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.

Well I just tried to call as suggested and was on hold for 25 minutes and counting so....I think…read morebetween that and the number of one and two star reviews on here my review holds. I know that the current MO is to go on here and dispute all reviews, but perhaps the time would be better spent working on some of these known issues. There are currently no in-driving times offered from now through July so that's my next mountain to climb.

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.

haven't used their services but I tried to get some information regarding their classes using the…read morecontact form in their website and also via email but did not receive any response. so I guess not so good customer service?

I just watched the state test video on Ride Chicago's YouTube channel in preparation for Day 2 of…read morethe basic motorcycle training class. Day 1 was fantastic. This was my very first time on a motorcycle. Henry and Natalie are great instructors. Sure, they know how to ride and instruct on skills. What they are really good at is developing relationships to aid in instruction. They learn your name, encourage and provide guidance in a way that keeps your head in the game. I highly recommend Ride Chicago.

Recently passed the road test; would definitely recommend for people who are learning how to drive…read moreand are beginners. All thanks to Carlos & David for teaching and giving easy advice on the road.

Carlos is a great instructor and really wants his students to be great drivers! He helped me get my…read moredrivers license :) I highly recommend new drivers and experienced (from other countries) to reach out for his services!

The instructor was rude and had no patience. It was his way or the highway. I only did the 2hr and…read moredriving test. I already got driving lessons from Joyce's driving school. I only probably got an hours worth cause I had to share with someone. He said I wasn't going to pass, he was 50/50 but jokes on him..I did pass it. It was not because of Carlos..

I highly recommend this driving school. Working with David B., Martha, and Carlos was such a…read morepleasure. They gave me great advice and were very patient with me as a nervous beginner driver. I was able to finally start gaining some confidence behind the wheel and pass my road test during the second time with some more practice. In the span of 2 weeks I was able to get licensed. If you're looking for a driving school this is the place to go!

If the cheap furniture and carpet on the office walls doesn't tip you off, let me tell you...this…read moreplace is a total dump! They may be the cheapest driving school around, but it's cheap for a reason. The driving instructor, Jacek constantly interupts class time to take phone calls and to talk to potential new clients who come in. He often lets class out early, so your teen won't even get the number of classroom or driving hours required by law. When it comes to driving time Jacek has the kids drive him to McDonald's so he can get coffee and use the bathroom. Most of the "instruction" is Jacek yelling at the kids, rather than telling them how to do things properly. In my opinion, you're better off paying more elsewhere.

I took classes from here more than 6-7 They are really not…read moreat all worth it, more money minded. My trainer was helena , she will ask you to drive and and just make drive constantly on a straight road , she won't discuss about rules or anything, keeps on either talking over phone or just saying if u do like this you will fail but she never rectifies error. I remember when I went for driving test that day I just asked to take me somewhere with the car (I was paying for the whole day ) But my trainer told me walk and so a lot of my time was wasted and I could not appear for the road test. And then also her response was just give me the check I need to go. I took class from other driving school and just after first he took me for road test and I cleared the same. I do not recommend taking class from them.

Excelente instituto de entrenamiento , capacitación y enseñanza de altos conocimientos en estudios…read moresuperiores, con instructores y maestros totalmente capacitoados y profesionales que te brindan y enseñan las herramientas y conocimientos basicos y profesionales para despegar en la carrera que tú elijas para cambiar tu futuro a un nivel mejor y avanzado.

DO NOT SCHEDULE TO TAKE YOUR EXAM HERE. I have been preparing to take my exam and scheduled it…read morehere. The morning of the exam I woke up to them canceling it only 4 hours before it was scheduled. This leaves me no way to reschedule it day of. This place is an absolute scam. Wasted my day off of work.

The teacher is kind and funny, he makes the learning experience great. He incorporates jokes and…read morereferences that help you remember all the rules of the road. I learned a lot after completing and course and as a teenager driver, I feel ready and safe for the road.

Recently went here for drivers Ed. I'm a teen and they had many options , very good prices &…read morereasonable. I had gotten Damian as my driving instructor and he prepared me really well for my permit test , he was always a call or text away, always looked out for me too. If someone were to ask me for a driving school I would recommend this place if I could give a place a 10 star I would.

This place is great. I needed to learn how to weld and what afternoon my instructor completely told…read moreme what to do and I've been doing it on my own ever since. I plan to go back for a refresher because they're so good. They also rent benches if you are a true welder, you can go in there and do your own work for a minimal fee.

Took MIG1 & 2 from Daniel and had a great time. Other people in the class were fun to hang out…read morewith, I felt completely safe all the time, I felt like got good 1 on 1 instruction. I will definitely book some shop time soon so I can practice and then finally weld that bumper I've been meaning to weld for a year!