Home About
Greenville, SC driving school focused on patient teaching
The Drive Smart Academy has trained more than 1,100 South Carolina teens and new drivers. We are a certified third-party tester, which means your road test happens with us, not in a DMV line.
WHAT DRIVES US
Our Mission
At Drive Smart Academy, our mission is to deliver cutting-edge, comprehensive driving education that equips individuals with the skills and knowledge to drive safely, confidently, and responsibly. We strive to create drivers who are not just proficient in passing their tests, but who are also prepared to tackle the diverse challenges of the road in the real world.
2016
Year we opened
1,100+
Students trained
300+
Google reviews
98%
of our students pass their road test the first time they sit it with us.
We are committed to:
- Complete Driver Education
- Promoting Safe Habits
- Prioritizing Safety
- Real-World Preparedness
- Building Confidence
- Individualized Support
- Hands-On Practice
- Lifelong Skills
- Leveraging Technology
- Community Safety
- Engaging Curriculum
- Commitment to Excellence
HOW WE TEACH
The S.M.A.R.T. Philosophy
At Drive Smart Academy, our mission is to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to become safe and confident drivers through engaging, easy-to-understand instruction.
WHERE WE ARE HEADED
Our Vision
We envision a future where every driver on the road is equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and skills necessary to drive safely, regardless of conditions or challenges. Our aim is to transform driver education by embracing innovation and making the learning process more accessible, enjoyable, and efficient.
We aspire to:
Be a Leader in Driving Education
We want to be recognized as the foremost provider of driving education, known for our innovative approach, expert instructors, and high standards of training.
Promote a Culture of Road Safety
We aim to contribute to a safer driving culture by reducing accidents and promoting responsible driving behavior through our students.
Use Innovation to Shape the Future
With smart cars and autonomous driving advancing quickly, we adapt our training to keep pace - so students are comfortable with the latest technologies.
Expand Our Reach Globally
As we grow, our vision is to expand beyond our local community, bringing our smart drive training approach to learners worldwide and contributing to a global culture of safe driving.
MEET OUR TEAM
Patient, highly trained, and fully certified
JaCinda Smith
Lead instructor & Owner
Certified third-party examiner. JaCinda teaches the permit tutoring class and takes on the students who arrive most nervous about driving.
Coming soon
Certified Instructor
Another certified coach joining our Greenville team to support teens and adults with flexible, progress-focused training.
GREENVILLE'S PREMIER DRIVING SCHOOL
Why Choose Us?
Innovative Training Methods
We utilize the latest smart driving technologies to enhance your learning experience, including driving simulators, real-time feedback systems, and tailored lesson plans.
Experienced Instructors
Our team consists of highly trained, certified instructors who are passionate about teaching and committed to ensuring each student's success.
Tailored Learning Approach
We recognize that every student learns differently. Our personalized approach ensures that each driver gets the attention and guidance they need to succeed.
CREDENTIALS YOU CAN CHECK
Licensed, insured, and state approved
Our curriculum is approved by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, and every instructor carries a current state driver-training certification.
Ask us about credentials-
SC DMV certified third-party tester
Authorized to administer the South Carolina road test at our Greenville location.
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State-approved driver education curriculum
Classroom and behind-the-wheel hours meet SC requirements for the 8-hour and 30-hour programs.
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Fully insured dual-control fleet
Commercial coverage on every training vehicle, with documentation available on request.
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Background-checked instructors
Every instructor clears a background check and first-aid training before teaching a student.
WHAT FAMILIES SAY
Rated 4.9 out of 5 by more than 300 families
BEFORE YOU ENROLL
Questions parents ask us first
How old does my teen need to be to start?
Teens can take the permit tutoring class at 14 years and 6 months, and sit the permit test at 15. Behind-the-wheel lessons begin once the permit is in hand.
Do you administer the road test?
Yes. We are a certified SC DMV third-party tester, so your teen takes the road test with us on routes they have already driven. No DMV appointment needed.
How many hours are required in South Carolina?
The state requires 8 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours behind the wheel for driver education. Our packages meet or exceed both.
Can we schedule lessons around school and sports?
Weeknight and Saturday slots are standard, and we hold extra sessions during school breaks. Tell us your schedule and we will work around it.
What should my teen bring to the first lesson?
A valid learner’s permit, corrective lenses if they wear them, and closed-toe shoes. We supply the car and everything else.
Do you offer lessons for adults?
We do. Refresher lessons are popular with adults returning to driving after years off the road, and with new residents converting a license.
Still have a question?
Contact Us
Call us at (864) 775-7522 or send a message and we will get back within one business day.