David MedinaLearning to drive is a rite of passage that changes your life. During my first driving lesson, my dad would stomp on his imaginary brake on the passenger side so hard I thought he’d break through the floor.
Today, though, not every new driver wants to learn from their parents or others they know. And it’s smart because mixing family dynamics with three-point turns and parallel parking can turn a simple lesson into a full-blown argument.
Thankfully, El Paso has lots of driving schools that can help. The only problem is that some of them struggle with inconsistent instructors or low pass rates, which can drag out the process and drain your wallet.
To steer you in the right direction, our team hit the road and reviewed various driving schools in El Paso. Below are the ones we found that won’t waste your money!
How much do driving lessons cost in El Paso?
It costs at least $20 an hour to do driving lessons in El Paso. The final price will be dependent on the number of lessons and the driving school you choose.
1. El Paso Driving Academy
Address: 550 N Yarbrough Dr #106
Contact Details: +1 915-594-8858
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 12 PM to 6 PM
- Friday – 12 PM to 5 PM
We found El Paso Driving Academy to be one of the best driving schools in El Paso for teens. Their teen driver education program is split into two clear parts, so teens don’t feel overwhelmed.
Many of the teens we spoke with said they felt less nervous about getting on the road because the 24 hours of classroom time actually prepared them for the 14 hours of driving and observation in the program.
We also think it is a smart move that the school allows students to use their company vehicle for the road test. This is a big help because it removes the stress of having to worry about a personal car that meets all state requirements.
Their adult driving lessons in El Paso cost $50 an hour, which isn’t too bad since people only pay for the time they actually need. They also offer a 6-hour adult course that can be completed in just one day.
For those just trying to clear a ticket, their defensive driving courses in El Paso are fully online and cost only $24.
However, if a lesson is cancelled within 72 hours, they charge a $15 fee.
A clean and organized class structure
“I believe this is one of the best driving academies in El Paso as the live class instructor was passionate about having a clean and organized class structure. He urged us to take notes, memorize key concepts, take clean notes, and ensured we were actually learning how to be safe drivers. Not only that, the behind the wheel instructor was very kind and made sure to I was constantly aware of my surroundings. Overall this driving school was such a warm and welcoming place which helped pass both tests. Thank you.”
- Julia Martinez, Google Reviews
A good instructor
“Mr Fernado Fabelo is a good instructor he teaches you how to drive now l can drive l passed my kids are going to Elpaso driving Academy keep the good work”
- Catherine Ruwambara, Google Reviews
2. S.V.M. Defensive Driving School
Address: 5750 Trowbridge Dr
Contact Details: +1 915-843-0386
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 7:30 PM
- Saturday – 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM
S.V.M. Defensive Driving School doesn’t just put its students in a car and hope for the best. We love that they guide newbie drivers through specific challenges, such as rural areas and parallel parking.
One student told us that in his first lesson, the instructor helped him overcome his fear of the freeway by slowly building his confidence in residential areas first.
They offer a wide range of packages, from a quick 2-hour cleanup lesson to a full 12-hour experience.
One thing to keep in mind, though, is the classroom start dates. Since their teen sessions only start every four weeks, some might have to wait a bit if they miss the signup window.
That aside, they make the licensing process incredibly fast. Their $150 adult package includes the written test and an immediate DPS appointment, which is a huge time saver.
We also think it’s pretty cool that S.V.M. Defensive Driving School has authorized licensed driving instructors who can give the actual driving test right there.
Their defensive driving courses are also a bargain at $40 for ticket dismissal.
I passed the exam on the first try
“My experience was great, staff was nice examiners was professional and I had. No issues. I passed the exam on the first try. My son had to take it two times because he ran a red light but overall everything was good.”
- Robert Deharo, Google Reviews
Learn quickly as possible
“I am so grateful that I was able to find SVM, Ms. Marquez and her staff were really kind, and to me that is very important. I have learned a lot during my lessons with one of their staff and with Ms. Marquez. I highly recommend this for someone who doesn’t know how to drive and wants to learn quickly as possible as long as you are determined.”
- Anne Abrigo, Google Reviews
3. A2B Driving School
Address: 8500 Dyer St #12
Contact Details: +1 915-751-8500
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday – 1 PM to 5 PM
A2B Driving School caught our attention because they offer a massive 32-hour classroom course for teens, which is more than other schools in the area.
Former students appreciated that the teen driver education here included practical skills they’d actually use on the road, from traffic signals to parallel parking. They also loved that their instructor used illustrations to keep their lessons engaging.
If you’re preparing for a DMV test, A2B is one of your best bets. Many of their lessons focus on preparing students for the test, so many reported not encountering any surprises on test day.
Their adult driving lessons are held on a few Saturdays a month, with lunch included. This makes it easy for people with 9-to-5 jobs to attend.
We also think their discount system is one of the best in the city. They offer lower rates for active military, teachers, and even a “bring a friend” deal where students save $20.
However, their registration process is a bit old-school. Students have to go to the school in person by Thursday before class starts to sign up, which can be a hassle.
Very informative class, fun activities
“Very informative class, fun activities with lessons. Lisa is very nice, fun, helpful, and even shows some over her povs of driving to help students see a better view of driving from someone who has experience in driving.”
- Alyssa Garcia, Google Reviews
She is funny and engaging for the students to feel interested
“Lisa is a great teacher! She is funny and engaging for the students to feel interested in being taught. She doesn’t read the chapters word by word so it makes it much easier to pay attention and stay awake during class. Barely any homework assigned. Definitely recommend this school. I feel ready to be on the road.”
- melanie cobos, Google Reviews
4. Cherokee Driving School
Address: 120 Redd Rd Ste.C
Contact Details: +1 915-760-5205
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 2 PM to 8 PM
- Friday – 4 PM to 6 PM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 3 PM
Cherokee Driving School offers in-person and online driving lessons in both English and Spanish. This makes it easier for many of their students to understand the lessons.
We love the consistency of the instruction here. Their instructors are friendly and keep their lessons engaging.
The instructors use real-world examples, ones that actually helped students remember what they learned when they got behind the wheel.
Their pricing is also very straightforward. The “Cherokee Packet” for teens is $420 and covers everything from the permit phase to the final license. Their adult driving lessons only cost $90 and even include the written exam.
They also offer defensive driving courses in El Paso for just $40, which can help lower insurance rates.
One thing we noticed, though, is that their behind-the-wheel phase has a time limit. Students have to finish all their drives within six months of getting their permit, or they might run into issues with their contract.
The teachers were very helpful
“My experience during this time was great as I was able to understand the concepts easily and the teachers were very helpful with guiding students along the way. Would strongly recommend to any parent thinking of signing their child up for this course. 👍”
- romero, Google Reviews
I had a great experience taking these classes
“I had a great experience taking these classes at cherokee, they make the material to where it’s easy to learn and understand.”
- Aidan Morales, Google Reviews
5. Sun City Driving School – East
Address: 12300 Pellicano Dr
Contact Details: +1 915-858-0080
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 12 PM to 7 PM
- Friday – 12 PM to 4 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 2 PM
We love the consistency of lesson schedules in Sun City Driving School. Teen driving lessons are scheduled every single Wednesday at 6 PM, making it easier for students to plan their days.
Adult driving lessons, on the other hand, are scheduled on Saturday afternoons, so they don’t interfere with typical work days.
The booking process is a breeze too. Learners can snag a spot by registering online or by calling.
It’s also a huge plus that Sun City Driving School is licensed by the DPS to give both the written and the physical driving tests. Taking the test in a familiar environment where students had driving lessons can help reduce nerves on test day.
We also love how professional the instructors are. Students described them as patient, always explaining things clearly during the session.
On the downside, their communication can be a bit limited. Students really have to call them directly to get the most up-to-date info on their specific behind-the-wheel private lesson availability.
Highly recommend to anyone
“Very friendly people from the students to the staff, you get to learn many things about driving and it’s precautions, highly recommend to anyone young or older! :)”
- Kevin Sanchez, Google Reviews
The teachers are very kind and understanding
“This driving school provides a very clear education all new drivers will need. The classroom is clean, materials are provided, and the teachers are very kind and understanding. I didn’t have any issues with my time here. I’m glad I chose this driving school, I feel more prepared and I would definitely recommend others to take it.”
- Atty, Google Reviews
