tl,dr: Let my driver's license expire, needed a new one, plus a car to use for the driving test…read more Nova Driving School was fantastic. I moved back to Chicago after 14 years in SF and finally needed to get my license again, mainly so I could help my aging folks in Southern Indiana if I needed to. I don't own a car, and I didn't want to borrow one from friends, so I looked for a driving school that also provides a vehicle for the test. Nova kept coming up in the ads, searches, and on Reddit. But I still needed an instructional permit to drive for the driving test. I went to the downtown DMV, took the written and vision tests, and got my instructional permit. I bought Nova's "2HR BTW + ROAD TEST" package on their site, which included 2 hours with an instructor and the use of the car on the day of the DMV. Called a coordinator, and they got me set up for a Friday morning. I'd show up at 6am at the Elston DMV (closest to me), practice the route in their car, then take the driving test. I arrived at the DMV at 6 AM, where I met an instructor named Jamie. He provided an overview of the driving test, explaining what the examiners look for and what questions they might ask. After that, we switched sides, and I got behind the wheel for the first time in 20 years. I was relieved to find that everything came back to me. Jamie took me through the two variations of the route used for the test. The route was very short, consisting of about four to five turns. There was no parallel parking or interstate driving involved. (Please note that this is specific to the Elston DMV; other branches may have different procedures.) Another student arrived, so we picked him up, and I sat in the back while that student drove the route a few times. Then, two more students joined us, making it three in the back and one in the driver's seat, with the instructor in the front. Each of us drove the route 2-3 times, and we had the opportunity to ask questions. As my appointment time approached, I returned to the front seat and went for another round of the two main route variations. Got into the DMV showing my text confirmation of my appointment. They won't let you enter without revealing either the email or the text proof of your appointment. And this branch doesn't take walk-ins. Stood in the first line to get the paperwork reviewed. I went to the camera line to get a photo, then waited, went to a counter, had everything reviewed, filled out more paperwork, signed more things, went over to pay at the cashier, came back, and got my paperwork for my driving test. Went outside to wait to take the driving test. Note that you can't stay inside the building so dress warm if it's winter. The other guys had less complicated paperwork, so one was in line for the driving test. The other one was in front of me. Then I was next. But this is mixed in with all the different people taking the written test. I waited an hour for the car to come back from the other guy and then got in. The instructor drove me around to the back parking lot. He stepped out, I took the driver's side, and got in line, the line of cars. I waited about 40 minutes in the car in line to get my assigned examiner. They had about 4-5 working that day across 3 lines of vehicles. I was finally at the front; the examiner who was the same woman who had helped me with the paperwork got in. We went exactly the route that Nova had reviewed with me several times. At the end, you have to park in a wide test parking space, then after that you park in angled parking with the rest of the other cars, with completed driving tests, but awaiting results. I choked on the question about which way your wheels point if you are facing uphill/downhill, and which side of the road you are on. Overthinking myself. But still passed thankfully. Examiner gets up, out, and leaves, and goes on to another driving test. 10 minutes later, another person comes out with my temporary driver's license and hands it to me, and I'm done. The real one arrives in 2-3 weeks. The $245 fee was definitely worth it for having a car provided, receiving two hours of driving experience on the exact test routes, and having them handle the appointment scheduling. And Jamie the instructor was clear, patient, and at ease in explaining and repeating all things we needed to keep in mind. I procrastinated on this for a long time and felt foolish when I realized how simple and straightforward the process was. If you're in a similar situation, make getting a new driver's license one of your goals for 2026 and call Nova.

My daughter used them 6 years ago and the program was great. We naturally decided to use them for…read moremy next daughter and it has been a shit show. Save your $. It is so poorly run now. No one calls u back if you do get someone they put u on hold for long periods. Arghhhhh I believe They take on too many students now so trying to get driving time is a nightmare. Plus they change times and you either have to take the adjusted time or lose appointment. Will not be using them for the next two kids. Save your headaches and frustration. Tooooo much $$$$$$ for such chaos. Has to be better program.

Had an absolutely great experience here. Everything was very organized and easy to schedule. My…read moredaughter actually enjoyed the classes and really benefitted from the one on one lessons. I ended up adding extra one on one lessons because my daughter is a nervous driver. It was great how he picks up from your house for lessons and how Brian gives the final road test. He's a great teacher , highly recommended

I took a class with Eddy and he is fantastic! He is super zen, explains things with drawings and…read morevisuals and it is just a great teacher. I was super nervous and I ended up feeling exciting about my driving. Highly recommended.

i signed up for the 10 hours adult lesson, just got my dl today. instructor li he was really great,…read morereally patient and thoughtful with the way he teach. overall great experience, highly recommended.

The front desk lady is rude and unprofessional…read more The instructor is not good at explaining the rules or give you clear instructions. He is also very unprofessional . He even left the car in the middle of the class to talk with his contractor ( I saw other review mentioned the same issue too) or left before the class end. Not worth the money at all.

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

This is a long overdue review. My husband purchased ride classes for me as a Christmas present…read more Since the season was coming to an end (2019). I had to hurry up and schedule my class. I feel that both the class and practical portion were equally great and informative. The practical/riding practice took place kind of by the United Center. There were plenty of bikes for all the students. We learned the bike parts and their purposes, and obviously how to use the bike and how to properly store/park/care for the bike. The "riding range" was large enough for me to learn all of the maneuvers which included turns, stopping, speeding up, u turns, idling, and maneuvering in a zig zag pattern. We were also taught riding formation on the street and how to ride as to cars are aware of our presence on the road. I was super nervous for the riding test but passed and proudly rock that M on my license. It has been a few years since my class, and although I haven't rode a motorcycle for some time, I feel that the information I learned and mnemonics used in the class help and I still remember a lot today!

Wanted to report that Michele Edison is AWESOME and got me where I needed to be to be road test…read moreready. I thankfully had some experience going in, but she really helped me consider things I hadn't before, and most importantly, corrected bad habits that I had learned along the way. I have obtained my license today and consider myself a success story for the driving school. The website is confusing at times, but the instructors are top quality. If you live around a location and are looking for a good driving school I would recommend it.

I've had a frustrating experience with this company. When I paid for an ultimate beginner package,…read moreI was expecting a series of lessons designed for a beginner driver. What I got was the ability to book lessons online with instructors who vary in experience, professionalism, and teaching ability. My first instructor cancelled an hour before the first lesson by text message - I was leaving work early to get there and just happened to check my phone - and tried to change the next lesson at the last minute. The lesson - during which I mainly sat in the passenger seat - ended 15 minutes early because she had to drive back to the school to meet another student whose lesson started exactly when mine ended. I requested more experienced instructors who did help me learn how to drive. But the schedule is very limited - I found instructors I liked, but was only able to book lessons a couple of weeks apart. Not great when learning a new skill, especially when you don't have your own car to practice with. You pay the whole $700 upfront, and it felt like the company had zero interest or incentive in actually helping me get a driver's license once I handed them my credit card. The good? I can now operate a motor vehicle. The bad? I'm out $700 with no driver's license to show for it, and I've heard nothing from this 'school' about the road test - the experience has been frustrating, like I was completely on my own to try to make it work.

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

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

Well let's just start by saying I have never been behind a wheel. I signed up and payed for four…read morehours. The first two hours were great. I came back the next day to finish my other two hours and that didn't go well. My instructor Jose seem to become a little aggravated with my about my left and right turns. I told the coordinator I will need a new instructor. That didn't sit well with Jose. The guy called my phone private making jokes. I am to this day still receiving prank calls from him. He has given my number out to people and saying I'm selling furniture. So many people have been calling me prank since that day. I decided to change my number. I wouldn't recommend this place

My driving teacher Julio was the best! He made sure I learned everything and that I was…read morecomfortable! This school gets five stars just for having Julio as an instructor!

An essential, and excellent, experience for first-time and experienced riders alike…read more I've always wanted to ride a motorcycle, but never felt quite ready to pull the trigger. After a year of sneaking rides on my wife's scooter, the time was finally right. Get your permit and sign up for a class at Ride. They'll start you out with the absolute basis, and take you through two, five hour days after which you'll feel confident in being able to pass the state test (another service they provide). I'll be heading back down to take that test soon, and am looking forward to starting my journey on two wheels, and almost certainly taking their intermediate class down the line. If you're lucky enough to get Jay and Paco, you'll be in good hands. They're each incredibly knowledgeable, excellent teachers with two very different styles, something I personally loved. You never have the opportunity to get too frustrated or anxious because you know you're in good hands and you're constantly building on skills you've learned in previous lessons. Highly recommend!

I'm a return customer! This place helped me get my motorcycle license in 2013, and I went back for…read morea refresher course recently. The instructors are knowledgable, friendly and funny. I felt safe, yet I had a blast. Def worth it if you want to get your motorcycle or scooter license.

Akif was thorough and receptive to questions. He will push you but is patient and will make sure…read morethat you are ready for your driving test.

Lizette was always helpful, understanding, informative, and easy to schedule appointments with…read more Before I took lessons, I was very scared to get behind a wheel, and for those reasons she was a perfect match. Throughout our lessons she helped me gain confidence and reduce stress and anxiety. I passed the drivers test on the first try, thank you Lizette!

Just graduated today, I want to say thank you to all professional truck driving team. nothing but…read morethe best working there! the best in Chicago!

From the owner: Professional Driving School…read more Professional Driving school is the top rated driving instructors in Chicago IL. They have over 20 years of experience and are ready to assist you and train anyone that is 15 and looking for a permit. If you were charged with a DUI and looking for a new chance at a license? Then call the Professionals when it comes to Driving! Professional Driving School.