**BUYER BEWARE** It's very difficult to write this review, because I'm personally not a fan of Yelp. I have found that many use it as a tool to retaliate against a business, especially without first contacting the business directly and giving them an opportunity to address the concerns. That being said, I did contact the business first, but failed to find any common ground with the owner. Here is my story:
I was researching Driving Schools for my 15 1/2 year old. There are many and when I came across Driving MBA I did check their reviews. They were mixed, and the negative reviews often received long rants from the business owner explaining her position (I expect one here as well). Despite the mixed reviews, I contacted them anyway. I was pleased with their detailed and intensive program, and the proximity (convenience) to where I live. I ultimately signed up for their most expensive package. It was $1570.00 and included 10 hours of on-road instruction, plus a variety of simulator and classroom hours. Upon signing up we signed a contract and in multiple locations, agreed to their "No Late Cancellations, No Exceptions" policy. I didn't take exception with this policy which stated, you must cancel/reschedule a class more than 24 hours in advance or be subjected to a fee. This seemed reasonable to me. I never considered what might happen in my child woke up sick one morning that she had a class...
This past Monday, my daughter had a 3:30pm appointment scheduled. She woke up that morning with a fever. We took her to the doctor immediately. We also called the school immediately and informed them. Here is what we were told: We can pay a $75.00 fee for cancelling, forfeit the course (and lose the money we paid for that class) or send her in to the class. None of these options seemed reasonable to me. We were told to contact the owner (Maria) which I tried to do. I simply asked her to call me. Instead, I received a very long email stating again her policy, fairness, her business costs, and telling me she would do nothing about it. We went back and forth and it became clear that Maria has dealt with this issue before. She will not budge. However, my true issue is that she lacks any type of "sick child" policy. All schools have policies about sick children. Most say that your child needs to be fever free (without medication) for 24 hours prior to returning to school. That is not the case at Driving MBA. In fact, they offer a disincentive to keep your sick child home. They tell you that you will be charged a fee or lose the class if your child does not come in.
I am not the type of parent that sends my child to school sick, especially to risk others (like students and teachers) being contaminated. Maria's response to this was that they wipe down the equipment. I know that some parents, when faced with these choices, will give their child Tylenol and send them in. Flu, chicken pox, strep, doesn't matter. I do not begrudge those parents who do, I just don't agree with that type of policy. I had hoped that Maria would have some business common sense and realize this is a flawed policy. Apparently not. I told Maria that I would not send my child back and requested a refund for my unused hours (well over $800 worth). Again, I was told, read the contract. I get to keep your money, even though I did not earn it or provide the services. Again, she's right and I did agree to that. Maria will likely respond to this post with a long-winded rant about her contract, her policies, paying employees, she's a small business, being fair to all, etc... All of this is true. However, my post is to share my personal story and let you know to be careful before you sign up.
There's no mention in any contract about your child waking up sick or any sick policy at all. I believe she has a reason for not addressing this in her contract. So, I'm out my money and had to find a new school. We signed up with Stop and Go Driving school https://www.stopandgo1.com/ and so far they have been fantastic! It's disappointing that I lost my money and had to pay for another school, but better than sending my child to a school that obviously allows sick kids to attend (if their parents are willing).
Now for Maria's response in three....two....one...... read more