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Bells Auto Driving School We have been in the business of training drivers in the Capital Region for over 48 years. We offer private lessons, the required NYS five hour pre-licensing course, defensive driving courses. We have built our business over the years by providing quality driving instruction and excellent customer service. Bell's goal of behind the wheel instruction is to teach lifelong safe driving techniques. The Bell philosophy is that we are not in the business to simply teach students to pass the road test; we're here to teach the students to drive safely and correctly - then the road test becomes easier.

During each lesson students learn basic rules of the road, defensive driving techniques, and are properly prepared for the road test. Whether you are a brand new driver, a driver looking to prepare for the road test, or a licensed driver looking to improve your driving skills, Bell's has qualified, patient instructors waiting to help you become a safe and skilled driver.
Highlights and features
  • Defensive Courses, Online Courses
Associations and certifications
  • National Safety Council
Services
Road Test
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Office staff will help you understand the requirements for obtaining your NYS license and schedule your road test through DMV for you. Using our vehicle, students will take a 60 minute lesson just prior to their test. Immediately following the lesson, students will drive directly to the road test site to take their test.
5 Hour Pre-Licensing Course
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This mandatory course is required by New York State Department of Motor Vehicles for any individual seeking to take a New York State Road Test. The course covers the state required curriculum and is taught by certified instructors. We offer the class in a variety of locations throughout the Capital District. Evening and weekend classes are available for your convenience.
Defensive Driving
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The Point Insurance Reduction Program provides licensed drivers with the opportunity to obtain a reduction on their insurance and/or reduce points from their license. This course provides a wealth of information to help the experienced driver stay sharp and safe on the road. We teach a National Safety Council approved curriculum and our certified instructors provide an educational and engaging experience.
Reviews (12)
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Alexandria Muhammad
Apr 18, 2022
This place is okay, the instructor was impatient with me and didn't seem to even want to teach me how to drive. He said I wasn't listening to him, but really I was just acting like a beginner and still unsure of how to drive. I learned how to parallel park pretty good so that's why there's a extra star. I'll go somewhere else to continue my driving lessons.
India Thomas
Mar 11, 2022
Mr. Lawson Is a great teacher after my lesson I have lots of confidence I didn't have before. Thank you so much Bells driving school and Mr. Lawson. He was very kind and patient coolest person ever definitely come here if your looking for a great driving school.
Hl Voges
Dec 28, 2021
I took the 5 hour online pre-licensing course, and o learned nothing. It was basically just one guy talking with no visuals, super slow, and only told stories about how his past students had weird experiences. He just sat and talked for 5 hours straight, in a more rant-like manner, not to A couple of quotes from him: "Just put your phone in the trunk and lock it" "Take your phone batteries out and put them in the other room" "Do you teens even know what a map is" "I bet no one here knows what a pay phone is" "How many times should you check your mirrors? *spends 10 minutes asking random people* well it's 5 seconds. Anyways." Just boring, slow, and confusing. Not to mention the solid hour he spend advertising Bells auto.
Zero Duncan
Nov 01, 2021
*my real name is Conner* the one-star reviews had me skeptical about signing up with them, but i'm glad i did! my instructor Vincent is very patient and helpful, which goes a long way for me since i am a very anxious driver and person all-around. thanks Bell's!
Dreamer
Oct 17, 2021
Bought $1000 worth of lessons from them over the course of a year with multiple packages. With that type of consumer confidence, I ended up completely underwhelmed. When you purchase package online, you are given promise that someone will call you to schedule lessons within 24-48 hours. I had to call them more often than not days later, with excuse that they coordinate so many high school group lessons.

My driving instructor was competent, but I noticed we didn't always go the full 45min or 60min timeframe. Also didn't help that 3 separate times we stopped for him to take bathroom/coffee breaks during my slotted time. I did not get those minutes added back into my driving time on the road. cumulatively, I counted 25min of lost time that would have meant a lot as I trusted Bell's as one of the largest and oldest schools here. Bell's rests on their legacy and its popularity, and its students' progress means nothing.

Besides they have contracts with so many high schools, they really don't take adult customers as priority too. After this, an empty apology and useless offer was made to call them to hear excuses and lies of regret, no doubt! For what? If some of the hard-earned cash paid is not being reimbursed, no go! Forget about it!
Missy Stein
Oct 01, 2021
Great lessons. Very helpful and gave great advice to a very nervous driver. Passed road test on first try!
Bibi Razack
Sep 05, 2021
I took ten 45 minutes lessons, which cost me over $500 from Bells driving school and still failed my road test. I trusted the reviews and went ahead and book with this school. I am so disappointed and hopeless. I wish I wasn't in this situation right now, lost my money and failed my road test.
Rash La
Aug 27, 2021
First of all, it was our fault to NOT trust the many esteemed "1 star" reviews that this prestigious driving school has accumulated over the years. Trust me now, all these people who took time to provide their reviews are 100% RIGHT. My wife had the worst nightmare taking her first lesson with them. The instructor even discouraged her from driving and mentioned that she should NEVER be behind the wheels and this was within the first few minutes of her first driving lesson.

She specifically wanted a female instructor when signing up but they sent her a gentlemen who was at his best manners. Upon checking now, the customer service lady said they never promised her a female instructor. Glad we at least got the refund for the rest of the lessons. I would NEVER recommend this place.
L. Leonard
Nov 13, 2020
We just had our second child go through driving lessons with Bell's Auto. I would recommend their services to everyone! Your child gets one-on-one attention during their lessons, they will focus on specific areas if you want (highway, city, etc.) and they are so helpful. Instructors even give pointers for their driving test. They make parallel parking a breeze for kids! Office staff and instructors are professional, friendly, and super helpful. Well worth every penny!
Elizabeth LeRoy
Jun 03, 2020
My daughter had the best experience from Bell's 2 years ago, through the Driver's Education Class at her high school. We were very pleased. Also used their Road Test Service--which is a bargain as far as I am concerned! Well worth the money. Last summer, our car was rear ended on the Northway, with my daughter driving. (Police said she was not at fault. ) During the accident, she remained calm, and was able to safely pull the vehicle over to the side of the road. She said she kept remembering the things she was taught during driver education and this helped her handle the situation safely. Would HIGHLY recommend.
Patti Montena
Nov 24, 2018
My son had private lessons with Mr. Tice. Bell's auto would call me the day before every lesson and send reminder emails. They were very professional. Mr. Tice was always on time and made my son feel at ease. He taught him the rules of the road and gave him the confidence he needed to pass his road test. The day of his road test my son had one hour practice, then took his test and passed. I think it was well worth the money, and would highly recommend them.
Brittany Fiske
Oct 29, 2016
This driving school is the best! They work with you until you are extremely comfortable with maneuvering a car. I failed my road test two times because of bad anxiety, and my hearing loss. I am happy to announce that today I had passed. Special thank yous to Mr. Price (David) for taking his time with me, and for giving me tips on how to pass it the third time.

And of course speaking loud enough so I could hear him. Driving instructors will be tough on you (not too tough), but that's because they want you to pass. I highly recommend Bell's.