Business Details
48 Years
experience
Your Trusted Driving School in Charlotte, NC
Faulkner's Driving School has been dedicated to teaching safe and responsible driving since 1978. Founded by Paul F. Faulkner, a retired educator with over 30 years of experience, we combine decades of expertise with personalized instruction to meet diverse learner needs. Our programs in Charlotte, NC, cater to teens, adults, and drivers with special needs, emphasizing safety, confidence, and mastery of critical driving skills. With over 45 years of experience and 15,000+ graduates, we prioritize flexibility, offering online and in-person courses tailored to busy schedules.Our curriculum exceeds state requirements, integrating advanced techniques like the Smith System and IPDE Process to ensure drivers are prepared for real-world challenges. We maintain a commitment to excellence through certified instructors, proven methodologies, and a focus on visual and decision-making skills that account for 90% of safe driving. Our reputation, recognized by the Charlotte Observer, reflects our dedication to transforming learners into responsible, low-risk drivers.
Services
Teen Driver Education
Behind-the-Wheel Training
Classroom Driver Education
Safe Driving Course
Driver Improvement Programs
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- We offer over 45 years of experience in driver education.
- Our certified instructors bring decades of industry expertise.
- Flexible scheduling options fit busy lifestyles and special needs.
- Comprehensive curriculum covers advanced driving techniques and safety.
- Personalized instruction ensures mastery of critical driving skills.
What people say
Best Around
Excellent Instruction
Confident Drivers
Patient and Supportive
Tailored to Needs
Services
Teen Driver Education Course
Our Teen Driver Education Course combines 30 hours of online instruction with 6 hours of driving practice. Designed for Charlotte-area teens, it meets state requirements and builds confidence through expert-led lessons. Students receive a completion certificate for DMV licensing.
Behind-the-Wheel Training Program
This hands-on program offers 610 hours of personalized driving instruction. Tailored for learners needing additional practice, it focuses on real-world scenarios and safety techniques. Ideal for reinforcing skills taught in classroom courses.
Safe Driving Course
A 4-hour course for drivers cited with violations, emphasizing safety and decision-making. Helps demonstrate road responsibility, potentially aiding legal outcomes. Combines classroom instruction with practical strategies.
StartSmart Program
A 5-day program offering 10 hours of hands-on driving instruction. Includes a free evaluation to customize training. Designed for rapid skill development and confidence building in new drivers.
Advanced Driver Program
An 11-day course with 22 hours of advanced training, including complex maneuvers and strategic skills. Offers 4 free hours with full payment. Prepares drivers for high-level proficiency and safety in diverse conditions.
People
Paul F. Faulkner
Founder
Paul F. Faulkner founded the school in 1978 after 30 years as an educator. He previously led Sun Valley High School's driver education program for 18 years. His expertise shapes our personalized, safety-focused approach.
Questions
What driver education programs do you offer?
We provide teen driver courses, behind-the-wheel training, safe driving courses, and advanced driver improvement programs.
Are your courses state-approved?
Yes, our 30-hour online and 6-hour driving programs meet North Carolina DMV requirements.
Can I schedule lessons on weekends?
Yes, we offer flexible weekend courses tailored to your schedule.
Do you serve areas outside Charlotte?
Yes, we serve Concord, Gastonia, Huntersville, Mooresville, Matthews, Pineville, and Monroe.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept credit cards, debit cards, and online payments for all programs.
Reviews (7)
Will Robertson
May 22, 2024
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This place is a wreck, they do not teach you anything on driving and do not prepare your teen for actual driving. My son got in the car and was belittled, called names, bullied, and yelled at. The old man is the worst, he is has little to no patience and is extremely rude. Paul Faulkner Is a very sweet man and Ill give him that but the other guy must go. Yelling at a teenage driver has to be the dumbest thing I have ever heard of.
I would also love to include that my son was SCREAMED at because the car break would become stuck and he would have to pull it back up. Making a learner drive a broken car is absolutely absurd. I hope this place shuts down and that the man retires and never works in any job requiring young people again. Just because they are young does not mean they are completely stupid (as my son was called in multiple occasions.
I would also love to include that my son was SCREAMED at because the car break would become stuck and he would have to pull it back up. Making a learner drive a broken car is absolutely absurd. I hope this place shuts down and that the man retires and never works in any job requiring young people again. Just because they are young does not mean they are completely stupid (as my son was called in multiple occasions.
Susan Baker
Feb 07, 2024
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My child's experience at Faulkner's Driving School was outstanding; the instructors were professional and patient, and the curriculum thoroughly prepared them for safe driving. I highly recommend Faulkner's to any parent seeking a reliable and effective driving school for their child.
Joanna Britt
Oct 05, 2022
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My daughter took in car driving lessons only and had a wonderful experience. She went from very afraid of driving to highly confident. I cannot speak to the in class portion but our experience was very good. Mr. Faulkner focuses on safety first which is obviously so important. Thank you Paul for helping my daughter. We are very appreciative of your service.
Linda Harmon
Feb 18, 2022
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This is my first negative google review. Faulkner's was NOT a good experience unfortunately for my son and our family. Instructor was an unhappy teacher and their office never contacted me about scheduling the behind the wheel lessons despite my many calls/emails and their promise to call. Disappointing experience.
Robin Lewis
Jan 09, 2022
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Our daughter recently attended driving school at Faulkners and she learned nothing except to be afraid to drive! They watched videos on teens getting in car accidents and about vaping and what that does while you are driving. Nothing about the basics in drivers education. Her road experience was less than wonderful as the instructor wasn't patient and gave terrible information on how to drive properly.
We had to contact them about receiving a certificate of completion and even that was not ready. Very unhappy and unprofessional place. Will not be sending out others to this place and will not be telling others about them.
We had to contact them about receiving a certificate of completion and even that was not ready. Very unhappy and unprofessional place. Will not be sending out others to this place and will not be telling others about them.
Ronda Avila
Dec 10, 2021
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What a SCAM this so called "business" is! They take your money, ,, do NOT teach anything in class, , and belittle your children. Once they had my money, , they NEVER contacted me again about getting my son his road time. I have been contacting them since June of 2021 and we are days away from January 1st of 2022! If you want to throw away your money and have to take your children elsewhere to actually learn, then this is for you. I STRONGLY ADVISE EVERYONE TO AVOID this scam of a "business ". I'm currently going to report them to the Better Business Bureau and then sue them in small claims court for a refund.
Kara Murdock
Sep 15, 2021
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Mr. Faulkner is absolutely fantastic! I have had 2 children go through Faulkner's Driving School with a 3rd currently enrolled. We recently relocated to the lake area and are making the drive to Matthews due to the professionalism, education, information and one-on-one instruction Mr. Faulkner provides. My son consistently tells me how much he learned from Mr. Faulkner and how well he prepared him for driving.
I will always be thankful for the behind the wheel skills my children learned and consistently use daily. From the driving instruction on the interstate, in uptown, and around the city, my children were prepped and ready for all aspects of driving. Thank you Mr. Faulkner for sharing your knowledge and keeping my kids safe and smart on the road. I will always be thankful.
I will always be thankful for the behind the wheel skills my children learned and consistently use daily. From the driving instruction on the interstate, in uptown, and around the city, my children were prepped and ready for all aspects of driving. Thank you Mr. Faulkner for sharing your knowledge and keeping my kids safe and smart on the road. I will always be thankful.
