When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Nova Driving School
Why Nova Driving School is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Nova Driving School stands out as a premier driving education provider in the Chicagoland area, trusted by more than 20,000 students annually. Certified by the National Safety Council—the only driving school in Illinois with this credential—Nova emphasizes defensive and responsible driving, ensuring students graduate with both skills and confidence. The school employs a unique teaching methodology that facilitates efficient learning, making the process swift without compromising quality. Students benefit from comprehensive services that cover everything from permit preparation to DMV appointment scheduling, accompanied by reliable communication through automated text notifications and phone call confirmations. A key highlight is the team of skilled, friendly, and encouraging instructors, including Michele Edison, Jeremiah Washington, Alex, and Reginald Rush, whose patient and professional approach reduces learner anxiety and boosts confidence behind the wheel. Nova Driving School’s strong reputation stems from its commitment to creating a supportive, professional, and effective learning environment, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to start or improve their driving journey in Chicago.
Here's what people think of Nova Driving School
As of recent, Nova Driving School holds a 4.8-star rating based on 2125 reviews.
User reviews of Nova Driving School generally characterize it as a leading choice for driving education in Chicago, with many praising the professionalism and teaching quality of its instructors. Positive feedback highlights Michele Edison as an exceptional instructor noted for clear explanations and calming anxious students, contributing to outstanding driving test results. Other instructors receive acclaim for being supportive, attentive to details, and dedicated to improving student confidence. Reviewers also appreciate the school's well-organized process, including helpful scheduling and communication. However, some negative reviews point to occasional issues with appointment availability during peak times and communication lapses, particularly concerning the online scheduling system. A few reviews describe experiences of disorganization or lack of responsiveness to some concerns. Despite these isolated criticisms, the overwhelming majority of reviews are positive, underscoring the school’s reputation for quality instruction and comprehensive student support. Overall, Nova Driving School is widely regarded as a reliable institution that helps students gain driving skills efficiently while fostering a positive learning experience.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Nicole Hogan
I had a great overall experience with Nova Driving School and would absolutely recommend it to other first-time drivers. The cars used for lessons were easy to handle and made learning less intimidating. I also appreciated that all of my instructors arrived on time for our scheduled lessons, and the pricing was reasonable for the quality of instruction provided. The time I spent with my instructors was incredibly valuable in building both my driving skills and confidence, which ultimately helped me pass my road test. While I also practiced outside of lessons with my partner’s car, the structured guidance I received at Nova was essential. A big shoutout to my instructors, Mike C. and Anthony D., for their patience and thorough teaching styles. They explained everything clearly and calmly, which made each lesson productive and stress-free! Also, a special thanks to Jared R., who worked with me for an hour right before my road test. His guidance during that final session was especially helpful and appreciated. All of the instructors I worked with were polite, professional, and very knowledgeable! The only downside I encountered was with the lesson scheduling system on the portal. My already scheduled lessons were changed or removed from the portal without any notice (this happened 3 times). I made a habit of checking and refreshing the portal regularly and was able to catch the changes in time. I would highly recommend that others do the same! Check your portal a day or two before any lesson. When I called Nova Customer Support, they did help me get back on my original schedule or reschedule at a more convenient time. Despite this issue with scheduling, my experience with the instructors and the quality of the driving lessons was excellent!
Kayla
Mixed experience. Most of my instructors were friendly, but the quality of instruction varied. One instructor kept me in a parking lot for most of our lessons because I was struggling with turns. I didn't understand some of her directions so I asked clarifying questions, but she couldn't explain things differently. Once I switched to Sebastian, Javier, and Frank, I felt in better hands but that many of my earlier lessons had been wasted — though I liked my initial instructor and she was kind. As an adult client, I also didn’t appreciate that Nova dictated when I could take my road test and would’ve preferred more flexibility to focus on practical skills like winter driving and parallel parking. I do have my license now, but I still feel unprepared on the road after 18 hours of BTW instruction. For lessons alone, Nova is 3-stars to me. The reason for 2 stars is their supervisor, Brenda. Nova charged me a $60 no-show fee for a lesson I believe was scheduled incorrectly. A supervisor, Brenda, justified the charge citing a recording of the scheduling call, but refused to share the audio despite admittedly misremembering details from it. After some back-and-forth, she offered the waiver but only one of my two BTW hours. I insisted on both and she promised to call back within 3 business days — then ignored my calls for nearly two weeks, knowing I had an upcoming move. When I finally reached her, she blamed the delay on a colleague’s bereavement and became increasingly unprofessional. She told me not to interrupt, spoke over me when it was my turn to speak, then left the call without notice. I waited on the line through several minutes of silence, heard her talking in the background (I think I was overhearing another client call), then more silence, and eventually a hang-up. When I called back, she denied it, repeated the same points, interrupted me again, thanked me and hung up after making several inappropriate comments. After a second request to work with someone else, I was finally told another supervisor would contact me but I doubt it. Ultimately, I did not get to use my driving hours and the $60 fee remains on my account. Would never recommend.
Erik Tapia
hey i’m 21 and currently a rising senior in college and liked nova’s driving school. ik ig it could be a challenge to choose which instructor you would wanna have BTW lessons like a class and if you’re really looking for an instructor to take BTW lessons, i would strongly recommend manuel! I took every other instructor but really liked manuel. He’s so funny, humbles you (but never in a bad way, he really wants you to do well while driving). He likes to teach you in a fun way while throwing some jokes here and there to build a good relationship with his students. Would recommend him or Diego (he’s also a rlly chill dude)
Karl Patrick
I recently obtained my driver's license after completing a comprehensive 12-hour beginners course. I highly recommend my instructors, James Sebastian and Lawrence Chris, for their exceptional teaching and patience. They imparted valuable techniques and demonstrated remarkable patience. Additionally, I would like to acknowledge Carlos, one of the founders of Nova, who kindly assisted me in warming up my driving skills on the day of my test at the DMV.
Olivia Serafini
Nova is extremely unorganized and needs to get it together. They never sent to the DMV that I completed my drivers Ed course, which is needed to do behind the wheel driving, yet they still let me do behind the wheel driving. I went to the DMV to get my license with my appointment (which was very hard to get), and I wasn't able to get it because they messed up on their end. We called them and tried to figure out if they were able to submit my forms of completion of my drivers ed, and they were difficult. Their disorganization snd negligence is very frustrating and I am NOT the first person they have done this to. Do better.
How to reach Nova Driving School
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Why Nova Driving School may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Nova Driving School with your friends?
Gathering your friends for a shared experience can be a memorable and valuable way to strengthen your bonds, and Nova Driving School offers an ideal environment for just that. Imagine a place where learning meets excitement, where you and your friends can embark on the journey to mastering driving skills together. Nova Driving School is not just about individual lessons — it’s about fostering a supportive and engaging atmosphere where groups can encourage one another, share successes, and overcome driving challenges collectively. Hosting a meetup here means immersing yourselves in a hands-on, interactive experience that combines education with camaraderie. The school’s reputation for quality instruction, reflected in its impressive 4.8 rating from over 2,000 reviews, speaks volumes about the professionalism and positive outcomes it delivers. Whether you’re all beginners looking to pass your permit test, or more experienced drivers aiming to refine your skills, Nova presents an enriching environment to rally, learn, and grow together. The shared triumphs of conquering driving tests make the experience even more rewarding and create lasting memories for your group.
What activities does Nova Driving School offer for group meetups?
Nova Driving School provides a wide range of engaging activities that make it an exceptional venue for group meetups. First and foremost, the school offers comprehensive driving programs packed with interactive lessons tailored to different skill levels — from permit preparation to advanced behind-the-wheel training. Groups can sign up for coordinated lessons, allowing friends or family to learn in parallel and share insights between sessions. Beyond individual lessons, Nova frequently supports practice road tests where participants can simulate the DMV experience under the watchful eyes of experienced instructors. This activity is perfect for groups because it encourages friendly competition and mutual support.
Nova also offers classroom-style sessions where drivers can prepare for written tests together — an educational setting that promotes discussion and collaborative studying, ideal for groups wanting to tackle the permit exam side by side. Another key offering is Nova’s flexible scheduling system, which makes it easier for groups to find synchronized lesson times, thus accommodating busy calendars and ensuring the group can stay together throughout their learning journey. Importantly, the school maintains strong communication channels through text notifications and email confirmations for every lesson and appointment, keeping all group members well-informed and coordinated. These features create an efficient, drama-free environment that reduces stress and encourages positive group dynamics.
Why is Nova Driving School the perfect place for a group meetup?
Nova Driving School excels as a meetup location for groups because it combines expert instruction with an organized, customer-focused approach that caters explicitly to communal learning experiences. Its high user rating of 4.8 reflects not only the quality of driving education but also the school’s commitment to creating a comfortable and encouraging environment. The staff shows dedication by handling everything from permit test preparation to the final DMV road test booking, which simplifies the entire process and removes barriers that might cause friction in group planning.
The atmosphere at Nova is welcoming and professional without being intimidating — a critical balance that makes learners feel supported, especially when tackling something as daunting as driving. This is crucial for groups, as shared anxiety can decrease if everyone feels equally secure and well guided. Additionally, Nova Driving School’s use of modern tools like automated reminders and real-time schedule updates through an online platform means groups can stay on top of their appointments seamlessly. For people who want to combine productive learning with social interaction, this coordination is a significant plus.
Finally, the ability to learn at your own pace within a structured program makes Nova suitable for diverse groups that may include people of varying skill levels and confidence. Whether you want to celebrate new licenses together or support each other through challenging lessons, this driving school’s comprehensive services provide a foundation for growth and shared achievement.
How does Nova Driving School support both new and experienced drivers?
Nova Driving School is designed to serve both novices and more experienced drivers, making it an excellent venue for group meetups with mixed skill levels. For beginners, the school offers foundational courses that cover everything from basic vehicle operations to permit test preparation, ensuring new drivers build confidence safely. These programs typically include both classroom instruction and practical behind-the-wheel training, giving learners a well-rounded introduction.
For more experienced drivers, Nova provides advanced lessons focused on mastering complex driving maneuvers, defensive driving techniques, and confidence-building in regulated traffic environments. The opportunity to practice road tests with realistic conditions is invaluable for anyone preparing to take their official DMV driving test.
Groups benefit immensely from this flexibility since members can participate in courses best suited to their current abilities while still feeling part of a collective journey. This tailored approach promotes inclusiveness and ensures every participant gains value. Instructors are trained to adapt their teaching style to individual needs, facilitating a personalized learning experience that respects different paces within the group. This adaptability is crucial in transforming a driving school meetup from a simple lesson into a collaborative, supportive learning experience.
What customer experience does Nova Driving School provide?
Nova Driving School prides itself on delivering customer experiences marked by excellent service and thorough support from start to finish. Many students report positive interactions with the administrative team, who help with everything from scheduling lessons to managing appointments with the DMV. Automated communication systems send regular text and email notifications, keeping clients informed and minimizing confusion — a notable advantage for groups trying to stay coordinated.
This level of attentiveness reflects Nova’s commitment to removing typical logistical frustrations that can arise in driving education. Moreover, instructors at Nova are known for their patience and clarity in teaching, qualities essential for building confidence and reducing anxiety around driving tests. Testimonials highlight the helpfulness and professionalism of staff, which creates a trustworthy environment for learners.
While some reviews note occasional issues with scheduling during peak seasons, the overall high customer rating indicates that Nova Driving School consistently resolves challenges swiftly and values student feedback to improve its services. This responsiveness is particularly important for groups who depend on reliable scheduling to attend lessons together. The school’s focus on a seamless, supportive customer experience ensures that every learner feels valued and empowered throughout their driving education.
How does Nova Driving School’s reputation and reviews impact its appeal?
Nova Driving School’s reputation, supported by its outstanding 4.8-star rating from over 2,000 reviews, significantly enhances its appeal as a meetup spot. This widespread positive feedback confirms the school’s ability to deliver quality instruction and maintain high satisfaction levels among its students. Such a reputation assures prospective learners and groups that they are choosing a trustworthy, effective institution.
The volume and consistency of positive reviews across multiple platforms indicate that Nova maintains solid standards for teaching, professionalism, and customer service. For groups looking for a reliable and reputable place to learn driving, Nova stands out against competitors due to its proven track record.
This reputation also encourages group organizers to feel confident that their collective investment in driving education will be worthwhile, making planning meetups easier and more assured. Knowing that other learners have had overwhelmingly positive experiences provides motivation and reassurance, which adds to the overall appeal of rallying at Nova Driving School.
What makes Nova Driving School’s location and facilities suitable for group visits?
Although specific details about the physical environment of Nova Driving School are not extensively documented, driving schools typically offer well-equipped vehicles, safe practice routes, and comfortable waiting areas that support group learning. Nova’s organizational professionalism, evident in its systematic scheduling and customer communication, suggests that it has the infrastructure to accommodate group bookings efficiently.
Groups benefit from a calm, focused learning atmosphere with access to knowledgeable instructors and resources, including study materials for permit tests and simulated practice sessions. The school’s location in a populous area allows easy access for friends or family coming together.
Moreover, the arrangement of lessons and tests in nearby traffic zones means learners gain practical experience in real-world conditions under instructor supervision, which is ideal for group members supporting each other through challenges. These aspects collectively make Nova a fitting venue for groups seeking productive and organized driving education sessions.
How can a meetup at Nova Driving School enhance social bonds?
Meeting up at Nova Driving School offers a unique combination of educational goals and social interaction that naturally strengthens relationships among friends or family. Learning to drive is a significant milestone, and sharing that journey with others creates a sense of camaraderie. Group members motivate each other, celebrate individual milestones, and overcome nervousness together, fostering trust and mutual respect.
The shared experience of hands-on lessons and practicing for road tests encourages communication and teamwork, which extend beyond driving into everyday life. Additionally, the positive reinforcement and encouragement provided by peers in a group context can boost confidence for those who might otherwise feel anxious about driving lessons.
These social benefits turn an ordinary educational activity into a memorable event that enriches personal connections, making Nova Driving School not just a place to learn how to drive but also a venue for meaningful social engagement.
This detailed exploration highlights why Nova Driving School stands out as a premier spot to rally with friends or family for a fun, educational, and socially rewarding driving experience. Its comprehensive programs, excellent customer service, strong reputation, and supportive learning environment combine to offer an exceptional opportunity for any group looking to learn or improve their driving skills together.