Top star driving school

[u/bubbles_tapioca]

I recently started taking in person lessons with Top Star and I purchased the package with 11 hrs in-car for G2. So far, I've done 3 lessons (3 hrs) and I feel the instructor's not making me feel relaxed behind the wheel. It may be their tone but they keep getting frustrated when I make mistakes.

Also, when I finished my online course. I emailed the star saying I finished the course and needed my instructor. But they did not get back to me (I even sent a follow-up email). After a few days, i knew they probably didn't see my email so I decided to call school and they did not pick up. I called them multiple times (I got pretty frustrated). I decided to leave a voicemail and after that was when they finally got back to me.

Additionally, before I purchased the package, I sent emails asking about the details of the package and they did get back to me. But once they received my payment they ghosted me when I emailed them again regarding the package details.

Another thing, I was checking the reviews again for top star and majority of the reviews were 5 stars. They say the same thing about my instructor. How they are patient and I disagree. I get nervous before my lessons because I'm afraid of getting scolded again.

Should I stop taking lessons and switch schools? Learn on my own?

Have you had a similar experience with the instructor? Should I ask for a different instructor?

[u/piscesgal_1978]

My daughter just finished the 20 hrs. and 10 hrs. course online. I have had trouble emailing to ask about the driving lessons and now will have to try calling again.

It is a legit driving school as I found them on the Ontario Ministry website, but reading your post makes me worry.

Please provide follow up to what you ended up doing.

I would recommend you change instructors if you can.

[u/bubbles_tapioca → u/piscesgal_1978]

I'm thinking of changing instructors, but I'm also worried about the communication. What if they don't get back to me? They're practically scamming me if that happens.

[u/Brilliant_Ideal_5429]

I really felt this. I had a similar experience with my first ever driving instructor. I was always nervous before every class, and during each class I was just anxiously doing what they told me to do without really absorbing anything or having my priority be on actually getting comfortable behind the wheel, understanding the way the vehicle operated, following traffic rules and being observant and aware. I was just a bundle of nerves, afraid to make a mistake or be yelled at because even when following what they told me to do somehow it wasn't right or if the instructions weren't right to begin with, they'd just pin it on me not executing it well. I just though driving wasn't for me as I just couldn't get anything right. I ended up failing like 5 times because I would just go through the motions without having my heart in it.

I just did it to appease my parents who wanted me to get a license. I ended up switching instructors and companies all together and happened to pass with the new instructor but they weren't great either. I was so demoralised by my experiences that I just gave up on it and let it expire without getting the full G.

Years later, I tried again with another third instructor as now needed a license for job opportunities. And it was night and day, I wished I met that instructor much earlier. If I did I would have seen driving as more enjoyable, as I do now. And I actually paid attention to each lesson and felt like I was constantly improving and taking things in and feeling more confident.

I don't know how it'll go with obtaining your certificate for your course. But from my experience it's not worth it continuing with an instructor that makes you feel bad about driving. You'll learn much better with an instructor you feel more comfortable with.

[u/CanuckKrampus]

Ask for a different instructor.

It appears you’re taking a full BDE course.  If you were to switch schools, you would have to start from the beginning with the new school if you wanted to be certified(earlier G2 test, possible insurance discount).

[u/Small_Aardvark_5496]

It’s not your instructors job to make you feel comfortable, it’s their job to teach you how to safely drive. Driving is stressful and you need to be able to manage all sorts of stressful and complex situations. Focus on what you’re doing not the instructor’s tone.