N C Driving School

Negative experience: this is just ridiculous, I've been trying to get into a class for my drivers permit but every time I have gotten to the class before it starts it says its at the maximum amount of people even though I get in before it even starts.

Fantastic experience: My son is a homeschool student and it was very easy to sign him up for the driver's ed portion through Gaston County Schools and the NC Driving School. The NC Driving School reached out a month before my son's birthday and tried to schedule his driving hours, but we couldn't get it to work with his co-op school schedule. Carrie Smith texted us in the last of May to set up driving hours and her communication was so organized! She had multiple times and dates you could pick from! During the driving portion Mrs. Smith was incedibly caring towards the students and very sweet towards the parents. She kept us parents informed of their driving experience and my son LOVED having her as his instructor!! I cannot recommend the NC Driving School enough! They are such a BLESSING to our students! Their level of care, encouragement, and training is top notch! Thank you Mrs. Carrie Smith!!! I hope we will get to work with you again!

Fantastic experience: We had a fantastic experience with NC Driving School! Carrie Smith was my son’s driving instructor she was absolutely amazing—so patient with the kids and made them feel completely comfortable behind the wheel. She was detailed in her instruction and truly took the time to ensure they understood everything. Highly recommend Carrie if you’re looking for a calm, professional, encouraging driving instructor.

Fantastic experience: My son, Micah, attended the NC Driver's Ed behind the wheel portion May 19-21. The experience was amazing! This program was offered to us through Gaston Virtual Academy for a very reasonable price. As a single income family this was a blessing!! The classroom sessions were very informative. The behind the wheel sessions with Ms. Carrie Smith were exceptional. She eased my mind as a parent by keeping me informed and handled the drive time with grace and clear instruction. She was very kind, polite, and gave my son feedback and encouragement. I would highly recommend NC Driving School and Ms. Smith.

Negative experience: Terrible quality Bad service Do NOT come here There was a rude woman working not accepting any info missing even if your in the system already 1 star I hope they fail

Negative experience: This is getting ridiculous. I’ve been trying to get my daughter signed up since the beginning of her junior year. Here I am a month before she graduates, and still can’t get in. Smh

Fantastic experience: I attended the Driver's Ed program taught at East Gaston from mid February to the beginning of April, and found the experience both enjoyable -and- very informative. I had Carrie Smith as both my instructor in class as well as my driving assistant, she was an excellent, polite, and understanding teacher, and I'm very glad to have been able to attend her class!

Fantastic experience: Carrie Smith was my teacher and she was genuinely one of the best teachers I’ve had. She was patient with the class because my class talked A LOT, but she was patient and made sure everyone learned at their own pace and made sure to make it clear to us. She told us some things to help remind us of what to Remeber , she also helped me with telling me what I should really study on before my written test at the dmv. She was also very patient and helpful when I drove with her. She never got mad or frustrated she was very understanding and sweet. She was such an amazing teacher and it was actually a pleasure being in her class and I wouldn’t have rather to be in anyone else’s!!

Fantastic experience: My sons instructor, Carrie Smith at EGHS, was outstanding. She was thorough AND made class fun. He was so nervous about not knowing anyone and not being at his school. He finished class each night excited for the next day. She even took the time and emailed us and complimented him on how well he was doing in class and what a joy he was.

Fantastic experience: My experience and disclaimer: Parent Perspective: My homeschooled daughter took an online course through Gaston County School System. Homeschoolers as well as county private school students in our county can take classes online or at any of the schools which you find convenient in proximity to your family. Students in the public school can take online classes or in-person at their enrolled school. (summer classes at various locations) The cost for our county through GCPS is currently 25.00, which is a tremendous value in comparison to the cost of driving with private companies. Students can begin as early as they turn 14.5 yrs old. NC requires a 30 hour class and 6 hours of behind the wheel instruction before applying for a permit. We found her instruction in class and on the road to be excellent and thorough. After class was completed and she was emailed with the date to take her eye exam- we waited approximately 90 days before she was scheduled for the driving portion. The driving instructor gave us her certificate, instructions and list of documents needed prior to proceeding to the dmv after her 15th birthday. She passed the permit test confidently! **** My disclaimer- A teacher perspective: BECAUSE of the excellent experience that we had, I became an instructor with NCDS and have driven Well over 200 students behind the wheel and probably twice as many in the classroom to date. I can share an insight on what to expect- the state req is 30 hours of classroom so PLEASE be certain that your student is prepared to commit to the class they sign up for- your students will be thoroughly prepared and instructed on what to expect timeline wise (grill them to be sure they share the information with you), on average your student should be contacted to drive approx 90 days after they have completed the class and eye exam. Please be sure that they provide the classroom teacher with GOOD contact phone number(s) and more than one is preferable as this is often an issue we encounter during scheduling! Driving sessions are typically three 4 hour sessions, where they will be paired with a peer to split for the required BTW hours! ( we make this experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible while dispelling fear and anxiety- but also ensure that we keep them safe and humble). After BTW we give a checklist to you that lists the docs you need to gather before heading to the DMV (which include an eligibility certificate which is obtained in our office right before you plan to go to the DMV) As you prepare to embark on this new chapter Encourage your student to keep their grades up so they are eligible to drive when the time comes, and encourage them to be actively engaged in discussion and observation while you are driving about town- please have them put the phones down even now as passengers! Download the NC DMV handbook to study before and after drivers ed to prepare for the DMV permit test! (You can find this PDF at ncdot.gov website) It is my experience that the instructors, like myself are truly devoted to ensuring that your student gets thorough and safe instruction to prepare them for the huge responsibility that they will have to keep themselves and others safe on the roads! I hope these perspectives and approx timeline will help you map out and schedule your classes and dmv appt. As of Spring 2025 the DMV appts are approx 90 days out… but they do offer walk-ins after noon in most offices across the state! The skip the line website for scheduling a appt can be refreshed often and the dmv opens appts up when they receive cancellations so watch for those as well! - Reviewed by a Happy Parent and Passionate Teacher!

Fantastic experience: Very pretty and peaceful ✌️

Fantastic experience: great place!! only took a couple minutes and the front desk lady was very helpful

Negative experience: I've been here at this location three time, and the lady at the first desk is the rudest. She can definitely benefit from some customer service training.

Fantastic experience: I cannot speak highly enough of North Carolina Driving School, for Gaston County students navigating the permit requirements, thanks to the incredible assistance provided by Carrie Smith. From the outset, Carrie went above and beyond to accommodate our needs. She proactively reached out via text, to let us know we were in the next group to be scheduled for the driving portion. Carrie's dedication became evident when she swiftly scheduled my son upon learning of our pre-booked DMV permit appointment. Thanks to her efforts, my son will be able to make his DMV appointment for his permit just days after his 15th birthday, a feat made possible by Carrie's proactive scheduling and coordination. Furthermore, Carrie ensured we had all the necessary information to obtain the Driver Eligibility Certificate from North Carolina driving school. Amidst a tight timeline and a holiday weekend looming, she even liaised with Lori Springmann to help me secure the post-driving appointment for the DEC. Lori was amazing and quick to get us squared away. She even took time to review all the documentation I had collected to alleviate any anxiety regarding the required paperwork needed for the DMV when going for the permit test. As an instructor, Carrie's impact was profound. Not only did she make the learning experience enjoyable for my son, but she also significantly advanced his driving skills while instilling the importance of diligent preparation for the permit test. Carrie's encouragement and emphasis on studying exemplified her commitment to her students' success. Navigating through the Gaston County program amidst the aftermath of Covid-related disruptions was undoubtedly challenging, but Carrie and Lori's professionalism and efficiency ensured a seamless and pain-free process. Their dedication to my students' success is truly commendable, and they have undoubtedly played a pivotal role in getting the program back on track. In conclusion, for Gaston County students seeking a driving school that prioritizes exceptional support and guidance, North Carolina Driving School, is the ultimate choice. We were so nervous the timeline was not going to work out but we were proactive in scheduling, patient with the process, and lucky to have Carrie Smith and Lori Springmann along with us. My family and I are immensely grateful for their outstanding service. Timeline info (for those wondering) for my son who turned 14 1/2 early October 2023: -November 6-16, 2023: 30 Hour Classroom Instruction- Virtual with Paulette Little (who my son thoroughly enjoyed) -December 12, 2023: Vision Test -March 25-27, 2024: 6 Hour Behind the Wheel Instruction -March 28, 2024: Obtained DEC from NC Driving School Office -April 4, 2024: DMV appointment for permit

Negative experience: My son took the online portion in September Already completed his vision portion. I can't get any information on when he'll start his driving section. I've called (no answer). I've emailed the instructor, no response. His friend went through a different agency in December. He started the driving portion today. My son's birthday is 2 months before his friends'. It's disheartening when we can't get a response from any angle. ** It's now 143 days since he finished the online portion, and still no call for scheduling the driving portion** his birthday is in 4 weeks & nothing. Plus, any schedule to take the rest at the DMV to obtain his permit, there's nothing available**

Negative experience: Staff are very rude. They cut you off when trying to ask a question and act as if you are bothering them. Worst experience ever!!!

Negative experience: Terrible service

Negative experience: My son never got to drive on the highway. He only drove in school parking lots. He never got in the required amount of driving hours and was passed. Only one of the kids driving with him really came close to getting the required hours of driving. I was told that we would have to work with him on his driving. I wish NC would bring back driver ed to the public high schools.

Fantastic experience: My son took the virtual class July 10th-14th and we didn't have any trouble getting in. You just have to be online when the registration starts. Our virtual instructor P Little was fantastic. Having the vision test today then waiting for the driving part. I have no complaints at all.

Negative experience: *!!!*UPDATE...MR BENNETT called me for grandson to drive. Its all finished now. I had to call corporate office to get it done because lady in the office wasnt giving MR BENNETT the information i was giving her. It wasnt his fault. I just happened to see a 1 800 number on top of the website and i called it. Lady I guess *Laura in office was swearing she was taking info and my number for Mr Bennett and relaying to Mr Bennett, but she was not. Mt grandson almost lost his chance to drive. It was lack of her not caring, maybe because theres not enough office workers or she just doesnt care and not made to do her job until it hits the fan. ***I have been calling since my grandson had his vision test to see when Mr bennett was going to call to schedule for him to drive. They tell me same thing everytime I call. He starts back school next mth so when does this class end? His eye test was over 6 mths ago.

Negative experience: Website says 90-120 days between written exam and driving portion of class. It has been over 6 months since my son's vision test and I get the run around every time I call.

Fantastic experience: I got there early to be the first ones and we were in and out.

Negative experience: I observed an instructor from this school allowing an unqualified student driver to weave around a main road at 20mph in a 45mph zone in the middle of rush hour. Significant traffic backup nearly got me rear-ended. The judgment of the instructor in allowing this student to operate a vehicle in this unsafe manner, on that road at that time is shockingly poor. Not the student's fault (they are trying to learn), but the instructor should never have put them in that situation. This was clearly dangerous, not to mention inconsiderate to the line of cars backed up when trying to get home from work.

Fantastic experience: I called the office with a few questions and Lori was very helpful. I'm sure she gets the same questions 50 times a day, but she still took the time to answer my questions. She was patient and very professional. I truly appreciated her assistance.

Negative experience: Bad company !!!!!

Negative experience: It was a nightmare just to talk to these people. They wouldn't give me guidance, suggestions, referrals, or even a list of people I could go to when they couldn't help me. I made a suggestion for process improvement and asked that they pass it up, since they have a government contract, and they argued about their contract and did nothing. Useless.

Negative experience: Very, very rude staff. The class that my kids have taken in January. I heard my children talking about how their friends at school also took the class, except in October, and they haven’t been called yet, and it’s now May. So I decided to transfer their driving school as I need my children to have their licenses as soon as possible. I received the vision forms to send to the new school, however it got lost in the mail. I asked for a new one and the lady was rude. She kept saying “go through your new school”, in a rude tone and that she already handled the forms and didn’t have to. My children cannot get their permits until they have the actual paper (NOT A COPY), but the lady refuses.

Negative experience: I've never taken the time to post a review before but this business is simply the worst. Not only are they unprofessional in every way, the instruction my son received was sketchy at best with teachers being absent from the classroom, and not communicating with students. They never called my son for his drive time. It's been 5 months and we're still waiting. (And at 17 years old, I just don't buy the line that there were that many older students in front on him.) Good luck trying to communicate with their office in any way. They have a phone line, but I honestly don't think that anyone is ever in the office. I finally talked to someone at their main office in Winterville but of course they couldn't help me. This leaves us hiring a private driving school but this is coming from a point of privilege obviously. In my opinion, this company is preying upon those from underserved communities that have no other options for drivers ed.

Negative experience: The female that works in the office is completely rude and hateful. My husband and I have had to go to the center several time due to her inability to confirm all documents needed for ONE form. Ridiculous!! Don't understand how ppl like her have a job

Negative experience: I have no details to share because I have received no communication as to how to continue my child’s training. I’ll be seeking the means to communicate this to the county and state or whoever may seek to contract another driving school for our large school district of roughly 30,000 students.

Negative experience: i can’t believe this I waited and waited they ONLY 30 people in a class and it’s online they don’t update you on what happen.THE ONLY RESPONSE I GET IS KEEP CHECKING THE WEBSITE

Negative experience: Today I called to see how to register my daughter for Driver’s Education. I spoke with a lady, her name was Laura. She was really rude and disrespectful. When I asked questions about how far in advance will my daughter know about driver’s education class, and explained to her the situation that I had with my daughter receiving an email September 22 for drivers education class to start September 24. (Which was very inconvenient) my daughter was registered to take in March. Laura responded with a nasty attitude “I don’t know what you want me to do about that. Just keep checking the website for dates because I sent an email on 09/17/2020!” Which she lied about. Then she said “I’m not about to argue about no email date.” When all I asked is how far in advance will my daughter know about the class before they attend. My daughter emailed her directly and never got an response back. She also called the driver’s school they took her name and number and she never received a call back. Very, very poor customer service. I hope they do not handle the students like this. I’m just trying to get my child in drivers education. She is in the 10th grade hopefully she will attend soon.

Negative experience: I have never been talked to and treated so poorly. The lady Ms. Chestnut was so disrespectful and unprofessional toward me for coming to her office. The number you call has a mailbox that was full so there was no way to leave a message and they don’t answer the phone. I just needed a student eligibility certificate. I would not even give one star for her unprofessional way of dealing with the public. I can not express how thankful I am for LKN Driving school, I would never want anyone to have to deal with her.

Negative experience: Very rude and hateful when calling she said this is not the driving school and hung up called back and she said this was a funeral home in Texas really

Negative experience: The woman who answered the phone when I called was extremely rude- huffing and puffing the entire phone call, cut me off mid-sentence when I was explaining my reason for calling, and acted like she was irritated when I asked her to repeat the phone number for the correct department ONCE. I have never been so put off by a 1 minute conversation.

Fantastic experience: This business went ABOVE and BEYOND for my daughter! The driving school she used let us down tremendously and they came to the rescue going far out of their way to get her the paperwork she needed to go to the DMV. I can’t thank them enough for their amazing service!!!!

Negative experience: I called to check to get an update on the status of drivers Ed at South Point due to Covid, the lady was very rude.

Negative experience: Extremely rude and unhelpful when I called to ask about status of driving training after COVID.

Negative experience: It takes well over 90 days after the class before students can take the driving portion. My child took the class portion the 1st week in July and is just now taking the driving portion. The driving instructor Brenda Kivepp or "Ms.B" as she calls herself was rude and clearly is not in tune with other cultures and races. The remarks that she made was very offensive. If you're going to be providing a service to an entire school district, then please be culturally diverse and provide a vehicle that ALL students can comfortably fit in!. Send Ms.B to diversity class before you have a law suit against you! Furthermore, now my son has wait an additional 3-4 weeks for a new instructor. There has to be more driving schools that the state can contract with.

Fantastic experience: We had an fantastic experience for my son to do his driving practice. Ms. Glass was very kind, flexible and encouraging! Highly recommended!

Negative experience: My son turns 15 nexts week and can get his permit he goes to north gaston and we still hadn't got a phone call or anything about when he can drive so he can go get the permit and over the phone the people in the office are rude and unprofessional I wouldn't even give a star if I had the option

Negative experience: My daughters instructor has her driving all over the county to every pawn shop in what he said was a search for an Xbox. Speaking to other parents and former students of this instructor this was the case in years previous as well. Makes one wonder what other reasons he has to go to these places which generally arent the place Id have my kids visiting for safety. When my daughter insisted in getting out of the car at one of these stops he became angry but she refused to sit in the car in the heat. He wouldnt leave until my daughter went back outside the shop. She commented everyone inside knew him.

Negative experience: Very unprofessional to parents!!!! Too bad students do not have other options to choose from when taking this through their school .

Fantastic experience: Thank you to Ms. Kelly and Ms. Chestnut for being so patient as you helped walk us through the steps! Keep up the good work!