Helotes Driving School

Wow, sure would like to know what happened to our driving school. They have shut the doors and left our kids that are to get their drvers license next week high and dry. No phone call to come pick up the last paperwork needed or anything. Just a note on the door that says we need to contact Austin and WAIT ! Tell my 17 yr old that she can't go get her license next week. Take our money and not complete the task. more

I am one of the owners/manager of the school, and I wanted to respond to this review on behalf of the school. Firstly, I will say that I was disappointed to hear this come from our instructor. In all actuality, I was, and frequently am, present throughout the school that day. Although I am aware and understand the context of which the comment was made, it is far too ""loaded"" and the school takes a position that it can be so easily misinterpreted that it has no business in a classroom. After conferencing with the instructor, it was agreed that should be removed from lecture. He was very apologetic. We would never allow any inappropriate behavior of any kind, intentional or not, and a positive experience is our goal. Any concerns are welcomed and dealt with discretely and proficiently. We have a great track record, with 12 + years in business. Any parent is encouraged to ""speak up,"" as this mom put it, and advocate. However, it is more productive to do so prior to leaving a review. We do care and would have been able to say the issue was properly addressed. As for as the ""chapters that were not covered,"" students have an outline that tells what exactly is tested over, and when. The content and amount of time granted for bookwork is established and regulated by TEA. To give longer, or reduce lecture because it is ""distracting"" would be going against state regulations. We offer solutions to many student needs and I personally would have met with this mom, as I did after I learned there was obviously a disgruntlement, and tried to remedy her concerns. Mr Barron is a great teacher, and not at our school for any other reason than that. more

The location was great - LOVED the front office manager - very positive and helpful on signing up. Didn't realize the instructor was going to be so RUDE and unapproachable when it comes to finding out more about the tests. He did not cover some chapters and gave a test - most of the class bombed it - then they have to retest on their own time and make time to get back up there and use their books because the rental books are different from the class books. He says he gives them class time to go over the books in class and then talks the whole time. (distracting) Having been through 2 other schools with my other kids in a different state, I assumed they would be sort of the same. NOT so. The teacher here was very rude to me when I was asking questions. Guess he doesn't like parents, who are paying for the class, to ask questions. I am requesting Mr. Santos for her driving section - everything I hear about him is wonderful. Just wish I had known before signing my daughter up - Make sure Mr. Santos is your teacher. He won't tell them to ""put a gun in their mouths and pull the trigger if they drink and drive, save your parents the stress"" VERY unprofessional to say that to a class of teens. He has NO idea what these kids face at home and if one does do that he is to blame!! If more people spoke up maybe this guy would not be in there. more

The Helotes Driving School was recommended to me because of its experience teaching adult students how to drive. I had to learn in order to take care of elderly family members who don't drive. The administrative staff was professional and explained the school's policies clearly. more

Amazing caring and knowledgeable instructors. Each instructor is excellent and friendly. Had a problem with one instructor, but other than that it is hard to believe these teachers care so much. Speaking of caring, Mr. Santos is the greatest. Cares and cares some more. I don't believe it is possible to find so many professional caring people in one place. It can be hard to get lessons, but they do have a carload of students. Classes seem to be full with waiting lists. I took defensive driving and the instructor was good and really enjoyed teaching - the course was informative, interesting and the time flew by. Don't think it is possible to provide a better education anywhere for driving. Drive - don't walk - as fast as you can to get to this school to provide you an excellent experience for your child's driver education. : ) Actually stay within the speed limit to get there. Or you'll get to take the class I took for tickets. Customer service is good, but takes patience sometimes with so many students. more

I do not reccomend Helotes Driving School for anyone. The workers and teachers are rude and do not have consideration for your time or schedule. The classes themselves are dull with a lack of actual teaching. The teachers expect you to learn the material by doing bookwork alone, giving about 16 chapter reviews for you to do with linited time in class. They will not let you borrow the books so your worktime is very limited and restricts you to class and staying after to work. I do not feel my money was put to good use at this school and i do not recomend it due to lack of customer service, unreasonable employees, and bad teaching skills. more

CONVENIENT BUT NOT CUSTOMER FRIENDLY more

I highly recommend this school to everyone! The office is usually very busy, but they are extremely friendly and helpful. I had many questions and, at first, was overwhelmed with the process. However, the staff guided us through with ease. They are very informative and go out of their way to help any way they can. I was also extremely impressed with the professionalism of the instructors! They were top-notch! They knew their stuff and taught it well!! I believe they all truly care about the future of the students. This school, as a whole, sincerely cares about the students and their families. Pros: Caring, Professional, Convenient Location, Payment Plans Cons: Office Hours (but they made apptmnt to accomodate) more

I was very happy to find a driving school for my teenager located conveniently close to my home. I appreciated the fact that they provided transportation from the high school to the driving school. However, picking up and dropping off is a challenge in the busy parking lot. I am new to the area, and when I inquired about what information is necessary to obtain a TX driver's license, the staff seemed ""put out"". On my next two visits I was faced with two seperate employees who were extremely rude. The school is not in need of business, but they could definately improve their customer service. Pros: Conveniently located, good instructors, transportation provided from high schools Cons: poor customer service more

Outstanding instructors. Best in the field. School has moved to the SIlverado Shopping Center and looks to be a much improved location. Pros: Instructors, location is busy but pleasant. Cons: Office hours. more