Howard Driving School Complaint – Failure to Complete Behind-the-Wheel Instruction and Concerns About Business Operations Oak Park IL

I am submitting a formal complaint regarding Howard Driving School, 315 Madison St, Oak Park, IL 60302.

Our student completed the 30-hour classroom requirement in full through the school. However, the 6-hour behind-the-wheel driving requirement was never clearly scheduled or completed. When we visited the Illinois Secretary of State facility to take the license exam, we were told that the completion hours had never been entered into the state system, preventing the test from being taken.

Despite multiple attempts to contact the instructor, our calls and messages have gone unanswered. The school has refused to issue a refund for the unused driving hours, which would allow us to complete them with another licensed driving school.

Additionally, on [date], I went to the school’s listed address. While the signage is present, the interior appears abandoned and filled with unrelated items, folding chairs, and bags. There is no visible classroom setup, instructional materials, or professional reception area. This raises serious concerns about the legitimacy and operational compliance of this business.

Requested Resolution:

• Refund for unused driving hours and issuance of the certificate of completion for the classroom portion,
  OR

• Full refund of the entire course,
  OR

• Immediate scheduling and completion of the remaining 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction.

I also request that your office review this school’s licensing, physical location, and business practices to ensure compliance with Illinois regulations.

I went to the Howard Driving School address listed on their website and promotional materials (315 Madison St, Oak Park, IL 60302). The storefront appears abandoned and does not look like an active business location. The exterior has the school’s name, but the interior is cluttered with unrelated items, folding chairs, bags, and boxes. There is no visible classroom setup, instructional equipment, or professional reception area one would expect from a licensed driving school. This raises serious concerns about the legitimacy and operational status of the business.