tl,dr: Let my driver's license expire, needed a new one, plus a car to use for the driving test…read more Nova Driving School was fantastic. I moved back to Chicago after 14 years in SF and finally needed to get my license again, mainly so I could help my aging folks in Southern Indiana if I needed to. I don't own a car, and I didn't want to borrow one from friends, so I looked for a driving school that also provides a vehicle for the test. Nova kept coming up in the ads, searches, and on Reddit. But I still needed an instructional permit to drive for the driving test. I went to the downtown DMV, took the written and vision tests, and got my instructional permit. I bought Nova's "2HR BTW + ROAD TEST" package on their site, which included 2 hours with an instructor and the use of the car on the day of the DMV. Called a coordinator, and they got me set up for a Friday morning. I'd show up at 6am at the Elston DMV (closest to me), practice the route in their car, then take the driving test. I arrived at the DMV at 6 AM, where I met an instructor named Jamie. He provided an overview of the driving test, explaining what the examiners look for and what questions they might ask. After that, we switched sides, and I got behind the wheel for the first time in 20 years. I was relieved to find that everything came back to me. Jamie took me through the two variations of the route used for the test. The route was very short, consisting of about four to five turns. There was no parallel parking or interstate driving involved. (Please note that this is specific to the Elston DMV; other branches may have different procedures.) Another student arrived, so we picked him up, and I sat in the back while that student drove the route a few times. Then, two more students joined us, making it three in the back and one in the driver's seat, with the instructor in the front. Each of us drove the route 2-3 times, and we had the opportunity to ask questions. As my appointment time approached, I returned to the front seat and went for another round of the two main route variations. Got into the DMV showing my text confirmation of my appointment. They won't let you enter without revealing either the email or the text proof of your appointment. And this branch doesn't take walk-ins. Stood in the first line to get the paperwork reviewed. I went to the camera line to get a photo, then waited, went to a counter, had everything reviewed, filled out more paperwork, signed more things, went over to pay at the cashier, came back, and got my paperwork for my driving test. Went outside to wait to take the driving test. Note that you can't stay inside the building so dress warm if it's winter. The other guys had less complicated paperwork, so one was in line for the driving test. The other one was in front of me. Then I was next. But this is mixed in with all the different people taking the written test. I waited an hour for the car to come back from the other guy and then got in. The instructor drove me around to the back parking lot. He stepped out, I took the driver's side, and got in line, the line of cars. I waited about 40 minutes in the car in line to get my assigned examiner. They had about 4-5 working that day across 3 lines of vehicles. I was finally at the front; the examiner who was the same woman who had helped me with the paperwork got in. We went exactly the route that Nova had reviewed with me several times. At the end, you have to park in a wide test parking space, then after that you park in angled parking with the rest of the other cars, with completed driving tests, but awaiting results. I choked on the question about which way your wheels point if you are facing uphill/downhill, and which side of the road you are on. Overthinking myself. But still passed thankfully. Examiner gets up, out, and leaves, and goes on to another driving test. 10 minutes later, another person comes out with my temporary driver's license and hands it to me, and I'm done. The real one arrives in 2-3 weeks. The $245 fee was definitely worth it for having a car provided, receiving two hours of driving experience on the exact test routes, and having them handle the appointment scheduling. And Jamie the instructor was clear, patient, and at ease in explaining and repeating all things we needed to keep in mind. I procrastinated on this for a long time and felt foolish when I realized how simple and straightforward the process was. If you're in a similar situation, make getting a new driver's license one of your goals for 2026 and call Nova.

Do not book driving lessons with this company. They do not disclose that it is nearly impossible to…read morebook times to take your classes until after you have purchased the package. They are rude unhelpful.

The front desk lady is rude and unprofessional…read more The instructor is not good at explaining the rules or give you clear instructions. He is also very unprofessional . He even left the car in the middle of the class to talk with his contractor ( I saw other review mentioned the same issue too) or left before the class end. Not worth the money at all.

i signed up for the 10 hours adult lesson, just got my dl today. instructor li he was really great,…read morereally patient and thoughtful with the way he teach. overall great experience, highly recommended.

Had an absolutely great experience here. Everything was very organized and easy to schedule. My…read moredaughter actually enjoyed the classes and really benefitted from the one on one lessons. I ended up adding extra one on one lessons because my daughter is a nervous driver. It was great how he picks up from your house for lessons and how Brian gives the final road test. He's a great teacher , highly recommended

I took a class with Eddy and he is fantastic! He is super zen, explains things with drawings and…read morevisuals and it is just a great teacher. I was super nervous and I ended up feeling exciting about my driving. Highly recommended.

Allowing your employees to drive recklessly almost crashed into me and talking on the phone the…read moreentire time while driving... called and spoke to someone on the phone the lady said there's no one to speak to that. She will let her manager know. Poor customer service. She didn't even care that someone's out there car recklessly.

I had a great experience with My Drive Academy. Being an older and inexperienced driver, I was…read moredecidedly anxious about taking the wheel. My Instructor was Ismail and from the first minute, I felt at ease with him and felt confident that he would teach me everything I needed. He is totally professional, friendly, calm and reassuring. I highly recommend My Drive Academy and instructor Ismail. You cannot go wrong with this combination!

Just graduated today, I want to say thank you to all professional truck driving team. nothing but…read morethe best working there! the best in Chicago!

From the owner: Professional Driving School…read more Professional Driving school is the top rated driving instructors in Chicago IL. They have over 20 years of experience and are ready to assist you and train anyone that is 15 and looking for a permit. If you were charged with a DUI and looking for a new chance at a license? Then call the Professionals when it comes to Driving! Professional Driving School.

Gustavo was my behind the wheel instructor and he was amazing. Was very engaging through our 6…read moredrives and taught me everything there was to know about the road.

My experience with Excel Driving School. I registered my child for 10 driving classes. When I…read morecreated the schedule, I asked for the 10:00 a.m. time if possible for all classes. The receptionist said that the first 5 classes were available at that time, and then we would make the schedule for the remaining 5. On the first day of class, we were ready for class when the driving instructor contacted me and told me that there was a cancellation and asked if I wanted to go early. I told him no. Then when 9am came around, he sent me another text telling me that my class is at 9 a.m., not 10 a.m. and that they would not return my money because I didn't show up on time. I wanted to check the website to have proof that my time was at 10 a.m. and their website didn't even work. I told the instructor by text, and he just replied that he doesn't know when the website is going to work. I had to call the next day because the first class was on the 4th of July and the Excel Driving school office was closed. The receptionist acknowledged the confusion and rescheduled his first class. We finally went to his class, and the instructor was on the phone the entire time while my son drove. I told my son that if it happens again that the instructor is on the phone. Instead of paying attention, we would report her. The next class, the instructor, never showed up. She never replied to my texts, and I called Excel school to make the report. We wasted 1 hour waiting for her, and the school contacted me until the next day to give me another date. At that moment, I canceled the classes and asked for a refund of 9 classes since my son only took one class. They agreed, and after 6 days, they returned only the money for 8 classes. I contacted the school, and they lied, saying that my son had 2 classes. The school knows that his instructor did not make it to the second class. I have a text from the instructor who texted me 2 hours later the day she didn't arrive to class, apologizing because something had come up. I am upset because the school charged in advance, and I do not want to return the full money for the classes my son did not take.

You have an instructor by the name of Alf Zaccariello and I wanted to tell you how absolutely…read moreprofessionalism, and handling students who have very off topic comments and gets right back to teaching the class..Hes very very very knowledgeable on everything he's teaching the course.. Great guy, great instructor! Thanks Alf keep up the great work! I admire you because I don't think I could keep as professional when some questions or comments are addressed asked..

I couldn't say enough great things about 160 Driving Academy! The entire staff was awesome, and…read moremade my process of getting my CDL-A a pleasure. They took me from start to finish with care and complete professionalism. 160 truly cares about you as an individual, and goes above and beyond to help strengthen your individual weaknesses. I had been at another driving school, but to them I was just cattle!! After 2 months the instructor never even knew my name. As a professional courtesy I won't mention their name, but what a waist of my over $2,100 hard earned dollars. I would very highly recommend 160 Truck Driving Academy to anyone who wants to learn from a school that cares about your skills and safety. And a Very Special Thank You to: Kim, Dave, Duck, Mr. Wally, Carl and Tim. I look forward to seeing you all again, with my new truck.

We paid for our youngest daughter to do her driver education at A-Orland Driving school. I KNOW,…read moreit is included at Public High Schools but she didn't get into the summer school session when she was 15. She needed another summer activity and to have more practice time before she turned 16. So we bit the bullet. I am really glad she did. It gave the summer a focus, she had a really positive experience when she wasn't worried about school and sports and she had lots of driving with Mom and Dad before she turned 16. If you can afford it and the timing doesn't work out in your normal HS, this is a really good alternative.

Great local driving school!…read more A close friend of mine took lessons through DRIVEx and said nothing but good things. The instructor was super calm and knew exactly how to help with road test nerves. They were based in Westmont but worked around the Chicago suburbs too -- super convenient. If you're near Downers Grove or Oak Brook and need a driving instructor who's reliable and easy to work with, definitely check them out. My friend passed their test right after finishing lessons here!

Cherice Taylor is the Making It Sew Fun director and teaches sewing classes for adults and children…read morein her home sewing studio. She is very hands-on and patient with her students, but she does expect for students to learn her techniques and be open to building on them. I have had the pleasure of receiving her instruction since April and she has even taken time to help me with my personal, non-class related sewing projects. I recommend her class to anyone who has little to no sewing experience. Even if you sewed years ago and want to sharpen your skills, Cherice is for you!

From the owner: Making It SewFun is Chicago's place to go if you're looking to learn how to sew. With programs for…read moreadults, teens, and kids, we offer a structured curriculum and workshops that empower the home-sewist with the skills necessary to create well-fitted and professionally constructed garments. Classes are available for every skill level from beginner to tailoring. Our mission is to teach you everything about sewing in a positive and encouraging environment. Sign up for a class today and explore your inner fashionista, sewist, fashion designer or a little of all three.