Check out the latest Google reviews (student feedback) for our DMV driver improvement course in Charlottesville, VA. See why people like taking our class!

We make it fun and interesting so the time flies by. Our experienced instructors make all the difference, helping students to be better & safer drivers for life.


Cheryl StaubsCheryl Staubs
20:06 15 Jun 24
Great class Steve was awesome learned so much and the day went by quickly!
Alexander SwanAlexander Swan
00:18 21 Apr 24
The teacher for this class is spectacular. Anybody who wants to take (or is obligated to take) a defensive driving course would be an idiot if they chose to take it elsewhere. Trust me, I know what I’m talking about and I would not be taking the time to write this extremely positive positive. Google review unless the experience was so above and beyond what I had expected that I felt Almost obligated to write this review. Go to this class! You will not regret your decision. the teacher is absolutely spectacular
Max KimMax Kim
20:01 20 Apr 24
Great class and instructor, if I ever had to do this over I would gladly take this course again
Ta-Lynn SorelTa-Lynn Sorel
20:00 20 Apr 24
no robotno robot
20:41 16 Mar 24
Informative class.Graham does a excellent job with keeping the class engaged while being thorough.
Lavonia TaylorLavonia Taylor
21:12 17 Feb 24
The instructor was very detailed and made the class interesting and not boring.Also learned new things.
Aidan D.Aidan D.
21:12 17 Feb 24
The instructor was able to hold my attention on a subject I have zero interest in whatsoever. If you are ever in a situation where you have to take a class for your license, I could not recommend a better service.
Ryan HicksRyan Hicks
21:12 17 Feb 24
Very good class, learn a lot of information that I didn’t know, instructor was super nice and understand. Hands down easily recommend this class
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See our Latest Google Reviews

I’d never recommend spending an entire Saturday in a driver’s improvement class but if you have to take one, this is the one to take. I went into this thinking it was going to be the longest 8 hours of my life and I’m not gonna learn anything new but that wasn’t the case at all. Thoroughly enjoyed my time there thanks to the instructor, Steve Smalley. He’s funny, engaging, and a great speaker. Not only did I enjoy it but I even learned a few things and I’ve been driving for 28 years. Would highly recommend Steve’s class to anyone, young or old.

Google review

This class was honestly entertaining for the most part. 8 hours is definitely a long time to be in one place, so thankfully there were 10-15 minutes breaks every hour. I don’t know if it was the group of people in the class that made it entertaining/almost boring-free or the instructor, but overall if I had to take the class again, I would take it through this driving improvement program with the same instructor.

Google review

I came into the class with a very pessimistic attitude; expecting some stuffy DMV guy to tell me things I already knew. To my surprise Steve was quite funny, very down to earth, and a delight to spend the class with. He taught the material in a way which was very comprehensible and I’m pleased to say that I did learn a new trick or two. I can’t say I wouldn’t have rather spent the day doing something I wanted to do, but if you want to/have to go to a driving class, I recommend A-1 Defensive Driving School, hands down. 10/10

Google review

Great class thought was going to be boring he made the class actually fun and learned a lot of important things about driving I did not know of…He made sure to explain and answer any questions I had and the class…Def will be taking more classes in the future….

Google review

This class was awesome under the circumstances lol but he made it very enjoyable! 10/10 recommend best one can take.

Google review

Coach Smalley is the freaking man. No one wants to spend their Saturday doing a defensive driving course but Steve does a phenomenal job of keeping the content interesting and fun. I have done this course twice and yes, it does help mitigate the consequences of traffic/speeding related charges in court. I would recommend this class to anyone with +3 points on their driving record.

Google review

Steve at A-1 Defensive Driving School teaches the best class in Charlottesville, hands down. Super easy, helpful, great attitude, and very friendly. If you ever have to take the course, do it at A-1.

Google review

He was really fun and nice to everyone! He made the day go by fast even though it’s an 8hr course. I would highly recommend him!

Google review

I was expecting to be miserable for 8 hours but this guy made the mandatory more than bearable. I would recommend this to anyone in a heartbeat.

Google review

Steve was awesome. Nobody wants to spend 8+ hours taking a driving class but he has a great personality, tells lots of interesting stories and it wasn’t complete torture. I’d recommend checking your driving points before the class as he will defer turning in your certificate to the DMV depending on your current point/legal situation.

Google review

Awesome class! The instructor really kept things moving and interesting.

Google review

I was really dreading taking this course, but this guy made it a breeze! 10/10 recommend! very professional!

Google review

This dude is really cool man, tells good stories and gets all the knowledge to you well

Google review

I was 100% dreading taking this eight hour class. I 100% percent honestly thought that I was going to end up sleeping through most of it. Then I got to meet the instructor Mr. Smalley, he is awesome. Has great stories to help pass the time and keeps the time going. I learn a lot more than expected in the class. I’m really glad I took the class not only to help reduce a ticket but to gain some info I didn’t know. Class was decently priced, clean, good set up, and very educational. I actually wish I had brought along my teenager to learn a few things! If your faced with needed a course via court or DMV, is highly suggest taking A-1 Defensive Driving. I took mine in Charlottesville, VA.

Google review

Excellent teacher!! Best drivers class.

Google review

Absolutely enjoyed this class. Definitely recommend for anyone that is local near this to take. So informative and made me rethink some choices about my driving. Take this class.

Google review

Class went by pretty quick considering the topic. Mr. Smalley’s experience is evident with how he incorporates real life experiences with the content he teaches. Highly recommend his course!

Google review

Great teacher and made the class very educational experience.

Google review

Very useful course, particularly in reminding drivers to be safe and defensive drivers.

Google review

Steve made the best of a bad situation. 8 hour driving class is never gonna be fun but it could have been a lot worse.

Google review

He was very sweet and made instruction easy and interesting to follow.

Google review

Approved by Virginia DMV

FYI - distracted drivers using phones is one of the leading causes of car accidents in VA.