Top Driver Driving School
Arlington Heights, Illinois
Reviews
Korrin Anderson
8 Jul 2026
REPORT
I previously left a 5-star review after my older son completed Top Driver 2 years ago. His classroom instruction at the Arlington Heights location was excellent, and his in-car instructor, Lester, was...
I previously left a 5-star review after my older son completed Top Driver 2 years ago. His classroom instruction at the Arlington Heights location was excellent, and his in-car instructor, Lester, was patient, encouraging, and made the driving lessons something my son actually looked forward to.
Unfortunately, our experience with my younger son has been completely different.
The biggest issue is scheduling the required in-car lessons. It is incredibly difficult to find available appointments. We purchased the smaller package that only requires six drives, and I'm very glad we did because even scheduling those has been a challenge.
When I called customer service for help, I was met with a rude representative who blamed me for the situation, saying my son should have started his drives earlier. My son was a nervous 15-year-old and wanted to complete the classroom portion before getting behind the wheel, which seems like a perfectly reasonable approach.
His eligibility date was extended by several weeks, but that hasn't solved the problem. I've logged in right at noon when new appointments are supposed to open and have been willing to book literally any location, including sites more than 45 minutes from home. On some days, there are no appointments available at all the moment scheduling opens.
To make matters worse, my son has only one lesson scheduled this month, and a specialist appointment that we've been waiting months for was recently moved to that same day. Even though the driving lesson is still more than two weeks away, there is no option to reschedule it. We either miss the doctor's appointment or lose the driving lesson.
The scheduling system simply doesn't provide enough flexibility or availability for families trying to complete the program. Based on our experience and many of the reviews I've since read, it seems far too easy for families to end up paying the additional fee to extend their driving period because they can't get the required lessons scheduled in time.
The classroom instruction was good, but the in-car scheduling process and customer service have been extremely disappointing and have overshadowed what was otherwise a positive experience.
Jay
28 Apr 2026
REPORT
I submitted a complaint to the provided customer service email regarding a serious safety concern four days ago. Given that this involves the safety of children, I would expect at minimum a callback w...
I submitted a complaint to the provided customer service email regarding a serious safety concern four days ago. Given that this involves the safety of children, I would expect at minimum a callback within 48 hours. So far, no calls from Top Driver management. See my email below:
I would like to file a formal complaint regarding my daughter’s driving lesson yesterday with a Top Driver instructor, Madeline. I believe my daughter was placed in an unsafe learning environment, particularly as a new driver who is just beginning to learn.
To begin with, the instructor was eating pizza in the car during the lesson. When my daughter got into the vehicle, she was immediately instructed to back up without being given time to properly adjust her seat and mirrors. My daughter had to ask the instructor to wait so she could ensure she was positioned safely.
While attempting to adjust her seat, my daughter realized it did not move forward enough for her to safely reach the pedals. She asked the instructor for assistance, but was told that this was as far forward as the seat would go. The instructor did not take steps to address this safety concern and proceeded with the lesson despite my daughter being in an unsafe driving position.
My daughter also reported that the brakes did not seem to be functioning properly. She felt that she was pressing down on the brake pedal, but the car was not slowing down as expected. This is extremely concerning from a safety standpoint.
Throughout the drive, the instructor continued eating, raising concerns about attentiveness and supervision. At one point, the instructor directed my daughter to drive to a gas station so she (instructor) could go inside to purchase a drink, leaving my daughter waiting alone in the car in the parking lot. Additionally, the instructor repeatedly told my daughter to “speed up” without providing any clear guidance, even though she was only driving approximately 5 mph below the speed limit.
At the end of the day, we received the “In-Car Lesson Evaluation” from Madeline, which stated that she spoke with the parents after the lesson. This did not occur.
Overall, this experience did not reflect a safe or professional learning environment. As a parent, I find this extremely concerning. I request a thorough review of this situation and a follow-up call regarding how this will be addressed. Additionally, we request that my daughter not be assigned to this instructor for any future lessons.
Adjutant0974
7 Apr 2026
REPORT
Class time is fine. Schedule road time is issue as different reps tell different things. Finally get set up and have choice of 3 pickups; at TP, home or school. I select school. Reminder email shows ...
Class time is fine. Schedule road time is issue as different reps tell different things. Finally get set up and have choice of 3 pickups; at TP, home or school. I select school. Reminder email shows TP. They refuse to change it and now will charge. Wait time on phone is long and no call back.
Virginia Coglianese
3 Feb 2026
REPORT
EDIT: The regional manager contacted me himself to help make the situation right and get my son scheduled for his last in car session. Although the frustration with their online scheduling remains (I ...
EDIT: The regional manager contacted me himself to help make the situation right and get my son scheduled for his last in car session. Although the frustration with their online scheduling remains (I truly believe they take more students than they have staff to accommodate), I updated my review and I want to call out Aaron as an instructor who my son loved and Ralph the regional manager for making things right after the customer service department absolutely failed.
This company offers ZERO customer service. Scheduling in car driving sessions is nearly impossible unless you sit at your desk computer logged in to their portal right at noon on the second Tuesday of the month. If you get there at 12:06, sorry, no appointments available. If you bother to send an inquiry to ask for help, you’ll receive a short, rude reply. They take your money and don’t provide the service you paid for. The only reason I gave them a two star review is because the instructors are actually very good. If you can actually get time scheduled with them… look elsewhere for driving instruction unless you’re a glutton for stress.
Johnny Smith
5 Aug 2025
REPORT
you guys suck so badly. do NOT come here. I’m being dead serious. Find any other driving school to go to. I think I dealt with most of the staff here and there was only a handful of the staff who were...
you guys suck so badly. do NOT come here. I’m being dead serious. Find any other driving school to go to. I think I dealt with most of the staff here and there was only a handful of the staff who weren’t rude, careless, or dismissive.
To start, on a Sunday class, one of the teachers at this dumpster fire (who didn’t even tell my kid her name, might I mention) didn’t show up to class at all, and the class needed to be made up on another completely random day. Not to mention, the class waited outside the locked door of the facility in the freezing cold weather waiting for this careless member of their staff to arrive. Nothing was said besides the makeup date. This clown and this school inconvenienced an entire class of people!
This same instructor, on the times she showed up, would often show up 10-15 minutes past the start time! This school pays her to show up late to her job and barely teach us! I think through her lessons I LOST knowledge about how to drive. She also was very dismissive for when my son had a question and was very unclear with her directions towards the class.
Behind the Wheels in this school have a few decent instructors, but if you don’t end up with one of them you are in for an awful 2 hour car ride. It feels like boot camp just to learn how to back out of a parking spot! Not to mention one of these individual instructors… who I believe was named Mr. Smith, has a comment for everything, and has either a snarky, mean, aggressive, or sharp comment for anything you do or ask behind the wheel. It is awful. This instructor needs to be away from children at all costs!
This place is a circus and the staff are the sideshow filled with clowns. It seems as if they only care for your money and not to treat anyone here with respect or the attention that they pay an overpriced fee for. I don’t expect a school of driving to be the Garden of Eden, but this place was another level of suffering. It causes much anxiety for children and almost everyone here has a screw loose.
So, by any means, DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILDREN HERE. 💩🤡
Ryan Babal
23 Mar 2017
REPORT
yea like my teacher mr smith nearly died whilst teaching the class
Guaguanche
7 Jul 2016
REPORT
Mr smith is a psychopath that needs to be put in an institution. 0/10
Guag
7 Jul 2016
REPORT
Mr smith is a psychopath that needs to be put in an institution. 0/10
Jina L.
30 Aug 2015
REPORT
I had a great experience with Top Driver. In particular I thought the adult driving coordinator Randy and the lead instructor Lee were extremely extremely extremely helpful, courteous, nice, and consi...
I had a great experience with Top Driver. In particular I thought the adult driving coordinator Randy and the lead instructor Lee were extremely extremely extremely helpful, courteous, nice, and considerate. This is the best experience I have had with any driving school. I want to especially thank Lee for his encouragements, teachings, and early morning pickups (he always arrived 15 minutes early, always super on time and organized). The school is pretty popular despite lack of reviews, so not much room to choose time slots but if you are flexible and looking for a good place to learn driving (and pass the test in no time with flying colors) then I would give top driver a try. Make sure you understand how many hours you need to practice and how much practice you will be having with your family's car, so that it will give you a better idea of how many lessons you want. Good luck
Kay K.
13 Sep 2014
REPORT
The instruction is like other schools in the area. However, if you have a busy child, scheduling driving is nearly impossible on their system, and they don't have enough instructors, so it's hard to ...
The instruction is like other schools in the area. However, if you have a busy child, scheduling driving is nearly impossible on their system, and they don't have enough instructors, so it's hard to get in. And if you miss a class you have to make up exactly the same class in a different session, which can take months. Very frustrating experience. 4 months later still trying to get the driving lessons scheduled.
Dan S.
15 Nov 2013
REPORT
Our experience with Top Driver has been horrific. No issue with our first child who learned through them 2 years ago. This time - poor quality classroom instruction; in-car instructor who took a per...
Our experience with Top Driver has been horrific. No issue with our first child who learned through them 2 years ago. This time - poor quality classroom instruction; in-car instructor who took a personal call while driving with our child as well as opened the door to search for his phone while the vehicle was moving; hard to find locations including an instructor who couldn't provide directions because he was new to the area; lost notes on our prior instructor complaint; no call back from the customer service manager; rescheduled make up class in to the wrong session. Incompetent organization. Avoid.
Anitha Latha K.
12 Aug 2013
REPORT
The horrible most driving school....people took my money and did not even show up to teach driving.....this school really scuks....instructors are awful n nonprofessional.....I have no words to descri...
The horrible most driving school....people took my money and did not even show up to teach driving.....this school really scuks....instructors are awful n nonprofessional.....I have no words to describe to them but I can suggest any one to not approach this school at any cost......
Kalee G.
8 Jan 2013
REPORT
I am a bit unique as a driving student in that I am 62 and a stroke victim returning to driving, not a typical student. I can't say enough about my instructor, George. He was kind, respectful and con...
I am a bit unique as a driving student in that I am 62 and a stroke victim returning to driving, not a typical student. I can't say enough about my instructor, George. He was kind, respectful and considerate. More important is that George was an outstanding, skilled and caring professional. I have recently been able to pass the complex and tine consuming post-stroke back to driving test. The skills I acquired/regained will serve me well as I reclaim my driving skills. Kudos to George!
Bob D.
21 Jun 2012
REPORT
Some of the ladies you speak with on the phone who help schedule lessons (and charge you outrageous fees for every possible misstep, such as late arrival to a lesson) are pleasant, but that's the only...
Some of the ladies you speak with on the phone who help schedule lessons (and charge you outrageous fees for every possible misstep, such as late arrival to a lesson) are pleasant, but that's the only positive I can think of for this place. Top Driver offers NONE of the features and services we took for granted at the well-established school our older children attended. My experience is with the Highland Park location, but the program is run through a general corporate website and 800 number, so I would expect the same overpriced, charge-you-at-every-turn mindset no matter the location. My advice is to steer well clear of Top Driver.
therese m.
5 Jan 2011
REPORT
Jan,You are correct. This place is a nightmare. I had the exact same experience at the Wilmette location. They are unethical and flat out liars. I only wish I had read your review before I signed ...
Jan,You are correct. This place is a nightmare. I had the exact same experience at the Wilmette location. They are unethical and flat out liars. I only wish I had read your review before I signed up my son and found ourselves neck deep. I would strongly advice against using this service!!!
Pam G.
22 Aug 2010
REPORT
The instructors are great at this school, they really make the kids comfortable behind the wheel. The corporate company however is a different story, they are very rude on the phone, they have a 48 ho...
The instructors are great at this school, they really make the kids comfortable behind the wheel. The corporate company however is a different story, they are very rude on the phone, they have a 48 hour cancellation policy for you but not for themselfs. (If you need to cancel last minute because your kid has a school/life/sports conflict and it cost you $40.00 they miss your appointment oopps!) There website has a lot of issues with sign up/cancellation - I canceled on line and it didn't go through - though I found out when they called stating that my son had "missed" the appointment and I would have to pay the fee before he could drive again!!! My daughter did Addams in Highwood, we loved them, we didnt have 1 complaint - but as they have been around forever and there facility is older we thought that we would try the new kids in town as their place was nice and newly polished...well it will stay polished due to the amount of extra money that they charge you - they can afford to do more to keep the place up. Don't go here unless you really want to get frustrated with extra charges, like having to wait a long time in between lessons because they dont have enough driving instructors, or want your kids to get picked up from school - no of these were an issue with AAdams- and as we all have a choice on where to spend our money I would keep it with the company that has been in business in Highland Park for 20+ years vs the new guys that only wants your money.
A Google User
8 Feb 2010
REPORT
Avoid the scheduling headaches, miserable customer service, and penalty fees of Top Driver!
We recently used Top Driver driving school and found the company to be terrible at customer service. It wa...
Avoid the scheduling headaches, miserable customer service, and penalty fees of Top Driver!
We recently used Top Driver driving school and found the company to be terrible at customer service. It was a nightmare trying to schedule driving sessions (very few available) - we usually had to go to the Buffalo Grove location since there were none available in AH. If you choose to use them, understand that you will be calling a corporate 1-800 number to do all scheduling, rescheduling, etc. Their is no personal/local contact. The teachers are just that - teachers. Lastly, watch out for all the hidden fees! $70 if you don't cancel appointment within 48 hrs, $150 if you don't finish making up classes within 60 days of starting classes. Take my advice and use a local driving school instead!
Jan H.
21 Feb 2008
REPORT
Top driver is irresponsible & knows nothing of customer service! The instructor didn't bother to show up to one of the classes and the company didn't return my call. Another parent spoke with someon...
Top driver is irresponsible & knows nothing of customer service! The instructor didn't bother to show up to one of the classes and the company didn't return my call. Another parent spoke with someone and they actually tried to make it our fault...? Then they told the kids that they didn't have to make up the class since they "talked about driving" for the 30 minutes that they waited outside a locked storefront. (wink!) So that counted for a class. Some kids were dropped off and had no way of contacting parents for pick up and sat there until 9 pm. They don't seem to know how to use a calendar, because I've been told twice incorrect dates for lessons. They have rescheduled all but one "behind the wheel" because their instructors keep quitting... Not a good sign. Avoid Top Driver like the plague!
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(800) 374-8373
1283 East Rand Road
Arlington Heights Illinois 60004
Business Hours
Monday
Mon
08:00AM-17:00PM
Tuesday
Tue
08:00AM-17:00PM
Wednesday
Wed
08:00AM-17:00PM
Thursday
Thu
08:00AM-17:00PM
Friday
Fri
08:00AM-17:00PM
Saturday
Sat
08:00AM-12:00PM
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Top Driver Driving School
Arlington Heights, Illinois
1283 East Rand Road
Arlington Heights Illinois 60004
Business Hours
Monday
08:00AM-17:00PM
Tuesday
08:00AM-17:00PM
Wednesday
08:00AM-17:00PM
Thursday
08:00AM-17:00PM
Friday
08:00AM-17:00PM
Saturday
08:00AM-12:00PM
Popular Hours
6a
12p
6p
{{getPopularHourTime(item.time)}}
No data for {{popularHourDay.text}}
Closed on {{popularHourDay.text}}
Reviews
Korrin Anderson
8 Jul 2026
I previously left a 5-star review after my older son completed Top Driver 2 years ago. His classroom instruction at the Arlington Heights location was excellent, and his in-car instructor, Lester, was...
I previously left a 5-star review after my older son completed Top Driver 2 years ago. His classroom instruction at the Arlington Heights location was excellent, and his in-car instructor, Lester, was patient, encouraging, and made the driving lessons something my son actually looked forward to.
Unfortunately, our experience with my younger son has been completely different.
The biggest issue is scheduling the required in-car lessons. It is incredibly difficult to find available appointments. We purchased the smaller package that only requires six drives, and I'm very glad we did because even scheduling those has been a challenge.
When I called customer service for help, I was met with a rude representative who blamed me for the situation, saying my son should have started his drives earlier. My son was a nervous 15-year-old and wanted to complete the classroom portion before getting behind the wheel, which seems like a perfectly reasonable approach.
His eligibility date was extended by several weeks, but that hasn't solved the problem. I've logged in right at noon when new appointments are supposed to open and have been willing to book literally any location, including sites more than 45 minutes from home. On some days, there are no appointments available at all the moment scheduling opens.
To make matters worse, my son has only one lesson scheduled this month, and a specialist appointment that we've been waiting months for was recently moved to that same day. Even though the driving lesson is still more than two weeks away, there is no option to reschedule it. We either miss the doctor's appointment or lose the driving lesson.
The scheduling system simply doesn't provide enough flexibility or availability for families trying to complete the program. Based on our experience and many of the reviews I've since read, it seems far too easy for families to end up paying the additional fee to extend their driving period because they can't get the required lessons scheduled in time.
The classroom instruction was good, but the in-car scheduling process and customer service have been extremely disappointing and have overshadowed what was otherwise a positive experience.
Jay
28 Apr 2026
I submitted a complaint to the provided customer service email regarding a serious safety concern four days ago. Given that this involves the safety of children, I would expect at minimum a callback w...
I submitted a complaint to the provided customer service email regarding a serious safety concern four days ago. Given that this involves the safety of children, I would expect at minimum a callback within 48 hours. So far, no calls from Top Driver management. See my email below:
I would like to file a formal complaint regarding my daughter’s driving lesson yesterday with a Top Driver instructor, Madeline. I believe my daughter was placed in an unsafe learning environment, particularly as a new driver who is just beginning to learn.
To begin with, the instructor was eating pizza in the car during the lesson. When my daughter got into the vehicle, she was immediately instructed to back up without being given time to properly adjust her seat and mirrors. My daughter had to ask the instructor to wait so she could ensure she was positioned safely.
While attempting to adjust her seat, my daughter realized it did not move forward enough for her to safely reach the pedals. She asked the instructor for assistance, but was told that this was as far forward as the seat would go. The instructor did not take steps to address this safety concern and proceeded with the lesson despite my daughter being in an unsafe driving position.
My daughter also reported that the brakes did not seem to be functioning properly. She felt that she was pressing down on the brake pedal, but the car was not slowing down as expected. This is extremely concerning from a safety standpoint.
Throughout the drive, the instructor continued eating, raising concerns about attentiveness and supervision. At one point, the instructor directed my daughter to drive to a gas station so she (instructor) could go inside to purchase a drink, leaving my daughter waiting alone in the car in the parking lot. Additionally, the instructor repeatedly told my daughter to “speed up” without providing any clear guidance, even though she was only driving approximately 5 mph below the speed limit.
At the end of the day, we received the “In-Car Lesson Evaluation” from Madeline, which stated that she spoke with the parents after the lesson. This did not occur.
Overall, this experience did not reflect a safe or professional learning environment. As a parent, I find this extremely concerning. I request a thorough review of this situation and a follow-up call regarding how this will be addressed. Additionally, we request that my daughter not be assigned to this instructor for any future lessons.
Adjutant0974
7 Apr 2026
Class time is fine. Schedule road time is issue as different reps tell different things. Finally get set up and have choice of 3 pickups; at TP, home or school. I select school. Reminder email shows ...
Class time is fine. Schedule road time is issue as different reps tell different things. Finally get set up and have choice of 3 pickups; at TP, home or school. I select school. Reminder email shows TP. They refuse to change it and now will charge. Wait time on phone is long and no call back.
Virginia Coglianese
3 Feb 2026
EDIT: The regional manager contacted me himself to help make the situation right and get my son scheduled for his last in car session. Although the frustration with their online scheduling remains (I ...
EDIT: The regional manager contacted me himself to help make the situation right and get my son scheduled for his last in car session. Although the frustration with their online scheduling remains (I truly believe they take more students than they have staff to accommodate), I updated my review and I want to call out Aaron as an instructor who my son loved and Ralph the regional manager for making things right after the customer service department absolutely failed.
This company offers ZERO customer service. Scheduling in car driving sessions is nearly impossible unless you sit at your desk computer logged in to their portal right at noon on the second Tuesday of the month. If you get there at 12:06, sorry, no appointments available. If you bother to send an inquiry to ask for help, you’ll receive a short, rude reply. They take your money and don’t provide the service you paid for. The only reason I gave them a two star review is because the instructors are actually very good. If you can actually get time scheduled with them… look elsewhere for driving instruction unless you’re a glutton for stress.
Johnny Smith
5 Aug 2025
you guys suck so badly. do NOT come here. I’m being dead serious. Find any other driving school to go to. I think I dealt with most of the staff here and there was only a handful of the staff who were...
you guys suck so badly. do NOT come here. I’m being dead serious. Find any other driving school to go to. I think I dealt with most of the staff here and there was only a handful of the staff who weren’t rude, careless, or dismissive.
To start, on a Sunday class, one of the teachers at this dumpster fire (who didn’t even tell my kid her name, might I mention) didn’t show up to class at all, and the class needed to be made up on another completely random day. Not to mention, the class waited outside the locked door of the facility in the freezing cold weather waiting for this careless member of their staff to arrive. Nothing was said besides the makeup date. This clown and this school inconvenienced an entire class of people!
This same instructor, on the times she showed up, would often show up 10-15 minutes past the start time! This school pays her to show up late to her job and barely teach us! I think through her lessons I LOST knowledge about how to drive. She also was very dismissive for when my son had a question and was very unclear with her directions towards the class.
Behind the Wheels in this school have a few decent instructors, but if you don’t end up with one of them you are in for an awful 2 hour car ride. It feels like boot camp just to learn how to back out of a parking spot! Not to mention one of these individual instructors… who I believe was named Mr. Smith, has a comment for everything, and has either a snarky, mean, aggressive, or sharp comment for anything you do or ask behind the wheel. It is awful. This instructor needs to be away from children at all costs!
This place is a circus and the staff are the sideshow filled with clowns. It seems as if they only care for your money and not to treat anyone here with respect or the attention that they pay an overpriced fee for. I don’t expect a school of driving to be the Garden of Eden, but this place was another level of suffering. It causes much anxiety for children and almost everyone here has a screw loose.
So, by any means, DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILDREN HERE. 💩🤡
Ryan Babal
23 Mar 2017
yea like my teacher mr smith nearly died whilst teaching the class
Guaguanche
7 Jul 2016
Mr smith is a psychopath that needs to be put in an institution. 0/10
Guag
7 Jul 2016
Mr smith is a psychopath that needs to be put in an institution. 0/10
Jina L.
30 Aug 2015
I had a great experience with Top Driver. In particular I thought the adult driving coordinator Randy and the lead instructor Lee were extremely extremely extremely helpful, courteous, nice, and consi...
I had a great experience with Top Driver. In particular I thought the adult driving coordinator Randy and the lead instructor Lee were extremely extremely extremely helpful, courteous, nice, and considerate. This is the best experience I have had with any driving school. I want to especially thank Lee for his encouragements, teachings, and early morning pickups (he always arrived 15 minutes early, always super on time and organized). The school is pretty popular despite lack of reviews, so not much room to choose time slots but if you are flexible and looking for a good place to learn driving (and pass the test in no time with flying colors) then I would give top driver a try. Make sure you understand how many hours you need to practice and how much practice you will be having with your family's car, so that it will give you a better idea of how many lessons you want. Good luck
Kay K.
13 Sep 2014
The instruction is like other schools in the area. However, if you have a busy child, scheduling driving is nearly impossible on their system, and they don't have enough instructors, so it's hard to ...
The instruction is like other schools in the area. However, if you have a busy child, scheduling driving is nearly impossible on their system, and they don't have enough instructors, so it's hard to get in. And if you miss a class you have to make up exactly the same class in a different session, which can take months. Very frustrating experience. 4 months later still trying to get the driving lessons scheduled.
Dan S.
15 Nov 2013
Our experience with Top Driver has been horrific. No issue with our first child who learned through them 2 years ago. This time - poor quality classroom instruction; in-car instructor who took a per...
Our experience with Top Driver has been horrific. No issue with our first child who learned through them 2 years ago. This time - poor quality classroom instruction; in-car instructor who took a personal call while driving with our child as well as opened the door to search for his phone while the vehicle was moving; hard to find locations including an instructor who couldn't provide directions because he was new to the area; lost notes on our prior instructor complaint; no call back from the customer service manager; rescheduled make up class in to the wrong session. Incompetent organization. Avoid.
Anitha Latha K.
12 Aug 2013
The horrible most driving school....people took my money and did not even show up to teach driving.....this school really scuks....instructors are awful n nonprofessional.....I have no words to descri...
The horrible most driving school....people took my money and did not even show up to teach driving.....this school really scuks....instructors are awful n nonprofessional.....I have no words to describe to them but I can suggest any one to not approach this school at any cost......
Kalee G.
8 Jan 2013
I am a bit unique as a driving student in that I am 62 and a stroke victim returning to driving, not a typical student. I can't say enough about my instructor, George. He was kind, respectful and con...
I am a bit unique as a driving student in that I am 62 and a stroke victim returning to driving, not a typical student. I can't say enough about my instructor, George. He was kind, respectful and considerate. More important is that George was an outstanding, skilled and caring professional. I have recently been able to pass the complex and tine consuming post-stroke back to driving test. The skills I acquired/regained will serve me well as I reclaim my driving skills. Kudos to George!
Bob D.
21 Jun 2012
Some of the ladies you speak with on the phone who help schedule lessons (and charge you outrageous fees for every possible misstep, such as late arrival to a lesson) are pleasant, but that's the only...
Some of the ladies you speak with on the phone who help schedule lessons (and charge you outrageous fees for every possible misstep, such as late arrival to a lesson) are pleasant, but that's the only positive I can think of for this place. Top Driver offers NONE of the features and services we took for granted at the well-established school our older children attended. My experience is with the Highland Park location, but the program is run through a general corporate website and 800 number, so I would expect the same overpriced, charge-you-at-every-turn mindset no matter the location. My advice is to steer well clear of Top Driver.
therese m.
5 Jan 2011
Jan,You are correct. This place is a nightmare. I had the exact same experience at the Wilmette location. They are unethical and flat out liars. I only wish I had read your review before I signed ...
Jan,You are correct. This place is a nightmare. I had the exact same experience at the Wilmette location. They are unethical and flat out liars. I only wish I had read your review before I signed up my son and found ourselves neck deep. I would strongly advice against using this service!!!
Pam G.
22 Aug 2010
The instructors are great at this school, they really make the kids comfortable behind the wheel. The corporate company however is a different story, they are very rude on the phone, they have a 48 ho...
The instructors are great at this school, they really make the kids comfortable behind the wheel. The corporate company however is a different story, they are very rude on the phone, they have a 48 hour cancellation policy for you but not for themselfs. (If you need to cancel last minute because your kid has a school/life/sports conflict and it cost you $40.00 they miss your appointment oopps!) There website has a lot of issues with sign up/cancellation - I canceled on line and it didn't go through - though I found out when they called stating that my son had "missed" the appointment and I would have to pay the fee before he could drive again!!! My daughter did Addams in Highwood, we loved them, we didnt have 1 complaint - but as they have been around forever and there facility is older we thought that we would try the new kids in town as their place was nice and newly polished...well it will stay polished due to the amount of extra money that they charge you - they can afford to do more to keep the place up. Don't go here unless you really want to get frustrated with extra charges, like having to wait a long time in between lessons because they dont have enough driving instructors, or want your kids to get picked up from school - no of these were an issue with AAdams- and as we all have a choice on where to spend our money I would keep it with the company that has been in business in Highland Park for 20+ years vs the new guys that only wants your money.
A Google User
8 Feb 2010
Avoid the scheduling headaches, miserable customer service, and penalty fees of Top Driver!
We recently used Top Driver driving school and found the company to be terrible at customer service. It wa...
Avoid the scheduling headaches, miserable customer service, and penalty fees of Top Driver!
We recently used Top Driver driving school and found the company to be terrible at customer service. It was a nightmare trying to schedule driving sessions (very few available) - we usually had to go to the Buffalo Grove location since there were none available in AH. If you choose to use them, understand that you will be calling a corporate 1-800 number to do all scheduling, rescheduling, etc. Their is no personal/local contact. The teachers are just that - teachers. Lastly, watch out for all the hidden fees! $70 if you don't cancel appointment within 48 hrs, $150 if you don't finish making up classes within 60 days of starting classes. Take my advice and use a local driving school instead!
Jan H.
21 Feb 2008
Top driver is irresponsible & knows nothing of customer service! The instructor didn't bother to show up to one of the classes and the company didn't return my call. Another parent spoke with someon...
Top driver is irresponsible & knows nothing of customer service! The instructor didn't bother to show up to one of the classes and the company didn't return my call. Another parent spoke with someone and they actually tried to make it our fault...? Then they told the kids that they didn't have to make up the class since they "talked about driving" for the 30 minutes that they waited outside a locked storefront. (wink!) So that counted for a class. Some kids were dropped off and had no way of contacting parents for pick up and sat there until 9 pm. They don't seem to know how to use a calendar, because I've been told twice incorrect dates for lessons. They have rescheduled all but one "behind the wheel" because their instructors keep quitting... Not a good sign. Avoid Top Driver like the plague!
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