Maritime Roadwise & Defensive Driving School-MRD

Negative experience: I think this is a scam. I emailed them about the course. They emailed back saying to send money without providing any details and for months now I get really strange emails from them about being a “long lost lover” definitely weird

Fantastic experience: Both the classroom instructor and the in car instructor are amazing at explaining things in an easy to understand way, and were very helpful whenever I had a question. They were very calm whenever I made a stupid mistake, and didn’t make me nervous enough to keep messing up (that was a problem I had when practicing with other people.) I only have one minor complaint, which is about wait times. after you finish the in class lessons, there is about a 2-3 month delay to book in car lessons on the website. It is because they are booked up, so I get it, but still a bit of a dent in the overall experience. Another thing future customers should know, which applies to ANY driving school, is that Driver’s Ed (or at least the minimum 25 classroom hours and 10 in car hours required for the certificate) is NOT enough to take a complete beginner to road test ready. You WILL need someone else to practice with quite regularly (who is not a bad influence). If you want to make the most of the lessons, take what you learned in one lesson, and master it with someone else before the next lesson. That way, you can be ready to move on and you won’t be stuck on learning how to turn properly for three lessons. This is not a complaint, this is just overall advice to people considering Driver’s Ed. I passed my road test first time. The instructors at MRD were a huge factor in that. I practiced with my neighbour as well, and my parents. They taught me certain things that are either outdated or not allowed on a road test. The instructors here noticed things nobody else noticed, and taught me things nobody else thinks about. The biggest thing that they helped with, that I feel I could not have learned elsewhere, was all of the expectations and methods for maneuvers on a modern road test. Overall, it was worth the money. I can now drive to school, to work, and to pick up my girlfriend. I can now go anywhere, and can travel at 20x the speed I could on foot, while listening to whatever music I want, in a car alone where nobody can judge me. It’s nearly a superpower. I could not have passed the road test without them. I am now planning a summer trip to the Cape Breton highlands thanks to them. Mike was my in car instructor, he was great. Really good at explaining things as I said, and very calm when I made a mistake. He was completely honest with me, while remaining as professional as possible. He told me when I wasn’t ready for something, and even though I disagreed, looking back, he was right. Also, the Jetta I got to drive in was quite nice. Amanda was my in class instructor, she was great too. Good at explaining things and answering my (sometimes stupid) questions. Just remember, you WILL need other sources of practice. I’m giving five stars because I believe it does not deserve the 3 star average it currently has. I’ve read some other reviews. Maybe they used to have issues, but they have clearly ironed them out since. If I’m being honest I’d do 4 stars because of the wait times.

Negative experience: Instructors did not show up for in-car lessons, pre booked in-car lessons were canceled without reason, driving lessons to high schoolers only offered during school hours. Have been trying since July to get 8 in-car lessons completed. It’s now almost November Have sent more than 10 emails, 20 phone calls and no one has responded. They did however respond to this post. Business is not located at the address provided.

Negative experience: Terribly managed, my child's road test was delayed by over a MONTH due to poor scheduling on MRD's part. We tried everything we could to accommodate this unreasonable experience, but in all it was hardly worth the money. Have been seeing many similar horror stories from other parents in the community, so this is clearly a common issue with the business. On top of poor and at times outright rude communication, I witnessed an MRD INSTRUCTOR, not a student, make an illegal and dangerous passing maneuver around a school bus that was stopped to let off children. Frankly horrifying.

Negative experience: We enrolled our child for a August 2022 summer session in the Sackville location. It was delayed for a month. Then after the month we were told that Sunday sessions would no longer be transferred to the Fall river location. Start time of course was pushed back a few more weeks. Sessions finally started in October (2 months late). Child had Covid symptoms the last day of course when they were supposed to write the test. We were told it could be rescheduled no problem. The following week we were told he could not write the final test until the class after him were writing, furthermore we were not allowed to book any driving sessions until classroom session was done. Finished the course in December. Told we couldn’t book sessions until the end of January. Did first session tried to book second. Got the runaround from the Driving instructor. Finally booked second session. Then we were put on ignore for weeks. Finally decided to complain to owner. Was told by an employee they were in Mexico for two months and they would be in touch “Whenever they checked there email.” Following week got an email from owner saying “They were sorry we weren’t a good fit with the driver and they were going to put us with the owner, to book through his Calendar” Told them it wasn’t that we weren’t a good fit, it was just not possible to book anything at all with them. Got ignored again. Trying to book sessions now, can’t book any before June (is currently April 3rd.) Road test was scheduled for this month back in December. By the time we are all said and done it’s going to be close to a year to complete a 5 week course. The owners don’t seem to have any interest in doing even the bare minimum to meet their obligations. This is a 1 star review as Google wouldn’t allow a zero. Avoid this place at all costs, once they have your money they are literally off to Mexico.

Fantastic experience: Passed my road test the very first time. With flying colours!

Negative experience: Don’t do it! I wanted to support local and it was a big mistake! The first portion where they learn the classroom studies was fine but when it came to booking the road sessions this is where it was a disaster We had pre booked all lessons online and everyone was cancelled by MRD driving school saying they were short staffed and had to reschedule so these were pushed out by a month! Not a few days but a month Reason we took our daughter as she wanted her licence in 9 months Because of their lack of employees the customer pays Finally the day before her first driving session we get an email telling us that if our 16 year old daughter does not have 3 vaccines she is ineligible for the driving lesson!!!! The province does not ask for this and for them to demand my child have 3 vaccines? I’m not sure where they come off asking for this She is double vaccinated and would be wearing a mask but they wanted 3 vaccines? We tried calling but they refused to call us and said to text them We asked for the refund of the driving portion that had been paid and this was a week ago and we still have not received our money apparently their book keeper is away!!! A huge huge headache We ended up taking our daughter to high class driving in sackville and they are amazing to deal with she already had 4 out of her 5 driving sessions completed! Live and learn II do not recommend them

Fantastic experience: Our son learn valuable skills to help with his driving. He had a great experience and met some great people. He wants to thank Ali and all the other great instructors. Thanks team mrd!!!

Fantastic experience: I've had a great experience learning to drive here. As a late learner (started learning to drive in my 30s), I have found the instruction to be top notch.

Negative experience: This was almost ten years ago now but I remember it like it was yesterday it was such a bad experience, it’s probably fine if you have a different driving instructor but the older lady (I believe the owner as well) I had was awful, very very rude and worse to drive with than my own mother (we all know how that is), then at my last session she said she really doesn’t think I’m ready for my driving test and I should buy a couple more sessions cause I was so bad but not wanting to spend a couple hundred more dollars I took my driving test against her advice and passed with flying colours and only got two points off for not using all my mirrors enough when reversing into the spot! So she basically made me feel terrible to try to scam me into spending more money on the sessions in the rudest way possible. -this part added after “owner” replied: this is extremely unprofessional of you as a business considering I actually was one of your students. I’m sure you wouldn’t like me posting a photo of the receipt saying I completed it. Just because you get a bad review you can’t just say they didn’t go there, it is constructive criticism. I called and left a message hoping you guys will be in contact I would like to file a complaint about how this has been handled. Very unprofessional.

Negative experience: My son completed his classroom session of the course in March 2019. It took until October 25th, 2019 to begin his first driving lesson. We would go days and days before receive a response to set up the next lesson. This was a continuous result when trying to communicate with them. My son once received a "Who is this?" comment when trying to make an appointment. On 2 separate occasions, cancelled at short notice. Today, we were told that my son had one hour left of driving but would not honour it because the time had "elapsed" and would therefore NOT receive his course completion certificate until I paid $79 for this hour of driving. I was also told that he was considered "elapsed" since December 2019! (What!?) My son had regular appointments with Larry (who is great) through January to March. Not one word about being elapsed, from anyone. Then COVID hit and the world was paused for months. His next lesson, in September 2020, again, no mention of "elapse", went great. When we inquired today about the certificate, were told he will get the certificate once he completes this $79 lesson. Every single correspondence back and forth has been saved and will be filed the BBB.

Negative experience: Lessons are always being cancelled and now wont drop off to house or pick up from....

Negative experience: The experience wasn’t great, classroom was pretty dingey and unattractive. Homework was sent home every night through pictures of pages that were drawn on by the owners grandchild that were taken by an iPhone. It wouldn’t be difficult to get a new book after it was vandalized and or scan the pages instead of sending jpegs. In my experience the owner wasn’t very nice but I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt that she was having a bad day. I finished there almost a month ago and still haven’t been told if I passed or not yet. Not worth the money in my opinion but at least you get the drivers ed certificate.

Negative experience: Canceling all 5 driving lessons in a row for my son. Too many students? Not enough drivers? FIX THE PROBLEM!!!!

Negative experience: Edit: Yes, now that you mention it, I would like my money back. Fall River location- I chose this school because it was in my community. I was very upset after this experience, so I have taken a year to return to express my thoughts. The in class lessons consisted of DVDs on safe driving… and the instructor telling stories about herself falling asleep behind the wheel resulting in driving off the highway into the ditch, and other interesting personal stories from other instructors. This is when the real problems start: the classes were on Sundays, I had taken Sundays off at work to attend the class. The instructor has an elective induction, on Sunday. The class is canceled, and moved to Saturday June 29th. I am unable to take Saturday off at work, Due to upcoming Canada day, I call and text the instructor and school, to notify them however get no response. I end up waiting until August 18th to attend the class. If the class had been scheduled for a specific time and date, and there is plenty (9 MONTHS) worth of notice, that the instructor will not be able to attend, why was there no plan to have a substitute instructor? I have a job with responsibilities that I must attend. Now during the in car lessons, Karen was incredibly verbally abusive to me during the lessons, she tells me I will fail my test. If I did something “wrong” she would scream and call me stupid, but would not explain what was wrong. When I asked a question she would ignore me and not answer. She told me I should be “so thankful for her”. (TRUST, ‘Patience is NOT their promise’ LOL) She also gave me incorrect information about the driving test and about safe driving. I chose to not continue the in car lessons, I decided that I would no longer tolerate the verbal abuse, and I realized that I had not been taught any (accurate) information about driving or the test. I don't want the insurance discount if I have to completely degrade myself to get it. The effects of going to this school affect me still, I am hurt by what was said, and I am embarrassed that I fell for this skam. Please read this review and do not go to this school, it is a rip off, it is theft. Do not pay almost $1000.00 to be abused.

Negative experience: Terrible place to go, they didn’t finish my in car lessons and when one of the instructors got fired they didn’t tell us at all, they also never followed up when I thought they would’ve I really would not recommend this place, for your own sake please go somewhere else! Hopefully then you won’t get ripped off and it won’t be a waste of time and money. The fact that the company thinks I’m fake really says a lot. They’ll say you’re fake because they cannot own up to a ton of flaws that I’m seeing. PLEASE think twice before coming here!!!

Fantastic experience: Michael was as excellent instructor who really gave me the confidence I needed as an adult learner. I had taken a driving course years ago, and that instructor told my dad I would never learn to drive, because of this, I was very nervous and had no self-confidence, and it took me a long time to try again. when I told Michael about this, he told me that anyone can learn to drive, which was very reassuring. I learned faster than I thought I could. He had great knowledge of what would be on the driving test and taught me the skills I would need for it. After my lessons, I passed the road test on my first try (after failing twice before working with Michael). Would highly recommend this school and Micheal as an instructor, who was very calm, reassuring, and patient.

Fantastic experience: The driving instructor was patient, friendly and informative. He really helped me to get on the road!

Negative experience: 2024 edit - it blows my mind that you still claim negative reviews are fake, false or an attack on you -- and that you can not own up to your mistakes, so many people with similar stories - again-your lack of professionalism is appalling. 7/30/21 edit - your response is laughable! There are not 2 sides to this story, you yourself told me at the time that it was an series of unfortune events that led to my sons delay getting any driving time. It had NOTHING to do with his readiness for the driving test as I stated it was 2 months before you got him in a car for his first lesson with MRD. We were not rushing anything, he was nearing 18 and already had lots of experience driving with his father. Stop making fake excuses and own up to your lack of professionalism! The way you handle bad reviews says ALOT about you as a person. You constantly claim they are fake reviews LOL. I suggest taking a close look at how you are running your business and I suggest everyone with kids needing drivers ed to look elsewhere in the meantime. **************************************************************** I was hesitant to use MRD because of reviews I had heard and read but I took a chance because location was convenient. Everyone has their own experience and I understand some people had great experiences but ours was just not that great it took months to even get my child out driving once the classroom portion ended, the extra money for teen smart was (for us) a waste of money, when I did ask for a partial refund I got a whole $20, because this felt like a slap in the face I donated it to a local animal rescue, I believe I may have been blocked because I did send another email but did not get a response. This happened earlier this year, I purposely didn't write a review at the time because I didn't want to write a review when angry and frustrated, I understand there were some different circumstances going on at the time that resulted in difficulty getting (some?) students out driving but because of this experience we are using a different company for our other child. I will say that Amanda was pleasant to deal with via text/email and Larry was a great instructor. The owner of the business is completely unprofessional and rude. edited to add: 8/2020 - my youngest child just completed Drivers Ed with Safety Services in Burnside - highly recommend! Was a wonderful experience all the way around and worth leaving our community to get such great service.

Fantastic experience: I passed my road test today thanks to the lessons and coaching from Amanda at MRD. As an adult with a busy family, with no driving experience at all, I really benefited from the evening and weekend availability. Amanda was pleasant to be around and gave constant feedback and constructive criticism during our sessions.

Fantastic experience: Our son recently received his "fulls" thanks to MRD! He received all the information he needed in the classroom plus he gained valuable confidence in the car, thanks to his great instructor Zach Collett!

Positive experience: A little expensive compared to some other schools but is close by. Need more driving instructors as it is some times slow to get the driving hours in with the number of students they accept.

Fantastic experience: Highly recommend. Top notch driving school. Both of our kids have gone through the course and speak highly of all instructors especially Amanda. I feel confident being in the passenger seat thanks to MRD driving school.

Fantastic experience: Jett, our son, liked his course a lot at MRD Driving School and we can’t thank the instructors there enough, especially his in-car instructor Karen. Jett is a safe, smart driver thanks to learning the ropes form MRD. Highly recommend them. Our other son Jarrett will be signing up shortly.

Fantastic experience: Owner is a nice guy and knows the rules of the road well.

Negative experience: The class was good, but the in car lessons weren't the best. They forgot about me, and kept forgetting about me after I called them a number of times. They kept rescheduling my lessons and the instructor was very distracting whilst driving.

Fantastic experience: Great experience, Instructor was professional and very knowledgeable about the rules and regulations, I also had my daughter do her driver training her 3 yrs ago and her instructor was perfect took any jitters she had about driving away

Fantastic experience: Great experience, unsure how people think it's a waste!

Fantastic experience: Great people. Good classes. Very convinent location for anyone in fall river.

Negative experience: Very bad school, not recommended. Contrary to comments from the owner the time spent on the driveway was every class and not just once and the worst ones being 30 minutes, the student was asked to sign the the attendance sheet before the class started and not after as indicated by the owners response so the statement is not true. The same complaint was shared by few of our neighbors whose children had been students of MRD driving previously. So instead of blaming the student make sure you have proper instructors. 21 years does not mean anything until and unless it is backed up by proper service. FYI My wife already managed to get a her drivers licence after taking 2 more classes from a different driving school. My wife joined their adult driving program which had 8 hours of class room training and 8 hours of road lessons. The class room sessions were ok nothing to comment but when it came to the driving lessons it was an absolute disaster. The instructor spent 15 to 30 minutes of the 60 minute road lesson session parked in the driveway, talking about the lesson. I can undersatnd a quick 5 minute instruction before starting the lesson but cannot understand the 30 minutes My wife has completed her course, at the end of the day the instructor didn't even teach her how to park or drive in the highway. I would not recommend this school to anyone total waste of money.

Negative experience: worst school ever, charged my son for a late charge when he was late but whe the instructor missed a lesson and was late for 3 others did not compensate for it, also did not teach important driving skills needed to pass his first 2 attempts, will not allow another family member to attend.

Fantastic experience: I'm from Porters lake and I have enrolled with MRD for Defensive driving Courses. My experience with them was fantastic. Kudos to the teaching staff. Everything about MRD is so easy. The make driving look so easy. Teachers and other staff are so helpful and friendly I would recommend MRD for Driver training and and their Driving courses to everyone.