Western Maine Driving Academy

4 Clachan Pl, 04276, Rumford

Opening hours

  • sunday: (closed)
  • monday: 9h-17h
  • tuesday: 9h-17h
  • wednesday: 9h-17h
  • thursday: 9h-17h
  • friday: 9h-17h
  • saturday: (closed)

Photos of Western Maine Driving Academy

Western Maine Driving Academy

Our comment from DrivingSchools.Directory about Western Maine Driving Academy:

Western Maine Driving Academy is dedicated to providing a positive and enriching driving education experience for students of all ages. Many parents have expressed their gratitude for the support and guidance received from instructors like Samantha and Tanya, who are noted for their patience, professionalism, and ability to create a comfortable learning environment. Customers appreciate the flexibility in scheduling and the personalized attention given to each student, which helps them succeed in passing their driving tests on the first try.

Positive feedback highlights:

  • Supportive and knowledgeable instructors: Students have praised instructors for their ability to make learning enjoyable and stress-free.
  • Effective teaching methods: Instructors explain concepts clearly and ensure all students grasp essential driving skills.
  • Positive driving experiences: Many have reported feeling safer on the road after their lessons.

However, some reviews indicate areas for improvement:

  • Concerns regarding staffing shortages, leading to challenges in timely scheduling and completion of driving hours.
  • A few families expressed dissatisfaction with price increases and additional costs for online classes.
  • Issues with the punctuality of driving instructors for scheduled lessons were mentioned by some users.

Overall, Western Maine Driving Academy is recognized for its commitment to student success and helping them achieve their driving goals, making it a highly recommended option for driver education.

Western Maine Driving Academy: Reviews

4.4/5 (37 Reviews)

The most recent reviews on Google

Donna Lobozzo Published on Google 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Can’t thank Samantha enough for all the help with the private drive before my daughter’s exam. All three of my children went thru Western Maine Driving academy and we had a great experience all three times!

Western Maine Driving Academy

Thank you so much for your support! I was so happy for her and glad to help! I wish her all the best! It’s always so exciting to see them pass their driving exam! I am so happy to hear that you have enjoyed your experiences with us! It makes all the hard work worth it!

Samantha

Nickie Smith Published on Google 1 year ago

Negative experience: They upped the price right before my daughter’s class. Total of $600. They only do 2 days of in person classes and inform you have to pay another $50 for an online AAA class, that they have to do on their own. She goes back for the written test, she is on time if not early. They started going over questions even earlier so my daughter missed out on stuff that could have been useful to her. Luckily she passed her test. They are short staffed so who knows she will get her driving time in, don’t up the price if you can’t provide said services in a timely manner. Was also not impressed when I pulled up to the very dark front of the school to pick up my daughter, to see the driving instructor leaving. Leaving a bunch of kids outside in the cold and dark. How hard is it to wait till everyone is picked up. Do not recommend.

Western Maine Driving Academy

We do apologize that you are dissatisfied with your personal experience with us. However, everyone was informed of the change in price and had the option to be removed from the list should they disagree with the price. The price increase was only $50 and occurred back in October due to increases in expenses as we all know inflation is a current issue in our economy and for businesses to continue running, they must compensate the costs. The AAA program is separate from us which is why it is a separate cost and again, everyone is informed of this prior to coming into a class. Also, we have stayed low as long as we could because we know driver’s ed is costly and hard for some parents to afford. We strive and work hard to accommodate everyone as much as we possibly can.

This is a AAA blended course in which everyone is told on the phone when signing up, so yes there are not many in person classes however there there is a parent orientation, two classes for the students, and their final exam, the remaining time is spent on their AAA and completing drives, as well as a weekly zoom where I personally check on the progress of all students taking the AAA and making myself available for any questions or concerns.

Yes, we are short staffed. This is not just us, all schools are lacking instructors because there are not a lot of people who are looking to do this job. All of our active instructors have been working to the best of their ability to complete drives as quickly as we can. We have even limited the amount of students that we take in for each class so that we can complete them quicker than if we were to fully book our classes which would cause people to have to wait an unacceptable amount of time getting finished, rather than to looking at the situation in only the best interest of the business. We are looking more at the best interest of the students, as we realize the process of getting their permit is a very exciting milestone in our student’s lives. We are working immensely and doing everything that we can, with the instructors we do have.

All students have the same opportunity to pass the exam, as long as they have put the required work into learning the information as discussed throughout the class, they do fine on the final exam. Once the class ends I (the instructor) dismiss all students at the end of our class and I am the last one to leave the classroom to make sure the students have not left anything behind or any trash, etc so that the room is as it was when we came in out of respect for the schools who kindly allow us to use these rooms. When I leave all students are gone, and if any students are outside waiting for their ride it’s because it was their choice to do so. They are always welcome to wait inside the school if their ride is running late.

Again, I’m sorry that you are dissatisfied. I would have very much appreciated your concerns to be vocalized through communication with us and we could have better addressed them.

Sincerely,
Samantha
OHWMDA

Chelsea Elkins Published on Google 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: I passed my drivers test today due to Samantha!! Gives amazing advice & with my crazy work & college schedule she still worked with me!

Western Maine Driving Academy

Thank you so much for your review! I enjoyed our drives and was so happy that you were able to pass your test the first try after our private drive! So proud of you! Drive safe!

Samantha

Payton Published on Google 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Had an amazing time going through Western Maine Driving Academy with Sam !! The driving instructors are so sweet and patient. Thanks Sam

Trinity Sanford Published on Google 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: I had ten hours of good driving with Samantha They do need more loyal workers to help with time management Yet, overall, a nice learning experience

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