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TESTIMONIALS AND REVIEWS
Here's what some past students have to say about their experiences learning to drive with Bill’s Defensive Driving School. Click on a quote to read more.
PERSONAL TESTIMONIALS
“After driving with Larry, an instructor from Bills Defensive Driving School I was confident. . ."
— Nicholas Fields, Undergrad, USC Santa Barbara, CA
"After driving with Larry, an instructor from Bill's Defensive Driving School, I was confident enough to drive from Texas to California! The instructor was calm and professional, making my driving experiences great. I would be happy to recommend Bill's Defensive Driving School to anyone."
— Nicholas Fields, Undergrad, USC Santa Barbara, CA
— Steve Potash, Oakland, CA
I wanted to assure myself that my driving skills are top-notch for driving my 3-year old grandson around safely, so I called Bills Defensive Driving School for a professional evaluation. Bill observed my driving for two hours on the freeways, in downtown traffic, and even on winding hills. He checked my responsiveness to surrounding conditions, anticipation of what was ahead, ability to control the vehicle, and overall skill and competency. While he found me to be a very good driver, there was additional benefit: he shared with me some great new tips about how to keep my vehicle safe from the carelessness or mistakes of other drivers. I got real value from my two-hour evaluation!
— Steve Potash, Oakland, CA
— K.C., Mill Valley, CA
After driving for more than forty years, an accident left me with impaired eyesight. Although my doctor assured me that I was safe to drive, my driving skills deteriorated because I didn’t know how to compensate for the injury. Even worse, I became timid and hesitant behind the wheel. From the outset, Bill and his staff were encouraging, accepting and supportive. That alone made a difference. After working with Bill, my skill level was markedly improved, and even more importantly, I regained my lost confidence. I took and passed my re-test with flying colors. Even better, I am a better, safer driver than I ever have been.
— K.C., Mill Valley, CA
PARENT TESTIMONIALS
“In an aura of control and safety. . .”
— Mark McClellan, Greenbrae, CA
"We can’t thank you enough! We now have two daughters who have successfully passed their driving tests after going through Bills Defensive Driving School. Bill is a definite professional.
He incorporates skill and ease in his communication with his students. In an aura of control and safety, Bill uses consistency and repetition to focus the student on the primary techniques of safe driving. We also appreciate the entire staff’s flexibility in helping us schedule appointments. Thanks again."
— Mark McClellan, Greenbrae, CA
— Shannon Smith Hartwell, San Francisco, CA
We are extremely pleased with the lessons we received for our teenaged son. Bill was patient and knowledgeable, and the lessons were fun. He also understands that a driver needs to experience rush hour, crowded traffic, pedestrians, and curvy roads. His vehicle also has both brake AND accelerator on his side. He also encourages parents to accompany him and the student on lessons. Watching him teach made us better instructors for the remaining 50 hours of instruction that we were responsible for. I know I re-learned a thing or two! I recommend Bills Defensive Driving School – it’s the best!
— Shannon Smith Hartwell, San Francisco, CA
— Craig and Linda, Lafayette, CA
At first I have to tell you I was less than thrilled at the prospect of sitting in the back seat during my son’s first training session. In short order though, I realized the method to the madness!
Not only did I learn (or re-learn) some driving rules, but by participating in this session, I knew what you were teaching my son. This became more important as we drove more frequently in a variety of situations. I would sometimes question him and he would repeat what you were teaching him. I realized that he was indeed following the directions of a professional driving instructor, rather than the “way” his parents have always done it. Since then, we have received compliments from other parents and inquiries from parents whose children have ridden with our son. Thank you again,
— Craig and Linda, Lafayette, CA
Bill was really a very good instructor! He has a calm, professional manner and was able to put my son at ease right away. Bill did a good job of connecting with a teenager which is not always an easy thing.
— Kevin Waldron, San Anselmo, CA
“. . . had friends that have had bad experiences with some driving schools,...”
Our daughter was very comfortable on her driving lessons. We felt that Bill was very knowledgeable. We have had friends that have had bad experiences with some driving schools, and other driving instructors. We felt that we definitely made the right choice in choosing Bills Defensive Driving School for our daughter’s lesson.
— Ms. Nygaard, Pinole, CA
“We and the other drivers on the road are indebted to you.”
Our son really enjoyed having lessons through Bills Defensive Driving School. You did a most excellent job in your instruction. He drove to and around Los Angeles on a college tour with his father since his lessons with your school, and my husband said he drove well and he expects him to be a very good driver. We and the other drivers on the road are indebted to you.
— Muir family, Oakland, CA
“. . . learned important, critical teaching skills. . .”
After our daughter’s first driving lesson that my husband went on, he said that he was very impressed. He said that he learned important, critical teaching skills that would really benefit her when they practiced driving together. He wants to go on another lesson too!
— Ms. McDonnell, San Francisco, CA
Anxious and Nervous Drivers Testimonials
“I am a teacher myself, and I give Bill very high marks!”
Since I was nervous on my first lesson, Bill’s calmness sort of transmitted itself so that I felt that nothing could go wrong. Throughout the lesson he really stressed defensive driving, not so much by lecturing, but through his commentary as we drove; highlighting changes in the roadway, signs, approaching traffic, etc. Overall I was very impressed with his knowledge, his skills, and his thoroughness, as well as the calm, thoughtful way in which he teaches. I am a teacher myself, and I give Bill very high marks!”
—Mary Wogec, Pt.Richmond, CA
“He did his best to work with me and my existing insecurities. . .”
Right from the beginning of the first lesson, Bill made me feel very comfortable. I have been a very nervous driver and have suffered from a lot of anxiety in my life. He did his best to work with me and my existing insecurities so that I could continue taking lessons. I would advise anyone who suffers from anxiety like I do, to go to Bills Defensive Driving School.
—Dominique Koening, Mill Valley, CA
“The DMV test was very important to me.”
Bill helped me review and revise my driving in preparation for the DMV test. He was exceptionally
calm and competent in his personal knowledge, driving skills, and teaching abilities. He discussed and clearly showed me just what I needed to adjust in my driving habits to prepare for the test. The DMV test was very important to me; he understood this and talked with me about focusing on the specific instructions during the test. He went with me to the DMV when I took the test and allowed me to use his car. I was so pleased when I passed, and am grateful to Bill for his teaching, kindness and support.
—Louise, Albany, CA
Testimony from Family and Friends
“She was very afraid of her upcoming driving examination. Don’s calm manner. . .”
Overall I was very happy with the driving lessons that my friend had with Don, an instructor at Bills Defensive Driving School. She was very afraid of her upcoming driving examination. Don’s calm manner, and the way he phrased things and presented them in a formalized, repetitive manner, helped her really learn and gain confidence. She passed her test and was so excited and happy. Yes, I would recommend Don as an instructor, definitely.
—Millie G., Friend & Sponsor, Pleasanton, CA
“To our delight, my mom regained her license.”
My 85 year old mother took a series of driving lessons from Bills Defensive Driving School over a period of several months. On more than one occasion, I rode along (as Bill encourages) and observed his teaching techniques, and my mom’s progress. I found him to be very knowledgeable about driving rules and regulations. We even rented his car on test day, and to our delight, my mom regained her license. I think Bill was as excited as my mom and I were. His scheduler’s are very professional too, even calling before each lesson as a reminder. My mom and I would recommend Bill’s driving school readily.
— Mary and Barbara, El Cerrito, CA
Senior’s Testimony
“I was terrified of freeways, and I was getting progressively more afraid on city streets.”
I was terrified of freeways, and I was getting progressively more afraid on city streets. I had gotten to the point where I only drove to the grocery store. I felt I was getting crippled for California life if I was afraid to drive. Bill was extraordinarily patient and worked with me on freeway driving and updating my driving skills. With the dual controls I felt safe on the freeway. He taught me to be more observant and drive defensively. He also helped me learn to calm myself and to develop a more positive approach to driving. He has a way of helping rather than criticizing that made me feel we were working together.
—Mary Wood, Novato
“I had been driving without incidence for 50 years and failed my driving exam. . .”)
Just a word of thanks to you and your staff for the time and patience in aiding me to get my driving license restored after it was revoked by the DMV. Your expertise, assistance, and patience was of invaluable help. I have been driving without incidence for 50 years and failed my driving exam when I went for a renewal of my license. You showed me what the DMV wanted and expected, and as a result of the instructions you provided, and the fine tuning of my skills, I was successful in regaining my license!
Burt Freeman, San Rafael, CA
(“After a severe restriction was put on my license. . . “)
After a severe restriction was put on my license by the DMV, I knew I was in need of serious retraining! I tried one school that was pretty lax and didn’t offer many suggestions at all. But after my first lesson with Bills Defensive Driving School, I knew I had a teacher who could help me. Bill pays attention to every detail; he sees things on the road I never knew existed; approaching hazards, traffic changes, small sign posts, etc. He emphasizes defensive driving techniques over and over again! He also knows the DMV rules and regulations inside and out and how to negotiate through all of the paperwork and people there. This week I received great news from the DMV, thanks to all of my lessons with Bill, and the paperwork he filed for me; I’ve had the severest restrictions lifted from my driver’s license!
Linda D, Concord, CA
Teenagers Testimony
“By the end of the first lesson, I was feeling confident and couldn’t wait to do more driving.)
I was very lucky to find Bills Defensive Driving School for my lessons. I was impressed with Bill’s experience and knowledge. I also like that he wants parents to come along on the first lesson. That was helpful for my dad because he picked up some of Bill’s techniques and used them with me as we practiced. By the end of the first lesson, I was feeling confident and couldn’t wait to do more driving. He really taught me well and has made me a good, smart, and safe driver. I also had some laughs and shared some stories with him, which made my driving even more fun. I recommend Bills driving school to all of my friends who are starting to drive. By the way, it is nice that his car isn’t marked up with student driver signs!! Thanks Bill!
DSD, Oakland, CA
“I really doubt if I would have passed . . .”)
My instructor was very, very helpful to me on all of my lessons, and I learned a lot from him!
I really doubt if I would have passed my driving license test at the DMV without all of his tips and instructions. I really thank him for such a good job!
A.F. Tiburon, CA
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