Safe Start Driving School (SAME OWNERS. Formerly Fresh Green Light Driving School)

Fantastic experience: The entire crew at Safe Start has been nothing but friendly and helpful. Three kids through the process since they opened and all three are safe and confident drivers, passed their road tests and written tests on the first try and enjoyed their drive times with their instructors. As a parent they answered all questions, guided us through the process, including for the DMV and were very friendly. Super happy with our 9 years of experience!!

Fantastic experience: The experience was awesome from the office staff (Fern and Heather were very patient and accommodating) to instructors - all top notch! We particularly liked that students save 4 hours of sitting in a car vs the competition (there is no observation time required due to all private drives . . . absolutely priceless!!!). Highly recommend SAFE START

Negative experience: As someone who just finished this program this month, and did my road test with, I feel like I am qualified to give my review. I am not using my real name in this for multiple reasons which I will describe below. My drives with FGL were very professional, every single one of them had enthusiastic instructors and genuinely seemed to care, and kept us safe. I had no issues with the drives themselves, but more of an issue of getting them. My parents had to call many times, and I did not get my license on time, overdue by multiple months, and while this isn’t a total dealbreaker at least for myself, more transparency would have been helpful. Regarding the classroom, the first lesson started with the owner (I believe it was Fern) ranting about how customers do not treat her customers well over the phone and said we need to improve as customers, and she was ranting about some reviews on this page and how they were inappropriate and unsubstantiated (which is also not the case). It was incredibly rude and unprofessional. It seems that while the drives are great, the management behind this place is an absolute mess, and if you don’t want to deal with that, I suggest you go someplace else.

Fantastic experience: Great program! I appreciated the new scheduling system, it gave me reassurance that my daughter would get her DL on a timely manner. Additionally, when I requested an extra drive with short notice, they went above and beyond to get it done with one of their best instructors! Very grateful.

Fantastic experience: Great staff who are on top of everything. The paperwork/transcript were all submitted as soon as possible that getting the DL was very smooth process. Fern always responds quickly and very helpful.

Negative experience: Great experience.

Negative experience: amazing

Fantastic experience: I am an adult who had NEVER driven before and was very scared of it. I took six behind the week lessons, mostly with Bill - he was wonderful - practiced at home between lessons, and three days after my last lesson, I got my license on the FIRST ATTEMPT. Mr. Bill Piva boosted my driving confidence and taught me everything I requested: parallel parking, highway driving, etc. I highly recommend this school.

Negative experience: People say that Fresh Greenlight is great. To me … they did not do their job. My son was not taught everything on the road except driving straight. He was not taught how to park straight, up hill or down hill and he was never taught how to back up. Very disappointed with Fresh Greenlight and will not recommend them to anyone.

Negative experience: They act like they’re doing you a favor by letting you take lessons at their school. Very rude and unprofessional to say the least. Edit: There is no student by this name because they first told my son that he can register and when my son called back few minutes later and got a different person on the phone she said that they talked it over and would not let my son sign up.

Negative experience: Location was good, classroom portion went fine. Scheduling drives with an instructor was a nightmare! Would NOT recommend this driving school. My son could not get his license until at least a month after his birthday.

Negative experience: I am currently having a very bad experience with this school.I have enrolled for my son for in class lesson and behind the wheel driving class. The in class session went fine. But am not getting any support for being the wheel driving class. I have got 1 session this Wednesday (09/21) that too at. 7.30 PM. That means my son has to drive the car at night. I believe this company is understaffed and overbooked. When I requested for additional slots they have given the advice to visit the site and grab the slot. I am thinking to get my son’s behind the wheel class with some other school. I regret my decision to engage this company based on google reviews. Would caution the fellow parents to be aware of the situation

Fantastic experience: Heather went above and beyond for us. My 16 yr-old daughter had already graduated from program 4 months later and had her DL in IL. However, we moved to WI and she needed to get a WI DL. At DMV the required proof of all of her course work and completed drivers education or they wouldn’t reissue her license because she is under 18. We were stuck at DMV. We called Heather who instantly remembered us. She directly spoke to DMV worker for instructions. Heather wrote a letter, created a customized PDF proving all her hours, dates, and had it signed by her department head in under 10 minutes (while communicating to us over email about status). This is Long after they had their fees from us, so she is just being helpful to do the right thing. We left with a WI DL! Thank you again! Everyone is so personable and cares at FGL. She didn’t even look me up in the computer before she remembered us.

Positive experience: Great experience.

Fantastic experience: We had a great experience working with Fresh Green Light in Lincolnshire! We started working with them at the start of the pandemic and just finished this month. My son worked through the process at normal speed but his twin sister was dragging her feet. I was very happy with how they handled everything during the pandemic and felt they adjusted processes accordingly as needed. Fern was an absolute pleasure to work with. She made me feel like a valued customer and not just a number. The driving instructors were great as well. Keep up the great job! I would highly recommend. I really like the one-on-one driving instruction. Other schools will have multiple kids in the car. No other kids in the car with FGL. And I liked that they picked up and dropped off at home, school or work.

Fantastic experience: Absolutely THE BEST driving school to go to for your driving license! Fresh Green Light has highly-qualified driving instructors, who come along with modern cars!!! Friendly managers gladly helped me fit driving lessons into my busy schedule, as well as provided me with useful brochures with the driving rules! As a foreigner, I had my driving anxiety reliefed with the help of the Fresh Green Light! They helped me to get on board with driving and the USA rules, and made me feel much more confident behind the wheel!

Fantastic experience: The customer service and the details of care that I got from Heather was amazing when I called this company. This company is professional, caring, and assists with respect to their customers and myself who was seeking information and understanding about driving schools. A+ rating for their customer service! Thank you!

Fantastic experience: We enrolled my teen in FGL and the program is amazing. When we ran in to any snags with scheduling or had questions about the process, Fern and the whole staff were professional, collaborative and helpful. They take great care in running this business and the instruction is great. Special shout out to John! We enrolled during the pandemic so the pivots they made to run a safe, effective, supportive program within health guidelines was notable. Thank you, Fresh Green Light!

Negative experience: If you're a beginner driver, especially as an adult this isn't the place for you at all. If you don't have anyone to teach you within your family or friend circle, then you're out of luck. I don't think my instructor (well ex-instructor since I was kicked from the program.) didn't really know how to handle beginner drivers. Because I don't have the luxury of having family members teaching me, I had no choice but to pick a driving school near me since this neighborhood has zero public transportation. He was fully aware that I never even drove in my life, yet instead of finding an empty parking lot we drove around the neighborhood right away. We eventually crashed into a tree, he started cussing like a mad man. I should have probably said something but, he was the instructor, he's the expert so I just tried to follow his instructions the best of my non-existent ability. Well, eventually I was kicked because apparently they had a lack of cars, I somehow doubt but I was able to refund my money. It was just incredibly disappointing and I expected better. There's a serious lack of resources in these parts, I would have to travel allllll away in Chicago just for Driving Lessons. This school caters to Middle Class High School Students who have their parents to teach them along the way. You can't even take a Road Test with this School.

Fantastic experience: FGL has been great to work with, and Fern is awesome! PreCOVID - we were already happy with the level of communication, service, and instruction. Then, once COVID hit, they adapted quickly and increased communication. Most importantly: our daughter feels safe and confident behind the wheel - thanks! We’ll definitely come back when our son is ready.

Fantastic experience: The Fresh Green Light in Lincolnshire, IL is fantastic! Owner Corby Lamb and office manager Fern are incredibly thorough, organized and responsive. All in-classroom and on-the-road instructors are personable and excel in relating to the teen population they serve (as we all know, this is not easy!) We received timely, frequent communication from FGL. Most spectacularly, FGL was able to almost immediately adapt the to COVID-19 pandemic and went completely online for classroom instruction during shelter in place. Having this option allowed my son to continue learning from home without missing a beat. All the way around, it was an incredibly impressive and wonderful experience. Drivers Ed sure has changed - for the better - since I learned how to drive. Thank you FGL, Corby, Fern and all the instructors. The Heath family appreciates YOU!

Fantastic experience: FGL has been great to work with during these challenging times. Two of my four kids were taught by FGL and they're very confident and cautious defensive drivers. ( the other two fine drivers) Fern was awesome helping work around practice and work schedules, letting us know about schedule changes during this pandemic. I would highly recommend having the FGL team in Lincolnshire take the wheel on teaching your teen to drive.

Fantastic experience: Every point of contact with FGL was phenomenal. Their communication, responsiveness, knowledge and flexibility were incredible. Just a great experience for our daughter and us from initial contact and planning with Fern, to passing her IL driver test with Ila. So helpful and accommodating.

Fantastic experience: We signed up through Carmel Catholic High School and our son completed his coursework in time to get his permit on his 15th birthday. He drove a lot during the hockey season but was not available to take all of the behind the wheel sessions before his 16th birthday due to COVID-19. As soon as the state allowed driver's education to continue, we worked with Fern to schedule his remaining sessions and get his license before leaving the state for the rest of the summer. Thank you, Fern!

Fantastic experience: The entire team is highly organized and made the entire process very easy. They went above and beyond several times to help us out. In addition we feel great about the training program and the high level of preparedness our daughter now has to begin driving solo!

Fantastic experience: Great program. Highly recommend it for your child. Thorough and very well taught and organized.

Fantastic experience: We have had 2 kids go through Fresh Green Light and loved the experience both times. Fern, the office manager, makes everything so easy! My daughter drove with Julie and loved every lesson. She had terrific suggestions and kept open communication with us. We will be back for our next new driver!!

Fantastic experience: We are so glad we found FGL for our family. We are extremely pleased with the program. Fern, in their office, makes scheduling easy and is patient with any question you may have. Her customer orientation is really impressive. FGL is very responsive and focused on the student and family having a good experience with the program. Ila is their secret weapon. A great instructor that we had confidence in to guide our son. I would definitely recommend FGL to anyone and plan to sign up when my younger son is of age.

Fantastic experience: My daughter and I had a great experience with FGL. The instructors are top notch, and the office staff went above and beyond to ensure all of our drives were scheduled in a timely fashion.

Fantastic experience: Such a wonderful experience!!! Fresh Green Light & their staff are superb! Fern was so helpful during the whole process, & Steve was a great classroom instructor. ILA was an amazing driving instructor, and she really cares about the kids she teaches. Thank you, Fresh Green Light!

Fantastic experience: Very pleased with Fresh Green Light in Lincolnshire! The driving instructors were very engaged and knew exactly what to emphasize and correct during the behind the wheel lessons. Lots of availability as well, especially during peak spring and summer months. Would highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: Fresh Green was a top notch Driving school. Fern was so knowledgeable and always willing to help answer questions or assist with scheduling. Ila was a patient instructor, always so sweet to discuss my daughters progress. Loved the APP which makes tracking your drives so simple

Fantastic experience: I can't believe how great the whole team was for my son! We had a very tight schedule, but with great flexibility and team work we were able to work with it. I'm happy to say that my son is an amazing driver! I know that he learned everything he needs! Thanks FGL!

Fantastic experience: With our 3 kids all successfully through the program (all passing their driving test first try), we give 3 unqualified thumbs-up! Great program, great flexibility, personable and helpful driving instructors. Portal & App allowed the students to take full ownership of their experience - particularly make-up classes & drives (which is one less thing for parents to micro-manage). Highly recommend!!

Fantastic experience: We were very impressed with Fresh Green Light, from the quality of the instructors to the ease of scheduling with their online portal. After going through their program, my kids were very well prepared to drive and confidently pass the driver's exam. I highly recommend them!

Fantastic experience: They have great team. Everyone is really friendly and understanding. I was able to get my licensce in really short amount of time. Driving instructors are really patient and love to work with you. I highly recommend fresh green light

Fantastic experience: Our son had a great experience at Fresh Green Light! The summer class time worked well, the website makes it very easy to schedule the in-car driving lessons, and we loved the option of him being able to take his driving test in the Fresh Green Light car that he had been practicing in! Big shout outs to Fern who runs the office & is helpful with all questions, Greg who taught his class & was his awesome in-car instructor, & Ila who took him to his actual driving test & gave him an amazing review of what to expect right beforehand!! Highly recommend Fresh Green Light!

Fantastic experience: Great driving school 5stars all around!! I had two sons take the course and it was a positive experience all around. Fern does a great job accommodating behind the wheel driving schedules!! Great app too!!

Fantastic experience: I wish Fresh Green Light had been around for my first two children! My experience with my second two has been outstanding. The flexibility of their program is priceless.

Fantastic experience: Very professional people. Glad I send my son Dima to this school. Great teachers. Highly recommend. Very dedicated teachers. THANKS!!!

Fantastic experience: Ila and the team at Fresh Green Light were fantastic. My son is 23 and he required someone with patience and empathy to help him improve his driving skills and confidence. Ila worked closely with him and provided thoughtful input to help him achieve his goal. He has become a much more confident and capable driver and he passed his driving test!!! Thanks to everyone at Fresh Green Light.

Fantastic experience: Fantastic people, amazing customer service (thank you, Fern!) and individualized attention! You can't go wrong here. Driver's education is expensive... but here, it's worth every single penny!

Fantastic experience: Great driving school - hidden gem! Hoping more people find out about FGL because it's refreshing to work with a company that does their job so well and still function as a great customer service organization. The content was great and my daughter is now a great driver!! Thanks FGL

Fantastic experience: Loved Fresh Green Light! My son recently completed his class and behind the wheel instruction. The times for classroom instruction fit into my son's schedule perfectly. He loved the cookies that were served on a break too! Scheduling the behind the wheel instruction was extremely easy to do. All the staff at Fresh Green Light were helpful and very personable! Highly recommend FGL to anyone looking for a driving school!

Fantastic experience: The best drive school, with the best staff!!!! Highly recommended !!

Fantastic experience: My daughter had fabulous instruction inside the classroom and behind the wheel! She is an excellent driver. Fern has accommodated us in every possible way to make sure my daughter completed the course. My calls (and there were many!) were returned within minutes.....even on the weekend. I highly recommend the Lincolnshire FGL driving school!

Fantastic experience: Great staff and instructors. Always encouraging, positive, organized, professional, kind. They follow up quickly if there are any issues with scheduling. My daughter had no issues getting her license post the classes she attended.

Fantastic experience: Staff knew their job very well. Class Instructors were effective. Driving instructors took the time to recap what was taught during the driving time, and summarized what the student driver needed to work on. Fern, the office assistant was extremely helpful and considerate in anything and everything. From technical issues on the website to rescheduling drives because I was having trouble with the website, to figuring out the class that was missed and the dates that same class can be retaken. Thank you.

Fantastic experience: My twins are licensed for 5 months now. No tickets, no mishaps. And no tickets or mishaps during the permit stage. When I ride with them they are confident, careful, good drivers. The hour long individual lessons seem to be much better then 10 minutes at a time (as with high school driver's ed) with classmates in the car. Fern is very helpful and solves all problems. Greg is a fantastic instructor. Highly recommend FGL.

Fantastic experience: Fresh Green Light provided an amazing experience for my son. The class instruction was very well organized. The driving lessons were administered very professionally, and were very beneficial...my son is a fantastic driver as a result of their classes/lessons!! They have fantastic instructors, and I appreciate the private driving lessons. I HIGHLY recommend Fresh Green Light - it was a very positive experience; we'll be returning with my younger son in a few years.

Fantastic experience: Great experience for my twins. Lots of personal attention if you need it. Many class offerings and flexibility. Great staff. Very caring and they really remember every child they work with.

Fantastic experience: My twin boys actually enjoyed the class! They learned a lot and the instructors and people there were very nice!

Fantastic experience: Great program, convenient times for classes and they will pick up your student from home for driving lessons which is really helpful!

Fantastic experience: Great experience! Very accommodating. They worked around our schedule

Fantastic experience: I'm happy to recommend Fresh Green Light in Lincolnshire. All of our rescheduling needs were addressed, and Fern was great with anything we needed. The driving instruction was really good, too.

Fantastic experience: FGL is a fantastic driving school. They are very flexible in scheduling and able to accommodate all situations! The driving instructors were wonderful and Fern is great too!

Fantastic experience: Great experience at Fresh Green Light. Unlike other driving schools, FGL uses current & relatable videos as teaching tools. My daughter was confident in what she learned in class, which made her(& her parents)less anxious while out practicing. Mr Piva arrived on-time (usually early) for all her practice drives. He was respectful, professional, and calm when teaching & correcting her during drives. Office manager Fern, was a huge help with all questions and scheduling. Thanks for your help Fern!!

Fantastic experience: My son has a great experience. The instructors were fantastic! Thank you!

Fantastic experience: I knew my son would need individual instruction. The driving instructors, as well as the classroom instructor, were so personable and really took the time to provide the feedback my son needed, both positive as well as constructive. Loved the ability to schedule sessions as our schedule would allow!

Fantastic experience: Classroom was cheery, instructors were enthusiastic and challenging, fresh cookies were delish! Driving instructors were excellent and my daughter was more than prepared on the day of her test.

Fantastic experience: A fantastic program! My teen driver had completed another profrm but was scared to drive. This program have him confidence and he was able to pass the test! He is now a great driver. I will make sure my next driver just starts and finishes drivers ed with FGL.

Fantastic experience: Awesome experience when my daughter went through their program. They accommodated are needs even though we were farther away from their location. Great instructors too!

Fantastic experience: Very happy with the staff. Energetic and enthusiastic about what they are doing. We found it easy to schedule behind the wheel sessions and when we missed a class, scheduling a make up was easy. Terrific streamlined process. Behind the wheel teacher was fun, humorous, and put my daughter at ease.