Young Drivers of Canada

Negative experience: In November of 2019, with my son's 16th birthday just around the corner, we purchased the complete and comprehensive package which included in class learning as well as 10 in car lessons and a road test package. It has always been my view that a new driver is best taught by experienced and professional instructors in a reputable company. YD also came with the GLP program benefit of having 6 months reduced from the wait between the N and class 5 license testing. In March, the in car lessons we had scheduled were cancelled due to COVID, which is completely acceptable and frankly, I would have be concerned if they weren't. Enter June, as BC starts reopening so I called YD to see what the protocols were. The only answer I received was that there was no instructor in Nanaimo. I emailed, and recieved no response. In July I called and was transfered to supervisor where the only option was to leave a message, which I did and received no response. This was repeated multiple times until we enter into Mid August when I was finally able to speak with a supervisor. I stressed in this call that I had left multiple messages and sent emails none of which were responded to. At all. The supervisor suggested we travel an hour to another city to recieve an in car lesson (we are in Nanaimo and Courtenay or Duncan were the options presented). I expressed my frustration that this was not proactively managed by YD, that I, as a customer who had already paid for the service had to undertake the labour of contacting the company AND he was unable to answer how the GLP reduction of time for the N would be fulfilled if we used a different company for the in car lessons. I have since learned that it will not apply. This supervisor assured me that I would recieve a refund quote to my email address. This was 5 days ago. I did however receive an email "to our valued Nanaimo customers" expressing regret that the program in Nanaimo has been closed and to please respond detailing whether we would like to travel to Courtenay, Duncan or the Lower Mainland (an hour and a half and $20 ferry ride each way) with no compensation for the travel expressed. My response was another email detailing my formal complaint to which I have still not recieved a reply. Now I appreciate the conundrum that COVID has put businesses in and I in good faith was patient until YD could manage their protocols and business practise. However, the lack of communication and direct refusal to honor the contract in a reasonable fashion illustrates that this company is NOT customer first and has gotten too big for their britches. I have phoned a few other driving schools in Nanaimo to be proactive in sourcing lessons for my son and every single one has students and parents that have expressed this same story. Only the minor details are different, the overall lack of customer service and business integrity is sadly the same. Had everything gone as planned, I expect this review would be glowing in business as usual. However in this uncertain time, the inability of YD to be flexible and problem solve with their students in mind speaks volumes to me about their core values.

Fantastic experience: I was lucky enough to have had both Crystal and Alanna at yd Nanaimo. If you're looking for a place to get driving lessons, look no further. The lessons instill not only legal driving, but safe driving. I just passed my N so thank you yd!

Fantastic experience: This was a great experience all the way around. My son also pasted his N first try. This course was perfect to build confidence.

Fantastic experience: Driving instructor was very helpful and did a great job! Passed my N test first try.

Fantastic experience: Alanna was super awesome and helpful! Alanna helped me get over my test anxiety and feel confident in my driving. Awesome experience!

Fantastic experience: Kim was very professional and was able to teach my son more then I ever could. I’m very happy that he Taught him safety and over all smooth operation of the vehicle. I was worried about my son getting his license but now with Kims help I am not as worried. Thank you Kim, James.

Fantastic experience: Crystal Niskasari, from Young Driver's, gave excellent comprehensive instruction. She was able to instill confidence and safe driving habits for our daughter. We hope she will be able to teach all 4 of our children to drive.

Fantastic experience: Young Drivers is the best choice for a driving school for everyone! I had a great experience and passed my N test first try! Thanks :)