Central Park Driving School

My 15 year old took driver's education and behind the wheel lessons from Central Park school at his high school. His instructor taught him the traffic rules thoroughly. His driving instructor sent him and me a text to remind us of each driving lesson. He was a patient and calm teacher because my son had no experience and is NOT a natural at driving. The instructor always waited until I picked up my son before he left since it was dark.

By far the worst service provider I have come across in quite some time. Rude, uneducated, unprofessional staff. Policies and procedures are not communicated efficiently and effectively to parents. They do not answer the phone most of the time-it took me a week to get a hold of someone to ask a question. I was given incorrect information which led to me traveling to their office from 45 minutes away only to be treated rudely again when I explained that I had was simply following the instructions I received from them by phone. The office is dark, smelly, dirty, crowded, disorganized and had a floor fan in the lobby as the A/C appeared to be out. This school has simply cornered the local market for driver's education because there isn't enough competition to run them out of business or force them to change. Hopefully since new businesses are opening up to give them a run for their money one of the two will happen. No one that pays $400 for a service deserves to be treated disrespectfully when they need help getting through the process of obtaining a driver's license for their child. I am also leery of them insisting on cash for things-that is a red flag!!!!

There are 2 parts to the instruction: sit down class and 7 driving sessions. The sit-down sessions are ok. Its nothing that they couldn't do online but they charge the full 2-part fee for just the 2nd part if you do the 1st part yourself. the last of the 7 sessions is a driving test that is harder than the DPS. they don't tell you that up front. I was expecting to teach the finishing-up driving part in my car which is different than their small cars but my child had to pass their test first which cause a lot of angst and $$ since they charge for each 'test'. Also, on the last day, they squashed 5 people in a car (they are only supposed to have 4). They had 3 in the backseat with my HS daughter literally squashed between 2 HS boys - NOT GOOD.

There was also a time when there was a problem with the steering or brakes but they went out with the car anyway.

The driving instructors sometimes have different expectations and this can be confusing for the students and what pleases one instructor may displease another (too fast for one, too slow for another, etc.)

Make sure that you call each and every morning to confirm that your Class, Drive or Observation is still scheduled and that you are scheduled for it. They will tell you that you don't need to call, but you do. If YOU don't verify you might waste a trip when they cancel. They will charge you a fee of $25.00 if you don't call and cancel your Drive appointment at least 4 hours prior to the appointment, but hey won't give you credit if they cancel and you waste a trip. You must pay this fee in cash as well (hmm). And they will not tell you that you have any fees to pay until you have completed the class. Then they have you over a barrel. You must pay the fees before they will give you the paperwork necessary to take to DPS.



Only the Owner of the company can / will make decisions, exceptions, etc.. The owner does not trust the staff that they have hired to make decisions. In addition, the staff in the office after 5:00 pm cannot answer any questions or solve any problems or concerns. You must bring your concerns to the attention of the Office Manager between 9:00 am to 5:00 pm who will then discuss it with the Owner (you can't speak directly to the owner) and get back to you.



If you do decide to go with Central Park Driving School, Question everything, don't assume anything and get their responses in writing. They will make you sign a contract. Hold them accountable to that contract as well.

Do not waste your money on Central Park Driving. You will be spending your money to be treated like a second class citizen, your child will be frustrated and treated like a moron and they will mix up your paperwork and scheduled drives. The customer service is beyond bad. They lack organization skills and the ability to schedule drives appropriately. When you express your aggravation they laugh at you. It is absolutely sickening.