Institute For Drivers Safety

If i could give less than one star I would!!! God help you if they file any information you give them it will only seem to get lost, and they will deny up and down ever getting it!! I could handle paying 650 for four driving courses, what I couldn't handle was them coming a day in advance while I was at work, did they some how think i would drive using telekinesis??? No they called my phone a thousand times supposably!! The problem with that i had changed that number a week after i scheduled my appointment and while i called the day i had received my new number so they could list it for future use they decide it against listing it, when i called about the confused date they denied it up and down saying i had scheduled that day and gave no number apparently i had scheduled the drive only to sit at work and have them do a scavenger hunt, so now i have to pay a fee of 50 dollar to schedule a new drive all because they didn't feel the need to write down a simple number. You would think with customers paying 650 they would be a little more attentive apparently they stop caring once they receive that check. more

This school was recommended to me by my fellow co-workers in the airline industry. The staff assured me that my daughter would be assigned to a patient instructor as she was very nervous to drive. Both of her instructors were patient, courteous and really helped her progress at her level. Today, my daughter is a great driver! This school is worth the time and money that I invested to watch her gain the confidence she needed. more

We appreciate your program and the investment you make in helping our children become better drivers. This is our third child to take part in the Road to Excellence Program, and we think it is perfect! more

I don't have a student enrolled in this school... I just wanted to point out a couple of things I noticed regarding some of the tips posted about IDS. First - it seems like a strange coincidence that the most recent negative review for the school was posted by someone with the exact same name as the person who posted a glowing review for another school...that is being run by three former IDS employees. (I might mention that one of those former employees also was immature enough to create a fraudulent website that is designed to make people think it belongs to IDS. One or more of those former employees has also reportedly been telling parents calling around for program information, that IDS is going out of business - so they shouldn't bother calling them. Several of the points mentioned in this specific negative review are so completely ridiculous, that anyone who knows anything about IDS should be able to tell immediately that there is something suspicious going on. I don't intend to get into a mud-slinging contest - because I feel that is beneath me - but just want to tell anyone researching schools, and reading negative ""tips""...to keep in mind that anyone can post anything at anytime. It doesn't mean it's true. By the way, I'm not the owner of IDS (or a member of their family), and I don't have any reason to write things that aren't true. I simply have a real problem with dishonesty of any kind and am hoping this will give parents something to think about. more

Stay Away from This Driving School! This company only wants your money. Poor service with even poorer customer relations. I had enrolled by son in this school based on the other teens in my neighborhood using it. I was first concerned when I attempted to register ""on line"" and kept playing phone tag with the rude office staff. I was then told that they would appreciate ""cash"" as the first form of payment. I should have seen the light at this point, but my kid wanted to get his permit. He said that the class was okay, but the Instructor was hard to understand and mumbled his words. On his drive, the guy arrived late and said that he was having problems with the car. I asked what kind of problems as I was concerned, the car looked old and beat up. He said that it was nothing to worry about. I again said that I was concerned and he said that I could cancel the drive, but all the cars are the same and there would be a fee for cancelling. I was very reluctant, but my son was anxious. After the drive, I was told that my son was a ""bad driver"" and needed a lot of work. I said that is why he is going to your school, to be taught how to drive. Not very professional. My boy then took his next drive and seemed pretty confident, he had been doing well I thought. When he got home, I could tell he was upset. The Instructor said that he had failed the test and needed to practice at least ten hours more. Stopping and staying in his lane were the issues. I was told that I could call and schedule a retest. His father and myself practiced with him and thought that he was ready to retest. I called the school and attempted to schedule a retest. I was told by the woman answering the phone that there were ""no retests given"". I said that the Instructor said that I could call and there would be no charge. I was told very curtly that there were no retests and that I could buy another drive segment if I wanted him retested. I asked to talk to a manager and/or owner and was told that no one was available. I left my number and expected a call back. I called back at least 3 more times and each time I was told that no one was available. I found out that the owner is RANDAL ARTMAN and asked specifically for him. I was informed that he is never available. I asked that he call me, he never did. My son did get his drivers license, at the M.V.D. I have complained to the M.V.D. about the Institute for Drivers Safety and I am guessing that nothing has been done. Please take my warning with this company, there are many other driving schools out there, don't choose this one! more

As an adult attending the introductory semininar at IDS for the first time, I have to say this was rather an unpleasant experience to say the least. Halfway through I found myself repeatedly (I have been diagnosed with a mild form of narcolepsy) slipping in and out of consciousness, and this is when our lovely, insensitive instructor Larry F. decided to whip out his EX-cop authority on my ass and openly declare in a forthright voice as forty other students gawked on, that if I found him so boring I should just call my ""mommy"" and have her pick me up. Offended, I shifted my gaze as he continued to berate me from across the classroom and this is when he demanded I show him eye contact out of courtesy, saying that IDS was a place that would teach me how to ""not to kill people in car accidents"", while he derogatorily referred to me as ""young lady"". Then scoffing, he told me, ""now that you are good and embarrassed, perhaps this will motivate you to pay attention"". It was mortifying experience and I found myself exiting the building immediately afterwards in fumes. Larry is a disgrace to the human race, who gives cops a bad reputation for being rude, egotistical power mongers. After I had recuperated, I went back to ask for a refund, but was told by the receptionist at the front desk that the $350 would not be refunded. Well, I certainly do intend on getting in contact with the manager of this rigged business. This was completely inappropriate, unprofessional conduct that will not just breeze on by. I am thoroughly disgusted with this Larry F and will definitely find another way of attaining my license without his assistance. more

This was my first child to learn how to drive so needless to say I was nervous and didn't know where to begin. We started the program with the classroom instruction and my daughter took the test to get her permit. For the drives the instructor came to our house and was extremely patient with me and all the questions I had. Even after the drive he went over everything they did during the drive and how much practice time she needed. At the end of the second drive she took the driver's test to get her license. I was so happy with the range of concepts they covered, she was able to drive at night, during rush hour, downtown, and on the freeways all with an former cop. All I can say is that my son will be going to the Institute for Drivers Safety as well. more

We are very dissapointed in the instruction our daughter recieved at this joke of an business. We were looking for supplementary education to help our new driver learn the rules of the road more thoroughly. What we got was a complete and total waste of time and money. The class was way too crowded and impersonal, so much so we just stopped going after a few sessions. more

These people are not to be trusted!!! Ya they may be ex-cops but they are more like bullies. I guess there is a reason they are EX cops and doing student driving. So unprofessional. I have literally had to fight with them to get my childs driving appointments and when I finally got driving time they showed up late, were very unprofessional and we didn't get the full time. And then when I questioned it, they were very rude. I would not be surprised if what the other reviews said about them asking for drinks etc weren't true. They get you in by making you prepay and then make it as difficult as possible to get your money's worth. Unbelievalble!!! more

Disappointing. Bought a package. I was warned that I may have to schedule the pre-paid driving lessons a few weeks in advance. Just getting them on the phone was a challenge. My first message on a Monday went ignored for two days. My second message asked that if they miss me to leave dates and times. All they did was say for me to call again and leave a number that I would answer during the day, as if we all have the luxury to sit by our phone all day and answer every call. When I finally got someone on the phone [February 11] I was told that they were already booked for the month except one time during the school day. Unless I wanted to take my child out of school there was NOTHING. Worse yet, they refused to put my child on a schedule for March. They offered a waiting list in the event of a cancellation during February. But they said to really get an appointment I had to call back at the end of the month and start again. There was no manager available to speak with, and they said that the owner does not work in the office. When registering, I was also told it would include the driving permit. Later found out it included the written test but I still had to go to MVD for the permit. Heard that they typically misrepresent that. They clearly are taking on more students than they can handle. Once the students get a permit, they want to DRIVE. It is unreasonable to expect them to wait two months. Otherwise, the parents end up doing the job they hired the school to do. I wanted my child to have the behind-the-wheel instruction prior to going on the road. Even though an adult would have to be present, we are not trained in teaching drivers safety. I have read some of the posts that you do not get what is promised, and I have to say that they need to take responsibility for over promising and under delivering, all in the name of $$$$$. In all fairness, we did use them a few years ago and had a good experience and I referred many people to them. It is a great concept if they would follow-though. Unfortunately it seems that they became popular and now their quality and integrity has suffered, so I can no longer recommend them as a good option. more

my daughter. as a 16 yr old, she was asked to reveal personal info. the theory teacher told her he would go easy on her if she bought his lunch. i am single mom making 22k per yr and this was a struggle to pay for the class. theory inst. was retired cop who told stories vs. what the laws were in az. once she took the written he announced her score to the class humiliating HER. her high school was sniped about. her eyes were never tested at the driver school. i later found out that she has (20/80) DISTANCE. when it came time for the first of two THREE HOUR DRIVING LESSONS, i later found out she drove from our apt. to the school campus where the instructor stayed for 45 minutes the second drive was only 60 min and the inst wanted her to buy him a drink at QT so he would go easy on her. she did not have the money. he had her drive from home to school where she WAITED FOR 60 MIN. then he had her drive home. the drive included undue criticizm, loud radio, and talking to her while giving her commands. there should be no distractions. i would run from this school. it was a waste of my money. my 'child' was humiliated degraded and did not receive what i paid for. i recently suggested she revisit the school. she broke down in tears and told me the above info. she did not say anything before as my income level made this a struggle and she knew this. six hours of driving means six hours of driving not break time for the inst. i will call the BBB and notify MVD. i am due a refund. my friend had a great experience in north scottsdale AT ANOTHER SCHOOL. my kid is a minority and was treated like an idiot. how would you like to drive with a new driver who had undiagnosed vision problems. yet they put her on the road. i plan to contact news agencies. i will not recommed this school TO ANYONE. YOUR SITE TOUTS Pros: my daughter got her permit Cons: proper testing not done, shortchanged on drive time promised more

We used this instructional school to supplement the training we, as parents, gave our son. He loved the fact that there was only one session (albeit, a rather long one) and then he was able to take the written test and leave with his driver's permit! His road test was done at night, and I thought this was a good idea. The traffic wasn't overly intimidating (like rush hour would've been), yet there was just enough to be challenging. Plus, driving at night was kind of a ""mini-test"" inside the road test to see how well he could do with that added challenge. Our instructor was a former police officer and had a great personality, yet he behaved most professionally during the road test. It probably helped that our son was somewhat older than the 15-year-olds that usually enroll. However, he wasn't in a big hurry to get his license so he waited until 16 1/2. Since getting his license he has had no accidents or tickets, and he is a better driver than most adults I know (including me). Our younger son is now 15 1/2 and thoroughly ready to begin driving. We WILL sign him up at the Institute for Drivers Safety. Time well spent! Pros: Exceptional instruction. One day and you have your permit! Cons: Undisciplined, talkative, or impatient teens stay away. more

Both my son and my daughter went through this program. I did a lot of initial work with them so they would be prepared and had the instructors work with them on their behind the wheel issues. There are a lot of details I didnt remember after driving so long. Like really how far away do you park from a fire hydrant anyway? Their behind the wheel instruction helped them with the mechanical issues and that was great. I was very pleased with all the information both my kids received regarding the rules of the road, laws etc. They took their classes 2 years apart, and while I am going to detail the cons below, the mechanics and instruction were very good and it reinforced much of what we were teaching them. Pros: Both my kids learned a lot of road rules I had forgotten Cons: Their staff really doesnt like dealing with the public more

Two years ago I signed my daughter up with Institute for Driver Safety for the instruction and to obtain her learner's permit. She then to the on road instruction and test through them. It is a nervous experience for any parent to watch a child drive off for the first time. Because of the training my daughter received through Institute for Driver Safety I have more confidence in her driving. I actually think she is a better driver than I am. At Institute for Driver Safety, they were courteous, punctual and comprehensive in their approach. I am now signing my next child up for the same course. more

As a business owner myself, it was very upsetting to be treated this unprofessionally. The scheduling of behind the wheel training began after the written permit tes. The 1st session came and went, with the trainer saying some questionable things in a ""half joking"" manner about being ""paid on the side"" to pass the student. That should have been a red flag. The 2nd session was scheduled on a specific date from 6:30 to 9:30 PM as that is all they had available for several weeks. We accepted the late schedule and rearranged our life to fit it. The trainer called at 6:30 PM (the time the training was to begin) to say he would be about 10 min late. At 7:10 PM (40 min after the scheduled time) he still wasn't at our house and this was a school night. I called him to tell him that we were concerned about the late hour, driving around Phx and having an early school day following. I was very calm and told him that we understood he was held up and we'd just reschedule. He responded by saying that we would be charged $50 for not cancelling within 48 hrs. I responded by saying we weren't cancelling, he was not able to meet the schedule and it was too late to start the training. He was not professional and would not repeat his name and repeatedly told me I would be charged. I contacted the office the next day to explain what happened and to reschedule. They would not reschedule the session until I paid this ""cancellation"" chg which I again explained to no avail. I requested the manager or owner to return my call to clear up this ridiculous communication but they never did. After paying fees and spending months with this company and my daughter was unable to finish her goal of obtaining her license, we requested our credit card company to refund the fees charge it back to the Institute. We can't recommend such a lack of professionalism and disrespect for customers over such a minor issue that could not be misconstrued as a cancellation. more

I contacted driving schools throughout the valley for my daughter. From the moment one of the office staff answered the call at The Institute For Drivers Safety, I was impressed with their knowledge and professionalism. They answered alll my questions to my satisfaction and I signed my daughter up. My daughters classroom instructor was Larry F. She told me that the class went by quickly and the instructor was very knowledgeable, professional, funny and showed a true caring interest in the students so they would learn the proper way to drive and all the hazards they might expect. She was impressed that being a former police instructor he was able to relate to the younger kids today and was not demeaning in any way. She came away from the class with a new outlook and cautions of a teen driver. She hasn't driven with the instrucors in the car yet, but I expect that they will be just as proffessional. I would highly recommend this school and hopefully they will have the same great experience that I had with the staff and Larry. Pros: Very professional office staff and classroom instruction more

After doing much research on who would offer the best instruction for my son, I can truly say The Institute For Driver's Safety is the best! I talked with friends and neighbors who had some rather poor experiences with other schools. Their children had numerous accidents and tickets after obtaining their licenses and I thought this was not going to happen to my son. When I spoke to the staff at IDS, I got the right answers. They truly care about our children. The instructors all have law enforcement background. Now who would know more about traffic than a police officer? more

My son learn so much from the program, from the classroom to the driving, the intructor in classroom was informative and answered all questions, and when the driving intructors came and picked up my son, the gave him great tips and advise, as well as sitting down with me and letting me know how is driving is and what he needs to practice on. I recommed this program to all parents that are in need of a driving school, who whats to have the children to be a save and better driver. Pros: All staff memebers were very professional Cons: Parking very limited more

My experience at The Institute For Drivers Safety has been exceptional. We are quite saddened by the negative review of Larry, the classroom instructor. He is a wonderful instructor and taught our son so much. He is straight-forward and to the point, just what teen-agers need. His ability to load our son with so many great tips helped us, as parents, as well. We can become "" lazy drivers"". more

My daughter just came home from the one day instruction, and she passed the written test with 100! However the so-called ""instructor"", Larry F, was completely unprofessional, and for this reason I WOULD NOT recommend this program to anyone else. He had my daugher call me at the end of the session to report that she ""was in trouble.' Now I know my daughter and she is not a troublemaker in any sense of the word in school or otherwise...she is a straight arrow! Come to find out, she had ""been talking"" once during the day to another student, and for this Larry F completely flipped out! Can you imagine a 6 or 8 hour day of instruction and not being allowed to converse, especially if you are a teenager? I absolutely will not let him be the instructor for my daughter's road experience, and in fact we are considering cancelling the check that we paid to this company today for the class. Larry F said to me that she was too immature to be driving based on the fact that she had a 20 second comment to another student after lunch! He was incredibly rude to me as a parent and disrespectful to both of us as customers in a business environment. We will be speaking directly to the company's President, Randall L Artman, and demanding a refund. Parents beware this unnecessary heavy handed approach to teaching driver eduction. Instructor egos should be kept in check and professionalism should be a primary attribute of these schools. Pros: My teen passed the MVD learner permit test with 100% accuracy. Cons: Unprofessional staff, rude, egotistical, unable to connect with teens in general. more