Reviews of Chinook Driving Academy (Driving School)

Mahnoor Mukhtar

They seem to care more about talking against their competition than teaching. Paid for three brush up lessons and ending up getting a refund for the other two.

Connie Stendal

Booked my daughters driver training with Chinook and had a great experience. Ernie was fantastic in teaching my daughter the rules of the road and she was able to pass her driver test with flying colors!!

Emma Duke

I would recommend Chinook Driving Academy to anyone in a heartbeat. My driving instructor was Amit, and I would absolutely encourage you to take lessons with him if you can. Amit was extremely patient, super easy to get along with, and hilarious. He offered very useful tips and consistently encouraged me. I had little driving experience when I started at Chinook Academy and I severely lacked confidence. After taking lessons with Amit, I passed my driving test on my first try. I honestly could not have done it without him. Thank you Amit!!

Tracy Williams

My daughter went from driving once with me to passing her drivers test the first time! Ryan was patient and relaxed and made it easy for her to learn. The option of having him prepare her and take her for her test is the reason why she passed the first time. Would highly recommend Chinook and will have our 3rd learn through them too!

Monica Patadiya

Very good services

Rosanna Pacileo

This is a great driving school! I was very confident to know my daughter had the skills she needed after completing this course:)

Li-Ming Law

The instructors here are extremely knowledgeable and explain the why/how behind rules of the road and safe driving. I did the in-class option at the academy since I learn a lot better when being taught face-to-face, rather than online. Plus I got to hear lots of driving stories. In-car lessons are also easy to book and pick-up/drop-off from home or school is offered. The lessons were infinitely more effective and stress-free than learning to drive with a parent. My instructor was very patient and fun to chat with. He answered all of my questions to help me fully understand the rules of the road and safe driving practice. At the end of each lesson I was given notes on how I did and areas to focus on in my driving. When I was confused about an intersection, my instructor took me there during my lesson to practice. We also practiced in the area of my road test. For my road test I rented the same car I did my lessons in and added a lesson with my instructor right before the test. They go out of their way to help you understand what you're learning, which I feel is the most important part of learning to drive correctly!

Cayenne Karambowich

Amit was an awesome driving instructor! Was very patient with me and I feel as though I learned a lot

Laura Muto

My in car instructor was Krista. She was amazing, calm, personable, and overall a great person. Highly recommend.

Veronica Sakamoto

Ryan was an amazing driving instructor! Coming from a 26 year old who was terrified of the road, I am now completely comfortable driving and I owe it all to Ryan at Chinook driving school! I would recommend him to anyone and everyone!

Kayla James

I was lacking in confidence and comfort going into driving. Chinook Driving Academy hooked me up with Krista, she was everything I needed to become an excellent driver! She really helped me become comfortable, and helped me pass my driving test on the first try! Thank you so much for helping me! I strongly suggest this place for people of any age!

Jamie Smith

I took driving lessons with Amit and he was amazing. I was not confident in my driving, but Amit helped me feel comfortable and prepared for my test. Overall the whole experience was extremely helpful and I highly recommend.

Kelsea Arnett

Chinook Driving Academy is an excellent driving school. Their instructors were professional and informative. Amit, specifically, was helpful and encouraging, and you could really tell that he was passionate about ensuring that his students found success.

Kali Coad

Great experience! My instructor's name was Krista, she was very knowledgeable, easy to get along with and really helped me work through my severe anxiety when it came to driving. I know many people who have gone through Chinook Driving Academy, and would recommend it a million times over to anyone looking for driving lessons.

R

Its okay very helpful. And learned how to drive.

Brooklyn Holder

My experience with Chinook Driving Academy was wonderful and I am so glad that I chose them to help me with driving lessons! My instructor Amit was easy to get along with, funny and personable, and a fantastic teacher. Just 3 months ago I had little to no driving experience with severe driving anxiety. Today I was able to pass my road test and definitely feel more confident and comfortable on the road. I highly recommend CDA!

Paula Cook

Very happy with the instruction that my son received. He liked the instructor Ernie and they were able to work out a suitable schedule that worked for both of them. I've got another driver coming up in a year so I'll be back!

Kyle Hoover Reoyo

Really easy to book, great people, and learned lots.

Mark Graff

Our Chinook Driving Academy experience was amazing! From the receptionist, in classroom training and in vehicle training my daughter was made to feel very comfortable and confident in her new driving experience. Any time I had a question regarding our new driver, in class or in vehicle training I would call Chinook, the service and help from the lady on the other end of the telephone, went beyond expectations. They were even there, when they didn't need to be, cheering her on while she was doing her road test. We would recommend Chinook Driving Academy for anyone who wants a personal experience for their new driver as they learn to safely do one of the most dangerous things we do everyday.

Judy Arnall

My five children learned to brush up on their driving skills at Chinook Driving Academy by Elbow Drive and they also took the classroom course. It was very good and the driver instructors were super helpful. I would highly recommend Chinook Driving Academy.

Adam

Great experience both in class and in car.

Evelien Spoelstra

great driving school, they taught my son the basics, and he past the first time. they are very accommodating with scheduling of lessons as well!

Melanee Rogers

Krista was super helpful with all our scheduling and rescheduling. Very professional staff all around. Highly recommend.

Rosie Jones

Hires aggressive driving instructors that will try and cut you off and will then follow you and give you the finger when they don’t get their way.

Judith Kwong

Ernie is such a funny man! He wants his students to succeed and takes such great pride when they do. Yes, driving may be a bit intimidating with him at first, but he wants every student he teaches to be a safe driver, to be well equipped with whatever situations and to park flawlessly with his tips. Ernie is so invested in his students he will give encouraging and motivating text messages to make sure you keep practicing! Thanks Ernie!

morgan quaife

I had Amit as my driving instructor, I believe I passed because of him. I have really bad anxiety about driving and he was really calm and made sure to reassure me all the time which made me a lot less anxious. I learned as much as I did because he was my teacher! I would highly recommend him to anyone interested in taking driving course!!!

Jamal

Wow what an amazing experience I’ve had with Chinook driving academy! They make sure that you become comfortable behind the wheel and teach you everything you need to know! After my first few sessions of training with them I felt very confident and comfortable behind the wheel love everything they have done for me! Huge thanks again! After finishing the course I went to do my road test and with the training this driving academy gives you, you will be able to pass no problem.

Kara Hamilton

I had Krista for in class and Earnie for in car. Both were very professional, polite and full of knowledge. I did not have very much experience before Chinook Driving Academy and in a few short weeks I was very confident in my driving. I am confident I will pass my road test on the first try after attending Chinook Driving Academy.

han joon kim

if you are asian, consider again. this place's instructor is racist

nay no

My instructor (Amit) was amazing! took the time to review basic driving skills which was a great to me as a new driver

Michelle Henkel

Had both of our boys go through training with Chinook. Very happy with everything from start to finish.

Karine Aviv

Ernie is a terrific driving teacher. He has taught two of my children to drive and they both passed their driving test on the first attempt with minimal points taken off. I highly recommend him and Chinook Driving Academy to anyone looking for driving lessons in Calgary.

Vanessa Toole

I would highly recommend this driving school! I had almost no driving experience when started and the instructors were very patient and knowledgeable that I became comfortable quickly. I'm am very confident going for my test now and wouldn't have happened without them!

Rumana Akhter

Don't waste your money in this terrible school. You will not learn anything. Everybody is rude. Go to roadrunner driving school. They are best.

Hannah Rostad

From taking the drivers ed course with the instructor Amit, I learned a lot of important things quickly and was able to pass my drivers test first try. Taking this course also improved my driving confidence. I recommend!

Scott Allan

Staff where friendly, organized and professional, I had Don for the practical training and he was fantastic, went from anxious driving in parking lot to passing the driver's test first try. Would recomend to anyone.

Arjan Birdi

A good driving school run by some friendly people. They'll make sure you have some laughs while learning!

medina ayache

Overall it was a good experience. You guys are really busy so it was harder to book times for lessons but otherwise thank you

Alissar Zarour

This driving school is the best in Calgary. Don't hesitate booking with them. My driving instructor was Amit. He is the best! He makes sure you are comfortable driving. As I have no experience driving at all I passed my driving test from the first time!! I highly recommend him for new drivers because he teaches perfectly that a new driver can easily learn and get right in the road! Thank you Amit it was the best experience.

Melissa Hanson

I'm really disappointed in my experience with this Driving School. Not only have I had issues with almost every Lesson we have tried to book, you guys aren't informing my Instructors of changes in the Schedule. Sunday, December 18th, I was supposed to have a Lesson at 1pm and it was cancelled. But you guys failed to tell my Instructor once again and Ernie wasted his time and came to my house and waited for me for no reason. Until my Mom came out and spoke to him and he said he wasn't surprised because you guys have done this several times in the past! Pretty pathetic. It's not hard to pick up the phone after getting off of it with me and calling my Instructor to warn him of the change or Emailing them. Another time, with Ben as my Instructor, he also showed up at my house on a day that I didn't even have a lesson because he was given wrong information! Also, I was lied to one week about my Driving Instructor Ben being sick and not being able to make it to our Lesson. Just to find out next time I saw him, that he wasn't sick at all and they just made a mistake in the scheduling and made up an excuse instead of owning up to their mistake. Someone else here failed to do their Job properly and Scheduled me for my Road Test 3 months after getting Learners License, failing to notice the Issue Date on my Learners. So I embarrassed myself by going in to get my Road Test Permit just to have the Lady at the Counter tell me that she doesn't understand why this was Scheduled as I'm not able to take my Road Rest for another NINE months!!!! When I called Chinook to ask what the deal was and what happened, they played stupid and I didn't even get an apology for their mistake!!! Thankfully I only have one Lesson through this School left and won't have to deal with this anymore. This has been such a headache and a nightmare. I'm not impressed at all!

Lois Abu

Would definitely recommend. Neither of my parents can drive with me (because they don't have the right license). This program really helped me even though I couldn't practice for many hours

Andrea Holten

My instructor for classroom was awesome. She knew a lot about driving and she was pretty funny. My in car instructor was damn good to. I passed my road test on my first try and if it weren't for drivers ed, I don't think I could have done this. I tell everyone I know to go to this school. I was treated with respect, the office lady was great too. Very acommodating to my needs as for as the scheduling went. My experience was very good, I loved it

Chantelle

Amit was my driving instructor and I am extremely glad I ended up booking sessions with him. He was extremely helpful and I would say the reason I was able to learn what I did so easily and quickly and pass my drivers test on the first try. He is a very welcoming, encouraging, helpful, funny instructor and is very calm and collected while you are driving. He prioritizes safety and he wants to see you succeed. If you are looking into driving school I HIGHLY recommend Chinook Driving Academy and if you can booking with Amit. I am extremely thankful for all of his help and encouragement.

Shirley R

We have now had 3 children complete the drivers training through Chinook Driving Academy and we would highly recommend this company to anyone. Both Krista and Ernie were skilled, patient and knowledgable instructors ! Excellent experiences with all 3 kids. Thank you !!

Ashley O

A+ Experience with Chinook Driving Academy, especially with Kirsta who was my instructor the entire time. She built up my confidence, made the experience fun as well as professional and I looked forward to every single lesson with her!! Highly recommend.

Dang D

Ernie was my daugther's instructor. He was very patient with her. He helped her become confident when driving. She has passed the driving test. I can see how happy my daughter feel about this achievement. I highly recommend this center and Ernie.

Kimberly Rae Dixon

The online classroom was easy to access and navigate, and my instructor, Ernie, was patient, kind, and an absolutely incredible teacher! I had ZERO confidence starting out and am now feeling pretty comfortable behind the wheel and excited for my road test.

Ceejay Israel Alagao

I have to share this that my instructor was very helpful .the first time that he teach me i was so nervous because i have no experience at all,But he said to me that don't be nervous and he said to me when i am driving that if i make mistake no sorry he said to me because i am always saying sorry when i have a bit mistakes.But i am happy because i learn from my instructor with that thing.thanks AMIT for the very professional learning that you teach to me..and now i am driving now so happy to take my car anywhere????Goosebumps to you my instructor AMIT????

CA Hamilton

Very good, Instructors on time and very patience. Wonderful instructions to learn parallel parking and parking in the city. Staff of the Academy were very helpful when it was busy to book future lessons. There were practice sheets from the instructor to reinforce what needed to be practiced.

Tracey gagnon

Excellent company to work with - Krista in particular was wonderful and helped my girl who stresses and is very anxious, to feel extremely comfortable in class and behind the wheel. Would highly recommend Chinook Driving to anyone!

Bronson Tuffs

very helpful, feeling much more comfortable with driving

Julie Andrusyshyn

My whole experience here was amazing, I would recommend them to everyone. Ryan was my driver instructor he was great, very patient, calm and relaxed. He made learning how to drive a worry free stress free experience, he made sure I understood what I was doing wrong and how to fix it resulting in me passing my road test on the first try. He also went above and beyond what he was supposed to do and came in on his day off just so I could take the road test in his car. If your looking into a drivers ed program I suggest you go to chinook driving academy and ask for Ryan.

Miss Understood

Krista was amazing! I have anxiety and she put me at ease and made learning how to drive a fun and enjoyable experience!! My experience was a positive one and I would highly recommend this school!!

Ryan Costello

Had a terrible experience where I was ditched by my instructor because they went to the wrong school. I had waited after school hours for this lesson and had to reschedule. The worst part is they have a policy that if a student misses a lesson they owe the company 140$ for another lesson. When I asked if they could provide me with some sort of compensation in return for my inconvenience and due to their own rules I was told they would "work on it". That was a lie. I was later told when rescheduling a lesson for that day that it was short notice and I was now "even" with them. I had not missed the lesson and I was never told I could not reschedule a lesson which would take place the same day. The company violated their own policy then made excuses to get out of it. Major disrespect to a customer.

Josh Lastname

Receptionist is the only good person of this and same with the in class teacher for the hours. The driving instructors are probably the worst part in my experience and Ernie is rude and terrible at teaching and often made fun of you,had to go to a new place to learn more. If you dont get Ernie then yall good but nah 2/5 Ernie also showed up late then blamed it on me and was talking back about my dad saying its unprofessional to accuse him but didnt even have a reason to be late... Ernie 1/5 Krista 5/5

Desiree Gillis

I would highly recommend Chinook driving academy for anyone who has little to no experience or confidence driving. Krista was amazing in class and Ernie was an awesome driving instructor. Super easy to get along with and made driving comfortable for me when I was stressed. You won't find a better deal for the quality of education anywhere else. Thanks a ton!