Anyone else entering this new stage where you suddenly have a kid who is old enough to learn how to drive? Although many high schools offer driver’s education programs, they can fill up quickly, or sometimes there just isn’t room in your child’s academic schedule. After talking with other parents of new drivers, we found that learning this very important skill through a local driving school was the option that would work best for us. Thankfully, there are numerous driving schools throughout Chicagoland’s western suburbs! The thought of your child behind the wheel can be overwhelming enough—take advantage of this handy list to help you get started.
Driving Schools in the Western Suburbs
Asia Driving School
902A N Lake Street
Aurora, IL 60506
(630) 800 3060
In-class and behind-the-wheel driving instruction. Learn more about their teen driving program.
Michaels’ Driving School
Locations in Downers Grove, Addison, and Arlington Heights
(630) 833-6211
This driving school has been helping area teens learn to drive for 70+ years. See the class schedule.
Ultimate Driving School
1310 Plainfield Road
Darien, IL 60561
30-hour course for teen drivers offers classroom instruction only; behind-the-wheel not included. (As of August 25, the class was only offered in Orland Park.) Sign up for driving-only courses separately.
Top Driver
Locations in Western Springs, Hinsdale, Elmhurst, Downers Grove, Lombard, Wheaton and Naperville.
(800) 374-8373
custserv@topdriver.com
Offers various programs ranging from silver to diamond, based on the number of behind-the-wheel driving lessons you would like for your child. City driving lessons as well as specialized programming for students with ADHD or other executive functioning disorders are available.
They also provide great parent resources to support your new driver in the skills they are learning, as well as a step-by-step outline of the process teens will need to take prior to obtaining their driver’s license.
Excel Driving School
Locations include Oak Park, Western Springs, Wheaton, Naperville, and St. Charles
(630) 983-9235
contact@exceldrivingschool.com
In business for 30+ years. Offers several packages for teens ranging from basic to complete, including permit prep and car maintenance classes, as well as a parent night.
Responsible Driver
Locations include Brookfield, Burr Ridge, Darien, Downers Grove, Hinsdale, LaGrange, and Willowbrook
(630) 974-6700
contactus@bearesponsibledriver.com
Standard to elite packages available depending on the number of behind-the-wheel driving hours desired.
Howard Driving School
315 Madison St.
Oak Park, IL 60302
(708) 386-7040
howarddrivingschool@hotmail.com
Located in Oak Park since 1985 with basic to advanced plus program options. Complimentary in-home pick up and drop off for behind-the-wheel lessons for students who reside in their local area.
Allegretti’s Driving Academy
902 Madison Street
Oak Park, IL 60302
(708) 445-0400
allegrettidrives@yahoo.com
Student package available for young drivers with the ability to purchase additional lessons at an hourly rate. Classes offered at a variety of times to fit within the busy schedules of teens.
International Driving School
1516 W. Lake St.
Melrose, Park, IL 60160
(708) 344-1500
internationaldrivingschool1516@gmail.com
Offers a teen program course for young drivers. Permit exam prep and flexible scheduling services are a few of the perks they offer.
Looking for more helpful hints and inspiration for your teens? Check out our awesome list of unique experiences for teens! Then, head over to our fun guide for tweens and teens in Chicago’s suburbs for even more ideas!
