I had a rocky experience with Rightway. Going into the first lesson, the instructor was extremely nice, helpful, and encouraging. However, the second and third lessons were a big anxiety roll... See more
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The booking office has always been helpful but my instructor Diana is an incompetent moody driving instructor who has no patience and talks about other students! She doesn’t seem to have a passion for... See more
Company replied
The guy taking the phone order was so pushy he had my wife in tears. She is recovering from months in hospital and looking for some help to get back driving. He hung up and refused to take booking aft... See more
Company replied
My parents brought my 16 year old son a gift certificate with there hard earnt money this company took the money ($100 for 2 lessons) and now they are saying the certificate is only valid for 3 months... See more
Company replied
Company details
Written by the company
Rightway Driving is committed to providing the Gold Coast with quality, professional driving instructors and a local Customer Support team. We find this platform is typically home for those who put themselves above others, behave badly to our Customer Service team or generally can't take responsibility for their own actions and blame others. We do make mistakes. We work hard to correct them. This is why we remain the largest driving lesson service on the Gold Coast since starting in 1959. We would ask you take a balanced view of the feedback below and check out the hundreds of reviews on Google and Facebook. We wish you well with your learning to drive journey and hope we can be part of this awesome, life changing experience.
Contact info
28 Burnside Road, 4208, Ormea, Australia
- 07 5500 4000
- info@rightwaydriving.com.au
- rightwaydriving.com.au
2.0
Poor
20 reviews
Replied to 50% of negative reviews
Typically replies within 24 hours
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3/5 stars
I had a rocky experience with Rightway. Going into the first lesson, the instructor was extremely nice, helpful, and encouraging. However, the second and third lessons were a big anxiety rollercoaster for me.
During the second lesson, he was on his phone the whole time, sighing constantly and giving instructions at the very last minute. At times he didn’t say anything unless I spoke first. This made the lesson stressful and confusing, especially when I was trying to focus on learning and driving safely.
The third lesson was the worst. We did a mock test, and I was extremely stressed. Instead of using encouraging or constructive feedback, he repeatedly told me to “read a book,” bringing it up multiple times and saying, “If I were you, I’d read the book.” This was said in a very rude tone. It could have been communicated much more respectfully, for example by suggesting that I review the PDF before my test to help improve. Throughout the lesson he was also on his phone again, which made me feel like he wasn’t paying attention.
At the end of the lesson, he asked me if I knew what signalling was. As an Asian student, this question made me feel uncomfortable and upset, as it came across as mocking rather than helpful. I didn’t appreciate being asked questions in a way that made me feel belittled.
Overall, the experience made me feel very anxious and unsupported. Unfortunately, because of this experience I will not be returning and will be looking for a different driving school next time.
14 February 2026
Unprompted review
Do not purchase through this company
I purchased 10 driving lessons from Rightwayway on behalf of a domestic violence support service, paying over $800. I was experiencing domestic violence at the time, so I was grateful when they initially extended the lessons expiry for me.
However, when it came time to book, I was unable to reschedule any of the sessions. I had endometriosis surgery and was medically unable to attend 5 of my lessons. I offered to pay the small outstanding balance (around $50) due to a small price change, but this was denied. As a result, I lost over $400 worth of lessons (5 lessons out of 10).
Given that this involved a domestic violence situation and serious medical recovery, I find this treatment completely unacceptable. It’s also concerning to see similar complaints from other customers regarding inflexibility with their hard earned money and poor customer service.
I would caution anyone considering Rightway driving lessons, particularly if unexpected abusive life events or serious medical issues arise. They will steal your money and will not budge.
*edit*
The below response from right way is incorrect. I have tried countless times to reschedule these appointments to be told it is not possible due to “pricing changes”. Therefore these payment will be forfeited.
Upon the recent personal email response regarding this issue - as a 29 year old woman I have since been treated like a child via their email response and punished for writing this honest review. I was told “my words and actions have consequences” therefore I had been denied any help from this issue. This is exactly the issue with this company, they don’t offer help and punish you for posting honestly about them.
Despicable company. Do not purchase from here.
3 February 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Rightway Driving
Hi Chelsea. This matter, with all the relevant facts, was referred by you to the QLD Office of Fair Trading. The OFT judged in our favour and the matter was closed. We wish you well in your learning to drive journey.
No refunds given for medical reasons
Rightway Driving School did not offer any partial or full refund after I had to cancel my lesson due to an urgent unforeseen medical reason. It was also impossible to cancel same day as the booking. I waisted $85 on a driving lesson that I was unable to fulfil for medical reasons only. Considering the circumstance, at least a partial refund would have been appreciated.
14 March 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Rightway Driving
Hi Jade. Sorry you had to cancel your lesson with Karen. Unfortunately Karen had already travelled to pick you up and couldn't provide a refund on this occasion.
We have closed your account and wish you well with your driver training.
Find another company
My son had a good experience with driving instructor Guiseppe. However their customer support was rude and defensive when trying to alter an address that was entered incorrectly on my behalf. The company was not willing to be flexible even with notice via email more than 24hrs prior. I asked for a refund on my third lesson which cost me $83 and was told I’d get $59 back. Very disappointing customer service. I would definitely not recommend this company due to their inflexibility, expense and capacity to deal with disputes effectively.
25 March 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Rightway Driving
Hi Hayley, sorry to hear about your experience.
I have reviewed the call recordings and account details.
When you booked your lesson you selected Ashmore City as the suburb. Unfortunately you live in Burleigh and the chosen instructor works the northern Gold Coast (eg Coomera). We offered to meet you in Ashmore for the lesson which you declined.
As you were annoyed and unable to understand why an instructor couldn't service Burleigh (when they work on the north Gold Coast) you then asked for a refund on your remaining lesson voucher. This refund was processed in line with the terms and conditions to cover our processing fees for a change of mind purchase. I would describe the Customer Service team as "exasperated" rather than rude. They were trying to resolve your address error within the constraints of the instructor coverage and you were not prepared to work with them to find a solution. For reference, we have 3 manual instructors that service Burleigh Heads and all could have easily met your requirements.
We wish you well with your son's driver training and have closed your account.
Disgusting service
Disgusting service. Never use this company. They are able to cancel out of nowhere and take your money without refunding the full amount. Watch out.
16 February 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Rightway Driving
27/ 2 Edit: Great to see you have booked further lessons and your test :-)
Must be ok then?
OP:
Hi Joshua Yuan, looks like you spelled your name wrong. Leaving inaccurate reviews because you didn't show up for a booked service is not really appropriate.
For those playing at home the multiple interactions with our customer service team are summarised here:
On the 15th of the Feb, you booked a lesson. Instructor arrived and messaged you at 8:20 and 8:27am. They called at 8:30, no annswer. They waited until 8:50 and left. You eventually replied "Sorry mate, something popped up, couldn't make it, cheers." As you can appreciate this lesson was forfeited.
Today, 16th Feb your lesson was cancelled due to the extreme weather. QLD transport have also cancelled testin today in several test centres. That lesson was added back you as the instructor cancelled it.
You then contacted our test centre demanding a refund on both of these lessons. You were informed that your refund will be processed on the lesson today in line with the T&C and that you were not able to get a refund on the lesson where you failed to show up.
You then threatened to "leave bad reviews everywhere" - and here we are.
As always, we wish you the best in your learning to drive journey.
The guy taking the phone order was so…
The guy taking the phone order was so pushy he had my wife in tears. She is recovering from months in hospital and looking for some help to get back driving. He hung up and refused to take booking after I asked him to back off with his aggressive questioning. Rightway would do well to get rid of this person and hire someone with a little respect and patience
10 January 2024
Unprompted review
Reply from Rightway Driving
Edit 27/2
Hi Mal, we managed to work back through our records and sort this out.
- Your wife was calling to book lessons and the credit card payment declined.
- Her discussions with our consultant were very pleasant (we have reviewed the recording)
- You became irritated in the background and eventually came on the call and became abusive.
- Our agent attempted to calm you down and then terminated the call in line with our abusive call protocols.
Your wife and our agent were later able to book her lessons once your credit card issue was resolved. We also recieved the following feedback from your wife:
"Hi
I would like to apologise for my husband who got angry with the fellow I was talking to on tbe phone a little while ago. His criticism was totally unwarranted and unacceptable and I apologise profusely! The fellow I was talking to was kind courteous and very helpful.
Please pass this on to him
Cheers"
Thank you for giving us this opportunity to review our process and verify the level of service being delivered.
Origial Reply
Hi Big Mal. We maintain call recordings of all interactions and would love the opportunity to review this call with staff member. If you can please email your complaint details to info@rightwaydriving.com.au we would be happy to follow up for you.
Do NOT book with Alan at Helensvale!!!!
I am beyond disappointed and appalled from my recent service. What I have been dragged through, I wouldn't wish upon my worst enemy!!! Recently I attended a manual driving lesson through Alan and in preparation booked for 5pm however, this 'professional instructor' arrived at my residence at 5:31pm on the dot. After the late arrival I was mocked and ridiculed for not familiarising myself on the basic cabin controls and functions, despite my friendly and optimistic attitude. Before the lesson had begun, he was aware I had already completed 95 hours in an automatic vehicle and have driven a manual car on one occasion prior yet continued to belittle me due to different procedures that I had previously learnt from 3 other professional instructors through Rightway Driving School. He proceeds by questioning me on how I enter a vehicle then corrects me by providing instructions on how to monitor the treading, back wind wipers, headlights and tyres of his car for approximately 20 minutes prior to even entering the car. We finally continue by entering the vehicle however spent the remaining 40 minutes of my lesson discussing how to adjust my seat, mirrors and steering wheel and sitting idle in the stationary car as he converses with me employing anecdotes from when he learnt to drive with his uncle. Not ONCE was the gearstick function mentioned during the 40-minute discussion, only devices that are both present in automatic and manual vehicles. As my lesson was concluded and we still had not driven, a maximum 15-minute trip from Helensvale Plaza to Coles Hope Island was completed. I was extremely unsatisfied with my service so I called Rightway and respectfully submitted a complaint over the phone. I heard back later that week and was informed compensation would not be provided “as they are a booking service”.
4 August 2023
Unprompted review
Reply from Rightway Driving
Hi Chloe, sorry to see your level of dissatisfaction with your first manual lesson with Alan. We asked Alan for all his notes on your lesson after you raised your initial concerns. His records indicate the following communications and lesson outcomes.
- sms sent to you at approx 3:35 pm indicating he would be 15 to 20 mins later for your 5 pm pick up
- just after 5pm he messaged again to let you know he was on his way from Ashmore. Unfortunately traffic is one of those unpredictable factors at that time of day on the GC.
- his initial part of the lesson is to assess your ability, knowledge and experience to plan a safe and productive lesson. This is also a requirement of the TMR assessment criteria.
- your assessment for this was marked as 3/10 against the criteria
- some time was spent getting your seating position correct. Transitioning from auto to manual does require some adjustment. These 2 items are part of the TMR assessment when going for your licence
- you requested that Alan terminate the lesson at Hope Island as it had started late. He was happy to alter drop off based on the circumstances of being late.
- Alan confirmed you drove approx 12 km / 20 mins with a total lesson time of approx 70 mins including a debrief at the end of the lesson.
As noted above, the vehicle set up is an important and mandatory element of learning to drive. Based on your assessment on the day 3/10 (with 10 being competent) Alan confirmed to us that you did receive appropriate value for your investment. He also offered as a good will gesture to add an additional 30 mins of time to your next lesson booked with him.
I hope that clarifies our previous communications on this matter.
Terrible Instructor
The booking office has always been helpful but my instructor Diana is an incompetent moody driving instructor who has no patience and talks about other students! She doesn’t seem to have a passion for teaching so don’t really know why she is doing it she clearly gives off vibes of not wanting to be there and couldn’t care less. Just happy to take the money.
7 April 2021
Unprompted review
Reply from Rightway Driving
Hi David. Thanks for the multiple reviews on this issue. As previously outlined we take genuine feedback very seriously. On this occasion you do not come up as having completed any lessons or even registering with our driving school. Please confirm your details by email info@rightwaydriving.com.au Diana has worked in our customer service team and as an instructor for Rightway and your description seems very out of character. We would be happy to follow up your concerns once we can verify your experience.
Excellent driving instructor and very helpful school
I'm from Brazil and already had my full Brazilian license but had to pass the driving test again to obtain my Australian one. I took some classes with Tim who was extremely professional and patient with me. He explained all the different rules I should be aware of when passing my test in Australia and I ended up obtaining my license with ZERO mistakes. Tim was the best instructor and I could not recommended him enough. The school helped me to book my driving test and we very friendly every time I had to speak to them over the phone to confirm my classes. Thanks again for helping me out with this, you were all amazing.
8 December 2020
Unprompted review
I have a learner license from Australia also International
I have a valid international licence in Australia also I have learner license from Australia too but the people from your company try to make me lost my international license because you told lies about the rules in Australia. You are totally unprofessional people. You want to take advantage about internationals but I am lucky because I am resident here also I know the rules but your employers try to take advantage about money also give me wrong advice about here. You be honest and give me back all the money I pay there.
I went to this academy to take a class but the instructor was totally unprofessional also they don’t care to teaching you. I have really bad experience.I hope you never booking or doing anything there. They scan people also the instructors are dodgy
26 June 2020
Unprompted review
Reply from Rightway Driving
Hi Laura thank you for your feedback again :-). As you are aware this issue was due to your international licence not being valid to drive on. This is an issue between yourself and Qld Transport. As we could not reach agreement with you on a plan forward we were happy to refund your unused lesson costs. I trust you have been able to rectify your licence issue. All the best.
Instructor Leearna is the best!
My experience with driving instructor Leearna was just incredible! She is a lovely lady who is unlike any instructor I have ever had! She truly resembles a great mentor and I highly recommend booking a lesson with her!
20 June 2020
Unprompted review
Reply from Rightway Driving
Thanks Tayla
Stay away from this company
My parents brought my 16 year old son a gift certificate with there hard earnt money this company took the money ($100 for 2 lessons) and now they are saying the certificate is only valid for 3 months ....Nothing on the certificate says this .....bad customer service I would certainly not recommend a company that takes money off people and has use of that money for 6 months then refuses to offer any sort of service for it ....karma comes back to bite people who treat people this way
23 January 2020
Unprompted review
Reply from Rightway Driving
Hi Heath... to save time I am just copying my reply to the other comments from your family. We don't give in to bullying and threats, it was your own interactions that determined the outcome you received.
Hi Michelle. Given that you and multiple family members have carried through with your threats regarding social media I have just copied my reply below. We don't give in to bullying and threats, it was your own interactions that determined the outcome you received.
Hi Michelle. Sorry to hear that our products didn't meet your needs. As your whole family has decided to post multiple negative reviews I have just replied once and copied it below. Exec Summary: We don't respond to bullying and threats. The product you purchased was a heavily discounted product aimed at filling short term capacity (hence the reduce 3 month expiry). Full details are below.
Hi Harry. Thank you for following through on the threats and blackmail that we were exposed to in relation to this matter. I am sorry that you misunderstood the product requirements for the discounted lesson package that was purchased. I have reviewed our call recordings and all communications on this matter and see that the call centre staff have followed all terms and conditions and acted professionally to resolve this matter. As you will see our dispute procedure requests that you put your concerns in writing. While I accept that your family did email your concerns the attached threats to post against us on social media and report us to the ACCC were unnecessary. At that point we resolved to apply the terms and conditions and not give in to bullying behaviour.
In relation to your purchase. The package was purchased online for $99 (3 hour lesson package). This very discounted package is used to drive short term capacity for the business and is therefore sold on the basis that it has a 3 month expiry date (and a huge discount). I have verified that the Invoice emailed to the purchaser confirmed the 3 month expiry for the package purchased. This is also clearly displayed on the system prior to requesting payment. Our staff were NOT involved in the purchase, it appears that the terms and conditions of this special deal were not passed on by the purchaser.
The certificate referred to in your comment was created by our call centre team when requested by the purchaser who wanted something to physically "gift" the recipient. We were happy to oblige and generated a generic certificate that indicated the package purchased online. The certificate also states that this certificate has no value and all terms and conditions apply from the sale. We provided this as a matter of goodwill once the request was received. I am sorry that this additional information supplied at the purchasers request has caused confusion.
In addition, your comments regarding the ACCC gift certificate rules are obviously not clearly understood. These rules apply from 1st Nov 2019 and your online purchase was completed several months before this. The rules are not retrospective and our current digital gift card solution is fully compliant with the legislation. In any case, it does not apply to your product purchase it only applies to gift cards.
To prevent any further concerns we have cancelled your account and wish you well with your driver training.
For the dedicated readers: Check out our fully ACCC compliant gift certificates with 3 year expiry!
DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY
DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY! The instructors are great. DO NOT buy gift vouchers they do not honor them. They offer a 12 month expiry date if you purchase off their website. Office of Fair Trade says they have to give 3 years! They do not. I would use a more reliable and reputable company.
23 January 2020
Unprompted review
Reply from Rightway Driving
Hi Michelle. Given that you and multiple family members have carried through with your threats regarding social media I have just copied my reply below. We don't give in to bullying and threats, it was your own interactions that determined the outcome you received.
Hi Michelle. Sorry to hear that our products didn't meet your needs. As your whole family has decided to post multiple negative reviews I have just replied once and copied it below. Exec Summary: We don't respond to bullying and threats. The product you purchased was a heavily discounted product aimed at filling short term capacity (hence the reduce 3 month expiry). Full details are below.
Hi Harry. Thank you for following through on the threats and blackmail that we were exposed to in relation to this matter. I am sorry that you misunderstood the product requirements for the discounted lesson package that was purchased. I have reviewed our call recordings and all communications on this matter and see that the call centre staff have followed all terms and conditions and acted professionally to resolve this matter. As you will see our dispute procedure requests that you put your concerns in writing. While I accept that your family did email your concerns the attached threats to post against us on social media and report us to the ACCC were unnecessary. At that point we resolved to apply the terms and conditions and not give in to bullying behaviour.
In relation to your purchase. The package was purchased online for $99 (3 hour lesson package). This very discounted package is used to drive short term capacity for the business and is therefore sold on the basis that it has a 3 month expiry date (and a huge discount). I have verified that the Invoice emailed to the purchaser confirmed the 3 month expiry for the package purchased. This is also clearly displayed on the system prior to requesting payment. Our staff were NOT involved in the purchase, it appears that the terms and conditions of this special deal were not passed on by the purchaser.
The certificate referred to in your comment was created by our call centre team when requested by the purchaser who wanted something to physically "gift" the recipient. We were happy to oblige and generated a generic certificate that indicated the package purchased online. The certificate also states that this certificate has no value and all terms and conditions apply from the sale. We provided this as a matter of goodwill once the request was received. I am sorry that this additional information supplied at the purchasers request has caused confusion.
In addition, your comments regarding the ACCC gift certificate rules are obviously not clearly understood. These rules apply from 1st Nov 2019 and your online purchase was completed several months before this. The rules are not retrospective and our current digital gift card solution is fully compliant with the legislation. In any case, it does not apply to your product purchase it only applies to gift cards.
To prevent any further concerns we have cancelled your account and wish you well with your driver training.
For the dedicated readers: Check out our fully ACCC compliant gift certificates with 3 year expiry!
The customer service team quite simply…
The customer service team quite simply do not care. I emailed the dates and times of my daughters test and called to confirm, I needed to check some details and said I would call back to pay. I did call back on 2 different days and left messages for my calls to be returned, which they were not. I then finally got hold of Rightway and was told I did not book! Not true as I had called and emailed...I was then lied to by the customer services agent and told they had just listened to my previous call......What rubbish it takes hours to retrieve that sort of information?
They are dishonest and unprofessional. Shame as the driving instructors are really nice.
22 January 2020
Unprompted review
Reply from Rightway Driving
Hi Trudy. Generally we strive to maintain a positive view on feedback and use it to reinforce outstanding behaviour or rectify problem performance. In this case your ridiculous and libellous allegations need to be factually corrected.
I have personally reviewed the recordings for your calls. Despite your belief that we are unable to do this so efficiently, we do have an immediate recall on our recordings. In terms of the customer service level you have received I note that you were able to quote back the detail from your previous calls accurately relating to the test day service. During a call that lasted approximately 8 minutes and 30 seconds our agent professionally and courteously guided you through making a plan. The complication in the booking was that you had 2 booking ID's (and therefore a new times) and the student had decided to use their own car for the test. Our agent went through multiple solutions with you to avoid a car or person being stranded should the student fail their test. It was apparent the complexity of the logistics caused you a problem and you note on at least 5 times during the call the "you will have to talk to your husband & boss" and "have a think about" what can be done. You reiterate on a number of occasions that you will call back to confirm. No booking was made and no payment was taken. On Wednesday, 15 January 2020 at 6:42PM you emailed requesting a booking. On Thursday 16th January at 08:02am (next business day) we emailed you the following . "Hi Trudy,
Thank you for contacting us, to book in the test day service you will need to call us as we require the booking reference number to book in the test and we also require payment for this service which is $177.50, we look forward to hearing from you, have a nice day.". I have been contemplating adding the voice recordings to a public page so that people can listen for themselves about our professionalism.
In terms of being dishonest - wow we have worked with you on each occasion to meet your needs, which you could not even accurately articulate to us when making arrangements with our call centre staff.
Thanks for confirming that the instructors service levels met your expectations.
I am deeply sorry that you feel so aggrieved by the service you have received. I have removed the student from our system wish you well with your future driver training.
amazing instructor
i was taught by a very experienced teacher who took me through all the maneuvers and was very relaxed calm and communicated in a way that made me feel confident with may driving confidence thank you Jan from the gold coast i would recommend this company to everyone
26 January 2019
Unprompted review
Jan at Rightway driving school
Jan at Rightway driving school was a fantastic instructor she made me feel comfortable while teaching me safe driving skills. I would recommend her to anyone.
25 January 2019
Unprompted review
Excellent instructors friendly and…
Excellent instructors friendly and reassuring all so.On time always
19 January 2019
Unprompted review
Creates confidence
Thorough training helped my confidence to bring out the best of my ability . Safe car to train in. Quality driving instructor whom was kid friendly & patient.
18 January 2019
Unprompted review
My instructor was lovely
My instructor was lovely. Kept calm which in turns keeps u calm had good chatter when appropriate talked me they road rules etc . 10/10 .
18 January 2019
Unprompted review
Reply from Rightway Driving
Hi Lani - Thank you for the great feedback.
Great service and great instructors
Great service and great instructors. Would recommend.
18 January 2019
Unprompted review
Reply from Rightway Driving
Hi Braden. Thank you for your feedback. We are glad you had a great experience.
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