Driving lessons in Chicago?
June 5, 2013 12:19 PM Subscribe
A relative needs to brush up on Chicago driving; they have a license, so the basics are all there, but they need more practice. Any thoughts on where to get lessons?
The person in question drove for years in India, and has passed a driving test in Illinois so they've got a valid license.
However, they haven't driven much in a while, and are feeling like they could use some lessons to brush up on North American driving habits. For example, they're not comfortable at North American speeds in general, especially not on freeways, and feel a bit overwhelmed by having to pay attention to all of the signs. This makes driving very uncomfortable for them, so they don't do it much, so they get further out of practice.
I could theoretically do this with them myself, but I think it would be best for all of us if they were to hire a professional to help, so I've offered to help find someone suitable. Except I don't know anyone suitable, soooo, thoughts? They have explicitly said they don't want to ask their insurance company since they're afraid it would be used as an excuse to raise rates (is that possible?)
The person in question drove for years in India, and has passed a driving test in Illinois so they've got a valid license.
However, they haven't driven much in a while, and are feeling like they could use some lessons to brush up on North American driving habits. For example, they're not comfortable at North American speeds in general, especially not on freeways, and feel a bit overwhelmed by having to pay attention to all of the signs. This makes driving very uncomfortable for them, so they don't do it much, so they get further out of practice.
I could theoretically do this with them myself, but I think it would be best for all of us if they were to hire a professional to help, so I've offered to help find someone suitable. Except I don't know anyone suitable, soooo, thoughts? They have explicitly said they don't want to ask their insurance company since they're afraid it would be used as an excuse to raise rates (is that possible?)
Best answer: I used Nova Driving School in Chicago when I needed to get a license and they were fine. They do also have a specific highway driving program.
posted by enn at 12:40 PM on June 5, 2013
posted by enn at 12:40 PM on June 5, 2013
Best answer: Adams has been an extremely popular one in the north suburbs since the 1950s. They are good.
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 12:42 PM on June 5, 2013
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 12:42 PM on June 5, 2013
The first two years I drove in Chicago I don't think I ever got above 40mph. Either because of traffic or because I was scared. But now I'm a fucking Chicago driving wizard. It just takes some time to get used to it.
Getting a professional to help is great, and may work well for your relative, but the BEST THING you can impart to them is that the world isn't going to end if they drive slowly. People who want to move faster will pass them, and that's totally fine. It's much more important to drive safely than to be concerned about the hurt feelings of the tailgating jackass.
Maybe have them drive around the Loop on a weekend. Between all the cars and people you can't move much faster than a crawl, and getting a low-speed look at how things like lane markers don't really matter (yes, I've been 5 abreast in a 3 lane with street parking because of overzealous cabs, why do you ask) so they can get over the HOLY SHIT CITY DRIVING thing a little faster. Like ripping off a band-aid.
posted by phunniemee at 12:52 PM on June 5, 2013 [1 favorite]
Getting a professional to help is great, and may work well for your relative, but the BEST THING you can impart to them is that the world isn't going to end if they drive slowly. People who want to move faster will pass them, and that's totally fine. It's much more important to drive safely than to be concerned about the hurt feelings of the tailgating jackass.
Maybe have them drive around the Loop on a weekend. Between all the cars and people you can't move much faster than a crawl, and getting a low-speed look at how things like lane markers don't really matter (yes, I've been 5 abreast in a 3 lane with street parking because of overzealous cabs, why do you ask) so they can get over the HOLY SHIT CITY DRIVING thing a little faster. Like ripping off a band-aid.
posted by phunniemee at 12:52 PM on June 5, 2013 [1 favorite]
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A patient, fearless person will drive around with your friend until he/she feels comfortable.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 12:35 PM on June 5, 2013