My first experience with this school happened about 4 years ago when I first got my learner's permit. During my first lesson, my instructor didn't do much in the way of explaining things before she had me start driving. It was my first time ever on the road... any other times though few, were in a parking lot. I was already nervous as it was. I chose to wait for oncoming traffic to pass rather than try to go around a double parked car. She however forced me to do it as a truck was coming in my direction.
Granted, I probably wouldn't have been hit, but the experience of a truck coming that close caused me to go into a full-fledged panic attack, as I've been in a car accident as a passenger in similar circumstances. She had zero sympathy, almost seemed annoyed that I was having issues breathing and was crying. After that experience I never drove again.
Fast forward to this spring, I decided to give driving another try, and gave the school another try, but requested a different instructor... Can you believe they kept my info on file all those years lol? They asked me if I wanted to the instructor I had previously and I gave an emphatic NOO! lol
They sent me another instructor, this time a male. The fist lesson went well, I felt much better and willed myself through the nerves. The fact that it had begun to rain during my lesson further increased my confidence as I drove around a busy East Flatbush that Saturday afternoon. After that lesson, I decided to spring for 10 lesson package, including the 5 hour class, test appointment, and car for the test.
My second lesson with this new instructor wasn't so great however. I had made an installment payment over the phone but I guess it was after they had already printed the instructor's roster for the day, so when I got in the car he was asking me for money. I told him I made a payment already, and he had an attitude about it as he had to call the school to confirm.
I guess the staff person explained the situation to him and he didn't like what he heard or how it was said. Eitherway, the rest of my lesson he was muttering to himself and had a funky attitude with me. Anytime I made a mistake he would talk my ear off about the 50 things that would go wrong in the world if I made that mistake ever again. Yes, me hesitating to turn would further the damage in the ozone layer in addition to confusing other drivers lol.
I thought I was learning here... and that was only the 3rd time over 4 years I was on the road, cut me a little slack dude! Please correct me so I can learn the right way, of course, I mean that's what I'm paying for, but he was talking so much I couldn't even concentrate because he wouldn't just shut up and let me drive lol. On top of that he was on his cell at least 4 times during my lesson. When I got out of the car at the end I was so pissed.
At that point I had already paid nearly $100 towards my package so I had to just find a way to make it work. I called to schedule my next appointment and requested a different instructor. This time they sent me Al, who, even with all the negatives I have previously listed, is your best bet if you do decide to go with this school. He is definitely their saving grace. With him I felt more confident behind the wheel, and while he gives direction during the lesson, he waits until you're back at your pick up/drop off location to download about your lesson, what you need to work on, and most importantly, what you did right. Since driving with him I have looked forward to my lessons and driving doesn't freak me out like it did before.
Now about that office staff lol... Their customer service is the worst! They never explained fully the package or the 5 hour class schedule and it has caused one frustrating phone call after the other. When I say I want to make a payment to my package they seem to be as polite and sweet as apple pie. Anything else I'm a simpleton that has to be spoken to in the most annoying and condescending tone possible... maybe the other instructor had a reason to be annoyed that day lol I can see how he was feeling some kind of way lol
To conclude, I would NOT recommend this driving school. But if you, like me, got sucked in by the low-budget but catchy commercial with the teenagers rapping lol, ask for the instructor named Al. He's your best shot at learning to drive and not being annoyed. It's too bad he works at such a wack driving school! read more