14 Reviews

MRD (Maritime Roadwise & Defensive) Driving School

Fall River, Nova Scotia
Reviews
Shannon Brown
4 Apr 2024
REPORT
2024 edit - it blows my mind that you still claim negative reviews are fake, false or an attack on you -- and that you can not own up to your mistakes, so many people with similar stories - again-your... Read More
2024 edit - it blows my mind that you still claim negative reviews are fake, false or an attack on you -- and that you can not own up to your mistakes, so many people with similar stories - again-your lack of professionalism is appalling. 7/30/21 edit - your response is laughable! There are not 2 sides to this story, you yourself told me at the time that it was an series of unfortune events that led to my sons delay getting any driving time. It had NOTHING to do with his readiness for the driving test as I stated it was 2 months before you got him in a car for his first lesson with MRD. We were not rushing anything, he was nearing 18 and already had lots of experience driving with his father. Stop making fake excuses and own up to your lack of professionalism! The way you handle bad reviews says ALOT about you as a person. You constantly claim they are fake reviews LOL. I suggest taking a close look at how you are running your business and I suggest everyone with kids needing drivers ed to look elsewhere in the meantime. **************************************************************** I was hesitant to use MRD because of reviews I had heard and read but I took a chance because location was convenient. Everyone has their own experience and I understand some people had great experiences but ours was just not that great it took months to even get my child out driving once the classroom portion ended, the extra money for teen smart was (for us) a waste of money, when I did ask for a partial refund I got a whole $20, because this felt like a slap in the face I donated it to a local animal rescue, I believe I may have been blocked because I did send another email but did not get a response. This happened earlier this year, I purposely didn't write a review at the time because I didn't want to write a review when angry and frustrated, I understand there were some different circumstances going on at the time that resulted in difficulty getting (some?) students out driving but because of this experience we are using a different company for our other child. I will say that Amanda was pleasant to deal with via text/email and Larry was a great instructor. The owner of the business is completely unprofessional and rude. edited to add: 8/2020 - my youngest child just completed Drivers Ed with Safety Services in Burnside - highly recommend! Was a wonderful experience all the way around and worth leaving our community to get such great service. Read Less
Evan Gallant
13 Dec 2023
REPORT
Both the classroom instructor and the in car instructor are amazing at explaining things in an easy to understand way, and were very helpful whenever I had a question. They were very calm whenever I ... Read More
Both the classroom instructor and the in car instructor are amazing at explaining things in an easy to understand way, and were very helpful whenever I had a question. They were very calm whenever I made a stupid mistake, and didn’t make me nervous enough to keep messing up (that was a problem I had when practicing with other people.) I only have one minor complaint, which is about wait times. after you finish the in class lessons, there is about a 2-3 month delay to book in car lessons on the website. It is because they are booked up, so I get it, but still a bit of a dent in the overall experience. Another thing future customers should know, which applies to ANY driving school, is that Driver’s Ed (or at least the minimum 25 classroom hours and 10 in car hours required for the certificate) is NOT enough to take a complete beginner to road test ready. You WILL need someone else to practice with quite regularly (who is not a bad influence). If you want to make the most of the lessons, take what you learned in one lesson, and master it with someone else before the next lesson. That way, you can be ready to move on and you won’t be stuck on learning how to turn properly for three lessons. This is not a complaint, this is just overall advice to people considering Driver’s Ed. I passed my road test first time. The instructors at MRD were a huge factor in that. I practiced with my neighbour as well, and my parents. They taught me certain things that are either outdated or not allowed on a road test. The instructors here noticed things nobody else noticed, and taught me things nobody else thinks about. The biggest thing that they helped with, that I feel I could not have learned elsewhere, was all of the expectations and methods for maneuvers on a modern road test. Overall, it was worth the money. I can now drive to school, to work, and to pick up my girlfriend. I can now go anywhere, and can travel at 20x the speed I could on foot, while listening to whatever music I want, in a car alone where nobody can judge me. It’s nearly a superpower. I could not have passed the road test without them. I am now planning a summer trip to the Cape Breton highlands thanks to them. Mike was my in car instructor, he was great. Really good at explaining things as I said, and very calm when I made a mistake. He was completely honest with me, while remaining as professional as possible. He told me when I wasn’t ready for something, and even though I disagreed, looking back, he was right. Also, the Jetta I got to drive in was quite nice. Amanda was my in class instructor, she was great too. Good at explaining things and answering my (sometimes stupid) questions. Just remember, you WILL need other sources of practice. I’m giving five stars because I believe it does not deserve the 3 star average it currently has. I’ve read some other reviews. Maybe they used to have issues, but they have clearly ironed them out since. If I’m being honest I’d do 4 stars because of the wait times. Read Less
Padraig Doherty
3 Apr 2023
REPORT
We enrolled our child for a August 2022 summer session in the Sackville location. It was delayed for a month. Then after the month we were told that Sunday sessions would no longer be transferred to ... Read More
We enrolled our child for a August 2022 summer session in the Sackville location. It was delayed for a month. Then after the month we were told that Sunday sessions would no longer be transferred to the Fall river location. Start time of course was pushed back a few more weeks. Sessions finally started in October (2 months late). Child had Covid symptoms the last day of course when they were supposed to write the test. We were told it could be rescheduled no problem. The following week we were told he could not write the final test until the class after him were writing, furthermore we were not allowed to book any driving sessions until classroom session was done. Finished the course in December. Told we couldn’t book sessions until the end of January. Did first session tried to book second. Got the runaround from the Driving instructor. Finally booked second session. Then we were put on ignore for weeks. Finally decided to complain to owner. Was told by an employee they were in Mexico for two months and they would be in touch “Whenever they checked there email.” Following week got an email from owner saying “They were sorry we weren’t a good fit with the driver and they were going to put us with the owner, to book through his Calendar” Told them it wasn’t that we weren’t a good fit, it was just not possible to book anything at all with them. Got ignored again. Trying to book sessions now, can’t book any before June (is currently April 3rd.) Road test was scheduled for this month back in December. By the time we are all said and done it’s going to be close to a year to complete a 5 week course. The owners don’t seem to have any interest in doing even the bare minimum to meet their obligations. This is a 1 star review as Google wouldn’t allow a zero. Avoid this place at all costs, once they have your money they are literally off to Mexico. Read Less
Lynn Cassidy
24 Oct 2020
REPORT
My son completed his classroom session of the course in March 2019. It took until October 25th, 2019 to begin his first driving lesson. We would go days and days before receive a response to set up th... Read More
My son completed his classroom session of the course in March 2019. It took until October 25th, 2019 to begin his first driving lesson. We would go days and days before receive a response to set up the next lesson. This was a continuous result when trying to communicate with them. My son once received a "Who is this?" comment when trying to make an appointment. On 2 separate occasions, cancelled at short notice. Today, we were told that my son had one hour left of driving but would not honour it because the time had "elapsed" and would therefore NOT receive his course completion certificate until I paid $79 for this hour of driving. I was also told that he was considered "elapsed" since December 2019! (What!?) My son had regular appointments with Larry (who is great) through January to March. Not one word about being elapsed, from anyone. Then COVID hit and the world was paused for months. His next lesson, in September 2020, again, no mention of "elapse", went great. When we inquired today about the certificate, were told he will get the certificate once he completes this $79 lesson. Every single correspondence back and forth has been saved and will be filed the BBB. Read Less
Kerri Smith
17 Jun 2018
REPORT
I am just about finished up (next week) with my MRD adult class and I could not be more happy with my experience with MRD and my awesome instructor Amanda!! Its got me feeling so much more confident t... Read More
I am just about finished up (next week) with my MRD adult class and I could not be more happy with my experience with MRD and my awesome instructor Amanda!! Its got me feeling so much more confident to be on the road! Thanks 😊 Read Less
Pat Green
30 Apr 2018
REPORT
I passed my road test today thanks to the lessons and coaching from Amanda at MRD. As an adult with a busy family, with no driving experience at all, I really benefited from the evening and weekend av... Read More
I passed my road test today thanks to the lessons and coaching from Amanda at MRD. As an adult with a busy family, with no driving experience at all, I really benefited from the evening and weekend availability. Amanda was pleasant to be around and gave constant feedback and constructive criticism during our sessions. Read Less
Heather Barkhouse
3 Jan 2018
REPORT
Our son recently received his "fulls" thanks to MRD! He received all the information he needed in the classroom plus he gained valuable confidence in the car, thanks to his great instructor Zach Coll... Read More
Our son recently received his "fulls" thanks to MRD! He received all the information he needed in the classroom plus he gained valuable confidence in the car, thanks to his great instructor Zach Collett! Read Less
David Wall
29 Oct 2017
REPORT
Highly recommend. Top notch driving school. Both of our kids have gone through the course and speak highly of all instructors especially Amanda. I feel confident being in the passenger seat thanks to ... Read More
Highly recommend. Top notch driving school. Both of our kids have gone through the course and speak highly of all instructors especially Amanda. I feel confident being in the passenger seat thanks to MRD driving school. Read Less
Jason Crowell
15 Oct 2017
REPORT
Jett, our son, liked his course a lot at MRD Driving School and we can’t thank the instructors there enough, especially his in-car instructor Karen. Jett is a safe, smart driver thanks to learning the... Read More
Jett, our son, liked his course a lot at MRD Driving School and we can’t thank the instructors there enough, especially his in-car instructor Karen. Jett is a safe, smart driver thanks to learning the ropes form MRD. Highly recommend them. Our other son Jarrett will be signing up shortly. Read Less
Ryan King
24 Jul 2017
REPORT
The class was good, but the in car lessons weren't the best. They forgot about me, and kept forgetting about me after I called them a number of times. They kept rescheduling my lessons and the instruc... Read More
The class was good, but the in car lessons weren't the best. They forgot about me, and kept forgetting about me after I called them a number of times. They kept rescheduling my lessons and the instructor was very distracting whilst driving. Read Less
don macdonald
20 Jul 2017
REPORT
Great experience, Instructor was professional and very knowledgeable about the rules and regulations, I also had my daughter do her driver training her 3 yrs ago and her instructor was perfect took an... Read More
Great experience, Instructor was professional and very knowledgeable about the rules and regulations, I also had my daughter do her driver training her 3 yrs ago and her instructor was perfect took any jitters she had about driving away Read Less
Jacob Davis
13 Jun 2017
REPORT
Great experience, unsure how people think it's a waste!
Brenda Brandow
25 May 2017
REPORT
Very proud of Connor Brandow, he got his Drivers License today, Thank you Amanda Ivey, and MRD Driving School, another fine Driver to your credit, would recommend MRD 100%
Deepak Jagannathan
8 Aug 2016
REPORT
Very bad school, not recommended. Contrary to comments from the owner the time spent on the driveway was every class and not just once and the worst ones being 30 minutes, the student was asked to si... Read More
Very bad school, not recommended. Contrary to comments from the owner the time spent on the driveway was every class and not just once and the worst ones being 30 minutes, the student was asked to sign the the attendance sheet before the class started and not after as indicated by the owners response so the statement is not true. The same complaint was shared by few of our neighbors whose children had been students of MRD driving previously. So instead of blaming the student make sure you have proper instructors. 21 years does not mean anything until and unless it is backed up by proper service. FYI My wife already managed to get a her drivers licence after taking 2 more classes from a different driving school. My wife joined their adult driving program which had 8 hours of class room training and 8 hours of road lessons. The class room sessions were ok nothing to comment but when it came to the driving lessons it was an absolute disaster. The instructor spent 15 to 30 minutes of the 60 minute road lesson session parked in the driveway, talking about the lesson. I can undersatnd a quick 5 minute instruction before starting the lesson but cannot understand the 30 minutes My wife has completed her course, at the end of the day the instructor didn't even teach her how to park or drive in the highway. I would not recommend this school to anyone total waste of money. Read Less
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Please call
(902) 576-7676
1480 Fall River Road
Fall River Nova Scotia B2T 1J1
Business Hours
Monday
Mon
08:30AM-20:30PM
Tuesday
Tue
08:30AM-20:30PM
Wednesday
Wed
08:30AM-20:30PM
Thursday
Thu
08:30AM-20:30PM
Friday
Fri
08:30AM-20:30PM
Saturday
Sat
08:30AM-20:30PM
Sunday
Sun
08:30AM-20:30PM
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MRD (Maritime Roadwise & Defensive) Driving School

Fall River, Nova Scotia
(14)
1480 Fall River Road
Fall River Nova Scotia B2T 1J1
Monday
08:30AM-20:30PM
Tuesday
08:30AM-20:30PM
Wednesday
08:30AM-20:30PM
Thursday
08:30AM-20:30PM
Friday
08:30AM-20:30PM
Saturday
08:30AM-20:30PM
Sunday
08:30AM-20:30PM
Shannon Brown
4 Apr 2024
REPORT
2024 edit - it blows my mind that you still claim negative reviews are fake, false or an attack on you -- and that you can not own up to your mistakes, so many people with similar stories - again-your... Read More
2024 edit - it blows my mind that you still claim negative reviews are fake, false or an attack on you -- and that you can not own up to your mistakes, so many people with similar stories - again-your lack of professionalism is appalling. 7/30/21 edit - your response is laughable! There are not 2 sides to this story, you yourself told me at the time that it was an series of unfortune events that led to my sons delay getting any driving time. It had NOTHING to do with his readiness for the driving test as I stated it was 2 months before you got him in a car for his first lesson with MRD. We were not rushing anything, he was nearing 18 and already had lots of experience driving with his father. Stop making fake excuses and own up to your lack of professionalism! The way you handle bad reviews says ALOT about you as a person. You constantly claim they are fake reviews LOL. I suggest taking a close look at how you are running your business and I suggest everyone with kids needing drivers ed to look elsewhere in the meantime. **************************************************************** I was hesitant to use MRD because of reviews I had heard and read but I took a chance because location was convenient. Everyone has their own experience and I understand some people had great experiences but ours was just not that great it took months to even get my child out driving once the classroom portion ended, the extra money for teen smart was (for us) a waste of money, when I did ask for a partial refund I got a whole $20, because this felt like a slap in the face I donated it to a local animal rescue, I believe I may have been blocked because I did send another email but did not get a response. This happened earlier this year, I purposely didn't write a review at the time because I didn't want to write a review when angry and frustrated, I understand there were some different circumstances going on at the time that resulted in difficulty getting (some?) students out driving but because of this experience we are using a different company for our other child. I will say that Amanda was pleasant to deal with via text/email and Larry was a great instructor. The owner of the business is completely unprofessional and rude. edited to add: 8/2020 - my youngest child just completed Drivers Ed with Safety Services in Burnside - highly recommend! Was a wonderful experience all the way around and worth leaving our community to get such great service. Read Less
Evan Gallant
13 Dec 2023
REPORT
Both the classroom instructor and the in car instructor are amazing at explaining things in an easy to understand way, and were very helpful whenever I had a question. They were very calm whenever I ... Read More
Both the classroom instructor and the in car instructor are amazing at explaining things in an easy to understand way, and were very helpful whenever I had a question. They were very calm whenever I made a stupid mistake, and didn’t make me nervous enough to keep messing up (that was a problem I had when practicing with other people.) I only have one minor complaint, which is about wait times. after you finish the in class lessons, there is about a 2-3 month delay to book in car lessons on the website. It is because they are booked up, so I get it, but still a bit of a dent in the overall experience. Another thing future customers should know, which applies to ANY driving school, is that Driver’s Ed (or at least the minimum 25 classroom hours and 10 in car hours required for the certificate) is NOT enough to take a complete beginner to road test ready. You WILL need someone else to practice with quite regularly (who is not a bad influence). If you want to make the most of the lessons, take what you learned in one lesson, and master it with someone else before the next lesson. That way, you can be ready to move on and you won’t be stuck on learning how to turn properly for three lessons. This is not a complaint, this is just overall advice to people considering Driver’s Ed. I passed my road test first time. The instructors at MRD were a huge factor in that. I practiced with my neighbour as well, and my parents. They taught me certain things that are either outdated or not allowed on a road test. The instructors here noticed things nobody else noticed, and taught me things nobody else thinks about. The biggest thing that they helped with, that I feel I could not have learned elsewhere, was all of the expectations and methods for maneuvers on a modern road test. Overall, it was worth the money. I can now drive to school, to work, and to pick up my girlfriend. I can now go anywhere, and can travel at 20x the speed I could on foot, while listening to whatever music I want, in a car alone where nobody can judge me. It’s nearly a superpower. I could not have passed the road test without them. I am now planning a summer trip to the Cape Breton highlands thanks to them. Mike was my in car instructor, he was great. Really good at explaining things as I said, and very calm when I made a mistake. He was completely honest with me, while remaining as professional as possible. He told me when I wasn’t ready for something, and even though I disagreed, looking back, he was right. Also, the Jetta I got to drive in was quite nice. Amanda was my in class instructor, she was great too. Good at explaining things and answering my (sometimes stupid) questions. Just remember, you WILL need other sources of practice. I’m giving five stars because I believe it does not deserve the 3 star average it currently has. I’ve read some other reviews. Maybe they used to have issues, but they have clearly ironed them out since. If I’m being honest I’d do 4 stars because of the wait times. Read Less
Padraig Doherty
3 Apr 2023
REPORT
We enrolled our child for a August 2022 summer session in the Sackville location. It was delayed for a month. Then after the month we were told that Sunday sessions would no longer be transferred to ... Read More
We enrolled our child for a August 2022 summer session in the Sackville location. It was delayed for a month. Then after the month we were told that Sunday sessions would no longer be transferred to the Fall river location. Start time of course was pushed back a few more weeks. Sessions finally started in October (2 months late). Child had Covid symptoms the last day of course when they were supposed to write the test. We were told it could be rescheduled no problem. The following week we were told he could not write the final test until the class after him were writing, furthermore we were not allowed to book any driving sessions until classroom session was done. Finished the course in December. Told we couldn’t book sessions until the end of January. Did first session tried to book second. Got the runaround from the Driving instructor. Finally booked second session. Then we were put on ignore for weeks. Finally decided to complain to owner. Was told by an employee they were in Mexico for two months and they would be in touch “Whenever they checked there email.” Following week got an email from owner saying “They were sorry we weren’t a good fit with the driver and they were going to put us with the owner, to book through his Calendar” Told them it wasn’t that we weren’t a good fit, it was just not possible to book anything at all with them. Got ignored again. Trying to book sessions now, can’t book any before June (is currently April 3rd.) Road test was scheduled for this month back in December. By the time we are all said and done it’s going to be close to a year to complete a 5 week course. The owners don’t seem to have any interest in doing even the bare minimum to meet their obligations. This is a 1 star review as Google wouldn’t allow a zero. Avoid this place at all costs, once they have your money they are literally off to Mexico. Read Less
Lynn Cassidy
24 Oct 2020
REPORT
My son completed his classroom session of the course in March 2019. It took until October 25th, 2019 to begin his first driving lesson. We would go days and days before receive a response to set up th... Read More
My son completed his classroom session of the course in March 2019. It took until October 25th, 2019 to begin his first driving lesson. We would go days and days before receive a response to set up the next lesson. This was a continuous result when trying to communicate with them. My son once received a "Who is this?" comment when trying to make an appointment. On 2 separate occasions, cancelled at short notice. Today, we were told that my son had one hour left of driving but would not honour it because the time had "elapsed" and would therefore NOT receive his course completion certificate until I paid $79 for this hour of driving. I was also told that he was considered "elapsed" since December 2019! (What!?) My son had regular appointments with Larry (who is great) through January to March. Not one word about being elapsed, from anyone. Then COVID hit and the world was paused for months. His next lesson, in September 2020, again, no mention of "elapse", went great. When we inquired today about the certificate, were told he will get the certificate once he completes this $79 lesson. Every single correspondence back and forth has been saved and will be filed the BBB. Read Less
Kerri Smith
17 Jun 2018
REPORT
I am just about finished up (next week) with my MRD adult class and I could not be more happy with my experience with MRD and my awesome instructor Amanda!! Its got me feeling so much more confident t... Read More
I am just about finished up (next week) with my MRD adult class and I could not be more happy with my experience with MRD and my awesome instructor Amanda!! Its got me feeling so much more confident to be on the road! Thanks 😊 Read Less
Pat Green
30 Apr 2018
REPORT
I passed my road test today thanks to the lessons and coaching from Amanda at MRD. As an adult with a busy family, with no driving experience at all, I really benefited from the evening and weekend av... Read More
I passed my road test today thanks to the lessons and coaching from Amanda at MRD. As an adult with a busy family, with no driving experience at all, I really benefited from the evening and weekend availability. Amanda was pleasant to be around and gave constant feedback and constructive criticism during our sessions. Read Less
Heather Barkhouse
3 Jan 2018
REPORT
Our son recently received his "fulls" thanks to MRD! He received all the information he needed in the classroom plus he gained valuable confidence in the car, thanks to his great instructor Zach Coll... Read More
Our son recently received his "fulls" thanks to MRD! He received all the information he needed in the classroom plus he gained valuable confidence in the car, thanks to his great instructor Zach Collett! Read Less
David Wall
29 Oct 2017
REPORT
Highly recommend. Top notch driving school. Both of our kids have gone through the course and speak highly of all instructors especially Amanda. I feel confident being in the passenger seat thanks to ... Read More
Highly recommend. Top notch driving school. Both of our kids have gone through the course and speak highly of all instructors especially Amanda. I feel confident being in the passenger seat thanks to MRD driving school. Read Less
Jason Crowell
15 Oct 2017
REPORT
Jett, our son, liked his course a lot at MRD Driving School and we can’t thank the instructors there enough, especially his in-car instructor Karen. Jett is a safe, smart driver thanks to learning the... Read More
Jett, our son, liked his course a lot at MRD Driving School and we can’t thank the instructors there enough, especially his in-car instructor Karen. Jett is a safe, smart driver thanks to learning the ropes form MRD. Highly recommend them. Our other son Jarrett will be signing up shortly. Read Less
Ryan King
24 Jul 2017
REPORT
The class was good, but the in car lessons weren't the best. They forgot about me, and kept forgetting about me after I called them a number of times. They kept rescheduling my lessons and the instruc... Read More
The class was good, but the in car lessons weren't the best. They forgot about me, and kept forgetting about me after I called them a number of times. They kept rescheduling my lessons and the instructor was very distracting whilst driving. Read Less
don macdonald
20 Jul 2017
REPORT
Great experience, Instructor was professional and very knowledgeable about the rules and regulations, I also had my daughter do her driver training her 3 yrs ago and her instructor was perfect took an... Read More
Great experience, Instructor was professional and very knowledgeable about the rules and regulations, I also had my daughter do her driver training her 3 yrs ago and her instructor was perfect took any jitters she had about driving away Read Less
Jacob Davis
13 Jun 2017
REPORT
Great experience, unsure how people think it's a waste!
Brenda Brandow
25 May 2017
REPORT
Very proud of Connor Brandow, he got his Drivers License today, Thank you Amanda Ivey, and MRD Driving School, another fine Driver to your credit, would recommend MRD 100%
Deepak Jagannathan
8 Aug 2016
REPORT
Very bad school, not recommended. Contrary to comments from the owner the time spent on the driveway was every class and not just once and the worst ones being 30 minutes, the student was asked to si... Read More
Very bad school, not recommended. Contrary to comments from the owner the time spent on the driveway was every class and not just once and the worst ones being 30 minutes, the student was asked to sign the the attendance sheet before the class started and not after as indicated by the owners response so the statement is not true. The same complaint was shared by few of our neighbors whose children had been students of MRD driving previously. So instead of blaming the student make sure you have proper instructors. 21 years does not mean anything until and unless it is backed up by proper service. FYI My wife already managed to get a her drivers licence after taking 2 more classes from a different driving school. My wife joined their adult driving program which had 8 hours of class room training and 8 hours of road lessons. The class room sessions were ok nothing to comment but when it came to the driving lessons it was an absolute disaster. The instructor spent 15 to 30 minutes of the 60 minute road lesson session parked in the driveway, talking about the lesson. I can undersatnd a quick 5 minute instruction before starting the lesson but cannot understand the 30 minutes My wife has completed her course, at the end of the day the instructor didn't even teach her how to park or drive in the highway. I would not recommend this school to anyone total waste of money. Read Less
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CLAIM IT HERE
Incorrect information? Let us know