted or no make up sessions and no accountability. The only reason this review has one star is because they had availability -- but we know why now, don't we!!! Read Less

Bill's Defensive Driving School = two teenage drivers with defensive driving skills, no accidents, no tickets and situational awareness.Mom and Dad = more relaxed when the teenagers are behind the wheel, confident that they can safely handle 101 and the twisting Marin roads (as much as a responsible teen can) and happy that they spent their money and time wisely (bonus... they picked up some driving skills refresher points too). So what to expect...1. A professional instructor with a low-key, even temperament, that teenagers and parents can relate too.2. A new, clean, safe and well maintained full size car that has dual mirrors,gas pedals and brakes for Bill to take control and keep your kid safe.3. Common sense step by step directions and then tips galore (he knows all of the local roads and the types of decisions that the driver will need to make as they encounter the non-conventional situations).4.  Bill encourages parents to accompany their teen on the training ride; there is nothing to hide and he provides advice on what to practice with your "student driver."5.  He emphasizes DEFENSIVE driving.6.  Bill trusts his teaching skills and therefore will expose your teen to all types of roads and conditions; this means 101, North San Pedro Road in China Camp, city streets in San Rafael and Fairfax-Bolinas Road (yes you read that correctly), in what ever weather conditions.  They will experience it, so what not do it during a driving lesson?7.  Confidence building for the student driver and parent.8.  A "What to expect at your driving test" during lesson three which will include tips about the expectations of the DMV Driving Inspectors (by facility) and dry-run through the typical test course with commentary about what the student is doing correctly or incorrectly from the Driving Inspectors point of view.The purpose of his lessons are not directed to pass the driving road test the first time, rather it is to make sure that you are a safe defensive driver.Thank you Bill.Good luck to future drivers, please drive defensively. Read Less

We taught our 18 year old how to drive and went on the road with him to help him get ready for the driving exam, but there were some gaps in his knowledge and we felt he needed a lesson or two.  We called Bill's Defensive Driving School and were able to get a Saturday afternoon appointment.  Paul was our instructor.  He was very thorough and we spent two very productive hours with him.  My son and I enjoyed his teaching style and his sense of humor.  My son took his driver's road test 6 days later and passed.  Paul shared with us that he has been teaching people to drive for 29 years!  We are very glad that we chose Bills and got the good fortune to have Paul as our instructor.   Paul was the perfect instructor for my son.  Patient, thorough, kind and funny.  I hope he's still instructing when our 13 year old is ready to start driving. Read Less

My niece is naturally very bold....she took double diamond ski runs the first time she saw them. But driving....another thing. I think it is the responsiblity of having lives in your hands.  So we set up lessons with Bill.  He's calm and patient but stretched her comfort zone a bit.  Two lessons down and her comment was "I'm still a bit nervous, but i'm feeling so much more confident....this was a good idea, Tia." Read Less

Bill is a former CHP officer.  On my daughter's first lesson (she had never even sat behind the wheel), he made her drive on the freeway AND over Wolfe Grade in a driving rainstorm.  In all the lessons she had with him, he never let go of the steering wheel, so she never got to feel how it was to really drive the car.  I should mention that my daughter is a cautious and sensible person, and is a safe driver. Read Less

Very professional, yet very personal and simpathetic. I had a fantastic instructor who made driving relaxing and easy.Learned a lot in three lessons and ready to take the test.Highly recommend these guys. Read Less

I wanted everyone there at Bill's Driving School to know what a great experience we had when we got Larry to instruct our 16 year old daughter, who had never driven before. As her Dad, I was hoping I could persuade the instructor to let me ride along for all six hours, and was happy that Larry not only made me welcome... but he said that he always advises parents to come so they can be prepared for the many hours that they will be training their child in preparation for the license test! I learned so much too, as some things have changed since I did my test some years ago! I must say how important it was to have the instructor's vehicle with both brake, and gas pedal on the instructor's side as well! I'm convinced that Larry would be able to actually drive the car from his position in the passenger seat! I am an Alcohol, and Drug Counselor who's worked extensively with teens, and I saw immediately that Larry had the patience, calm, and communication skills needed to work with teens under stress! He utilized slogans to help her learn specific skills that she'll need to focus on in split second situations, and had other teaching skills that go along with his mature approach. Larry was always concerned with Kendra's confidence, and reduced her natural fear with reassurance, and a light-hearted approach even when she made mistakes! I have, and would recommend Bills Defensive Driving School to anyone. Thank You! Read Less

My son is like a few other students I know -- didn't get lessons until after high school. Bill is an incredible teacher! You can see for yourself because he invites parents to come along on a few lessons. At every intersection he is instilling good defensive driving advice. I've learned to correct quite a few of my own errors I didn't even know I had! His other instructors are just as good, and driving in a car with pedals on the teachers side is a whole lot safer than me in my car trying to stay calm on the passenger side (parents of teens -- you know what I mean!) Anyway you can't go wrong with Bill's Driving School Read Less

Bill was really a very good instructor! He has a calm, professional manner and was able to put my son at ease right away. He did a good job of connecting with a teenager which is not always an easy thing. Kevin Waldron, San Anselmo Read Less

We can't thank you enough! We now have two daughters who have successfully passed their driving test after going through Bills Defensive Driving School. Bill is a definite professional. He incorporates skill and ease in his communication with his students. Within an aura of control and safety, Bill uses consistency and repetition to focus the student on the primary techniques of safe driving. We also really appreciate the entire staff's flexibility in helping us schedule appointments. Thanks again! Mark Mc Lellan Greenbrae, CA Read Less

I commend Bill and his driving instruction. He is the consumate professional and takes his driving training seriously. He is prompt and does not waste his client's time, knowing how hectic schedules are such a part of life today. I really appreciated Bill's expertise in the driving lessons we received, and Eric in the office is such a joy to talk to. I intend recommend this service to all my friends and family that have a need for driving instructions.Keep up the GREAT work!! Read Less

After a severe restriction was put on my driver's license by the DMV (driving only allowed with a licensed driving instructor), I knew I was in need of serious retraining. I tried one school that was pretty lax and didn't offer many suggestions at all. But after my first lesson with Bill, I knew I had a teacher who could help me. He pays attention to every detail, he sees things on the road I never knew existed, approaching hazards, traffic changes, small sign posts, etc. He emphasizes defensive driving techniques over and over again! Bill made me aware of things I was doing wrong that I had no idea of. Bill also knows the DMV rules and regulations inside and out and how to negotiate through all of the paperwork and people there. This week I received great news from the DMV, thanks to all of my lessons with Bill, and the paperwork he filed for me. I've had the severest restrictions lifted from my driver's license! Read Less

To Whom It May Concern:This review is my attest and feedback for Bill, who coached and taught me to learn to drive and obtain my drivers license. I contacted a few driving schools and made my decision to hire Bill. This was the right decision and there are several reasons why:1- His patience with students is admirable.2- His scheduling and attendance was very prompt and flexible.3- His courtesy and respect, regardless of age, race or ethnicity.4- Very reasonably priced.5- His coaching in teaching the legal and technical aspects empowered me to learn a safe way, very comfortably and in control.I truly appreciated his lessons and recommended him to my sister. I will always refer my friends and co workers to Bill.Bill, thank you so much for all your efforts in training and teaching me the proper way of driving as it was a great investment on my part. And by the way, I bought a car and am comfortably driving to school, work and social events!Thanks Again,Pauline Read Less

Bill:Just a word of thanks to you and your staff for the time and patience in aiding me to get my driving license restored after it was revoked by the DMV.Your expertise, assistance and patience was of invalualbe help.I have been driving without incidence for 50 years and failed my driving exam when I went for renewal of my license.You showed me what the DMV wanted and expected, as a result of the instructions you provided with fine tuning of my skills, proved successul.Thanks Again,Burt F. Read Less

I recently sent my son to bill's for the required training to get his california drivers license. My son is a handful, energetic and easily distracted. I have had a commercial drivers license for more than 20 years and a near perfect driving and saftey record but I was fearful of my sons attempts at driving and could not seem to communicate to him my knowledge. With Bill's he came home from the first lesson a much more attentive and careful driver. As the lessons continued I marveled at his progress and lost all fear of his going solo in the harsh world of Bay Area Traffic....Thank you Bill's! Read Less

I enrolled my daughter is Bill's Defensive Driving School for her required six hours of instruction. We were very impressed immediately when Bill encouraged us to ride along on the lessons. Most other schools do not allow you to participate.We were able to utilize our time with our daughter much more effectively because we used Bill's techniques. My daughter is a very good driver today with a lot of confidence. She is a defensive driver and always anticipates what other cars around her are doing.Bill has a very calm and patient personality and understands how to reach teens.We will be enrolling our son with Bill as soon as he turns 15 1/2. You couldn't find a better program! Read Less

I've heard remarkably good things about this driving school! Consciencious, prompt, informative, and most of all,effective. Thank God for people like you!!! Thank you, The Other Driver... P.S. It's awfully peculiar that the boy who passed the driving test has a striking resemblence to the instructor... Don't tell his Father Read Less