Summary: Hostile, unprofessional, condescending employees. Just go to the DPS. Full version: We usually don’t put much weight on a handful of negative reviews, but this time we wish we had. If you’re looking for a positive experience in a familiar area for your teen to take their driving test, this is not it. We gladly paid the $75 for our daughter to take the test here, expecting it would be more pleasant than the DPS. Wrong. We arrived on time, respectful, kind, and with paperwork completed in advance as a thoughtful courtesy. Yet from the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was hostile and unwelcoming. The two older employees (one male, Tim, and one female who didn’t give us her name) were unhelpful, irritable, and condescending. The two of them openly snickered at, mocked, belittled, humiliated, and repeatedly barked at my daughter and wife like they were stupid… In fact, they acted as if our very existence was irritating. This was all BEFORE our daughter took the driving test. Multiple specific examples can be provided to any management who happens to read this and is interested. It was almost like these two employees felt powerful or enjoyment from making people feel small, uncomfortable, and unnerved, while amused together over our apparent stupidity. This behavior was absolutely unacceptable, especially towards a teenager who is already showing up with nerves for a big test. My wife and I grew concerned that if we confronted their condescending behavior it would negatively affect how our daughter was treated during her test. Our biggest mistake was not forfeiting our money and walking out the door right after walking in. The female employee who conducted the driving test was harsh and jarring. Afterwards, she began listing every error our teen made, with an intensity and mocking tone that was disproportionate to the errors she cited, as she did not specify any of them as dangerous. We welcome constructive feedback, but her delivery was inappropriate. Several times she spouted a mistake with such elevated tone and disapproval, with pursed lips, leaning in too close to my daughter’s face, and said, “You didn’t do that! Did you?! DID YOU?!” Not a single positive comment was offered, implying that although our teen passed the test, she should be ashamed. If the goal of giving feedback is to emphasize safe, confident driving skills, shaming and berating the student will not accomplish that. Afterwards, the woman turned away inside to shuffle papers, offering no further acknowledgment as we stood there awkwardly. Tim irritatedly instructed my wife to pay the $40, then stared at her under raised eyebrows and snapped, “Okay!” as if to shoo her away in an exasperated invitation for us to hurry up and leave. There was no “thanks for your business,” no congratulations or offer for our daughter to take a picture with the “New driver!” sign. Zero basic courtesy or professionalism. Just dismissiveness and intense annoyance. What should have been an exciting milestone was overshadowed by the unacceptable behavior of two apparently miserable individuals, who, perhaps, should find jobs that don’t involve interacting with people. We were also informed that during the driving test, while my daughter was carefully checking her mirrors before reversing to parallel park, the woman snapped at her to “Go already!”. No person, especially a teen during the driving test, should be pressured to hurry and do anything so long as they are not in danger and are thoughtfully making decisions (as drivers should). While there, we witnessed Tim repeatedly snapping at another young adult, and also answering the phone and literally shouting repeatedly into the phone at the person before hanging up in frustration. We walked into this business polite, prepared, and expectant. We left feeling belittled, shamed, and disappointed. I sincerely hope management addresses this so no other families or hopeful new drivers have a similar experience. Read Less

We did not take lessons at Southlake Driving School. We signed up for the driving test hoping it would be a more comfortable environment and familiar area compared to DPS. Unfortunately, the DPS would have been a much better choice. I paid $75 for the driving test that lasted 10 minutes. There was nothing on their website or in their email communications explaining that we would either need an appointment at DPS to file the paperwork and obtain a temporary license or pay an additional $40 to Southlake Driving School to file the paperwork for us plus an additional $11 to the DPS once filed. I assumed this would be included in the $75 fee. It felt like a scam to leave that explanation out only to be confronted with an additional cost or wait for months for a DPS appointment. Not to mention a disappointed kid who was expecting to get her temporary license. The employees were extremely rude to the point we were in disbelief. Absolutely nothing was explained to us and they acted annoyed each time we didn’t understand what they were wanting. We were told by a friend who took a driving test the previous day that her instructor was a grouchy older woman. I’m quite sure we had the same one and grouchy is an understatement. Every word was a snapped command. Even snapping at my daughter for setting the pen down while completing paperwork. My daughter was prepared for her test but the instructor’s behavior made her unnecessarily nervous. Both her and Tim, the older man at the desk, acted annoyed by our presence at the business. While waiting for my daughter to take her driving test, I witnessed Tim answer several phone calls very curtly. The last one ending with “these people!” that he had to deal with. When the test was over, my daughter was not given any feedback. No celebratory comment. When I asked to take a picture with their sign, the older woman said, “go into the classroom” and looked back down. I grabbed the sign off the wall myself and went to what I guessed was the classroom. Customer service can wear on you over time. Perhaps it’s time for these two to retire or do something else. Interacting with them was a miserable experience. A driving test on your 16th birthday is a memorable event and Southlake Driving School could be a positive part of that. Unfortunately, it will not be a good memory for us at all. Read Less

Exceptional. I wish the school were around when my two sons went through the process of preparing to drive. The instructors are patient, encouraging but tough enough to let the students know it's serious business. Great attitude, professional and kind. The staff know teenagers since most are teachers or coaches used to dealing with distracted kids. The hours are flexible, early am, weekends and the process is seamless, from start to finish. Don't go anywhere else - you'll be more than satisfied. Best experience by far. Read Less

I did not use Southlake Driving School for Drivers Ed. or for license testing due to our schedule. However, they were very friendly and accomodating. They were able help us schedule the drive test with their sister school in Flower Mound for the next day. Great communication. Thanks for your help Gabby and Rebekah. Read Less