I swear theyll make you fail on purpose so theyll make money of you, the guy is always on the phone and then hell just tell you you did that and that wrong and youre disqualified. It wont worth your money and time just take at i5 school I passed by 100. I just dont know what kind person own this business. SMH

I failed today.... No worry, Ill re-take on Thursday. I was too nervous and I violated a traffic rule. 😫😒 Wish me the best on Thursday 😑

Scam me for my money. Asked for a refund and they told me they’re going to process it as long as I don’t attend any classes. I complied but everytime I check for an update they are always saying that they need to resend an email to the owner about it. It’s been 3 months. Now today I called again they said they’re going to make sure it’s refunded and told me to call back at 5 pm. What happens after that ? I call 20 times and no one answers the phone now. $575 gone and I didn’t even attend the classes

Literally the worst driving school. unprofessional and their staff is always late to everything. I scheduled for a test may 23 at 8:30 am at auburn and they scheduled me at burien??? don’t Ever go. it’s not worth the time and money

I took my drivers skills test here and it was not worth it!! I feel like they fail you on purpose so they can make money off of you. On top of that, you have to use their car, which was exteremely dirty. The guys who observed my test was extremely rude and was on his phone texting the whole time. He failed me by 2 point when he wasnt even paying attention to the drive. Just take your test at I5 driving school, I passed with a 96 :)

Seems like a hustling outfit. Instructor took me on a route where I could not see to turn. I stopped at line, waited, then pulled forward a bit to see past a large vehicle, stopped again and then proceeded, and he called it a rolling stop. I guess I should have just whipped out into traffic. Stay away from this place.

After taking the time to meet with the instructor, I noticed that this place isn’t a bad place to learn. They are fair, calm, and open to let you ask anything you need to know before you start your exam. I didn’t know what to expect due to communication in the past but when the time comes just let them reach out to you and help you get to where you need to be. I learned to give them time and they will make things beneficial for you.

They theoretically have an answering service ... They tell you that you are next in line every time, and then the service tells you that theyre sorry, but they cant talk to you right now, so leave a message They dont call you back. Spend the extra $100 and get some better customer service, is my recommendation ! : ((

Love the teachers! Very easy going but do teach you a lot! If I had a chance I’d definitely go again.

I am a recent student of NorthStar Driving Academy, and I can say without a doubt that they live up to their motto- Driven to save lives.I signed up for the September online course, and was unsure at first as Ive had bad experiences with online high school/college courses in the past. By the second session, all of my doubts were gone- I made the right choice. (If you live in the Auburn/Covington/Federal Way/Tacoma) region, youll know theres tons of choices.)Mr. Richey was both my classroom and behind-the-wheel instructor, and not only is he competent, hes courteous, nice, professional, and respectful of ALL students.His sessions are interactive, and have varying levels of intensity while still keeping a cadent pace so that students that can take notes and observe the material. The topics in the Drivers Ed 101 and Adult Driving Lessons (classroom setting) range from Drivers Ed 101 to Drivers Ed 401 (I dare say), as do his driving lessons.Both classroom and BTW (behind-the-wheel) lessons include rural driving, town driving, city driving, freeway driving, emergency maneuvers, and so much more, all in a defensive setting (which youll need - especially teens!- if you drive in the PNW!). While the classes are on zoom (COVID-19 Pandemic), he offers text-chat during the session to ask questions, and reserves 10-20 minutes after class to verbally ask and answer questions.Mr. Richeys Emergency Maneuver driving (BTW) lesson (#4) is ESPECIALLY valuable, and will teach your child or yourself life saving lessons in a heartbeat.For the record, I just completed my drive exam with Mr. Richey, scoring a 94 (Average 82). I passed the knowledge test on the first try with a 93 (Average: Fail on the first try) thanks to his class. So, whether youre a parent of a teen, a teen themselves, or an adult...I HIGHLY recommend NorthStar Driving Academy.Just remember to take notes and be engaged in the curriculum!!--A 24 year old adult, and newly licensed driver, Camden.(EDIT: Seen many negative reviews regarding the drivers exam, which are just plain false. Mr. Richey makes it clear that he NOT acting as an instructor, but an examiner BEFORE the exam. He does not mumble, he gives clear, concise directions. He does not try to confuse or trick students/test-takers. It is up to your eyes, and your mind to pass the test. You can do it!!I have also seen negative reviews regarding timing? Mr. Richey was nearly always on the dot for my drive lessons, sometimes even early. The one time he was late, he texted me *15 min* in advance of my lesson that hed be a whopping 5 min late.He did have to miss something like two classroom lessons. That was due to a severe family emergency, and he was back within a day, capable as ever.Regarding COVID protocols:-In the car, windows are open, all wear masks.-In the classroom, all wear masks.-There is no (and I quote) dirty classroom. In fact, its amazingly clean, spacious, and fascinating.

I liked it very professional no wasting time good customer care.

Very poor service. Scheduled date for drivers test and got cancelled the day of the test, then got a call from the company saying that they need to reschedule 3 weeks later on another day. When they called they never gave out a time for that set date and showed up at the previous time that was scheduled and was closed. Had to call again to figure out what time to take the test, which was at a later time and at night instead of daytime and DMV would already be closed for the day. Would not recommend going to this place for a driving test. Very unsatisfied.

THIS PLACE IS DIRTY EVERYTIME I GO THERE. Unprofessional as well. It’s like they are the ones that need to learn how to drive ! Don’t come her unless you want to get your permit when your 25.

Do yourself a favor and go with a different company; ANY company other than this one. The staff is not only very rude, but theyre communication is terrible. My son took all of the written tests, which he passed, but they NEVER scheduled him to do the mandatory drives. He 100% thought he was done with the course and no one said otherwise. Six months later (Aug. 2020) I reached out to them, but could not get a hold of anyone and finally had to contact the DOL, who finally got Northstar to respond to me. They were totally content to just take our money and not fulfill their obligation. Horrible company. Cant say enough bad things about this place.

Amazing team of driving instructors and office/phone staff! Highly recommend!

I had a good experience here. Was able to schedule appointments for both knowledge and skills tests.

Amazing Instuctors 100% worth it

Not only are they not following current safety protocol with the lines of teenagers out the door, inches apart with no masks, I have yet to see them disinfect a testing car. Staff is consistently rude and dismissive when approached with conflict.

Bad Bad customer service cancel my son driving 1 hour before his road test. No emphatiy whatsoever the girls in the office rude. Ive heard the CEO is good but the girls in Auburn that schedule you is bad attitude and dont pick up the phone when you call. Please dont waste your time.Anyway 1st time driving school by Safeway save me and my son she schedule right away sooner and my son have license now.

It was honestly amazing going here. Smaller classes and the teachers are amazing! They prepare you alot for the written test. Cheaper then any other school I know in auburn. Great learning environment.

Very unprofessional business, absolutely atrocious. Very disrespectful.

Instructor took points off my drive because he was absolutely not clear on anything and when I’d ask a simple question about what he wants me to do he’d repeat himself in a language I. CANNOT. UNDERSTAND. but only he can understand! When I get my license I might file a lawsuit agents northstar in general, the service and practices are extremely republican! Smh

I paid over $500 for the package they suggested and quite frankly, I dont even know what they teach. I believe the teaching comes from home like with parents. They are just there to take money.When I first read the reviews, I didnt believe that driving schools only fail students in anticipation of retaking the test so they can collect the fee.... till it happened to my daughter. She will be taking the drive test for the 3rd time.They failed her with 1 point, really....Is that how greedy this company is...Shame.....Its their leverage in my mind...Companies like this should just be shut down because the reputation and word of mouth goes a long way.

Unprofessional and always canceling poor experience

I would give them 0 stars. Horrible customer service. They schedule driving lessons for high school kids in a middle of the day without notifying parents and then charge you for not showing up.

This place needs some happiness

When you look this company up, youll be enticed by the $30 price. And man oh man, you really do get what you pay for. I made the HUGE mistake of scheduling on a Friday with this company. Turns I wasnt informed there would only be one instructor working all day. I showed up early, only to find that the building was locked. This should have been the first red flag, but I was determined to do this today so I called the lady over the phone again where she assured me the instructor was with another student. Since I already paid, I just had to wait for him.The instructor finally arrived way later than what was scheduled. He was already in a huge hurry to rush the whole process. I had a bad vibe about him the moment I first saw him. The dude was dirty and smelled weird. I mean come on! These guys couldnt have bothered to at least APPEAR professional. I had already prepared to show him all the necessary paperwork. They accept your proof of insurance in just about any way and I somehow thought it would be a good idea to use the phone app. Seriously, the one time I really had to use the app, it didnt work. The instructor gave me five minutes before he was going to deny any service to me, but there was no way I could get that terrible app to work in five minutes.As much as I feel absolutely cheated for something that was completely out of my control, you need to read the fine print. This company will be glad to take your money for a service you may or may not use and they wont bother refunding you at all. And witnessing how unprofessional the trainer was, I doubt anybody was going to bother to do their job adequately that day. Unless youre completely desperate, just do yourself a favor and avoid this company at all costs.

Registered daughter for skills test and prepaid for scheduled Saturday. Later they called to confirm Tuesday of the following week. We canceled and requested refund. 2 email excuses and 12 days later I have to open a PayPal dispute which my case was in my favor. Do not waste your time with this unprofessional institution.

Wow! What a joke this place is. I can write a whole page about what this place is all about and how.horrible they are and only for your money but I dont want to stress myself writing every details that happened. Make things short, save your money. Not worth coming here. Better of going somewhere else. Young lady at the front was nice and generous. Thats about the only positive thing about this place. Heck, id rate this a below 0 star.

I am a current student at the covington North Star driving and all these bad reviews are not true. I have passed the class with a few drives left and I honestly wish I had more time with my new friends and an awesome instructor who makes driving way less stressful while still teaching us student about the responsibility of driving. Go to North Star driving it is worth your money and time dont listen to nay sayers.

This is honestly one of the best classes I have ever taken in my life. Chris the drivers Ed teacher makes the class interesting and a great learning environment for all of his students. Every one in my class i know for sure has passed the test with no problem, because the experience within the class was great, from the classmates getting along, to the instructor, down to the customer service. the class is affordable and has great seasonal deals to try to accommodate many people. Another thing that makes this class great is that Chris goes above and beyond in his class to make sure his students all pass. I took this class almost about 1 year and a half ago and im still able to send Chris text messages full of driving questions and somehow he finds a way to answer the right way. i honestly would recommend this class to you and anyone really because i came here not knowing anything about how to drive or even change a cars oil and tires but now i can without being nervous because i took NorthStar Driving Academy with Chris!

They have horrible customer service. I have called, left messages, and emailed multiple times, and have not received any response. I just need to finish a couple of drives to get my license, but they won’t get back to me. Do not go here!!

BEWARE OF THIS COMPANY!!!! They NEVER return phone calls when you have a question. Leads us to believe they are dishonest, or hiding. Manager is NEVER available and NEVER returns phone calls! As long as they have your hard earned $$ they dont care. Appears from the reviews we are not the only one whose $$ they took without completing the service!!

Paid $30 for the test. Came there and the instructor was definitely not made for this. He told my wife to park behind some car, and after she tried to get him to clarify which car (because there were multiple cars), he would not do that. Than just wrote Language Barrier on the slip, and failed her, after she did the rest of things fine (parallel parking, turns, etc.). Called to reschedule with someone who doesnt just mumble, and they said we have to pay again, and they would not give us money back!! rip off. Please do yourself a favor and go to different location, or something other than NorthStar Academy. Unless you want to donate your money to them, just for them to write Fail on your slip, than have you come again and pay $30, than again...Not a bad business strategy right? 4 students per hour, thats $120/hr. I could afford a living!!!We actually met other customers, that came second time, and were not happy because the guy got failed for driving by school, while the sign 20mph not blinking - so regular speed limit applies, and there were kid somewhere on the side with backpack, so he should assumed there was school, and should of went 20mpg, not 25.

Personable and knowledgable. Reasonably priced and offers diverse learning applications.

I had Josiah for my DOL drive and he was great. I was reading reviews before I came in and people were really harsh so I was abit scared. I was alittle late and he still let me take my drive! Defiantly recommend this place

Ok, so Im a student who actually went through this school. First, pretty much all the charges that they list in the contract, they honestly dont do. The driving instructer has you ask politely for a pen, and thats it. Mr. Chris is really the best instructer that i could imagine. He makes the class fun, but makes sure we learn what we need to. I got my drives, classes, and observation done in 5 weeks. I had a surgery right after my classes ended, and the people there worked hard to make sure i finished before that happened. I dont know what happened to the other people, but honestly they arent right. This is a good school, and Im taking my drive test there.

Terrible instructors and not worth tbe money. They are unorganized and never prepared

They mark answers wrong on your test even when they are correct according to the DOL practice booklet.

This place is a ripoff and they dont give a s*$$ about people there all they care is about money and every thing is paid in advance and be careful read everything before signing.

Pretty bad scheduling driving classes even went you had already pay for that..