Start Smart Driving Academy - Lakewood, Colorado

Allen

I recently had a driving test here, and I was extremely happy with how it went. I arrived for my appointment and everything was very simple and straightforward, and they even gave me an opportunity to look over exactly what they were testing for, which was super helpful. I had Sandy as my examiner and she was very thorough and helpful during the test. She kept it very simple and gave me clear instructions. After the test was finished, she told me I had passed and gave me great feedback on what went well and minor things I could improve. Overall, my experience was fantastic!! I highly recommend them!!

Stephanie

I always had such high anxiety when it came to driving due to PTSD from a car accident. I found this driving school and decided to try to it out. Sandy was such a great instructor and helped me gain the confidence to feel comfortable with driving. The feedback after every lesson was very nice to have that way I knew what to focus on. She was also my proctor when it came to my driving test and it helped me feel so confident to pass!! Thank you Sandy for being such a patient sweet soul! 💜

Tyler

My little brother did a driving test here last week and today.
The things they failed him on are ridiculous.
He went 1mph over in a school zone for less than 5 seconds and it was an automatic fail?
I’m looking at these reviews and I wish we would have seen them earlier.
Sure that the cheapest but in the end you’re gonna be paying just as much cause they’ll fail you both times.
The first time they failed him for going 3 miles an hour under the speed limit.
Do not go here, ignore these good reviews you’ll thank me

Ashleigh P.

I took my test here with Sandy and it was so great. The moment I walked through the doors, everything was very clean and the receptionist assisted me immediately. They are very clear about their expectations and instructions. I used the car they provided and it was in good condition. My whole experience was very enjoyable and comfortable. Sandy was so sweet and very professional as well.

Miranda R.

If I could leave 0 stars that would be more suitable for this place. I paid 1,100$ for my 2 kiddos to do schooling and 10 hours of driving education for both of them. They got into class in summer and finished the class, we tried to setup their first classes at the finish of them getting their permit. Since then getting ahold of them to schedule the drivers ed has been nearly impossible. I showed up at the office (since I hadn't received a call back or acknowledgement by phone) waited 5 minutes in front without even a "we'll be right with you" anything. The phone was ringing over and over as the 2 ladies in the office paid it no mind ( no wonder i couldnt get ahold of anyone). When the woman in her office finally asked how she could help I was told the stuff I had paid for expired.

I waited another 45 minutes to speak with someone else. She was no help at all and there was no accountability at all on their part.

Please don't waste your time or money.

Michael K.

The ladies over at Start Smart are a wonderful group, who strive to make the roads a safe place for all. We found them when looking for a place for our daughter to complete the required Behind the wheel instruction hours needed to complete the process to attain a license at 16. The quality of service provided by all the instructors is high. They offer great feedback and honest assessment of skills that allows for young drivers to be confident as well as prepared properly for their upcoming time behind the wheel solo. Vachelle, Connie and Sandy take care in their approach to instruction, correcting any habits that may have been developed during the drivers time holding a permit. Their attentive observation during the sessions allows for concise constructive criticism that prepares the driver for their upcoming drive test.
Our daughter completed three 2 hour behind the wheel sessions which filled the requirement by the state of Colorado. At the end of the third session they performed a practice drive test which allowed for any last minute adjustments to driving form in preparation for the upcoming drive test. Our daughter then took her drive test with Sandy bright and early the next day, which she passed on the first try. Upon completion she said she is very glad that she went through Start Smart for the whole process, a sentiment I echo. From the cost being the best in town to the quality of the instruction, I highly recommend all the ladies here, they all care deeply and want to make sure you, your child or anyone else who needs to complete any type of instruction or take drive test does so with proper technique that will make for safe driving skills. This makes the roads a safer place to share. Thank you again Vachelle, Connie and Sandy! The Kish Family appreciates all you do and supports you fully in your future!

Dasha W.

Sandy's incredible. I'm an adult who sat on her permit for 10 years. Finally took a 1 hour training with her, and then took/passed the test the following week. Sandy gave me quite a bit of input during the hour, and was eager to answer any questions I had. That lesson was really empowering and gave me the confidence to trust that I am a decent driver. She proctored my test as well, which really eased my nerves. I am beyond grateful for her help in passing this milestone!

Sheila W.

Start Smart Driving Academy was amazing in walking me through the process of obtaining a driver's license, how the lessons worked, and then next steps to actually apply for the license after the driving test was passed. As a parent doing this for the first time with my teen, I had a lot of questions and the team here was great and ALWAYS showed kindness and patience. My son had wonderful experiences driving with Kathy and testing with Vochelle-they provided excellent feedback while keeping a calm manner. Throughout the process, this team was professional and courteous - even with rescheduling, etc! Lessons were always on time and the team guided my child through all different traffic conditions including downtown, local roads, highways, and even mountain/canyon roads. They have the process down to a science! I highly recommend Start Smart Driving Academy. They were more affordable, offered excellent customer service and provided a robust service.