Rivadavia

Great driving school on many levels. I took one class with Emilio and then scheduling didn't work out so continued with Yancarlos. Both excellent instructors. Yancarlos was patient and gave great instructions, paynig attention to areas of improvement and making sure I got a lot of practice with those areas. I passed the road test on the first try. Lilly, who manages the scheduling and customer service, is also fantastic. Super responsive, kind, communicative. I had to do a few reschedules because of illness in the family, and she was always very helpful and responsive. 10/10 recommend!

I found this school on Yelp and decided to do business with them since they have such good reviews! I don't usually do bad reviews, the only reason I am doing this one is to prevent others from having an experience same as mine. While they have a good website to make a class reservation, you need to call them to make cancellations/refund and book them for 'Driving test day service' (wherein they assist you on the day of the test).

They NEVER answer calls or emails(even on their said working hours). Even if you leave a message, you never know when they will call back which made it really difficult for me to plan my classes and book my test with the DMV. I took one class with them, which was fine. The instructor suggested I take two more classes before taking the DMV test which was a NIGHTMARE to book and plan with their poor management.

I have finally decided not to do business with them. I would have liked the continuity with the same instructor, but now I have look for a new school/instructor and start all over again. Seems like they are TOO BUSY for you.

I really enjoyed driving classes here and took driving classes with Yancarlos. He was a super great instructor, very calm and supportive, and gave great advice/tips I'll always remember. I'd 100% recommend driving classes here.

Hi my name is Brittany I've recently just passed my first time and got my License I've been taking lessons with Emilio and Carlos and they are both good instructors but Emilio is my favorite if you are a person that's trying to get your License this is the best school to go to; at first it may feel like a lot of work but it's very much worth it take it from me a person that never drove a day in my life after being taught with Rivadavia Driving School as Emilio would say "You will be one of the BEST drivers!"

Yancarlos is a patient, calm, knowledgeable instructor, and does a great job preparing students to drive safely and pass the behind-the-wheel test. He is polite, punctual, and great at positively communicating the essentials of defensive driving in the challenging environment of San Francisco. I would recommend this school to anyone looking to learn to drive, especially those who might be anxious or nervous about driving, and need calm, confident reassurance. By the time you take the test, you will be well prepared to pass!

I have been dragging my feet for ahem, 35-yes, 35 years to get a drivers license. Being born & raised SF I always got around without driving. Why did I wait so long when Emilio has been in the world to help nervous drivers like me? I'm 50, took lessons with Emilio, who is self-proclaimed "magic, " which in fact is true, and I passed my test with a near-perfect score. Emilio put me at ease right away, gave me life-long driving rules to live by, and told the best and silliest jokes.

We talked food, wine, travel, all while learning techniques I've never learned anywhere else. Magic is right! He knows all the routes the DMV takes you on for the test, and so the test was "a piece of cake, " as Emilio likes to say. RAVE reviews from a new & very excited driver. Why'd I wait so long? Don't wait-book with Emilio! Lastly, Lily in the main office, Emilio's "boss, " couldn't have been more kind, patient, sweet & inspirational. Not enough stars to go around! THANK YOU, RIVADAVIA!

Yan Carlos was the best instructor! I knew nothing about driving and was anxious especially on the Highway. He made me feel safe and was always patient and good at explaining important concepts and rules. My lessons were never rushed. Rivadavia was great with fitting me in for lessons(I did quite a few as a new driver) and I felt incredibly prepared for the driving test and aced it on the first time. I'm super happy I went with Rivadavia and recommend it to everyone.

I had a wonderful experience with my driving instructor, Yan Carlos. I passed the driving exam on my first try and I credit Rivadavia for giving me the knowledge and confidence to succeed as an urban driver. If you have any anxiety about city or highway driving, I HIGHLY recommend Yan Carlos as an instructor. He's super patient, kind, knowledgable and calming. You won't go wrong! Thank you, Rivadavia and Yan Carlos!

Yancarlos was my instructor and he was always calm and reassuring. His advice was always centered around becoming a good safe driver and not just to pass the driving test. However I did take about 6 lessons and passed the test the first time! I really appreciate Rivadavia for everything and would very much recommend them to everyone!

Yancarlos and Javier were my instructors, both are very knowledgeable and experienced. They help you to gain the confidence that you need by giving you appropriate instructions in a very relaxed environment. Lessons focus on teaching you how to drive correctly in the city and the highway. In addition they have modern clean cars that make the experience of learning very smooth.

Just took my Behind-the-Wheel test and passed it! I was super nervous, (being an adult 1st time driver ) and never thought I would actually like to drive but I actually enjoyed it. The instructors really help you build confidence and find some fun in it. I had the chance to have lessons with each of them (Yancarlos, Javier and Emilio). They each have a different way to teach you but they all make sure you become good drivers, and you don't only care about the test.

I took the lessons in SF but they brought me to Daly City and the Freeway which I appreciate so I know how to drive in different circumstances. Not a small detail, the car are modern, safe and really clean. 100% would recommend.

Highly recommend this driving school! I took 5 lessons with Yancarlos, and passed my test on the first try! He has a patient and knowledgeable teaching style, and focused on building my confidence on the road in addition to helping me pass my test. You're in great hands :

Javier was the absolute BEST instructor! His calm and thorough instruction helped me ace my road test on the first try with minimal errors (only 2!). I owe that success to Javier's excellent instruction. I'd recommend Rivadavia and Javier to anyone looking to learn to drive and ace their road test

Cannot recommend Rivadavia driving school enough! I passed my behind the wheel driving test on my first try, and it's all thanks to the amazing driving lessons I took with Javier and Yancarlos. From the car, their covid protocols, the reservation system on their website or the awesome follow up from the front office staff if (ever) there needed to be updates to my driving class schedule, everything was flawless. Every lesson was so focused on making me a responsible, safe driver on the road with really helpful insights on what to expect on the test as well. Thank you guys!

I highly recommend this driving school, I took classes with Javier and he was very patient and calm in the teaching process. Also, they were very flexible with the driving test schedule and the cars are well-equipped, clean and with the latest technology.

Okay, so I know, another one of those people that's like, "I never write reviews!" -- But seriously, I never write reviews, I think they're oftentimes super petty, but I feel like it's important for me to just let y'all know how trash Javier's driving instruction was. I'm an adult who doesn't know how to drive. AWKWARD, right? Well, luckily 2 years ago I took a few lessons with Macarena (who honestly, is a complete and utter gem, and I *wish* I could have continued with her), and the experience with her solidified my faith in going back to lessons with Rivadavia today.

Upon entering the car, Javier is completely unhelpful. No instruction of the car's elements, how to adjust things, nothing (I know little to nothing about operation of cars as of right now, and was very clear about that). When you play a video game, you expect a tutorial before right? Well, no tutorial with Javier; which is funny, because you don't get extra lives to play with IRL, which should, uhhh, make instruction of how to operate the vehicle all the more important.

Fast forward to the conversation, literally non-existent. In between quietly parroting a mixture of "left", "right", "shoulder", "indication", "stop"; Javier made no attempt at like, conversation (not even to share a bit of context on complicated situations on the road). Seriously 2 hours of silence with this guy while he just repeats the same 10 phrases.

I mean, we don't have to be friends, but damn. My favorite part was Javier's complete and utter lack of description, nor pre-emptive instruction. If there's a fork with a diagonal road on the right as well as a 90 degree right-angled road and Javier says "turn right", you're gonna have to guess which one -- So don't mess up! :) He also did a really great job of directing me to make turns literally 10 feet before the turn was to occur.

All (bad) jokes aside, if you're a person with any kind of anxiety about driving, Javier would only be incredibly harmful to your learning process. His aptitude for explaining the concepts of the road and vehicles are low, and his willingness to pivot to the needs of his student are non-existent. I genuinely can't believe Rivadavia could call this dude a "teacher".

I lowkey felt like an Uber driver who has some super sus and quiet passenger in the backseat. One star because my interaction 2 years ago gives me hope that not all driving teachers at Rivadavia are as terrible as Javier.

I was able to pass my behind-the-wheel driving test this past Thursday after having several lessons with both Javier and Emilio. I practiced in Daly City and San Francisco with both instructors, and I felt ready to go when time came for the test. Emilio told me something important during one lesson: "don't worry about passing the driving test, worry about learning to be a good driver".

Both instructors make sure to give the student plenty of advice and information in regards to driving on the road and for the test. The cars they use for the lessons are very new and have the latest technology. Emilio went with me on the day of the driving test and gave me one last lesson to make sure I was ready to go. I am pleased with my experience learning from this driving school.

I am so grateful to have taken professional driving lessons with Javier. Not only was he patient, but very thorough at explaining WHY is important to be a defensive driver. He pointed out my mistakes and was honest so I can correct them. Overall very professional and knowledgeable about driving in the city of SF- which can hectic! Javier was also flexible with my schedule when I had my behind the wheel test and showed me what to look out for and reassured me that I was going to do great and I passed on my first try. Thank you so much!

I had driving lessons with Emilio, and if you're new to driving in the area I'd highly recommend you get on his schedule. Emilio had been doing this for about 33 years and his pointers really helped me pass my drive test down in Daly City. I was pretty nervous when I started, but trust me, you're in good hands! I was skeptical of the cost at first too, but everything from the experience that Emilio brings even to the cars they use will give you all the confidence you need for the test.

In the span of a month and a half, Yancarlos, Javier and Emilio helped me grow from a scared adult learner to a confident driver. They emphasize safe driving rather than simply passing the test, a mindset that is very valuable. And yet, they possess extensive knowledge of the test, which I passed on the first try. I strongly recommend their driving test lesson, as Yancarlos' support and tips helped a lot while in line for the test, when I was getting nervous. I don't normally leave reviews on Yelp, but I highly recommend the team at Rivadavia Driving School, and will genuinely miss my lessons. Thank you!

I definitely recommend Rivadavia. I took several lessons from Yancarlos and passed the driving test in my first try. Passing the test was not the only goal though. I also learned a lot about defense driving. I would definitely recommend him. Also, their cars great for the learning to drive. They are very new, clean and easy to drive.

Just passed my driving test today and I can't say I could have done it without the help of Javier. Extremely thorough with instructions and made sure I was more than ready for my test. Always on time and felt safe throughout the lessons. Would definitely recommend.

100% recommend lessons with this school, I personally had all my lessons with Yan Carlos. Driving with Yan Carlos is like driving with a friend, in that it is very low stress but also he is very alert and knowledgeable of the rules of the road. Yan Carlos also does not unnecessarily interfere with the wheel nor his pedals which is great because it makes me feel like I'm actually driving.

When there needs to be an intervention, it is always calm and explained so I understand where I went wrong. I passed my exam first try and had a great time learning, they prep you fully for the exam too on all possible routes.

I have several classes with Javier and it was extremely helpful! He was super patient and informative. He also made sure to work on the areas I was struggling with. I was super anxious about driving and taking the test, and working with Javier helped alleviate those concerns. All of his help is what ultimately led to being able to pass the test! I also wanted to add that it was super easy to work with the other staff that helped schedule appointments. They were very kind and communicative. Overall, I had a great experience.

Javier was a great instructor, I took 4 classes plus the DMV test in their car and I passed on my first try. I really felt confident from the get go knowing he could control the brake from the passenger side if needed, I think that gave me the confidence I needed. He's encouraging and corrects your mistakes but in a friendly manner and that makes the whole difference in the world! I'd recommend Rivadavia driving school wholeheartedly!

Emilio has been a great teacher, patient and knowledgeable about the DMV test Very flexible to accommodate you ahead of the DMV test and set you up for success

I have been fortunate to learn to drive as an adult driver with Emilio, owner of Rivadavia Driving school. Great teacher with immense professionalism and dedication to his customers. Emilio is focused on not only teaching and preparing you for the driving exam, but sharing tips and knowledge on how to be a good driver in general, and ensuring you feel safe at all times on your way to your goal.

Highly recommended. I have passed my driving exam from first attempt. The booking was simple, and very accommodating at two instances when I needed to postpone/cancel my class due to work obligations.

I am very grateful to have found Rivadavia Driving School. Don Emilio has been a mentor since minute one. Never did I think that at my age (30) and as a beginner I would be passing my DMV test in less than 2 months. He helped me develop a lot of confidence and excellent driving skills. Such is the case that the day after I passed, I went to a dealer, bought my own car and drove 26 miles back home.

When I drive alone I still imagine he's next to me telling me "look at the destination". Again, don't hesitate if you're a beginner. Rivadavia IS the place to learn. Also thanks to Macarena for that one class.

My driving instructor Emilio is the best! I've been so nervous to drive and he gave me the confidence to drive. I took my test at the San Francisco DMV and it was smooth sailing during my test. I would totally recommend him to anyone that needs a instructor!

I failed my DMV eye test so was required to take a behind-the-wheel driving test. I'm 75 and thought I knew everything. Right off the bat, Emilio disabused me of that fact. I would describe his approach as direct and no BS. He pointed out and corrected all by bad habits. I would not have passed the test without him.

These people have been unbelievable in their responses to my review. I reviewed the right business with an honest review of our experience and I keep getting messages from them telling me I'm wrong. Beyond frustrating and I'm so glad we left after one lesson. Very unprofessional and receiving messages telling me why we are wrong and that we are lying is beyond belief.

So unimpressed. Instead of taking the feedback and adapting their practices or reflecting on how they could ease student fears, they spend time sending public and private messages to former customers about why their customers are wrong to feel the way they do. Maybe say "how could we improve" but instead they just kept telling us we are wrong and lying. Unbelievable.

I took six 2 hour lessons and the driving test package with Rivadavia. I had 4 lessons with Emilio and 2 with his daughter Macarena. Overall, my experience was positive but not without some quirks. I had never driven before taking lessons here, except for one driving lesson with another school (which happens to be run by Emilio's brother, and that I cannot recommend). Emilio is a great teacher and focuses not only on making sure you are ready for the test by taking you along the DMV route, but also makes sure that you are confident in your own driving skills. He's hilarious and I will always have his voice at the back of my head whenever I drive telling me "Check!" when crossing intersections. However, he does hijack the gas/brake pedals a bit too much.

For example, instead of telling you to speed up on the freeway, he will simply accelerate himself. This can get quite annoying and really throws you off on how much pressure you need to be applying on the pedals in the car. Macarena is an incredible teacher. I loved every lesson with her. She is warm, approachable and encouraging. She drew out some helpful diagrams teaching me how to turn left and right and really points out the things you need to improve upon.

She also lets you drive without hijacking the controls, except in the case of emergencies. If I had to redo everything, I would take all my lessons with Macarena! Before the test, Emilio had me practice the SF DMV route a couple of times and also drove the route himself, while giving me pointers on the things I should look out for, which was extremely helpful. Lessons here are quite pricey, at $180 for a 2 hour lesson and $360 for the driving test. I suppose it is a once in a lifetime cost you have to incur, but there are definitely cheaper ways to do it, as I ended up spending nearly $1500 here.