I enrolled my daughter into this program very recently due to the fact that it seemed more focused on making sure the student actually knows how to drive safely. Many other schools, the instructors only care about the money and as long as the student doesn't cause an accident, all is well, not this school. The instructor in I Drive Smart are all professional, communicate to parents areas to improve upon and how well the student is progressing. There is an in-classroom portion that must be completed before getting on the road but there is choice of an online, self paced option or face to face. The on the road classes can be scheduled at a time that works well with the student and can be as close together or as far apart as needed. My daughter became more confident behind the wheel and at the end, passed her test. This school is well worth the money. I can't recommend them enough. Read Less

The teachers are all really patient and kind. As someone who had previously gone to a different driving school, I can see the quality of difference. At the other school all they taught me was to go straight, we didn't go into the nuances of driving rules and different situations that aren't covered in the permit test. So I was a very nervous driver. I Drive Smart was really great about making sure I knew the rules of the road and how to apply them in real life situations. I'm a much more confident driver and highly recommend. I know people mentioned issues with the online bookings, but I had no problems. If you read their instructions and follow the rules it is very simple and easy to use. Read Less

We live in Poolesville MD . We needed a safe displined organized school to send our new driver to . It's not like when I got my license 35 years ago . The instructor was always on time and extremely patient with our son . He talked to us in length after some of the driving and there was mutual trust between Parent and Instructor and of course our son . When he tested after the driving he passed the course . When we were notified he could take his actual driving test he also past . I give I Drive Smart the highest rating possible. Thanks again Tom P for a well run company.Paul Szafranski Read Less

Horrible company! I wanted to wait until all transactions were completed before I left this review. My 16 year old son completed his 3rd (final) 2 hour driving session on Sunday the 11th. His DMV appointment was for the 20th. I received this email on the 12th:CONGRATULATIONS! You have completed the BEHIND-THE-WHEEL Training requirement for the State of California Student Driver Education Program. The I Drive Smart, Inc. office has completed and mailed your CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION OF BEHIND-THE-WHEEL TRAINING. Expect delivery in 3-to-5 business days.The certification did not arrive until the 24th. I called to complain and was told by the rep that the original certification was not good, but that a new one (that is actually signed) will be sent out immediately. I was given an apology and told that the owner feels horrible and personally wants to refund our money. That's great but now my son's driving test is delayed a month (next avail DMV appt). I received the new "signed" certification 9 days later. No check was included. I thought it was strange that they felt so bad at the time but failed to include the refund. I called to follow up and was told that a refund was not included because they didn't think I really wanted it. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Keep in mind their main headquarters (customer service) is back on the east coast so good luck filing a complaint in person. There are a lot of driving companies to choose from, stay clear of this one! Read Less

The class portion was fine.  Now, the driving lesson...The scheduling is a nightmare. No workable times and locations.Last night I dropped my kid off at the school entrance as identified in the description 15 minutes early. She stood there waiting. ..no car. I tried calling the company and closed at 4:30??I quickly sent an email- and not contacted until this morning by email.  They claim even though they say at BCC, the car doesn't meet on BCC campus but on the road - not visible from The actual school entrance at that address.So, my gripe is- no way for me to contact them and they do not contact me? How am I supposed to be okay with this? You should have people available if you are scheduling during those times.   And to top it off- They are charging me $99 to make it up. Terrible. Read Less

So happy I followed the advice of a friend who used I Drive Smart for her two sons! It has been great thus far. My daughter is gaining confidence in leaps and bounds, and I'm feeling better and better about her eventual licensing. I decided to add supplemental instruction to her standard package, because I'd prefer the pros to introduce her to highway and night driving. We are spreading her training out over the course of 9+ months, with practice in between. This is the way to go. Read Less

Outstanding driving school with great instructors and staff. Both of my kids went through IDS's program in the past couple of years, and the thoroughness of their training was impressive. Many thanks for the work you do to keep new drivers safe Read Less

I'd like to thank Bob Calo for his enthusiasm, knowledge, and guidance in providing my daughter a 1 1/2 drivers test session.  He built up Erika's confidence and skills and she passed her driver's test two weeks after.  Great school great experience. Read Less

Our daughter took the Behind the wheel with idrive smart and they were outstanding. Calm, organized and thorough. She felt they prepared her very well for driving in Virginia. We signed our son up, hoping to do the classroom with them as well as the BTW training. It turned out it didn't work with his schedule & we had to cancel. They were very polite, helped with the computer class registration & we kept the BTW training & without a fuss, they refunded the difference. So polite & helpful. Highly recommend this business and the instructors. Read Less

I Drive Smart was an overall great experience. Their instructors were engaging and easy to talk to. They fully guided me on my way to getting licensed. They were also super flexible, their website allowed to reschedule quickly and easily when I had a conflict. Read Less

I Drive Smart is the Best drivers education class. When you learn how to drive the best way is to be taught by cops. They are very patient and very professional today I passed my drivers provisionals license. I will highly recommend this to anyone. The best thing was it was enjoyable. Thanks! Read Less

I've been driving for about 15 years now and decided it was time to learn how drive a manual transmission car. My instructor, Mark, was super friendly and patient which helped me eliminate any nerves I had. He was such a great teacher and I pretty much nailed everything in the 90-min session. Only time I stalled out was when I had to stop and start on a hill, but that wasn't too bad. Also, I Drive Smart was so accommodating, I could tell customer satisfaction was a big priority for them. Their manual transmission car got into an accident and they proactively called me to let me know they had to reschedule my lesson due to the car being in the shop for repairs. They also offered to pick me up for my lesson instead of me having to come to them to apologize for the inconvenience. Great business. I would highly recommend them for anyone learning to drive.They're a bit more expensive than some other driving schools, but it's worth it. Read Less

Ours is a VERY SATISFIED I Drive Smart alum family. My now-19 year old son completed the IDS course in Maryland during the summer between his sophomore and senior years in high school. Now it is time for my 16 year old daughter to learn to drive and to be perfectly honest, that thought scares me a little. Which is why I am absolutely over the moon that I Drive Smart has branched out to bring their unparalleled level of driver's training to our new hometown in southern California. Well, they're not exactly in our new home town, more like a 90 minute drive south of us. IT'S WORTH IT! That is how good these folks do their job: as a busy entrepreneur, mother, wife etc, I did not even think twice about the distance when we learned about IDS in SoCal. They are THAT good. And the need for my daughter to become an excellent driver is THAT important. A bit of background: We were introduced to IDS when they made a presentation at my kids high school on Silver Spring MD. I was impressed with the program philosophy, instructor experience and materials this program offered. That police officers teach the course is a bonus on several levels. My daughter is eager to drive but not so much that she is really engaged in the process when I chauffeur her around town. As opposed to her brother who asked thoughtful questions about the mechanics, laws, and culture of operating a motor vehicle each time he we got in the car. As he progressed through the IDS training his questions became more sophisticated, his Behind The Wheel confidence skyrocketed without approaching arrogance, and his respect for the responsibility of driving a car was obvious. I mention this to illustrate my upcoming point: THE PRESENCE OF I DRIVE SMART IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA IS THE ONLY REASON MY DAUGHTER (FABULOUS AS SHE IS IN SO MANY OTHER AREAS) GETS TO PURSUE HER DRIVERS LICENSE. IDS is the only program with which I feel completely safe entrusting this huge responsibility of guiding my daughters evolution from passenger to responsible, safe and excellent driver. This is a position I take with with 100% confidence after witnessing the competent and yes, smart - very smart - driver that my son became. We have only great things to say about this course. Yes, it was among the more expensive options back in Maryland, but it was much cheaper than the hours therapy or pounds of cheesecake required to otherwise calm my nerves as my cherished children grew into drivers. I Drive Smart is one of the best decisions made by our family! Read Less

As a parent, I really appreciate the fact there is a driver's education company that employs only men and women from law enforcement. I would not consider another company to train my children. I have found Josh, the Vice President, and Jim, one of the many great instructors, are so calm and level headed, I would trust them completely with even the most challenging student. Read Less