Start Smart Driving Academy
Lakewood, Colorado
Reviews
Heather Stephenson
17 Apr 2026
REPORT
There is a reason this driving school is the cheapest one out there! The reviews are correct they will fail your driver the first time around and they will fail them for things that were never address...
There is a reason this driving school is the cheapest one out there! The reviews are correct they will fail your driver the first time around and they will fail them for things that were never addressed during the six hours of driving instruction. My son’s instructor was more focused on turning the wheel hand over hand and checking every mirror five times before making a lane change. He was failed both for being too centered in a residential neighborhood and for being too far to the right so do they want him centered or to the right.? The instructor also said he was going one mile over the speed limit in a school zone except this is not a digital speedometer so how she accurately tell that from the passenger seat it beyond me! What was discussed during his actual driving time was irrelevant to the test. His driving instructor said he was ready and would do well. None of the issues on the test came up during the driving time… not once! They nitpick at everything so they can fail them and they are rude to your child. Everyone who works here has a constant scowl on their face, is short and rude when asked questions by the child and clearly hates their life. They will take it out on your child!! Pay a little more and go to a better company!
Julian Kibe
23 Mar 2026
REPORT
Sandy and Kathy were amazing driving instructors who made the entire learning experience both comfortable and enjoyable. From the very beginning, they were patient, supportive, and really focused on h...
Sandy and Kathy were amazing driving instructors who made the entire learning experience both comfortable and enjoyable. From the very beginning, they were patient, supportive, and really focused on helping me improve my skills at my own pace. They explained everything clearly, whether it was basic controls or more challenging situations on the road, and always made sure I felt confident before moving on.
Alexander Mendez
18 Dec 2025
REPORT
I had a pretty good experience with this driving academy. I didn’t pass my first driving test, but instead of just sending me on my way, they gave me clear tips & suggestions on what I needed to work ...
I had a pretty good experience with this driving academy. I didn’t pass my first driving test, but instead of just sending me on my way, they gave me clear tips & suggestions on what I needed to work on. I came back the following week feeling more confident & passed my test. Even after passing, they still took the time to give me advice on how to keep improving as a driver over time. Everyone there was patient, supportive, and genuinely nice. I’d definitely recommend them to anyone learning how to drive.
Super Mario Raptor
4 Nov 2025
REPORT
I highly DO NOT recommend testing with these guys for a license test. It's $70 dollars to take the test, and of coarse they will charge you another $70 to take another test if you fail. Seems like a w...
I highly DO NOT recommend testing with these guys for a license test. It's $70 dollars to take the test, and of coarse they will charge you another $70 to take another test if you fail. Seems like a waste of money doesn't it? Kinda like they want you to fail so they can milk your juicy pocket. Also Vachelle was very condescending, had a very fake attitude, and treated me like a little pre schooler even though I'm 18. If you do decide to test here, DO NOT CHOOSE VACHELLE!!!
T “COLIfe” H
22 Jul 2025
REPORT
Both of my teenage drivers took their classes, driving lessons and finally their drivers test at Smart Driving Academy. I recommend the in class instead of online for the permit testing. My daughter d...
Both of my teenage drivers took their classes, driving lessons and finally their drivers test at Smart Driving Academy. I recommend the in class instead of online for the permit testing. My daughter did the online and it took her a lot longer to finish compared to my son who did the in person class. The drive instructors here are so nice. They gave really good advice to my kids and helped them become great drivers. Everyone here is great and if I had to do it again, we would still come here.
Michele Roads
20 Aug 2018
REPORT
Start Smart taught me to drive at the ripe old age of 57. They are not only courteous, very helpful and professional, they are also fun. I enjoyed every lesson I had with Gary and recommend them high...
Start Smart taught me to drive at the ripe old age of 57. They are not only courteous, very helpful and professional, they are also fun. I enjoyed every lesson I had with Gary and recommend them highly.
Tatyana Rannev
20 Mar 2018
REPORT
I am a very happy customer! Very good people and business. I was treated with attention and patience which helped a lot. I passed my driving test with the 1st try. Highly recommend!
Qian Lu
31 Jan 2018
REPORT
Excellent driving school which provide best explanation on 30 hours class and behind wheel class. Especially the instructors Vachell and Gary. As a foreigner, they gave a lot patient and kindness to ...
Excellent driving school which provide best explanation on 30 hours class and behind wheel class. Especially the instructors Vachell and Gary. As a foreigner, they gave a lot patient and kindness to me. I am really appreciate them. All the best to Start Smart Driving Academy.
Sophia Qian Lu
31 Jan 2018
REPORT
Excellent driving school which provide best explanation on 30 hours class and behind wheel class. Especially the instructors Vachell and Gary. As a foreigner, they gave a lot patient and kindness to ...
Excellent driving school which provide best explanation on 30 hours class and behind wheel class. Especially the instructors Vachell and Gary. As a foreigner, they gave a lot patient and kindness to me. I am really appreciate them. All the best to Start Smart Driving Academy.
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Book an Appointment
Online booking unavailable
Please call
(720) 379-5910
3355 S Wadsworth Blvd Unit F-108
Lakewood Colorado 80227
Business Hours
Monday
Mon
08:00AM-17:00PM
Tuesday
Tue
08:00AM-17:00PM
Wednesday
Wed
08:00AM-17:00PM
Thursday
Thu
08:00AM-17:00PM
Friday
Fri
08:00AM-17:00PM
Saturday
Sat
09:00AM-15:00PM
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CLAIM IT HEREIncorrect information? Let us know
Start Smart Driving Academy
Lakewood, Colorado
3355 S Wadsworth Blvd Unit F-108
Lakewood Colorado 80227
Business Hours
Monday
08:00AM-17:00PM
Tuesday
08:00AM-17:00PM
Wednesday
08:00AM-17:00PM
Thursday
08:00AM-17:00PM
Friday
08:00AM-17:00PM
Saturday
09:00AM-15:00PM
Reviews
Heather Stephenson
17 Apr 2026
There is a reason this driving school is the cheapest one out there! The reviews are correct they will fail your driver the first time around and they will fail them for things that were never address...
There is a reason this driving school is the cheapest one out there! The reviews are correct they will fail your driver the first time around and they will fail them for things that were never addressed during the six hours of driving instruction. My son’s instructor was more focused on turning the wheel hand over hand and checking every mirror five times before making a lane change. He was failed both for being too centered in a residential neighborhood and for being too far to the right so do they want him centered or to the right.? The instructor also said he was going one mile over the speed limit in a school zone except this is not a digital speedometer so how she accurately tell that from the passenger seat it beyond me! What was discussed during his actual driving time was irrelevant to the test. His driving instructor said he was ready and would do well. None of the issues on the test came up during the driving time… not once! They nitpick at everything so they can fail them and they are rude to your child. Everyone who works here has a constant scowl on their face, is short and rude when asked questions by the child and clearly hates their life. They will take it out on your child!! Pay a little more and go to a better company!
Julian Kibe
23 Mar 2026
Sandy and Kathy were amazing driving instructors who made the entire learning experience both comfortable and enjoyable. From the very beginning, they were patient, supportive, and really focused on h...
Sandy and Kathy were amazing driving instructors who made the entire learning experience both comfortable and enjoyable. From the very beginning, they were patient, supportive, and really focused on helping me improve my skills at my own pace. They explained everything clearly, whether it was basic controls or more challenging situations on the road, and always made sure I felt confident before moving on.
Alexander Mendez
18 Dec 2025
I had a pretty good experience with this driving academy. I didn’t pass my first driving test, but instead of just sending me on my way, they gave me clear tips & suggestions on what I needed to work ...
I had a pretty good experience with this driving academy. I didn’t pass my first driving test, but instead of just sending me on my way, they gave me clear tips & suggestions on what I needed to work on. I came back the following week feeling more confident & passed my test. Even after passing, they still took the time to give me advice on how to keep improving as a driver over time. Everyone there was patient, supportive, and genuinely nice. I’d definitely recommend them to anyone learning how to drive.
Super Mario Raptor
4 Nov 2025
I highly DO NOT recommend testing with these guys for a license test. It's $70 dollars to take the test, and of coarse they will charge you another $70 to take another test if you fail. Seems like a w...
I highly DO NOT recommend testing with these guys for a license test. It's $70 dollars to take the test, and of coarse they will charge you another $70 to take another test if you fail. Seems like a waste of money doesn't it? Kinda like they want you to fail so they can milk your juicy pocket. Also Vachelle was very condescending, had a very fake attitude, and treated me like a little pre schooler even though I'm 18. If you do decide to test here, DO NOT CHOOSE VACHELLE!!!
T “COLIfe” H
22 Jul 2025
Both of my teenage drivers took their classes, driving lessons and finally their drivers test at Smart Driving Academy. I recommend the in class instead of online for the permit testing. My daughter d...
Both of my teenage drivers took their classes, driving lessons and finally their drivers test at Smart Driving Academy. I recommend the in class instead of online for the permit testing. My daughter did the online and it took her a lot longer to finish compared to my son who did the in person class. The drive instructors here are so nice. They gave really good advice to my kids and helped them become great drivers. Everyone here is great and if I had to do it again, we would still come here.
Michele Roads
20 Aug 2018
Start Smart taught me to drive at the ripe old age of 57. They are not only courteous, very helpful and professional, they are also fun. I enjoyed every lesson I had with Gary and recommend them high...
Start Smart taught me to drive at the ripe old age of 57. They are not only courteous, very helpful and professional, they are also fun. I enjoyed every lesson I had with Gary and recommend them highly.
Tatyana Rannev
20 Mar 2018
I am a very happy customer! Very good people and business. I was treated with attention and patience which helped a lot. I passed my driving test with the 1st try. Highly recommend!
Qian Lu
31 Jan 2018
Excellent driving school which provide best explanation on 30 hours class and behind wheel class. Especially the instructors Vachell and Gary. As a foreigner, they gave a lot patient and kindness to ...
Excellent driving school which provide best explanation on 30 hours class and behind wheel class. Especially the instructors Vachell and Gary. As a foreigner, they gave a lot patient and kindness to me. I am really appreciate them. All the best to Start Smart Driving Academy.
Sophia Qian Lu
31 Jan 2018
Excellent driving school which provide best explanation on 30 hours class and behind wheel class. Especially the instructors Vachell and Gary. As a foreigner, they gave a lot patient and kindness to ...
Excellent driving school which provide best explanation on 30 hours class and behind wheel class. Especially the instructors Vachell and Gary. As a foreigner, they gave a lot patient and kindness to me. I am really appreciate them. All the best to Start Smart Driving Academy.
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