I think you're paying a lot for too little of service. I pay $100 for a two hour session that wasn't two hours because my instructor was half and hour late. We go through the instruction class and he says that I was one of two that was able to drive out of the parking lot but my evaluation didn't reflect that. Apparently I "Needed improvement" yielding to pedestrians when there weren't any, "Needed Improvement" on Reverse when we didn't cover it and I didn't even cover parking. At the end of the lesson I was given a paper to take a 8 course class that's $500 and more than I can afford for classes but I don't feel confident taking a course where teaching are late and barely awake for the class. Nova please do a through inspection of who you allow to teach classes. Update from my previous review: Shortly after I wrote this review I received a call from a representative named Desiree. She verified the my previous instructor was late and ended my class early. She asked for as much feedback as possible. After receiving my feedback she offered me another class with an different instructor with a waived fee. The instructor I was assigned to was named Reginald and he was friendly and calm, we covered a little more than I did with my first instructor, and I felt I was graded properly. I received a call the next day from Desiree to receive feedback from the class with Reginald and gave her my honest review. I was questioned on if I was going to change my review on here or not. Which I was planning to do shortly after the class. Minus that and the price of the classes. I feel that it's good for you to use if you want to learn to drive. Just be mindful of your instructor and speak out if you feel you aren't learning anything. Read Less

Mr. Rice was my instructor who helped me hone my driving skills. I truly appreciated his input showing what I need to focus on. It's very important to remember what he imparted because you'll be on the road with other drivers. Thanks very much!!!! Michael Banks Read Less

These guys offer a great (& reasonably-priced) package for adult drivers who already have a license in another country. Two years ago, I signed up for a one-hour driving course and used their car for my road test right after. Today, I finished a short motorcycle course with them and used their motorcycle. I easily passed both tests on my first attempt. Read Less

I took the 2 hours behind the wheel + road test package.They pick you up at home, give you a nice and thorough driving practice, guide you through the exam steps and make sure you get it done in a reasonable time.Very nice and professional, not cheap but definitely worth it. Read Less

I absolutely recommend Nova Driving School to any teen and adult! They are very professional and courteous. My instructor, Martha, was excellent!! She was very patient with me seeing as I suffer a bit from anxiety, and she provided many tips for me to be a great driver!!! It is a bit pricy but so worth it!! Read Less

Took my very first lesson with Nova Driving School with Javier and I am pleased to say that this was a very good experience. It's a lot of of money up front for a package but it's well worth it. Looking forward to taking my next three 2 hours lessons before getting my license. Read Less

Instructor: Geno G.He can always give me confidence in driving in different ways. The first time I met Geno he drove me to a large parking site near Belmont and this was the first time I sat at the driver's seat. He taught me how to adjust the rear mirror, the seat and then steer the wheel to make left and right turns. Also, he taught me how to do perpendicular parking and back out on reverse. That afternoon he let me drove back to my place, which largely boosted my confidence in driving through the traffic since I know that he was sitting next to me and he talked to me on our way back in a manner such that I didn't feel anxious or nervous but meanwhile I was not distracted from the traffic.Geno is also patient in reminding me of the traffic rule every time I made small mistakes (sometimes the same one). In later classes, he drove me to local communities where the speed limit was low (15 mph) and I could practice more in terms of observing signs and signals and controlling the speed. I seldom made mistakes like forgetting to come to a complete stop when there was a sign which was shielded by the trees. Another example is that I should make a second stop when there is stop sign on my direction of traffic but not the direction in front of me (perpendicular to my direction). In order to let me have more real experience in driving, he always let me drive to our practice places from different routes so that I can see most of the signs on the road and experience more road conditions.While being a nice person, Geno is strict about traffic rules for green hands. We sometimes saw some drivers on the road who were cutting the corner such as not coming to a complete stop when there is a stop sign. He always reminded me to look left-right-left before I am back on gas so that I am at the stop sign for 3 seconds. He said that safety is the utmost important issue on the road and never tried to save my time for two or three seconds just by not coming to a full stop.Before the day of the road test, people from Nova Driving School called me to remind me of the date and time for my test the all the documents required to take the test. On the day of the road test, Geno came early to pick me up and drove me to the test center and made me practice more at the local community where the test would be taking place. In this way, I would not get nervous simply because I was not familiar with the roads. I am so glad that I get my driver's license now and can drive a car with my friends to explore the city and out of the state. I hope you will find Geno a great instructor! Read Less

Had my first lesson today, first time ever behind the wheel. I was really nervous initially but Javier was fantastic and walked me through everything and was very patient and understanding. He stayed calm and kind the entire time and I left feeling accomplished and excited! I felt safe the entire time, Nova really knows what they're doing. Read Less

Thanks to Rosemary, Jenny and Xavier for believing in me and making me feel comfortable with my driving skills. They were always polite and professional. I was able to go from being afraid of driving to getting my driving license in less than two weeks. This is by far the best driving school in Chicago. Read Less

I got my driver's license for the first time today with a perfect score! At 26 y/o, I had never been behind the wheel before taking lessons with Nova. The 12-hour ultimate beginner's package was a good fit for me, because I was able to get lots of driving practice before the test. I also practiced entering and exiting the highway (which gave me tremendous anxiety). My instructor was Darryl B. and I recommend him for those who like a balance between a "just do it" mentality and careful coaching. Read Less

Passed my drivers test on the first try! Amazing teaching techniques. I had Jose as my instructor and I'd highly recommend him for any new drivers. His teaching technique was amazing. He observes how you drive, then tells you what you need to work on as well as how to fix the errors you make while you are driving. I also had the chance to learn how to drive on the expressway which was great. Jose personality makes for a great ride where you can relax and learn at ease. He took me to my drivers test today, he helped me to the point that he was able to help me remain calm and stress free while waiting to take the test. Hopefully the new drivers will be able to have a chance to learn with him. Read Less

I had my permit and now was suppose to get ready for the driving test. I was nervous as I heard to pass the driving test is tough. My instructor, Jose Medina, was brilliant. He first made me comfortable with the car and the rules, told me everything required for the test and made me practice for sometime before I was sent in the office for the test. I had my license after sometime. All thanks to Jose for my hassle free test I gave. � Read Less

I just received my permit last week from Nova and I had my first lesson today with my instructor, Jesus Martinez. I felt really nervous since I haven't been behind the wheel since high school (it's been 8 years). So he told me to relax and he was quite lenient with me, which I liked particularly because I didn't feel hovered when I was driving BTW. He also gave me a lot of pointers to improve in my future lessons, as well. I definitely look forward to getting more comfortable BTW and work towards being a safe, confident driver along the way! Also, I've had several lessons with Señor Javier this week and he really radiates the positive energy and the motivation you need when you're getting BTW! So, if anyone wants to learn how to drive, check out Nova Driving School! You won't regret it! Read Less

I was nervous about driving when I first got behind the wheel, but my instructor Paul R. really worked with me and drilled the fundamentals of driving in me and gave constant attention to what I needed work on. He is very passionate about what he does and always strongly encourages me to do my best. He never gave up on me even when I needed extra work on certain basics. I passed my driver's exam under his tutelage and was able to get my license due to his instruction. I would recommend him to drivers who think they need someone with an attention to detail. Read Less

I am so grateful for Nova! I was so nervous about driving and skeptical about paying for lessons but this experience was worth every hard earned penny of mine. The customer service was excellent and the instruction was on point. My schedule is extremely busy and they worked with me to get the lessons done in a timely matter. At home pick up/drop off is a huge plus and made the process so convenient. I felt so safe in the car and behind the wheel with Darryl "Dash" who was very patient and gave very honest feedback during the lessons. I knew if I failed the test it was because of my own anxiety. After putting off this task for 12 years I finally have my license thanks to Darryl.  I absolutely recommend Nova to everyone who wants to learn how to drive. Read Less

I had a great experience with Nova! I previously took a few driving lessons while living in another country, but I did not feel confident driving at all. I signed up for the Ultimate Beginner Package and had Julio as my instructor for all of my lessons and the road test. Julio was an excellent teacher, very encouraging, and really helped me feel comfortable and confident! He explained everything very clearly using diagrams and was very calm throughout all of my lessons, which put me at ease. I really enjoyed my lessons with Julio and I passed the road test on my first try! Thank you very very much Julio!!!They were also very easy to communicate with regarding scheduling and signing up for packages/classes. Adriana, who I spoke with via email and phone calls, was helpful in scheduling my lessons to make sure that I would be able to have the same instructor for all of them. Read Less

I went in for a lesson on manual driving. I walked up about 3 minutes late and the gentleman who was going to teach me was already on the phone checking in with me to make sure I was coming. I went into the office and within minutes after photocopying my license we were in the car! Jesus was VERY easy to talk to and got me comfortable in the whole experience.  I was nervous, but he kept very calm and encouraging.  He took me first to a parking lot to get a feel for shifting out of first and reversing.  We did that for a good 1/2 hour, BUT when he suggested getting out on the road, I got nervous. Luckily, he sensed it after I stalled twice and suggested we practice a few more times in the lot to get comfortable. He was VERY patient and gave great positive encouragement and feedback that helped make me comfortable and confident in handling the car in return.  While I was apprehensive to take the class, in hindsight, I'm glad I took it at Nova. He also taught me getting a start going up hill and tips and tricks to help me understand. For example, he started out by asking why I even wanted to learn and when I responded I had a motorcycle license but never learned a manual car, he took that opportunity to draw lots of parallel and connections to shifting on a bike versus car. That was very helpful, and he made it very personal/relevant based on what I had experience in to what he was teaching me.  By the end, he took me through stop and go traffic to practice, right and left turns at lights and then finally left turns out on to the main roads from side streets.  Overall, he was very accommodating and a great teacher. Thank you!  My only suggestions to Nova (which I may have overlooked in the email) is give some information/idea on where to park when you get there and where to meet the teacher. Read Less

I am completely disappointed with the service here, they half do their jobs and the instructors aren't reliable at all. From the misleading prices to the terrible service, I regret coming to Nova Driving School. They really deserve zero stars. Read Less

Used Nova Driving School for a 2-hour stick shift lesson. I had been wanting to learn stick shift for a very long time and had very limited experience driving manual, but the instructor (Oscar) was able to very helpfully break down the lesson into different modules and ways I could understand. Read Less

I do not recommend Nova Driving School. I had a very misleading first lesson. Before paying for the first $99 lesson, I was told that I would be driving out on the streets for two hours. I was also told that for the first hour of the lesson I would be driving around in my neighborhood then if my instructor feels as though I did well, I could venture off beyond my neighborhood. Then at the end of my lesson I could drive myself home. None of these things happened other than driving myself home. My instructor was 10 minutes late picking up. After he picked me up, he drove to a parking lot and began teaching me different ways of turning. As he was telling me about the turns, he demonstrated them. My instructor did this for over an hour. After teaching me how to make turns, he finally let me drive to make the turns myself. I did this for about 20 minutes then I drove myself home. I wasn't driving in the streets practicing how to drive or doing any of the things they guaranteed I'd do. Although I was forced to give them one star (just so I can post), they really deserve zero stars for providing misleading information. Like I stated earlier, I did none of things they said I would do other than drive myself home. Lastly, I thought driving around in a parking lot was illegal? Read Less

I learned driving from Geno and Jesus Martinez. Geno is very skilled teacher with a nice sense of humor. Jesus is very friendly and good instructor. Both are good persons, made my lessons fun. Got my driver license today.. I would like to thank them and Nova Driving School from the bottom of my heart. Read Less

Didn't learn from Nova, which is why I know how to drive. Just passed an instructor that can't understand how to use lanes correctly and was obstructing the flow of traffic in the left lane while everyone passed him on the right. Wouldn't recommend learning from instructors that can't drive themselves. Read Less

Fun fact. I've never driven before EVER. Having lived in the city all my life, I just got used to commuting around with buses & trains like most of us do. Having recently moved to the suburbs & working a good 30 minutes away from home, it was time to learn. Enter Nova Driving School. I took the complete package - from getting my permit, to 6 behind the wheel classes. Yes, that "Ultimate Beginner" package too. The permit class was wonderful & I aced the written on my first try! My behind the wheel lessons followed just days later... & I met my instructor Paul, who would show me the ropes. I was truly not experienced at all & quite the ball of nerves, but with each & every lesson, Paul was wonderful - providing encouragement & helping me build my confidence. If there was anything I felt I needed more instruction on, he was more than willing to help me until I felt comfortable. I'm extremely happy to say that I got through my road test & my license today! Thanks SO very much Nova & Paul for helping me each step of the way! Read Less

I THOROUGHLY loved the professionalism and expertise of not only Nova Driving School and their employees (who were always warm, friendly, and accommodating whenever I had inquiries or concerns), but my driving instructor, Paul R.!! I had my bits of anxiety behind the wheel, but he quickly ended that. He helped me to refine my techniques, pass my road exam, and to be a better, more defensive driver. He is a very kind, encouraging, laid back yet firmly spoken instructor who makes you feel like you are taking lessons with your own dad! I will recommend Nova and Paul to everyone in need of driving lessons and/or their license. I APPRECIATE YOUR GUIDANCE, PAUL! :) Thanks again! - Crump Read Less

I had very less driving experience. And that made it difficult for me to drive in Chicago. So after researching I finally decided to go to Nova Driving School. Going to Nova Driving School to improve on my driving skills was best decision I ever made. My instructor was Geno. He is the most experienced and fun person I ever met. He knows when to instruct, when to allow you to make decisions and keep the "driving car" thing interesting and not stressful. While you are behind the wheel, he constantly drops of hints on proper driving, letting you know where you are going wrong and corrects you if you make a mistake. He also keeps on humoring and keeping us in conversation so that driving car gets easy for the students. If you want to learn car stress free then go to this school and ask for Geno as your instructor..! Read Less

After several years attempting to get my license, I decided to finally make it a priority and go to driving school to learn the proper rules of the road and not just the know-how of a friend. The staff was pretty good about scheduling my lessons. I only had a two week window before returning to school and the front desk person (wish I could recall her name), was really considerate about my time.I was assigned Martha who was very kind and helpful during the entire process. I was nervous getting back behind the wheel after several failed attempts, but Martha reassured me throughout that I was doing well and not be too hard on myself if I made a minor mistake. The day of the test, she was with me each step of the way and continued to reassure me. She even did a breathing exercise with me to calm me down, which I thought was very sweet of her. And in the end, I passed! Overall, I was satisfied with the training I received from Nova. I gave it four stars because I did occasionally feel that I was being given too many directions at once and wasn't always able to complete a task and not feel overwhelmed. Read Less

I have let my out of state driver's license expire and haven't driven for over 10 years. With a baby on its way and permit that I got last year expiring soon, I had to get a license asap. I signed up for a two two-hour class + road test. When I called to make my appointments, the person over the phone recommended me to stick to the same instructor but due to the scheduling that did not work, so I had Geno for my first class and Javier for my second and the road test.I lucked out getting the best instructors Nova had to offer! They were both amazing. Geno tested my skill in a parking lot and immediately noticed what I needed to work on. He gave clear instructions but was also funny, it was like learning from a friend which put me at ease. At the end of the test, I was able to drive back from Hyde Park to my home in downtown. He was patient enough to drive through the rush hour traffic with me. He really gave me the confidence that I could pass the test in one try. Next class was with Javier. Being up since 5 am and nervous about the test, Javier was just the instructor I needed. Kind, caring and a lot of instructions along the way to the road test center. When we got to the test center, we probably practiced about 3-4 times the route that I was going to take and also focused on parking which I needed some extra attention. He genuinely cared about me passing the test and also kept telling me to "Stay calm!" He was beside me every step of the way (except for the test, obviously) and it was funny because he knew everyone who worked at the DMV and everyone was saying hi to him, which shows his personality. Thank you Geno and Javier, I was dreading this whole process and you turned it around! Now I am looking forward to driving with my new license. Read Less

Super great place to learn how to drive. I appreciate the driving instructors for their patience and amazing help. I was nervous like any new driver but their instructors really help you succeed. Shout out to Reggie he was a great driving instructor . Thanks for the tips and patience. Read Less

It was an excellent experience working with Nova driving school to help me get my driving license today. And Paul was an excellent instructor, giving tips and method on how to become a good driver. Now at first, i didn't get the methods that he was not only teaching me but showing me. But once we kept practicing on it and it became repetition, it became second nature to me. I would highly recommended him to anyone that i know that wants to get their drivers license in a quick fast and in a productive way. Thank you Paul for helping me be very focus on the test today. And P.S. when he tells you to do something and you don't get it the first three times, and it may look like he's frustrated. Just remember that he just wants you to succeed and just drive safe. Read Less

The driver lesson is really great! The instructor Paul helped me for a two hour lesson for review and then I successfully passed the route test ! Paul is strict in teaching but with a sense of humor, very helpful! Read Less

I had a great experience with Nova! Before coming to Nova, I had lessons from another driving school but the lessons were cancelled all the time and sometimes he just didn't come not even giving me a notice. After lessons being delayed for so long, I decided to look for another school and found Nova! Nova is really organized with scheduling, always sending a reminder. Even before I enrolled, the person on the phone was very helpful in answering my questions and thoroughly explaining.The best part was my instructor, Geno G. He's truly awesome! It was fun learning from him and he really helps you until you get it. I was losing confidence but I was able to gain back some confidence having lessons with Geno and got my license! Thank you so much!! Read Less

STAY AWAY FROM NOVA DRIVING SCHOOL -- LEGAL ACTION PENDINGI signed up for the $195 2 hour driving lesson and road test option.  I really did not need a two hour lesson, but I was told I was required to sign up for the lesson in order to use their car for the road test.  Really all I needed was a car to use to get he lesson began at 6AM and we drove for about an hour, taking an occasional break,  Then, at 7:30, I lined up to get into the DMV that opened at 8:30.At 8:30 we were let into the building and I was given a number and told to wait for my road test.  When I was called to the counter, the DMV suffered a computer failure and they were unable to do any more road tests for the forseeable future.  I left without taking my test, the only reason I shelled out 195$ in the first place.My instructor assured me that the school would work with me to reschedule the test, or that I could receive a refund.  I called the school about 10 AM that day and the woman told me that this had never happened before and she did not know how to proceed, but she would call me back.She did not call me back.I called again about 5:00 PM and spoke to a man.  I explained that I worked mornings and was unable to take another day off to take the test in the morning, and asked if I could take the test in the afternoon.  He said no, that they only did tests in the morning.   Begrudgingly, I agreed and set up a test for the following week  He then told me that I would have to meet the instructor at the DMV and would no receive a pick up.  (Pick up and drop off are part of the hefty 195$ price tag)  I explained this was unacceptable and that the DMV was at least an hour and a half by public transportation.  I asked for a full refund and he told me I could not receive a refund  That I could only receive a refund for the driving test portion, and that 30% of that they would keep as a deposit.  I told him this was unacceptable and he said he would make some calls to see if he could arrange a ride for me and call me back.30 minutes later a woman called me and asked me if I would like to reschedule my road test.  I told her yes and that there was only one day I could do it  She said that was fine but to reschedule there would be a 30$ rescheduling fee.  When I asked why she said I had done nothing wrong but that was their policy.  When I said that I was very confused by that policy she offered no reasonable explination, just repeated "Would you like to reschedule your road test?"  I said fine and asked if they would pick me up and drop me off, and she told me no, that I would have to travel to the DMV.UNACCEPTABLE.  I informed her that I will be taking her to small claims court to seem damages not only for the full 195$ I paid ,but for the time I missed from work, legal and court fees.  She told me that she would pass that information on to a supervisor and the supervisor would call me back the next day.The supervisor never called me back.I have spoken with an attorney and am proceeding with legal action against Nova Driving School.  This business obviously has no concept of right or wrong or how to treat customers. Read Less

My experience with nova driving school was the best !! The drivers are very well trained. You can tell they care about you learning how to drive vs just getting your money. My instructors were Paul and Dash I loved them both. Super funny but taught me well. I got my license my first try. I even met other instructors like nick and geno who were also nice. I already recommended this school to my other friends. This school is the best. Read Less