I started taking lessons with Admiral DS in February, and had my last session last week. My first lesson started off interestingly. I was asked to sit in the driver's seat upon my arrival at the metro... Read More
I started taking lessons with Admiral DS in February, and had my last session last week. My first lesson started off interestingly. I was asked to sit in the driver's seat upon my arrival at the metro, where I was being picked up. I was surprised because I am a first-time driver and have never driven on the road before, so I expected for us to go to a parking lot somewhere. Eventually, when the instructor realized that I was not experienced, per my statements, he realized this may not be the best thing and we switched seats, I sat in the passenger seat, which was better. Later on though, I drove in a residential area, which was new to me but actually worked out well (my driving was better than I thought). I found it interesting that we didn't first go over basics like locate and turn on the headlights, and other routine things (except the side mirrors, which I was asked to locate and adjust.The instructor seemed professional and friendly at first but many times throughout the session I could sense what I unfortunately would define as undertones of insulting patronization. I found this not pleasant and Β after my second session with the same person, I decided i wouldn't take any more lessons with this instructor. I don' appreciate being condescended, especially when I have informed you of my complete lack of experience with driving and then I am treated as if I should know certain things that someone more experiences that me would know.One time this instructor showed up late and didn't bother to apologize but told me that I should expect that I will usually miss at least about 15 minutes per lessons because of the way the scheduling is. Even if that is so, an apology would still be in order. Rude. This happened with my next instructor as well, though otherwise he was better. Regarding the office, one day I showed up for a lesson and a different instructor than the one I had switched to was there, and there with another student. They had changed my scheduling time and didn't call me. When i addressed this, they said they didn't have my number and the lady who had it had left and it was no where to be found. I believe a business should have client's numbers in a database, not in personal holding.I booked the rest of my sessions with an instructor named Sekou who was much more helpful and polite/respectful. He was calm throughout the session, which I appreciated, and taught me techniques for 2-point and parallel parking, which I did very well (his no cones or cars). he also went over roundabouts which was very helpful and helped me with my turns (handling sharper turns versus slight turns). I will say, he is very matter-of-factly, so he will let you know if you missed something you should have done or did something wrong, but I appreciate this in that you get used to certain healthy driving habits. That being said, he is extremely patient and understanding and doesn't mind repeating the same thing multiple times without showing any hint of agitation. He was personable, didn't mind having a good laugh, and I enjoyed my lessons with him more than with the other instructor, for sure.I would give my second and last instructor, Sekou a 4, and the school a 2 for disorganization and poor customer service. This being said, their prices were decent (I had 10 1-hour session for $380). If you end up taking advantage of this, i would recommend you work with Sekou. Read Less