Reviews of DriveWise Driver Training (Driving School)

Airin Malone

Super friendly reception, always helped me with questions and concerns. My instructor Danielle made driving comfortable and was very personable, making for a plesant learning experience.

Victoria Scoging

It was a blast and a half, i had a great time.

Martha Hunter

While this school may be fine for some people (and at least one of the instructors is nice), I cannot recommend this school for any nervous or anxious drivers.

Tamara Brunette

Friendly, enthusiastic, professional!!!

Bushcraft Exploration

Just saying watching an instructor in a little grey Mitsubishi come into the tims parking lot and hit and drive over a huge curb gives me great confidence in what they are teaching....maybe for the Baja 1000 that would be useful.

Brice Willie

I loved the simulator and the instructors were great. I feel very comfortable with my driving skills. My parents are happy too.

Terry Willie

Misty has it all wrong. The driver was new and very nervous when your car came up close behind. The instructor signaled with the second finger for you to wait one minute while the student put it into gear and get moving. Many drivers judge others while they don't have the whole story clear.

Don Drover

Garbage this place is poorly managed and staffed. The staff spend to much time chatting the waits are never under an hour and they do not even respect the order of there number system.

Scout

I took the full driving course and exit road test package with Drivewise and I would recommend them to anyone. The in class portion was run by Terry, who did his best to make some of the drier material engaging. In car, I had Colin as my instructor. As I was told before Colin is a very quiet individual, but he is an amazing and patient teacher. I especially liked that he included and made time so that I could work on skills that I felt less comfortable with, even though I was able to perform the skill. Drivewise and Colin made the G1 exit test far less stressful than if I had gone on my own and I was able to pass on my first try. So for that a big thank you!

Catherine May

Overall unimpressed. I had issue with my instructor from day one. Lisa was great and accommodating. I enjoyed the setup of the classroom and the driver simulation. Will be going elsewhere to finish my graduated license. Should never have gone to Drivewise to begin with. And I truly recommend no one else visit there. Learn from my mistakes. And expect to be left abandoned in a parking lot! edit and addition to Terry’s response 2019: that’s all fine and good, however at the end of the day you are a business and I as a paying customer was not happy with your customer service, employees or your personal interactions. I am not talking about the MTO one year time limit. That is neither here nor there.

Paige Kobe

Very engaging instructors with lots of interactive activities.

Alyssa Franks

I was thoroughly impressed with my experience with DriveWise. The classes were interactive, and the instructors did an excellent job keeping the material interesting. The addition of the driving simulator was impressive, as it allowed us to experience situations that would be difficult or dangerous to perform on the road, such as skidding on ice and driving with impairments. The in-car lessons are all one-on-one, and that focused care on the student really allowed for the best learning experience. I had a unique situation in which I needed to expedite my lessons, and they were incredibly accommodating. My instructor (Sandra) did an amazing job, and you can tell she takes a lot of pride in her work. I highly recommend DriveWise!

Talon Bird

Great staff, learned alot and would recommend to anyone.

Charlene Padovese

In my opinion Drivewise is a scam. My son procrastinated getting his G1 license which unfortunately put him in a jam to get all his driving classes in 3 weeks. He had is last class but failed his practical road test. He rescheduled and had to pay $70.00 to redo it. Returning back from doing his 11th test a biker road across the road causing the car in front of him to brake hard. He had space in front of him and was braking but not hard enough for the instructor. She slammed on the brakes and said he failed. He told her he had the situation under control but she said basically said to bad. He asked to redo the test again but she said no she would fail him. So.....815.00 dollars down tubes. What makes me angry is that he would not be getting his licence for 8-9 months he would be practicing. If you want a driving school who has your back go to The Driving School. As long as you get your hours in and you take the advise of the instructor to get more lessons you will get your certificate. Drivewise is a rip off. Go somewhere where the instructor cares enough to help you succeed. You are right he did procrastinate. Speaking with other schools.. they were told by the ministry that if a student completed all requirements they had to issue a certificate that they completed the course. it was the instructors resposnsibilty to document the area news for imrovenent to protect themselves. My son did one extra drinking lesson at our expense. Therefore he had 11 driving classes not 10. Saying that he did not compete the last on line section because you said he failed and he felt embarrassed and degraded. Also, safe driving is important I agree with you, however he would not be going for his license for at least another 8-9 months. The certificate would have been nice for an insurance break. Scam yes, all other schools would give a certificate, not license.

Tyler Lau

very patronizing instructor. when i say i cant see the line you want me look at, and you tell me "its because the car is solid", im gonna mention that its patronizing. Not to mention his instructions for somethings were in direct opposition to things he mentioned previously. (ie dont use a rolling hand to turn the wheel, keep both hands on. then when i ask him for more specific instructions, he tells me to roll the wheel. NOT HELPFUL) The instructor i got developed many bad habits. Very unprofessional, the instructor did not even follow his own rules when driving (hands half off the wheel). Would recommend going somewhere with better customer service.

Mr. Moseby

I dont know what is with the 1 star reviews but I am 36yrs old. This in class time I have had has taught me quite a bit since starting a few weeks ago. Terry seems like he knows what he is teaching, has some funny stories as well. The course did not feel like "I was pushed through". I recommend this course to everyone who is looking for instructions on how to be a better driver for when we take the road. At 36 I thought I knew everything about driving but I was sadly mistaken.- Tyler

Beni

It was a great experience to take driving classes from Drivewise. Friendly staffs and my instructor COLIN was one of the best who trained me well to get my G2 license. It’s a long process but worth it to spend money and time for good driving. I would prefer all the new comers like me who does or doesn’t have driving experience to choose Drivewise and if you get Colin it’s the best!!

Jack Barrett

I would've gave this school 5 stars if it wasn't for One of the instructors. I thought Terry was a great teacher and the classes were good but as soon as I did lessons with Jason, My whole perspective changed on the place. Id recommend not booking with Him, I found him to be very disrespectful.

Darien Savitsky

Extremely knoledgable staff and very friendly. 100% reccomend to any driver wanting to learn more!

Andrew Herbage-Farough

Terry and Lisa are the very kind and I highly recommend to anyone to go here for driving school.

Banji Akanni

It's the best driving training outfit in Thunder Bay and possibly in all of North Western Ontario. They take you through the nitty gritty of the whole thing....it's like you are in the mind of your would-be driver-test examiner.

Samuel Brown

I would 100% recommend DriveWise even if your just new to driving. It has very inviting and helpful staff/instructors.

Charnel Anderson

I purchased the G1 exit road test package and my instructor, Malanae, was fantastic. She is very personable, and knew exactly what the road test proctor would be looking for. I don't have a lot of driving experience, but after a couple lessons with Malanae I felt well prepared for my test (which of course I passed!). I highly recommend Malanae!

Ellie Tucci

Please teach your drivers to come to a complete stop 2x I witnessed your car roll stop and 2nd was driving to fast in residential neighbourhood that couldn’t slow down enough . Lots of kids in the area

Erin MacGillivray

I received a very thorough and complete education from Drivewise- great instructors and a very good overall experience.

meghan dahl

very fun #dontdrinkanddrive

Victoria Tallari

i learned a lot from this course. I learned many things to make driving safe.

Jake Stupherstump

Sandra pree chill, she bought us pizza. Cooler than Terry.

Caitlin Olinski

Great experience in the simulator, felt real and it had many different situations to practice.

Ashley Neill

All the instructors are so informative and are very professional when dealing with different situations

Sarah Smith

If you want full lessons, go elsewhere.

Parshva Shah

The best driving school in town. Absolutely very polite staff and excellent knowledge of resource. I highly recommend every new beginners to begin from Drive Wise. Best practical teaching provided.

misty mcdonnell

A driver flipped me off in the metro parking lot. Really? An instructor with road rage trying to tech new drivers? Needs to be fired. Would never recommend anyone using this company.

Jennifer Logan

Very professional and well organized. DriveWise responded quickly to any concerns or questions I had. They provided clear communication regarding appointments and sessions. My son felt comfortable and enjoyed his instructor. I will definitely send my younger son to DriveWise in a few years!

witcheskeeper

Thumbs down to the instructor who was driving past burger barn at 3:40 pm feb 27 2018. You carelessly splashed my grandson and my daughter because hou were not paying attention hmm seems kinda funny that you a DRIVING INSTRUCTOR would splash a pedestrian and not have the consideration to stop or even slow down . with a instructor like this it is no wonder there is so many inconsiderate drivers in thunder bay

Kyle Gelley

Great instructors very knowledgeable and friendly would highly recommend this driving school

Carter Taylor

Horrible, they only care about themselves and not the clients! Would HIGHLY recommend going anywhere else!!

Mason

Very good experience!

David Howard

Personally saw the driver/owner? Of a drivewise car texting and driving. Hope they don't teach that in car.

Larry Steadholm

My experience with DriveWise was great. I read some of the negative reviews and see that they come from people dealing with one particular competing school. I have had one of my older children go through a different school and chose DriveWise because I was not satisfied. I am very glad I gave this school my business. Very professional and flowed very nicely. If there was ever a problem they were more then willing to fix the schedule and work with us. Everyday after the in-class I would hear all about the simulator and what was shown on it by the instructors. In-car lessons were done in nice clean cars. I liked how professional it all looked. My daughter now corrects me when I make mistakes. I don't like that all the time but I know she has learned a lot and I know she will be a good driver. Thank you!

Jack Michaelis

amazing staff and fun course learned alot

Anders Pylypchuk

Felt very confident with my driving after going through the course. Would recommend to anyone. Thanks Terry!

Cole Buller

Very professional, welcoming environment for drivers of all ages and abilties. The lesson structure is both approachable and suitably varied, time on the simulator is an excellent introduction to driving without the risk of driving a real car. Would recommend.

Gary Johnston

NOT EVEN ONE STAR! ( had to give it one to let me post this) . He has been in it since the end of December. He has missed a couple of in car lessons but not as many as the instructor. She cancels at will and won't pick him up at home because of his missed lessons. The latest of hers was for a scheduled class on the 14th of June which she cancelled due to car break down ( great equipment) and he rescheduled for today , 19th of June) She has sent him a msg saying she has nothing open until July. Still 4 out of 10 lessons to go. What a way to run a business. He took this course to reduce his insurance and reduce the waiting time to 8 months for his G2. That has now come and gone on the 13th of June. Wouldn't recommend this place to a dog.

Kamryn Dobransky

For sure the best driving school in town! Super friendly people and even better instructors! I’ve definitely learned a lot from them and will take with me all of the lessons. Thank you!!

Jeff Cameron

Never went here, but heard one of my old driving "instructors" now works here. Surprising since they got fired from the place that I was attending at the time. I learned more in 1 lesson with the head driving instructor than I did in 9 lessons with the instructor who now works here. If they got fired from one place, probably can't see them being better at another place

Beowulf

One lady instructor was very disrespectful to me and and barking a thousand instructions. Everything I was taught before by a very experienced instructor she claimed was wrong

Rachel Djordjevic

I would absolutely recommend DriveWise to anyone looking to take driving school! So far I’ve only met Terry and Lisa; Terry taught the in class and Lisa taught the simulator classes. They’re both so down to earth and energetic! I learned so many new concepts that I would have never even thought of otherwise. I feel so much more prepared for the road! I haven’t started the driving lessons yet, but I’m very excited to begin and meet my instructor! Thank you for the awesome experience, DriveWise! ☺️

Kim Stewart

I really enjoyed Drivewise.I just went for my G and wanted a refresher so I went in and Lisa was great and got me booked in right away.I learned so much from them and I passed my G.Great experience all around.

Marsha Kennedy

Learned a lot of stuff I didn’t know. In class, in car, and online learning was really effective. Driving simulations were a good way to experience skidding without risking actual collisions.

Celina Sivret

Very patient and informative and friendly

kennedy adams

Amazing teachers, lots of information and very professional about everything!!:)