Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Driving School in Albuquerque, NM
McGinnis School Of Driving has been dedicated to driver education in New Mexico since 1964. Founded by Wyett McGinnis, our institution has maintained a legacy of excellence through three generations of leadership, including David W. McGinnis' 50-year commitment to teaching and operations. In 2023, Joleta Spears assumed ownership, bringing decades of business expertise while preserving our family-driven approach. Our team of certified instructors, many with over a decade of experience, delivers comprehensive driver training programs that exceed state requirements. We specialize in teen and adult driver education, MVD written and road tests, and private driving lessons using state-certified methodologies.With three convenient locations in Albuquerque, we offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate busy families. Our proprietary 'How to Drive and Survive' e-textbook, updated quarterly, ensures students receive the most current curriculum available. Over 320,000 New Mexico drivers have benefited from our instruction since our founding. We maintain industry-leading standards through audio/video monitoring of all vehicles and facilities. Recognized as the oldest and largest driving school in the state, we continue to set benchmarks for driver safety education across the United States.
Services
Driver Education
MVD Testing
Private Lessons
Passenger-Side Safety Brake
E-Textbook
Details
- Year established: 1964
Highlights and features
- We offer 58 years of proven experience in driver education since 1964
- Our certified instructors maintain 100+ combined years of teaching experience
- Three convenient Albuquerque locations with flexible scheduling options
- Students qualify for up to 25% insurance premium discounts upon completion
- We provide secure online payment and multiple financing options
Associations and certifications
- NMDOT
What people say
Great driver education experience
Outstanding education
Qualified instructors
Proven results
Comprehensive programs
Services
Driver Education
Our comprehensive driver education program includes 30 hours of classroom instruction covering defensive driving, DWI prevention, and traffic regulations. Certified instructors prepare students for MVD exams while emphasizing psychological aspects of safe driving. The course meets and exceeds New Mexico's minimum requirements with multiple package options.
MVD Testing
We offer official New Mexico MVD written exams and road tests with flexible scheduling options. Our certified testing center provides vehicles for road exams and often has same-day appointments available. Packages combine written and road tests for convenience and cost savings.
Private Lessons
One-on-one private driving lessons with certified instructors help drivers of all ages improve skills. Sessions focus on specific needs including mature driver evaluations, post-convalescence retraining, and additional practice hours. Custom lesson packages available for multiple session commitments.
Passenger-Side Safety Brake
Our patented passenger-side safety brake system provides added security during practice driving. Designed by driving instructors for parents, this portable device installs quickly in any vehicle and enhances safety during supervised driving practice.
E-Textbook
Access to our proprietary 'How to Drive and Survive' e-textbook provides 24/7 digital learning support. This nationally recognized curriculum updates quarterly to maintain compliance with all state standards and includes interactive materials to reinforce classroom instruction.
People
Wyett McGinnis
Founder
Founded McGinnis School Of Driving in 1964, establishing New Mexico's first professional driving school. His vision created the foundation for the state's largest driver education provider.
David W. McGinnis
Former Owner
Served as owner and operator from 1993 to 2023, maintaining family tradition with 50 years of teaching experience. Expanded services while preserving educational excellence and community commitment.
Joleta Spears
Current Owner
Assumed ownership in 2023, bringing extensive business management experience. Continues McGinnis family legacy while implementing modern operational improvements to maintain industry leadership.
Questions
What driver education packages do you offer?
We offer five packages ranging from basic state requirements to premium options with 50+ hours of training, including MVD testing and materials.
Are your instructors certified?
All instructors are certified through McGinnis Driver Safety Centers and NMDOT with extensive experience in driver education.
Do you provide vehicles for road tests?
Yes, we provide our own vehicles for MVD road tests with no need for personal vehicle inspection.
Can I schedule weekend testing?
We often have same-day appointments available and offer Saturday scheduling for MVD road tests.
Do you offer payment plans?
We accept multiple payment methods and allow payments throughout the classroom segment with full payment due before driving begins.
Is your curriculum up-to-date?
Our proprietary e-textbook updates quarterly to maintain compliance with all current state and national driver education standards.
Reviews (6)
Turner Liotta
Apr 24, 2022
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Got my permit quick did the week class got it done quick and it worked fine for me. MrMcginnis is old school and gets stuff done fast and would recommend this place if you want something fast, easy, and informative.
Soph Block
Apr 16, 2022
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So bad. the entire class was so boring, but ontop of that there is no place to schedule your drive times on the website and you have to call them. also, you can only do ONE HOUR DRIVE TIMES. IN THE SPAN OF TWO WEEKS. just go to turners. also, when you actually are able to schedule your drive times they make you put in your permit and when it was issued, but you cant even do that because you have to have permission to do it. screw Mcginnis.
Raina Cohn
Sep 03, 2021
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McGinnis is the only place for anyone to take classes to prepare to get their driver's license. I took classes in 1976 when I was a teenager. I was 14 and 9 months when I completed my program and got my driver's license. Still remember what I was taught.
Lisa Madrid
Jul 09, 2021
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At first I was apprehensive to send my son here, because of all the reviews but I am very pleased to say that our experience was very positive my son enjoyed the class and Mr Mcginnis was an excellent instructor.
Emmalie Ostler
May 02, 2021
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I'd give this place no stars if I could. The owner is rude and a liar. When I was taking driver's ed he kept calling me "baby and Hun" when I asked him very politely to stop he immediately got mad and had me drive back to the school, when we got there my best friend was waiting for me in the lobby so I went in there and she followed me into the office (the lobby and office have separate doors on the outside but have connecting room Inside) Mr. Mcginnis walked into me and turned around and started yelling at me saying" I was the Rudest student he's ever had" I asked him to stop yelling at me and when he did not, I turned to leave and he hit me in the shoulder. Dont send your children here.
Kristen Hallenbeck
Mar 16, 2021
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Both of my kids have been here and are now great drivers. They learned a lot of great information during the classes. They passed their written test with flying colors. Their driving lessons have always been good and they learn all sorts of information and facts from the instructors after each lesson. They have even taught me a thing or two that I didn't necessarily know. Marcy is always helpful whenever I have called to ask a question.
The first time I spoke to her I had sent an email asking some questions about the different courses. She called within a half an hour after I sent that email and made recommendations on what course my oldest son should take because he has ADHD. I highly recommend them if you want your child to know all there is to know about driving and driving safely and being aware of all their surroundings while driving.
The first time I spoke to her I had sent an email asking some questions about the different courses. She called within a half an hour after I sent that email and made recommendations on what course my oldest son should take because he has ADHD. I highly recommend them if you want your child to know all there is to know about driving and driving safely and being aware of all their surroundings while driving.