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.

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.

My wife was very disappointed with the brash and rude treatment that was given her…read more I was hoping this instructor will be better than the one she Encountered in Lockport. I will be calling you to contest the payment that I provided in advance. What a mistake to have her go thru so much aggravation due to rude action and lack of patience by the instructor. This mistake will be argued by me in the future. If there is a survey or BBB directive I will comment negatively towards the School

Absolutely love Tom and Julie! Amazing people and great instructor. My daughter felt super…read morecomfortable taking her driving test after Tom drove with her and reassured her. Will definitely be going to them again for my other daughter and most likely my son.

THE WORST PROGRAM EVER! IN 30 DAYS THEY WILL RUIN YOUR LIFE!!!! Completely unethical and…read moreunprofessional school. There is no clear communication. Everything is done in the heat of the moment. I would not recommend this program to anyone because I've seen how they are over the last past year! Just a quick money scheme for them. The instructors are terrible and have no real knowledge to teach others. You have to take the test muliple attempts! They literally have certain testers that will pass you and some they will deliberately fail you. Drove over 6 hours to test and arrived to receive a message stating "forgot to tell you class was cancelled" this is only one occasion of unprofessionalism. Not to mention not answering or returning calls although you're paying them for literally everything. If this isn't funded by WIOA there is no way I would give them ANY of my money. Complete rip-off and JOKE. I can't believe how many positive reviews they have when literally every student you encounter has the same experience. Goodluck! Do what you want with this information.

Attended this school, best experience i could of asked for. Very professional staff. Agata does a…read moregreat job with her students.

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.

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?

Best school to get your CDL in Chicagoland hands down, they will walk you thru from start to…read morefinish. Great teachers like Robert helped me understand Pre Trip, Skill Test and Road test. They work with DMW so you can take your test at the facility.

Best driving school ever. Everyone there is friendly and treat you right until u mess up and don't…read morelisten to there rules which are easy and smile and keep everyone there safe

They need to be out of business, two years ago my son took driving lessons with them and it was…read moregood. This year after paying for lessons I tried to reach out to them to schedule the drives but after login failures, 22 phones calls and several emails I gave up call the credit card company and had the charge reverse.

This business must go out of business. No respect for students and parents. Most importantly no…read morerespect on the time the instructor promised. No notice of cancellation of the class and no information of changing the class address. Lots of canceled classes and have to make up and even make up class he does not show up without notice. We asked for a refund, the instructor threaten us to cancel the permit which my child got the permit. I see that we are not the only one who got insulted by him. He said same thing "You think this will help your kid's chances?". Just stay away and find better driving school. You will regret if you decide to learn how to drive here.

Great school to learn how to drive and maintain a CMV, and to keep you and your equipment legalread more

Was a past student from 2011 took the day off to take some practice tests for my endorsements well…read moreno one was there to help me ladies took the day off I was told, I asked the teacher,ray who was busy with a student if I can wait even till he's done at his mercy to take a practice test for hazmat still a attitude and said leaving on the road and said leaving the office when he gets back, maybe I caught him on A bad day or short staffed I drove all the way from Elk Grove and there bensenville location has also shutdown I had nothing good to say before about star do what you may with info I did receive great training in 2011 from Perry I will say

Update: After sharing my honest experience, I received a threatening email from the owner demanding…read morethat I remove my review and photos, and threatening legal action. For the record, my photos were taken from the public sidewalk during posted business hours when the office was closed, not from inside. Everything I shared in my review was true and based on my direct experience as a paying customer. I will not be intimidated into silence. I am not asking for a handout -- only for fairness: either provide the six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction my child needs, or refund the money so she can complete her training elsewhere. The fact that the owner is threatening customers instead of resolving concerns only reinforces the pattern already visible in the many other one-star reviews.

He rude speak rudely and his whole demeanor will throw you off like u bothering him or like he…read moredoing something for you for free. trying to give the brother benefit of the doubt but please don't waste your money or time. learning how to drive its very serious and people got the courage and money to get their license and you get this rude old man wasting your time and money. he need to retire someone need to close him down. He need to simply be reported. i dont like giving reviews but no way everyone needs to be aware. it's true and it needs to be told SAVE YOUR HARD EARN MONEY. Send your young kids to someone that will be helpful respectful and interested in teaching safe driving.