Westwood Driving School

westwood driving school is an excellent driving school and I’ll definitely recommend this place to friends and family.
Eduardo was my instructor and he was an excellent teacher. The emphasis was always to be an excellent driver and to be safe when driving. I appreciate his patient and wit. Eduardo is very friendly and approachable.
Laura was extremely helpful in accommodating the lessons and the driving test within my hectic schedule. Ali took me to the driving test and, long story short, it was a hectic day, but I passed my test thanks to the amazing team work of Ali, Laura, and Eduardo.

I had two lessons with my instructor Eddie before my test and was extremely helpful. Eddie was very nice and patient. I enjoyed my driving lesson a lot. I passed the test with just three small errors. I highly recommend westwood driving school.

U should request eddie dilao as your instructor. He’s very patient when teaching behind the wheels.

[passed the driving test on the 1^st try with 96/​100]
I had a great experience with this driving school– I had 6 lessons with 4 different instructors: Ben, Senai? (apologies if I spelled that wrong) Eduardo, & Manny. Ali took me to my driving test on short notice since all the instructors were booked. The staff is very professional and always called a day beforehand to confirm the appointment. Instructors were never more than 5 minutes delayed, and they went through everything that was on the behind the wheel test in great detail. I didn’t get to practice driving in between the lessons but I felt that 6 lessons (12 hours on the road) was adequate preparation for the test (although I still need to gain experience).
The pricing is around $ 100 ish for each lesson & $ 125 for the test (if you ask them to take you). If you ask them to take you to the DMV, they will either take you to Culver or Santa Monica & drive around with you for an hour before the test to get you comfortable and walk you through necessary procedures.
All in all, I had a positive experience with Westwood Driving School, and would definitely recommend this service to first time drivers!

. I took many lessons here a couple of years ago. The instructors were always on time and I passed my test on the first try because of them. Every instructor I had was also very personable. However, I felt that I was being taught to pass a test and not how to drive well even though I specifically asked to practice and learn everything and learn to be a good driver because my parents didn’t really want to drive much with me.
On my first lesson, we dropped off another student who lived very far from me. On my first lesson I drove down sunset. It was a terrifying experience considering I had NEVER driven before. Even my instructor told me that was one of the most intense places to drive on for a first lesson and that it was too much. I wouldn’t recommend Westwood if you are looking for a place to really teach you how to drive well, however, I would HIGHLY recommend them if all you need is to pass your driving test.

I had a great experience with Westwood Driving School. Took in total 5 x 2hours lessons, including the driving test at the DMV. I mostly drove with Eduardo. He’s an excellent instructor who’s very detail-​oriented and knowledgable. Overall, a very smooth experience that ended with an easy pass on the driving test!

I had a wonderful experience with Westwood Driving School. I had both Manny and Eduardo as my instructors over the course of three 2-​hour lessons. Both Manny and Eduardo are fantastic instructors and know what they’re doing and are friendly and make you feel at ease when driving, especially for the first time. The cars that they use are newer Corolla’s (nothing junky like some driving schools). Manny and Eduardo covered everything I needed to know for the driving test and I’m proud to say that I passed my driving test today on the first try and was awarded my license. None of it would’ve been possible without Westwood Driving School. A big 5 star recommendation from me.

My experience with the school is very positive. My instructor Eduardo is always helpful, patient, and encouraging. He had identified my weaknesses and helped me practice and master those skills. He was willing to invest extra time on me just to make sure that I could do well in the test. His tips and reminders certainly had helped me stay safe on the road and pass the test. I highly recommend the school and instructor Eduardo to everyone.

Everyone at the office was very nice and responsive. Had Manny for a two-​hour lesson. He was very chill and friendly and gave some good tips in advance of my driver’s test. Thanks!

As a native of New York City, driving was never a part of my psyche. I lived in New York City and Boston my entire adult life without learning how to drive. Upon moving to Los Angeles, I discovered that driving is not merely a convenience, but a necessity for my lifestyle. I enrolled at the Westwood Driving School. The Westwood Driving School is great, because I can get two-​hour lessons at any time of my choosing. All of the instructors are knowledgeable, friendly, and patient. I can honestly say that I never had a bad experience with any of the instructors. Because of my schedule, I spent most of my time with one instructor, Senait. If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t have passed my road test. Senait’s teaching style is very engaging. My first few times behind the wheel on the roads of LA were very intimidating. Senait put all my fears at ease. She’s blunt, meticulous, and very clear about the expectations of a successful road test. Most importantly, Senait provided me with the technique and confidence of being behind the wheel by myself without another person present. I didn’t have a car while taking lessons at the Westwood Driving School, and the only time I practiced was during my lessons. I initially thought that even if I passed the test, I wouldn’t be confident driving alone. Senait gave me reassurance, providing me with all the skills necessary to be a cautious, skillful, driver. I highly recommend the Westwood Driving School. All of the instructors are great, but I’m forever grateful to Senait for her instruction. I can still hear her voice when I’m changing lanes and parallel parking.

I just took lessons here in learning to drive a stick shift, something I have wanted to do for years and finally did! My instructor was Ali (I hope I have spelled that correctly) and he was fantastic. Although I’ve been driving for 20+ years, I was admittedly quite nervous having to navigate the streets of Westwood Village with a manual transmission, but we had practiced enough in a quiet garage that I felt confident enough. Ali was incredibly patient, soothing and empathetic – I never felt rushed or flustered – and within minutes, I was on my way down Wilshire! Unbelievable.
I highly recommend this place. They are super friendly and make you feel very relaxed and confident, which are hugely important in learning to drive a stick shift for the first time!

Thanks to the instructors Kendall and eduardo I turned from a scared paranoid uncertain confused anxious driver (as I am originally from another country) to a confident and experienced one within a few sessions of lessons. it was a very easy, and simple planned out lessons to ensure i learnt what i needed to know within the short time frame I was looking to get my license. having to adapt frm a british driving system on the right hand side to the american driving system which is on the opposite side really freaked me out at first but they seriously helped me so much and Im so thankful I found this school. They throw you in the deep end so the test is easy peezy. I passed my written and driving test the first try on both! The receiptionists are super friendly and fast with replies via email or calls and they do their best to help you out in whatever way they can such as fitting lessons to suit your schedule… Love the people here at this school, they make a really tedious learning experience into an easy one as they come pick u up from ur house as well too ! Thanks again guys

I had a great experience here at Westwood Driving School! The in-​class driver’s ed class was thorough and helped me easily pass the permit test. I also took in-​car instruction sessions with Alfred, and he was great! He was very patient and relaxed, yet he payed careful attention and saved me from an accident more than once. Thanks to him, I passed the drivers test no problem and got my license.
Thanks Alfred!
–Christian Fong

I just moved to Los angeles 2 months a ago and thanks a lot to Westwood Driving School to help me to prepare my driving test! My first lesson was with Eduardo, he was so nice and make me comfortable during my first driving lesson! Than i got Destiny and Manny for my lessons, they are so great and help me a lot ! Now i passed my license and i also learned a lot with them! I feel more confident when i drive!
They gave good advice and anyway, they are all great instructors!
I just want to say: Thank You!!!
VERY GOOD DRIVING SCHOOL!!!

Had to relearn how to drive manual for a work trip, and Westwood was the closest place for me. I have nothing but good things to say about the experience in general and about my instructor, Ali, in particular. He has been teaching for a very long time and is very informative as well as patient — exactly what you’re looking for in a teacher.
I ended up signing up for two 2-​hour lessons. The first day, we spent about 45 minutes in the parking structure (a surprisingly good place to learn, given the opportunities to practice on inclines and declines), then headed out on the streets once I felt sufficiently comfortable. I elected to do a second class just to reinforce the knowledge I’d gained in the first one, and we spent those two hours practicing at higher speeds, in hilly terrain, etc. Definitely a worthwhile thing to do, as I now feel quite confident.
If you need to learn how to drive stick, Westwood is the place, and Ali is the instructor, for you.

My daughter took classes with the instructor named Destiny. It started out okay but by the third class, the instructor was incessantly facebooking and texting during the class session. She also had a terrible attitude and anger management issues.
No new driver deserves to be yelled at while learning how to drive.
There are plenty of more professionally run driving schools. This isn’t one of them. There wasn’t even a call back when we decided to not take more classes.
Avoid.

I signed up my little sister for some lessons thru Andrea. She was awesome. Answered all my questions and went out of her way to be extra helpful. The instructor was really calm and helped my sister tremendously. My other sister will be needing lessons soon as and I will definitely use their services again. One less reckless driver on the road!

I had an opportunity come up that required that I drive manual. I’ve driven stick on rental cars in foreign countries but I figured it was time to learn how to do it with out destroying a clutch…
Ali was an excellent instructor. I really can’t think of anyone that would be more patient and instructive than him. It was definitely worthwhile and very helpful. He’s mellow and very positive. I feel pretty comfortable with my manual skills and I owe it all to Ali for helping me get a great foundation.

Coming from somebody in their 20s who has never taken driver’s ed as a teen or been behind the wheel for more than probably twenty times in my life, I really had no excuse as to why I didn’t have my license (other than living in the bay area where transportation outshines LA’s by a landslide).
This place is expensive, no doubt about it, but if you’re a teen who needs their 6 hours of instructional lessons (or whatever that requirement is) done or a not-​so-​bad motor skills learner, you probably don’t need to call this place often.
The people who work in the office are nice, friendly souls who are always perky and chipper. Scheduling is not hard and they offer Saturday lessons, but those fill up fast if you’re looking for one. I suggest calling a couple of weeks or more in advance.
I was paired with Destiny for my lessons and she is a gem. I knew I was getting a laid-​back instructor when I first got in the car with her and she treated me as if I was just another one of her friends taking her out for a drive, but don’t let that derail you; she is a quality instructor. She emphasizes what you need to know and do to pass the driving test, but also tips and little things that will make you a better driver overall.
She’s also the funniest person ever, never hesitant to tell you stories and share personal experiences with you. It’s her way of loosening any nerves you may have. She does a good job of not intimidating you and if you make any mistakes, she’s really good at pointing them out, but not in an angry, scolding way that can scare people off.
You’ll also have her voice in your head as you drive because she is consistently repeating «LEFT RIGHT LEFT,» «COMPLETE STOP,» «BRAKE,» and her super fast, «SIGNAL, CHECK YOUR MIRROR AND BACK SHOULDER.» Yep, that’s Destiny.
But aside from that, some things to know about this place…
— Schedule wisely. Give cushion time before and after your appointment to account for travel time for the first/​next person to pick you up and drop you off.
— Realize you’re driving in the Westwood/​Beverly HIlls/​Santa Monica/​Pacific Palisades area so PCH and 10 freeway may be involved, which means traffic at certain times and the possibility that you will hop on the freeway – don’t be scared.
— Maximize your time (time is money!) so give them the correct address to pick you up at, don’t forget your permit, have common sense to make the process smoother.
Overall, there’s no real downfall to this place other than it being pricey, but I guess it goes back to you get what you paid for.

I am a nervous driver. But that also depends on where I am driving. I am originally from the mid west and I have lived in Los Angeles for 10 years. And let me tell you, traffic is insane here. But if I am driving back home, its no big deal. But here in LA, oh. my.
So I wanted some lessons to get me more comfortable. I had Destiny as an instructor and she is fantastic. She will make you feel VERY comfortable and gets the job done without making you feel self conscience. She will point out if you mess up but does not make you feel bad over it. She always arrived on time and did not make me do anything I was uncomfortable with. I highly recommend her! Request her!
I have also worked with Manny. He is so friendly and made me feel at ease. Very easy to talk to and very helpful with any questions or issues I brought up.
The cars are always clean and easy to maneuver.
They will come to your house to pick you up for your lesson if that is more convenient for you and then drop you back off after your lesson.
The staff in the office are so friendly and nice too. I even had a situation where I was supposed to take a lesson one day and I found out some extremely bad news that morning and I knew that I was in no condition to drive. So I called to cancel. I knew that they normally would charge a cancellation fee since I did not give them 24 hours notice. But I explained my situation and they waived the fee for me. VERY nice people and always helpful with I call. Thank you Laura for always being such a sweet heart. :) From what I hear, Ali is fantastic as well! Big shout out to him!
So if you just need a refresher course like me, or if you are someone who really needs to learn a thing or 2 about driving, this is the place to call!