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Look, if you grew up in this town, you know the drill. Getting a driver’s license? That’s for the folks out in the burbs. For us Upper West Siders, our two feet and the subway were all we needed. But times change, and sometimes, even a native New Yorker needs to get behind the wheel.
Just ask Abraham Axler. He’s a local, a 73rd and West End Avenue kid, who didn’t get his license until he was in his twenties.
And when he finally did, the experience was… well, let’s just say it wasn’t the smooth ride you’d hope for. Think beat-up cars and a booking system that felt like a relic from the past.
Knowing the needs of Upper West Sider’s Axler launched WayPoint Driving School. It’s a modern, digital-first school that’s now offering lessons to teens and adults right here on the UWS at 72nd and Broadway.
“I wanted to build something that felt intuitive, modern, and supportive from start to finish,” Axler told us. “You can book your lessons and road tests without ever having to pick up the phone—unless, of course, you want to.”
WayPoint is an expansion of High Ridge Driving School, a Stamford Connecticut institution that’s been around for over 20 years and has taught thousands of students. Axler took that commitment to safety and quality and brought it home to NYC, where WayPoint is now helping teens and adults master the road.
The proof is in the pudding, or in this case, the rave reviews. “I’ve tried several driving schools in NYC and the tristate area,” said one happy customer. “This is by far the best. My teacher was patient, knowledgeable and excellent company.” Another local, 30-year-old Ellie, noted, “The care for each student that WayPoint has is evident from the moment you step into the car.”
WayPoint has also had great success taking NYC driving beginners through the entire journey to pass the DMV road test on the first try.
For UWS students, the meeting spot is super convenient: 72nd Street between Broadway and Amsterdam. You’ll be learning in clean, well-maintained Toyota sedans with professional instructors who average five years of teaching experience.
Personalized Teaching in a Fast-Paced City
Axler’s vision goes beyond just clean cars and an easy booking app. As someone with learning disabilities himself, he’s passionate about a personalized approach. A graduate of the Upper West Side’s Stephen Gaynor School, he credits the special education program with teaching him how to learn, a philosophy he’s instilled in WayPoint’s teaching style.
“Our goal is to make Upper West Siders the safest drivers on the planet,” he says. “That starts with instructors who know how to tailor their teaching styles to each student.”
Especially for teens who are only permitted to drive in NYC in a driver’s school’s specialized equipped cars.
And in this concrete jungle, you need to learn to drive here. WayPoint focuses on preparing students for real-world city driving. That means smart route planning—taking advantage of quieter streets uptown to practice tricky three-point turns and parallel parking—as well as insider knowledge on where to find accessible practice lots around NYC.
Beyond private lessons, they also offer the DMV-required 5-hour pre-licensing course, conveniently online, for just $39—the lowest price in the city.
Lessons are available seven days a week running in price between $80-100 an hour depending on the package, but are always private.
WayPoint makes testing the DMV road test as easy as possible providing everything you’d need including, the car, round-trip transportation to the DMV road test sites (test sites in Manhattan) and concierge booking of the road test appointment.
A Nod to Local Art
In a unique twist that’s perfectly suited for our neighborhood, WayPoint offers a cool exchange: free lessons to local artists in exchange for artwork. Selected pieces are even proudly displayed on their fleet of cars!
When he’s not busy keeping WayPoint running smoothly, you might catch Axler enjoying a classic Grey’s Papaya hot dog or dropping by the New-York Historical Society—two of his local faves.
Ready to trade the subway map for a road map? You can learn more or book your first lesson at waypointdriving.com.
