How to Choose the Best Driving School in Phoenix

Driving Tips · February 25, 2026 · 2 min read

How to Choose the Best Driving School in Phoenix

What to look for when picking a driving school and why DVDS checks every box.

By DVDS Team

#Arizona driving#Phoenix driving school#Deer Valley Driving School

# How to Choose the Best Driving School in Phoenix

Picking a driving school is not a decision to make on price alone. The quality of instruction, the convenience of scheduling, and the overall experience can make the difference between a confident new driver and one who barely scrapes by on the test. Here is what to look for when choosing a driving school in Phoenix.

Instructor Credentials Matter

Arizona requires driving school instructors to be certified by the MVD and ADOT. Not every school follows this rule strictly. Ask directly about instructor certification and how long they have been teaching.

At Deer Valley Driving School, all instructors are MVD-certified and ADOT-certified. We have been family-owned and operating since 2011, and our instructors know how to teach, not just how to drive.

Insurance Coverage Is a Big Deal

Here is a question most people do not think to ask: Do I need to add my teen to my auto insurance before they start lessons? At many schools, the answer is yes. That can add hundreds of dollars to your cost before the first lesson even happens.

At DVDS, students are covered by our commercial insurance policy. You do not need personal insurance to start, which saves you money and hassle.

Convenience Counts

Learning to drive is stressful enough without having to figure out how to get to and from lessons. Look for a school that offers free pickup and drop-off from your home, school, or workplace.

DVDS offers free pickup and drop-off across 22 Phoenix metro locations including Anthem, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe, Glendale, Peoria, and Surprise. We work around your schedule with morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend availability.

Check the Reviews

Online reviews tell you what actually happens after someone hands over their money. Look for consistent themes in reviews — do students mention patient instructors? Do parents feel their teens learned what they needed?

DVDS has over 1,200 Google reviews with a 5.0-star rating. That did not happen by accident.

The Road Test Waiver Advantage

Only certified driving schools can offer a Road Test Waiver, which lets you skip the MVD road test entirely if you pass your final road test with the school. Not every school has this option. DVDS includes the Road Test Waiver with our License-Ready and Ultimate packages.

Ready to Choose?

Call (602) 663-3502 or visit deervalleydrivingschool.com to learn more about our packages starting at $200. We will answer your questions and help you pick the right option for your situation.

Want personalized coaching tailored to your exact skill level?

★★★★★ 5.0 · 1,200+ Google reviews