Total Control Driving Academy llc
Saint Michael, Minnesota
Reviews
Curtis Michener
23 Nov 2022
REPORT
I'm a teacher at Elk River High who has access to students who have used this company. This company does not give students the required 6 hours of driving time. Instead, they split the time amongst tw...
I'm a teacher at Elk River High who has access to students who have used this company. This company does not give students the required 6 hours of driving time. Instead, they split the time amongst two students. I talked to students in my math classes and had reports of students driving for less than 20 minutes in a lesson. I re-started teaching driver education with our district's community ed last spring. In that time, I have received two calls from parents who were desperate to get their child's behind-the-wheel hours done after starting them with Total Control. Those parents told me that their phone calls to Total Control were going unreturned. I don't have anything negative to say about A+ driving school. They would be my recommendation if you don't choose to go through ISD 728 Community Ed. Frankly, there are too many kids in the area for our CE to handle, so it would be awesome to have other reputable companies in the area who had the goal of properly educating our youth.
Brand Brand
12 Jul 2019
REPORT
Decided to go with TC for my second driver. The classroom training was very convenient and it was a bit less expensive and closer to home than the high school option.
My son enjoyed the classroom and ...
Decided to go with TC for my second driver. The classroom training was very convenient and it was a bit less expensive and closer to home than the high school option.
My son enjoyed the classroom and learned a lot. (Classroom was NOT taught by ROB.) The behind-the-wheel was a complete nightmare.
Rob was so unprofessional at our first BTW meeting, it made me very nervous to let my son drive with him. We waited by the office for 15 minutes before receiving a call from Rob basically yelling at us for not searching the parking lot for the car he was waiting in. It was our first appointment for BTW and I couldn't believe how rude he was. It didn't take long to realize I had made a mistake by giving him any money.
My son's first '2-hour' lesson was shared with another kid, so it was actually only 1. When I called Rob on this, he reluctantly agreed. On two occasions Rob was waiting at the wrong location for my son. On a third occasion, I had to call to make sure the lesson was still on due to weather because he hadn't called me to confirm it wouldn't take place. Scheduling was a disaster. This guy is spreading himself so thin he couldn't get my kid finished with his 6 instructional hours prior to his birthday. He teaches parallel parking on the last hour, which he says is to be scheduled the week before the test. He is also extremely difficult to get a hold of to make appointments.
I, too, would give Rob and his school a zero but the review required at least one star. Customer service is non-existent. Once he has the money, he doesn't seem to care about anything but himself. As far as picking your child up from your location...complete joke.
Interesting that all the reviews are either 1 or 5 stars. I have to wonder why some are 100% satisfied when others are 0% (but forced to be 20%). Seems a bit fishy that nobody was somewhat satisfied and gave them a 3 or 4. I can't discourage you enough from staying as far away from this place as possible.
Wendy Kupser
4 Apr 2019
REPORT
This was absolutely the worst experience ever. Rob was either late, or had to reschedule every single time we had a driving appointment with him. He did not take my son driving in town but only on bac...
This was absolutely the worst experience ever. Rob was either late, or had to reschedule every single time we had a driving appointment with him. He did not take my son driving in town but only on back roads. He did come to the house to pick him up, which is nice, but my son was never driving when they left. They had to stop for a "potty" but I think "smoking" break before my son got in the driver's seat. I caught him lying to me and also he tried to always take a 2nd student with in the car. Which would be ok, except he did not intend to extend the drive time to make sure the student each received a total of 6 hours. Between being late, dropping off early and the breaks, I know we only got 4.75 - 5 hours in. Find another school. If I could leave a zero review I would, but this site requires me to give at least a 1. I have more, which I have documented, but I think you get the point. If I knew what agency I could contact to report him, I would.
Rob Butlik
17 Apr 2018
REPORT
Not impressed with the way that they teach my son driving. Very unprofessional that is why they deserve one star.
Da Jones
5 Feb 2018
REPORT
Rob and allen helped me get ready for the road. They know how to answer question you have without you even asking. They teach you how fun but serious driving is.‼️
Max Guldbrandsen
31 Jan 2018
REPORT
Continuously missed appointments with no call or explanation. Super disappointed because some of the reviews were positive so decided to give it a try. Was very rude when asked for a refund. This guy ...
Continuously missed appointments with no call or explanation. Super disappointed because some of the reviews were positive so decided to give it a try. Was very rude when asked for a refund. This guy is having people write fake positive reviews to try and dilute the negatives. Will report to BBB.
Kristen Leonard
24 Jan 2018
REPORT
I’d highly recommend Total Control to others! The flexible schedule for the classroom sessions is perfect for kids with busy sports schedules. I knew my son wouldn’t be able to make it to one of the ...
I’d highly recommend Total Control to others! The flexible schedule for the classroom sessions is perfect for kids with busy sports schedules. I knew my son wouldn’t be able to make it to one of the sessions, so I was glad that they were very accommodating by offering other dates and times so that he could attend and not miss anything. That didn’t seem to be an option with other schools. His instructor Alan made learning fun and I appreciated that they were quizzed daily at the end of the session on what they learned. The behind the wheel training with Rob was great. His relaxed, easy-going personality made for a really positive, non-stressful driving experience for my son. Rob gave a lot of good feedback on what to work on for the next driving session. Also the fact that he will either come to your house or pick them up at school is really a plus! I’ll definitely use this school again in the future!
Tanner Luongvan
24 Jan 2018
REPORT
Some of the bad reviews here are fake, but I know for SURE! That Total Control is a great driving course. The staff teach in a fun and very engaging way, making all kids feel welcome and never left ou...
Some of the bad reviews here are fake, but I know for SURE! That Total Control is a great driving course. The staff teach in a fun and very engaging way, making all kids feel welcome and never left out. The learning environment was also great. The work is all done in class but homework is optional. This is great with high schoolers since they have tons of homework as it is. The prices were way better than anyone else we looked at too. Total control charges less for the class room session AND behind the wheel than our school charged with the charge of the behind the wheel on top of the classroom. They also are very flexible with schedules, often scheduling behind the wheels based on the kids and parents request. The driving instructor will pick your kid or yourself at their school or residence, while others don’t. They put in a lot of work behind the scenes too that goes unnoticed. Don’t think twice when choosing Total Control. They’re awesome!
Tanner Liang
24 Jan 2018
REPORT
Some of the bad reviews here are fake, but I know for SURE! That Total Control is a great driving course. The staff teach in a fun and very engaging way, making all kids feel welcome and never left ou...
Some of the bad reviews here are fake, but I know for SURE! That Total Control is a great driving course. The staff teach in a fun and very engaging way, making all kids feel welcome and never left out. The learning environment was also great. The work is all done in class but homework is optional. This is great with high schoolers since they have tons of homework as it is. The prices were way better than anyone else we looked at too. Total control charges less for the class room session AND behind the wheel than our school charged with the charge of the behind the wheel on top of the classroom. They also are very flexible with schedules, often scheduling behind the wheels based on the kids and parents request. The driving instructor will pick your kid or yourself at their school or residence, while others don’t. They put in a lot of work behind the scenes too that goes unnoticed. Don’t think twice when choosing Total Control. They’re awesome!
Tina Windom
6 Apr 2017
REPORT
This place is horrible! Almost impossible to get a hold of! We paid for behind the wheel hours, and my son has yet to finish his hours and he is suppose to test next week! He was suppose to have Behin...
This place is horrible! Almost impossible to get a hold of! We paid for behind the wheel hours, and my son has yet to finish his hours and he is suppose to test next week! He was suppose to have Behind the wheel today, guess what?!?! Guy didn't even SHOW UP! My son sat at the high school for 45 minutes waiting for him to show. I will never recommend this place and my other kids will never go here! Can't believe he is still in business if this is how he treats his customers!
Lynette R.
20 Dec 2016
REPORT
I have had two of my three Children attend this school and they loved it. Both of them passed their permit tests and driving tests the first time. The instructors are very knowledgeable and friendly.
CJ Kottke
31 Mar 2016
REPORT
Loved it!! Easy an fun way and quick to get me on the road!!
Aimee C.
8 May 2015
REPORT
This business doesn't even deserve 1 star! Instructor Robert will get in the car, make the student drive and all he does is eat all the time! There was never a time he didn't eat. Never got a receipt ...
This business doesn't even deserve 1 star! Instructor Robert will get in the car, make the student drive and all he does is eat all the time! There was never a time he didn't eat. Never got a receipt as promised after paying cash & I never learned anything. He is bad with communication! Never recommend this business or instructor to anyone. Waste of time. If he answers your call right away and teaches your kid something, that's called shot of luck.
James Martineau
13 Oct 2014
REPORT
Extremely difficult to get a hold of over the phone, very poor at calling back. Errors made on their end with scheduling behind the wheel dates, actually arguing with us and telling us we were wrong ...
Extremely difficult to get a hold of over the phone, very poor at calling back. Errors made on their end with scheduling behind the wheel dates, actually arguing with us and telling us we were wrong (wrote it on the calendar the same day).
Also, wrote on their contract form that one of the parents would ride with on the first day and they said no and denied that they ever agreed to do so.
Over all I am very disappointed and a little angry too. I will actually discourage others from this driving school.
zgreenthumbz
23 Oct 2013
REPORT
Not sure what these other people are talking about. But the services my child was offered was great passed all tests on first try. And the prices can't be beat. And as far as All Pro they are no longe...
Not sure what these other people are talking about. But the services my child was offered was great passed all tests on first try. And the prices can't be beat. And as far as All Pro they are no longer around.
dewey001
6 May 2013
REPORT
Very unprofessional service. They hardly answer the phone. Put me on schedule for the 2nd lesson, I verified to him by leaving him a voice message saying it sounds good and I'd like to have the follow...
Very unprofessional service. They hardly answer the phone. Put me on schedule for the 2nd lesson, I verified to him by leaving him a voice message saying it sounds good and I'd like to have the following day to be the 3rd lesson which is the last one. He never returned my call regarding the last lesson I mentioned on the phone. Turned out, on the day I supposed to have the 2nd driving lesson, he never showed up. I called and he said it was a mistake by putting me a wrong date. Seriously!? Forget it if you want a refund. You will never get one. Avoid this driving school. Don't waste your time and money.
kim.kongnso
30 Apr 2013
REPORT
Horrible service! Do not use this academy! Paid for 6 hours of driving and three months later and the instructor has showed up late multiple times, cut lessons short multiple times, cancelled multiple...
Horrible service! Do not use this academy! Paid for 6 hours of driving and three months later and the instructor has showed up late multiple times, cut lessons short multiple times, cancelled multiple times and have yet to have my mother-in-law get 6 hours of driving in. Very unreliable! The instructor does not return calls to my mother-in-law when he was to reschedule and she had to follow-up with him - a week later I finally get through to him and once again cannot get on the schedule until weeks later. DO NOT USE THIS DRIVING SCHOOL!!!! Horrible customer service!!!!!!
kinghack012
5 Feb 2013
REPORT
Do not take your teenagers to this driving program. The instructor does not provide interactive learning environment or answer any of the students questions. They just sit and work on questions in the...
Do not take your teenagers to this driving program. The instructor does not provide interactive learning environment or answer any of the students questions. They just sit and work on questions in their packets for 3 hrs a night for 10 days. Very dissappointed for the price they charge. They don't promote good customer service or any refunds if you withdraw from the course within first 3 days. Go to AllPro Driving Driver's Ed in Altbertville instead
A Google User
27 Jul 2009
REPORT
I passed my driving test thanks to a wonderful instructor Robert. I had never driven before and it was a bit scary to start driving on the streets. But soon enough Robert made me feel comfortable driv...
I passed my driving test thanks to a wonderful instructor Robert. I had never driven before and it was a bit scary to start driving on the streets. But soon enough Robert made me feel comfortable driving even on the busiest streets, by being patient with me and giving me efficient instructions. I really had fun!!
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(763) 219-9300
405 Central Avenue East
Saint Michael Minnesota 55376
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Total Control Driving Academy llc
Saint Michael, Minnesota
405 Central Avenue East
Saint Michael Minnesota 55376
Reviews
Curtis Michener
23 Nov 2022
I'm a teacher at Elk River High who has access to students who have used this company. This company does not give students the required 6 hours of driving time. Instead, they split the time amongst tw...
I'm a teacher at Elk River High who has access to students who have used this company. This company does not give students the required 6 hours of driving time. Instead, they split the time amongst two students. I talked to students in my math classes and had reports of students driving for less than 20 minutes in a lesson. I re-started teaching driver education with our district's community ed last spring. In that time, I have received two calls from parents who were desperate to get their child's behind-the-wheel hours done after starting them with Total Control. Those parents told me that their phone calls to Total Control were going unreturned. I don't have anything negative to say about A+ driving school. They would be my recommendation if you don't choose to go through ISD 728 Community Ed. Frankly, there are too many kids in the area for our CE to handle, so it would be awesome to have other reputable companies in the area who had the goal of properly educating our youth.
Brand Brand
12 Jul 2019
Decided to go with TC for my second driver. The classroom training was very convenient and it was a bit less expensive and closer to home than the high school option.
My son enjoyed the classroom and ...
Decided to go with TC for my second driver. The classroom training was very convenient and it was a bit less expensive and closer to home than the high school option.
My son enjoyed the classroom and learned a lot. (Classroom was NOT taught by ROB.) The behind-the-wheel was a complete nightmare.
Rob was so unprofessional at our first BTW meeting, it made me very nervous to let my son drive with him. We waited by the office for 15 minutes before receiving a call from Rob basically yelling at us for not searching the parking lot for the car he was waiting in. It was our first appointment for BTW and I couldn't believe how rude he was. It didn't take long to realize I had made a mistake by giving him any money.
My son's first '2-hour' lesson was shared with another kid, so it was actually only 1. When I called Rob on this, he reluctantly agreed. On two occasions Rob was waiting at the wrong location for my son. On a third occasion, I had to call to make sure the lesson was still on due to weather because he hadn't called me to confirm it wouldn't take place. Scheduling was a disaster. This guy is spreading himself so thin he couldn't get my kid finished with his 6 instructional hours prior to his birthday. He teaches parallel parking on the last hour, which he says is to be scheduled the week before the test. He is also extremely difficult to get a hold of to make appointments.
I, too, would give Rob and his school a zero but the review required at least one star. Customer service is non-existent. Once he has the money, he doesn't seem to care about anything but himself. As far as picking your child up from your location...complete joke.
Interesting that all the reviews are either 1 or 5 stars. I have to wonder why some are 100% satisfied when others are 0% (but forced to be 20%). Seems a bit fishy that nobody was somewhat satisfied and gave them a 3 or 4. I can't discourage you enough from staying as far away from this place as possible.
Wendy Kupser
4 Apr 2019
This was absolutely the worst experience ever. Rob was either late, or had to reschedule every single time we had a driving appointment with him. He did not take my son driving in town but only on bac...
This was absolutely the worst experience ever. Rob was either late, or had to reschedule every single time we had a driving appointment with him. He did not take my son driving in town but only on back roads. He did come to the house to pick him up, which is nice, but my son was never driving when they left. They had to stop for a "potty" but I think "smoking" break before my son got in the driver's seat. I caught him lying to me and also he tried to always take a 2nd student with in the car. Which would be ok, except he did not intend to extend the drive time to make sure the student each received a total of 6 hours. Between being late, dropping off early and the breaks, I know we only got 4.75 - 5 hours in. Find another school. If I could leave a zero review I would, but this site requires me to give at least a 1. I have more, which I have documented, but I think you get the point. If I knew what agency I could contact to report him, I would.
Rob Butlik
17 Apr 2018
Not impressed with the way that they teach my son driving. Very unprofessional that is why they deserve one star.
Da Jones
5 Feb 2018
Rob and allen helped me get ready for the road. They know how to answer question you have without you even asking. They teach you how fun but serious driving is.‼️
Max Guldbrandsen
31 Jan 2018
Continuously missed appointments with no call or explanation. Super disappointed because some of the reviews were positive so decided to give it a try. Was very rude when asked for a refund. This guy ...
Continuously missed appointments with no call or explanation. Super disappointed because some of the reviews were positive so decided to give it a try. Was very rude when asked for a refund. This guy is having people write fake positive reviews to try and dilute the negatives. Will report to BBB.
Kristen Leonard
24 Jan 2018
I’d highly recommend Total Control to others! The flexible schedule for the classroom sessions is perfect for kids with busy sports schedules. I knew my son wouldn’t be able to make it to one of the ...
I’d highly recommend Total Control to others! The flexible schedule for the classroom sessions is perfect for kids with busy sports schedules. I knew my son wouldn’t be able to make it to one of the sessions, so I was glad that they were very accommodating by offering other dates and times so that he could attend and not miss anything. That didn’t seem to be an option with other schools. His instructor Alan made learning fun and I appreciated that they were quizzed daily at the end of the session on what they learned. The behind the wheel training with Rob was great. His relaxed, easy-going personality made for a really positive, non-stressful driving experience for my son. Rob gave a lot of good feedback on what to work on for the next driving session. Also the fact that he will either come to your house or pick them up at school is really a plus! I’ll definitely use this school again in the future!
Tanner Luongvan
24 Jan 2018
Some of the bad reviews here are fake, but I know for SURE! That Total Control is a great driving course. The staff teach in a fun and very engaging way, making all kids feel welcome and never left ou...
Some of the bad reviews here are fake, but I know for SURE! That Total Control is a great driving course. The staff teach in a fun and very engaging way, making all kids feel welcome and never left out. The learning environment was also great. The work is all done in class but homework is optional. This is great with high schoolers since they have tons of homework as it is. The prices were way better than anyone else we looked at too. Total control charges less for the class room session AND behind the wheel than our school charged with the charge of the behind the wheel on top of the classroom. They also are very flexible with schedules, often scheduling behind the wheels based on the kids and parents request. The driving instructor will pick your kid or yourself at their school or residence, while others don’t. They put in a lot of work behind the scenes too that goes unnoticed. Don’t think twice when choosing Total Control. They’re awesome!
Tanner Liang
24 Jan 2018
Some of the bad reviews here are fake, but I know for SURE! That Total Control is a great driving course. The staff teach in a fun and very engaging way, making all kids feel welcome and never left ou...
Some of the bad reviews here are fake, but I know for SURE! That Total Control is a great driving course. The staff teach in a fun and very engaging way, making all kids feel welcome and never left out. The learning environment was also great. The work is all done in class but homework is optional. This is great with high schoolers since they have tons of homework as it is. The prices were way better than anyone else we looked at too. Total control charges less for the class room session AND behind the wheel than our school charged with the charge of the behind the wheel on top of the classroom. They also are very flexible with schedules, often scheduling behind the wheels based on the kids and parents request. The driving instructor will pick your kid or yourself at their school or residence, while others don’t. They put in a lot of work behind the scenes too that goes unnoticed. Don’t think twice when choosing Total Control. They’re awesome!
Tina Windom
6 Apr 2017
This place is horrible! Almost impossible to get a hold of! We paid for behind the wheel hours, and my son has yet to finish his hours and he is suppose to test next week! He was suppose to have Behin...
This place is horrible! Almost impossible to get a hold of! We paid for behind the wheel hours, and my son has yet to finish his hours and he is suppose to test next week! He was suppose to have Behind the wheel today, guess what?!?! Guy didn't even SHOW UP! My son sat at the high school for 45 minutes waiting for him to show. I will never recommend this place and my other kids will never go here! Can't believe he is still in business if this is how he treats his customers!
Lynette R.
20 Dec 2016
I have had two of my three Children attend this school and they loved it. Both of them passed their permit tests and driving tests the first time. The instructors are very knowledgeable and friendly.
CJ Kottke
31 Mar 2016
Loved it!! Easy an fun way and quick to get me on the road!!
Aimee C.
8 May 2015
This business doesn't even deserve 1 star! Instructor Robert will get in the car, make the student drive and all he does is eat all the time! There was never a time he didn't eat. Never got a receipt ...
This business doesn't even deserve 1 star! Instructor Robert will get in the car, make the student drive and all he does is eat all the time! There was never a time he didn't eat. Never got a receipt as promised after paying cash & I never learned anything. He is bad with communication! Never recommend this business or instructor to anyone. Waste of time. If he answers your call right away and teaches your kid something, that's called shot of luck.
James Martineau
13 Oct 2014
Extremely difficult to get a hold of over the phone, very poor at calling back. Errors made on their end with scheduling behind the wheel dates, actually arguing with us and telling us we were wrong ...
Extremely difficult to get a hold of over the phone, very poor at calling back. Errors made on their end with scheduling behind the wheel dates, actually arguing with us and telling us we were wrong (wrote it on the calendar the same day).
Also, wrote on their contract form that one of the parents would ride with on the first day and they said no and denied that they ever agreed to do so.
Over all I am very disappointed and a little angry too. I will actually discourage others from this driving school.
zgreenthumbz
23 Oct 2013
Not sure what these other people are talking about. But the services my child was offered was great passed all tests on first try. And the prices can't be beat. And as far as All Pro they are no longe...
Not sure what these other people are talking about. But the services my child was offered was great passed all tests on first try. And the prices can't be beat. And as far as All Pro they are no longer around.
dewey001
6 May 2013
Very unprofessional service. They hardly answer the phone. Put me on schedule for the 2nd lesson, I verified to him by leaving him a voice message saying it sounds good and I'd like to have the follow...
Very unprofessional service. They hardly answer the phone. Put me on schedule for the 2nd lesson, I verified to him by leaving him a voice message saying it sounds good and I'd like to have the following day to be the 3rd lesson which is the last one. He never returned my call regarding the last lesson I mentioned on the phone. Turned out, on the day I supposed to have the 2nd driving lesson, he never showed up. I called and he said it was a mistake by putting me a wrong date. Seriously!? Forget it if you want a refund. You will never get one. Avoid this driving school. Don't waste your time and money.
kim.kongnso
30 Apr 2013
Horrible service! Do not use this academy! Paid for 6 hours of driving and three months later and the instructor has showed up late multiple times, cut lessons short multiple times, cancelled multiple...
Horrible service! Do not use this academy! Paid for 6 hours of driving and three months later and the instructor has showed up late multiple times, cut lessons short multiple times, cancelled multiple times and have yet to have my mother-in-law get 6 hours of driving in. Very unreliable! The instructor does not return calls to my mother-in-law when he was to reschedule and she had to follow-up with him - a week later I finally get through to him and once again cannot get on the schedule until weeks later. DO NOT USE THIS DRIVING SCHOOL!!!! Horrible customer service!!!!!!
kinghack012
5 Feb 2013
Do not take your teenagers to this driving program. The instructor does not provide interactive learning environment or answer any of the students questions. They just sit and work on questions in the...
Do not take your teenagers to this driving program. The instructor does not provide interactive learning environment or answer any of the students questions. They just sit and work on questions in their packets for 3 hrs a night for 10 days. Very dissappointed for the price they charge. They don't promote good customer service or any refunds if you withdraw from the course within first 3 days. Go to AllPro Driving Driver's Ed in Altbertville instead
A Google User
27 Jul 2009
I passed my driving test thanks to a wonderful instructor Robert. I had never driven before and it was a bit scary to start driving on the streets. But soon enough Robert made me feel comfortable driv...
I passed my driving test thanks to a wonderful instructor Robert. I had never driven before and it was a bit scary to start driving on the streets. But soon enough Robert made me feel comfortable driving even on the busiest streets, by being patient with me and giving me efficient instructions. I really had fun!!
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