Horrible place. I didn't know information about packages and I paid for 5h lessons. I called to office,right after I discovered that there is some packages and ask to add this amount for a package. It was difference in 1h only. The manager was so rude, refused me and said that next time I should ask properly for what I want. But I didn't know,so I asked if he can give me separate other services.and answer was no because he didn't like my attitude and better I go to other school,cheaper instead of trying to save money in that school. It is very bad,unfriendly people here. Sorry Read Less

I highly recommend them. Amazing school the staff is very nice and they have patience to work with you. The instructors are great. Adolfo is exceptional and always makes sure you understand what you are doing and why. If you want to pass defintely go here i passed on my first try. Read Less

The school was great. Instructors were professional and on point. Lessons started punctually and were very reasonably priced. If you are a beginner or have very little driving experience I strongly recommend taking extra lessons. Extremely positive experience! And now I have my driver's license for summer trips! So happy! Read Less

This place is a perfect example of the phrase "you get what you pay for."  If I was an extremely nervous driver who never drove before, needed the latest car model and wanted someone to nurse me to learn to drive, I would highly recommend that you stop reading and continue your search for a driving school.However, if you are looking for an inexpensive, no-frills driving class, are not a "nervous nelly," are comfortable with Latino culture/language/mannerisms, know how to follow basic procedures and aren't afraid to ask questions then this place may be what you are seeking. The cars are not even remotely new, and the office itself is small. I found that being paired at random with different instructors was useful in preparation for the driving test evaluation. Different feedback led me to use my common sense and knowledge from the driving manual to become a confident driver. Learning to drive is an active process which involves you wanting to progress and not relying solely upon the instructor doing the driving and thinking for you.I would recommend this school if you are commited to driving legally and are not interested in spending a ridiculous amount on a package (which are an especially great deal if paying cash). I obtained my license on my first try and although the negative reviews prepared me for the worst, I had a very decent experience. Read Less

Akademia Driving School has been phenomenal in assisting me with obtaining my drivers license. I have tried other school but the instructors Julio and Adolfo were great. Very patient and knowledgable. I truly appreciate the entire staff and recommend this school to anyone pursuing your drivers license! Read Less

I just got my licence today. Academia have some of the most knowledgeable drivers. But Arturo is the best driver!!!! With one lesson with him I gained so much confidence & helpful tips. I just wanted to thank you for all of your help. I'm recommending this agency to everyone. See Arturo Read Less

Awesome experience. With the few lessons I took, I passed the test. Great tips, especially parking. If you apply what they teach you, you will pass. They have packages for everything including highway experience, you just have to pay for it. The key to passing it is to be relax and be able to drive during every situation. Thank you, Adolfo and Gelbis for help. Read Less

Absolute criminals. I took the day off work, in the ER in Harlem, to take the certification class/package. I asked the woman for a reciept and she told me to leave! She proceeded to act like a bratty teenager in front of her entire business with a full room of customers. She then called her superior and put him on speaker phone and told him I offended her because I ASKED FOR A RECEIPT! I was verbally abused and racially profiled because I am white. Literally the most unprofessional place I have ever walked into. She embarrassed herself, not I. DON'T waste your time and energy with this fraudulent "business". Read Less

I don't recommend this school from my experience. No complaints about the customer service, however, my experience was with 3 different instructors, Adolf, Leo, and Jelbis. I would definitely recommend Adolf, he is patient and professional. The other 2 not so much, constantly on their phones and not paying attention to my driving. I spent so much money on  lessons at this school and wasn't even worth it at the end. NOT TO MENTION, on the day of the ROAD TEST they gave us the most outdated car they had, where you have to manually adjust the mirror..yeah. In addition to a FLAT TIRE. Absolute waste of money, do yourself a favor and go to another school. Read Less

This place isn't too bad. I don't have any complaints about the customer service. They ladies seem very nice. The cars are old and outdated however, it gets the job done. My only problem is that the system that they have in place is completely insane. In order to book a driving class you have to come in person. They do not make reservations over the phone. Which is a pain if you don't live near by. And they're other faults are, you also can not choose your instructor.i.e... after taking 3 lessons at this place, I had asked if I can choose my next instructor( some are better then others) and I was told that I could not because they only know the instructors that are coming "the day of" not before. Keep in mind that you can only reschedule your appt 24hrs in advance or you loose you money. Therefore if you get stuck with an instructor that sucks, you won't get your money back, you can't reschedule and the only thing you can do file a complaint. Going forward. I will not be coming back to this place again. They don't value they're customers need and only care about the money. Please stay away and go to another driving school that will put your needs first. If you do decide to go back Aldolpo (not like you can request him) is great and I forgot the other mans name.Overall the school isn't bad, the way they have things set up is. Read Less

Not worth a penny! I haven't wasted this amount of money in a long time. The instructors barely speak English and they waste the students time by teaching them how to only drive within a 5 mile radius. The school is right by the FDR! Why aren't students learning how to merge in traffic?! That's the least they could do! My wife is currently taking her drivers test and the instructor BARELY speaks English! This is utter nonsense and I hope they disappear soon. They are taking your money while giving inadequate lessons in return! I guess you truly get what you pay for.  Scammers! Read Less

I recently passed my driving test with Akademia and have to say I am pretty impressed by my experience. Whilst the whole organisation may not be on first appearances all that... What they offer is excellent and at a price you can afford! I initially took the 5 hour class here and whilst this was not stimulating to take, the school accommodated me when I was heavily pregnant and needed comfort! I then took a driving lesson with Adolpho and he was excellent. He was patient and taught me exactly what the test involved. He was a no nonsense kinda teacher and didn't care I had previous experience. This prepared me brilliantly and I was glad I took the time and expense to take this lesson.The day of the road test 4 of us drove up to the test centre with Manuel. The whole system of driving test was interesting... We had to queue up and then the first 2 took the test and we queued up again for the second group to take it.... One at a time of course. Very odd but it seemed to work and we were done in a time that slightly over ran the timescale given, which was slightly frustrating but I had in the back of my mind prepared for this. The cars are older, the office isn't shiny and new but Akademia provides an efficient service and I have come out of it with my driving license on the first attempt!! Thank you! Read Less

Place is very un professional. They gave me a bootleg recite and got mad because i asked, why cant I be picked up from my home. They also a rip off, they charged me 125 just for a road test car. They got upset because i asked for a supervisor, so they refunded me my money. The manger was not open to hear my concerns, but just said here your money back. Read Less

I took two classes here prior and it was pretty well. I took the five hour class as well. Unfortunately, I had a class today that I wasn't capable of making because I live in Queens and the rain delayed the buses. Because of their 24 hour policy they refuse to reschedule my class. Won't be going back there again. Read Less

This driving school is pretty good! They teach you everything you need to know for the driving test. I took my driving test a few days ago and passed on the first try. But wouldn't give this place a 5/5 just because they don't record the previous lesson so you need to remind them, but other than that it's pretty good! Read Less

I had an awesome experience here! Everyone writing reviews about the manager are partially right. He has a personality that may come off as being rude (he is very short and direct in conversations--this was never a real issue for ne) BUT don't let that deter you from doing business with them. The driving instructors are the complete opposite. They are the best. My two favorites were Manny and Julio. I was an EXTREMELY nervous driver and the instructors made me feel calm and really prepared me for my road test (needless to say that I passed). Word of advice: look on the website and do your research before going in. The website tells you most of what you need to know as far as prices and stuff. This way you won't have too many questions and can get straight to the point with the manager and won't have to really experience what other people are talking about. Read Less

Love these guys they really make you feel comfortable while driving, great teaching method and they help you get the job done! I highly recommend Akademia driving school I  just passed my road test  .. Thanks guys Read Less

I don't usually yelp but felt I had to here!!!! Beware of this place! Don't come here!!!! Worst service I have ever gotten literally. Today was about above 80 degrees hot. I Walked a lot and was dehydrated which led to a headache. I was relieved when I entered Akademia driving school because I saw they had a sofa and air conditioner. That was until .....The man behind the desk asked if I needed help, so i told him I wanted to know the prices so he gave me a pamphlet and told me to take a seat. Since I was super tired and dehydrated I took my time to calculate and figure out what packages or individual price best fits my need and what I can afford along with how to fit it into my schedule. The man saw that I was looking at the pamphlet and saw me sweat. Instead of offering me water or atleast say "take your time" like normal professionals would do, or just humans for that matter. He said to me " I feel uncomfortable that your taking your time to think and if you don't want the service here I suggest you to go out and come back when your ready." I was in shock because I took about five minutes and I WAS THE ONLY PERSON THERE!! The place was not even busy for me to be bothering by sitting and looking at the prices trying to figure out what is best for me. Little that he knew how much I had walked just to get there and the fact that I didn't even buy my work clothes  just to make sure I have the money to pay him the full price . I was a committed customer .he didn't know how bad my head felt for me to have to walk out and find another place to sit so that I can continue to look at his pamphlet to see what is best for me is not right and inhuman. I am a nice female nurse who does not look intimidating nor the type to be seen as if I'm a waste of time. If anything everywhere I go people find me kind and loving. I must say there is a first for everything I have never been treated this way. I have never seen such an unprofessional person like himself. If anything I feel bad for him because he is money hungry and wants you to decide fast what to do ,instead of being polite as other businesses would have been. I hope if your reading this that you learn how to run a business and understand that customers should be treated with respect and not like garbage. I suggest anyone to instead go the driving school 806 Lexington ave, New York, ny, 10065 and call 212-752-0100 wow what a difference!!!! Thank god I googled this place after I left ! I really need my license and they where professional and super kind to me. Good luck Read Less

Just passed my road test thanks to this school. My intention when signing up for lessons here was not to make friends with any of the instructors yet they were both professional and supportive. I wanted to learn how to drive not simply pass the test. And that's what I got. I believe people expect everything to be sugar coated when they get here. Do your research, come in, be prepared, and be timely. I had Julio and Manny, both were great, honest and helpful. Thanks! I'll be back for my motorcycle license! -M. M. Read Less

I should've read the reviews below, as I had the exact experience. The neanderthal looking person behind the desk was just rude from the get go. I didn't give him a chance to be more rude as I just picked up myself and left, this was within literally 2 minutes of him opening his ignorant mouth. Dude whether you work there or you own the place or even just sleep there, you don't need to act like such a catch u next thursday. Fine you have a crappy life and no ambitions but that's not a reason to be a lil bee. The only good thing is that you get to know what kind of "school" this is right at the get go, so you don't end up wasting time and money Read Less

So I'm re-writing my review because my initial review was flagged. Want details? You get details. :)This business doesn't deserve any stars. Why not? WELL....The dude at the front desk is very VERY HIGHLY rude (I believe he is the owner). I came here with my boyfriend and his mom to ask questions about the school just to make sure our hard earned money is given to the right business. Immediately, the dude at the front desk started to get really defensive when we were asking fair questions. One question she asked was if the school was licensed by the state, and his answer was "Why wouldn't we be." Dude, it's just a question. Customers have the right to know if they are spending their Benjamins on the best business around, which is NOT Akademia. We came here planning to sign up for the school, and left thanking the heavens we dodged that bullet. PLEASE invest your money in a driving school with professionalism and standards, because there are none once you walk through these doors (take a look at the 65+ "not recommended" reviews). I will never understand why a business owner is bothered by potential clients for asking reasonable questions....Run away people, run away!!!!!!*IMPORTANT NOTE: In my initial review I ended it with "Um, can somebody open a cafe in this space?" The business owner replied "How about a fried chicken joint?" ..... Hmmm. Read Less

Response to John's (Bitter Spanish man with the scar on his face, sitting at the front desk) yelp comment:1. You (the business) are supposed to earn the trust of me (the customer). Not the other way around fool. 2.Thank you for proving my point of how rude you are. I was simply asking questions about your business (respectfully), and instead of answering you wanted to be a jerk. Well, this is why you lost (and will continue to lose) business. Good luck Sir. Read Less

I honestly don't understand the negative reviews. How are most of these reviewers even qualified to review something they haven't tried? The majority of those people haven't even taken a driving lesson and are only complaining about the manager's attitude....sure he may come on a little strong but Leoni just doesn't like wasting anybody's time (his and especially his customer's), which I absolutely appreciated. Now, for someone who has only driven for like 10 minutes in someone's backyard, I was very nervous to drive on the streets of Manhattan. Therefore I opted for the beginners package which came with 10 lessons, the required 5 hour class, an appointment for the test and a car as well. And for a great value too! Within minutes of my first lesson, I felt like a natural and was already planning my next road trip!My 10 lessons were taught in rotation between three very knowledgable drivers: Darwin, Julio and Santiago. All of them gave me different tips and taught me different lessons, so the knowledge I gained at the end of my package was astounding. Also the vibe with each of them was so light that it never felt like a class, it felt like having a friend ride with you and help you along the way. And I'm proud to say I got my license on the first try!!! (which is amazing because imagine having to wait that long a$$ line to take the road test again...oh hell no!)I'm so grateful to all these guys for boosting my confidence on the road and for making me love driving. This all happened in December so this review is long overdue and I apologize....but I've been busy driving, haha! ;) Read Less

The business manager is very rude. I called once to talk to my driving instructor. He just hang up on me before I even finish my sentence. Then when I came for the lesson I found out that he scheduled the instructor I requested with somebody else. When I expressed my surprise he just answer " If I am not happy with another instructor I can get my money back ". No apologies, a total I don't care attitude.Very sad as Darwing and Julio, the two instructors I dealt with, were very helpful.I Won't recommend this place Read Less