American Defensive Driving School

Negative experience: They never showed up to pick up my son on his first day.

Fantastic experience: I had stopped in on two other driving schools before choosing ADDS. One felt like a wrong fit, mostly due to availability and the other (also in Evanston) had a front desk person who was condescending and gave what I knew was incorrect information. As an elderly woman, new to Illinois and not having driven for over a year, this challenge was almost overwhelming. From the minute I entered the office of ADDS, I felt comfortable. First contact was the very busy Kemyta, who was juggling phone, paperwork, walk-ins and still smiling. When she was free, she asked me a few questions, then showed me how to maneuver their website, which had practice tests and much other information. There was also a voice behind a partition - an instructor giving a lesson to a group of high school students. Kemyta and I discussed my tailored requirements including pickup and dropoff as well as instruction for written test, driving test and all the crazy paperwork associated with an out of state elderly person licensing situation. Kemyta assured me that the owner, Doug Whitmore, a retired state policeman, would lead me through the process. When I met Doug, I asked him to be very straightforward with criticisms because I wanted to get this right. In turn, he gave encouragement, precise feedback, directions and kindly- phrased criticisms. After each session, I received a detailed summary from Doug’s wife Andrea, while Doug was off giving CDL lessons for truck drivers. Text messages and emails were answered in reasonable time. This group had so many dimensions but operates very compatibly. I was apprehensive about taking the test and asked if I should have one more lesson, but Doug said he thought I could pass and gave specific issues on which to focus. He easily could have had another payment from me, but he took the high road (no pun intended). I passed all the testing and got a license. Yay! This company is like family. They care about your success, know what they are doing, kind, moral and truly a pleasure to work with.

Negative experience: Bad and rude employees

Fantastic experience: My kids both went through the program. They were well-prepared for the driving exam and six years later they still talk about stories Doug shared to help them understand the importance of driving cautiously. They also haven’t had any accidents in six years (as far as I know) except some minor scrapes parking in the first few months of having a license.

Fantastic experience: I am living testimony to see that I came to American driving school has a grown adulthood woman ,so scare and afraid to drive, didn’t know much about driving and I was recommended by a good friend of dougie I thank God for him and he work with me endlessly patient and at times it was a rough journey but he stood by me has Big brother never give up on me, dougie you are great man of patient understanding well, must say got my license for very first attempt and I highly recommend this driving school to any one, this place American defensive driving school, just check it out on website and give them call. Tracey thanks to you who brought me on day of my exam and encourage me when I thought I couldn’t made, dougie thanks to again.

Fantastic experience: It's been 8 months since I finished my driving lessons with them (adult with instructor Kevin) and I really see the difference their teaching made on me. I'm very mindful on the road as well as walking around cars. Plus they're all lovely people to work with. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: Our older son took driving lessons with ADDS 2 years ago and they were great. When we were signing our second son up for Divers Ed last summer we ended up going with Top Driver because he wanted to do it with friends. What a mistake! Top Driver’s system for signing up for drives is crazy. In nine months he had zero drives and there was no process to waitlist so we withdrew him. When my older son took went to ADDS if there were no available drives they were very helpful about putting him on a wait list. So, I contacted ADDS for help. Andrea efficiently signed him up for all the drives he needed to prepare him for his driving test. She was even willing to work with his sport and school schedule. The drivers were good and after the drive ADDS sent over a report. Do yourself a favor and go to American Defensive Driving School from the get-go. They are professional and take the business of learning to drive seriously. Nice also to work with local Evanston business.

Fantastic experience: Great people!

Fantastic experience: Two of my kids have learned to drive with Doug and his crew. The classes are made interesting and hold the kid's attention (difficult for 15 year olds). Highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: Great experience for my teen. They were flexible with his driving instructions seeing that he took it in the summer and also had varsity football. I like the fact you schedule your own drive time snd they pick up literally from anywhere you ask. My Son had the opportunity to have different instructors which was great. Also as the school year went on and our lives got busier, having the texts and email reminders of completing the driving hours and someone keeping up with that for you was great. I enjoyed having online access to my Son’s schedule and the different courses. Doug and his staff are very friendly and make the student and parent feel comfortable. Keep doing what you’re doing not just instructing a driver but teaching drivers how to be safe out there! Recommended families. Glad to see the business in my community thriving! Parents take in everything you can in that orientation, that’s important information and will save you time at the Secretary of State.

Negative experience: DON’T GO THERE!!! I was misinformed by the receptionist and my son now has to wait until way after his sixteen’s birthday to take his driving test because the receptionist misinformed me when I called and asked for the day of his FINAL lesson... bad and rude employees who make you feel bad and responsible for their mistake.... ruined his sixteen’s birthday... don’t go there and make yourself a favor, choose a different driving school!! Skokie has Better ones that this one! WHAT A SHAME!!!

Fantastic experience: I was able to get my license in a month! Loved walking into office to chat with Terry and I liked all the instructors I drove with. I could see they have been instructing for years and all are very knowledgeable. Couldn't have chosen a better driving school, and am thankful they have worked with my tight schedule to get the license.

Positive experience: I got my license with American Defensive Driving Academy as an adult driver. The group of instructors at ADD is a bit of a mixed bag. My first class was with Robert, and his personality unfortunately was far to abrasive for me. He insisted on playing the radio and since he is a smoker he smelled strongly of smoke. I am a person who does not have a tolerance for abusive language, smoking and radio noise so needless to say Robert was not a good fit for me. Robert also kept telling me what a good driver he was, which was really not helpful. I then had a few drives with Jon, who was very pleasant and patient, and I was very calm when I was driving with him. He was unfortunately too forgiving of my mistakes, and recommended that I take the test way before I was ready. So when I went with the owner, Doug, to take the test, Doug very quickly figured out that I was in fact not at all ready to pass this test, so I started to sign up for lessons with Doug. Doug was exactly what I needed. Someone who was going to be patient but also real with me when I was making mistakes. I had a lot of trouble with my left and right turns and he practiced those with me until they were perfect, and only then did we go on to the next skill. It is clear that Doug really enjoys what he does since he would really celebrate with me and give me a fist pump when I was done something good. Since Doug is also the owner of another business he is very busy, and will have to answer calls during drives. It can be difficult to sign up for classes with him since his schedule is very packed. Eventually Doug’s schedule made it hard for me to get lessons in with him, so they moved me to Al, who was perfect for me: he was patient and real about my mistakes, and he gave me his undivided attention. Al also took me on drives around the Elston DMV, so I new the area well when I took the test. It took me three tries but Al was extremely patient and real with me. The two failures came from a weird situation at the DMV and then a very silly mistake on my part, so I don’t think he had me take the test before I was ready. In fact, I was prepared to keep taking classes but Al encouraged me to go take the test, and I feel he made the right call. The girls at the desk, Marie and Scotty, were always very nice to work with. The lessons weren’t cheap, but they were very reasonable about applying the Northwestern discount and 6-hour bundled price even when I bought the lessons in smaller chunks. And I wasn’t charged for the extra lesson on the day I was first scheduled to take the test. (I’m told this was because Doug was running late that morning--otherwise they were always quite prompt). Reflecting on my overall experience, I highly recommend American Defensive Driving, especially Al.

Fantastic experience: Great place, The teachers there are very nice and fun, I am almost never bored in class.

Negative experience: I'm sure there are people who had good experience with American Defensive Driving School but unfortunately I have not. I have never been this mad at a store or institution before. I purchased the 6 hour (4 lessons) package. When I first went there, I was asked to schedule the 4 classes in advance. The first two classes were good. The instructor was patient and made me feel comfortable behind the wheel. For my third class, I was sick and was in no condition to get my lesson. I called and told them I needed to reschedule. This is where the problem starts. The woman who answered the phone told me I could reschedule but there was no availability until more than 2 weeks later. I knew if I didn't have my lessons soon enough, I would forget most of what I learned. I asked if there was an earlier time. Her response was “That’s the first available time. I’m looking at the schedule right now and there is no other time. It’s your fault you canceled.” If she said “I’m sorry about this but we do have a tight schedule right now. I understand your situation, so, how about if anybody cancels within the two week time-frame, I’ll call you to see if you’re available. But I hope you understand that I can’t guarantee anything.” I would have been totally fine with it. But she continued to say “It’s your fault. You should have managed your schedule (like I could manage my schedule to get sick).” So I asked her if they provide refunds and she said no. I said I understand that was the policy and I wouldn't be taking any more classes. I also told her that I thought they were understaffed and that I would write about my experience in reviews. She got very annoyed about this comment and said “You should think that us being busy is a good thing since so many people use us. It’s a busy season and it’s your fault that you canceled.” I told her that was the meaning of under-staffing and they should add more instructors during busy seasons. She went on to say “You should be fair when you write the review because it was your fault you canceled and I tried to give the fastest time possible.” I heard “it was your fault” about 5-10 times. If you are absolutely sure you would never reschedule for your classes, you can go with them. Or if you are okay with waiting 2 weeks and hearing “It’s your fault” so many times after a cancellation, you’ll be perfect for them. Otherwise, please stay away from this place. I was frustrated enough to throw away my expensive classes.

Fantastic experience: American Defensive Driving School is the best place for anyone to learn about driving and have fun! The instructors provide a great, educational atmosphere that everyone benefits from. I would highly recommend it!

Fantastic experience: ADDS was the best choice to learn how to drive. It offers a well taught class, which provides you with all of the information and safety tips you need before you get behind the wheel and get your license.

Fantastic experience: I had never sat behind the wheel before I signed up with American Defensive Driving School. I took a series of lessons and had the instructor bring me out to the test. It was a great learning experience. Instructors at this school are very helpful. They teach you not just to pass the test but to be a safe driver on the road. Definitely recommend especially for someone who doesn't have a car just like me. Got my license today, yah!

Fantastic experience: ADDS is the best driving school around! They have you do really fun activities that really help you understand how things can affect driving. Also, the instructors are like family! They encourage people to come back and visit, they remember everyone's name, they are the best! I learned so much in this class, worth every penny!