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Best Driving Academy

Driving school · La Plata, MD · reviewed since 2011

How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%96+52.4Reliability 24%97+23.5Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%82+5.8Craft & service penalty97−0.3Experts Score= 96Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.96SCORE
AGradeLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#10 of 57 driving schoolsPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 84%
4.9 ★★★★★ 2,138 Google reviews · 23 photos
96%five-star reviews
4.95★last 12 monthsAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0.1%1–2★ in 2 yearsShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
92%reviews answered by the owner
Nov 2026latest review

Best Driving Academy at a glance

Google reviewers rate Best Driving Academy 4.9 out of 5 based on 2138 reviews, with the owner responding to 92% of feedback. Customers frequently praise the staff's punctuality, patience, and clear communication, noting that both online classes and behind-the-wheel lessons help students gain confidence and pass MVA tests. However, some low-star reviews criticize the school for high pricing, inconsistent instructor quality, and unprofessional behavior during lessons or at testing sites.

  • Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 2,138 reviews (96% five-star).
  • Reviews on this page: 2,138 Google reviews (1,524 with written comments, 35 with photos).
  • Owner responses: the business replied to 92% of reviews.
  • Most recent review: November 2, 2026.
  • Service: Driving School serving La Plata, Maryland.

Data from Google, last updated November 3, 2026.

Score profile vs other driving schools

Score per factor (100 = best)Each factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: value and momentum; weakest: replies to reviews.

Satisfaction96Reliability97Craft & service97Value100Momentum100Replies to reviews82Satisfaction: 96 (median 84)Reliability: 97 (median 74)Craft & service: 97 (median 98)Value: 100 (median 100)Momentum: 100 (median 100)Replies to reviews: 82 (median 57)
Best Driving AcademyDriving Schools median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactionSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Best Driving Academy: 96/100 on this factor. Category median: 84.A
96
ReliabilityReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Best Driving Academy: 97/100 on this factor. Category median: 74.A
97
Craft & serviceCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Best Driving Academy: 97/100 on this factor. Category median: 98.A
97
ValueValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Best Driving Academy: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
MomentumMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Best Driving Academy: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Best Driving Academy: 82/100 on this factor. Category median: 57.A
82

Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.

Star ratings

2,138 Google reviews we collected

  • 5 stars2,05996%
  • 4 stars532%
  • 3 stars80%
  • 2 stars30%
  • 1 star151%

Praise vs complaints

Phrases our text analysis found in 1,524 written reviews

  • Praise1,29497%
  • Complaints363%

PriceGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.

Price verdicts customers left with their Google review

  • Great price22041%
  • Reasonable28153%
  • Overpriced51%
  • Not sure265%

Topic share

How often each topic comes up in the written reviews

  • Staff & attitude46935%
  • Would recommend37828%
  • Quality & results23117%
  • Communication1048%
  • Speed & response735%
  • Honesty & trust474%
  • Price & value282%

What customers talk about

We read 1,524 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.

  • “The classes were great, and my son’s instructor/driver Gus, was very patient, kind, respectful, and an excellent teacher showing him exactly how to pa…”
    “…another woman to teach my son how to drive, and that woman was very unprofessional.…”
  • “I learned a lot from him and would definitely recommend him to anyone learning how to drive!”
    “…me off the road after she missed her merge very unprofessional , rude would not recommend learning to drive from people who don’t know how to drive…”
  • “They are kind, thorough and work very well with students and very accommodating.”
    “I was trying to help my brother set up an appointment for his driving sessions and the customer service is terrible.”
  • “He was patient, easy to talk to, and made every lesson feel relaxed.”
    “More like WORST driving academy super unorganized very poor communication amongst employees would not recommend.”
  • “Washington was great, and he made the scheduling process smooth, accommodating our availability as quickly as possible.”
    “Despite being headed out of town for Christmas, they graciously delayed their travel plans just to accommodate my daughter, who is home for a very sho…”
  • “Most importantly, he taught me how to trust myself and my decisions on the road, which really helped build my confidence.”
  • “The best driving academy is very affordable and provides payment plans which is much needed for college students like me.”
    “Overpriced services…for a driving school to not offer the same services they once did pre-Covid!”

People customers mention

  • Joe 59 reviews
  • Christian 48 reviews
  • Gus 26 reviews
  • School 23 reviews
  • Dusty 17 reviews
  • Mike 16 reviews

praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.

Reviews for your job

Customers hired Best Driving Academy for 3 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.

Recent reviews

Evelyn2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 4 days ago★★★★★

Highly recommend Best Driving Academy! My son learned how to reverse park in just one day and passed his MVA driving skills test on the first try! Communication with Mr. Washington was great, and he made the scheduling process smooth, accommodating our availability as quickly as possible. The classes were great, and…

Customer photo from Evelyn's reviewCustomer photo from Evelyn's review
Great pricePrivate lessonsTeen classes
Evangeline1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★

Experience was spectacular! Staff had great customer service, online classes were very captivating! Behind-the-wheel drives were smooth, and staff had great feedback as well as patience. 10/10 must try!

Reasonable priceTeen classes
Georgia1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★

They are so patient with you, also every helpful taking it all step by step out of my experience and what my friends told me, this is the best driving school, the name is so true. 😌

OverpricedTeen classes
Keisaan1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 weeks ago★★★★★

Love this class im going to miss the driving instructor, Mr Joe made learning driving really interesting and kept my attention.

Great pricePrivate lessons
CertifiedLocal Guide · 23 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 weeks ago★★★★★

I already came in having a lot of driving experience. With 70+ hrs on my permit but Ms.Syniah made things real easy and S/O Mr.Washington and his staff.

Not surePrivate lessons
Crystal3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I highly recommend Best Driving Academy! My teenage son got his driver’s license today, and I’m so grateful for the role they played in helping him reach this milestone. From the classroom instruction to the behind-the-wheel training, the instructors were professional, patient, knowledgeable, and…

Great priceTeen classes

Photos

Customer reviews

4.9 ★★★★★ 2,138 reviews on Google · rating breakdown

Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).

Jobs customers hired them for — from Google's service tags and the review text
Team members customers mention
Filter by topic — each topic is highlighted in the reviews in the same color
Sadey Barnes3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Sadey has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Such an enjoyable, well-taught class. Both Mrs. and Mr. Washington are great!

Response from the owner · 6 months ago

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review.

Evelyn Serrano2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Evelyn has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Highly recommend Best Driving Academy! My son learned how to reverse park in just one day and passed his MVA driving skills test on the first try! Communication with Mr. Washington was great, and he made the scheduling process smooth, accommodating our availability as quickly as possible. The classes were great, and my son’s instructor/driver Gus, was very patient, kind, respectful, and an excellent teacher showing him exactly how to pass the exam on reverse parking and how to avoid touching the curb. He did this once and my son passed on his first try! I attended this same academy about 17 years ago, so it’s extra special to see my son learn here too. Thank you for making this such a positive experience! I highly recommend 💯 ! 10/10

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: Private lessons, Teen classes
Lxrd_ slasher1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews Lxrd_ has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

quick and efficient (Mr Washington

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Services: Private lessons, Teen classes
Camille Plunkett1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews Camille has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Dusty was A great instructor he made Joseph feel very comfortable and confident

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: Teen classes
Response from the owner · 6 days ago

Thank you for the kind words. Mr Dusty has a passion for teaching the kids the safe way

Phatr Ambry1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews Phatr has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

We love Mr.Joe Best

Response from the owner · 6 days ago

Thank you

Andre 1xa1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews Andre has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

mr joe is a cool instructor

Response from the owner · 6 days ago

Thank you. How can we improve our curriculum to get to 5 stars

Evangeline Rodriguez (Eva)1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews Evangeline has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Experience was spectacular! Staff had great customer service, online classes were very captivating! Behind-the-wheel drives were smooth, and staff had great feedback as well as patience. 10/10 must try!

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Services: Teen classes
Response from the owner · 6 days ago

Thank you for the kind words. You were a pleasure to drive with

Georgia The one and only1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews Georgia has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

They are so patient with you, also every helpful taking it all step by step out of my experience and what my friends told me, this is the best driving school, the name is so true. 😌

  • Price assessment: Overpriced
  • Services: Teen classes
Response from the owner · 6 days ago

Thank you for the kind words. How can we improve our curriculum to get a 5 star in the future

Keisaan Ke1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews Keisaan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Love this class im going to miss the driving instructor, Mr Joe made learning driving really interesting and kept my attention.

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: Private lessons
Response from the owner · 6 days ago

Thank you

Certified SeanLocal Guide · 23 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Certified has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I already came in having a lot of driving experience. With 70+ hrs on my permit but Ms.Syniah made things real easy and S/O Mr.Washington and his staff.

  • Price assessment: Not sure
  • Services: Private lessons
Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago

Thank you for your kind words. You made it easy and you mastered the road test . Congratulations and we wish you the best in your future

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