This is my experience with one "Santro Driving" school, Koramangala, Bangalore(near BDA complex). This driving school appeared first on google search for " car Driving school Bangalore". I called them up. After that I got some 10 calls from Mr.Imran until I met them and paidup the next day.
Fee varies from person to person. I paid 3700Rs. Some others I spoke paid 3400+. Its all negotiation.When I spoke for the first time, I was offered:
10hrs driving class
4hrs simulator class
And 4hrs simulator can be converted to 2hrs Car Driving( its also Printed on the hourly tracking Card)
1hr session on essentials like changing Tyres, checking oil etc.( gives professional "impression"!)
I was kind of impressed on hearing all of this. Before this, I had spoke to one " Horanadu "driving school near koodlu gate, singasandra. The call was answered by the owners house wife every time, telling what documents to get and directions to their school. Gave an " unprofessional" impression on the school. Dropped it then and there. And then came "Santro".
Now my real experience with Santro:
. OF THE TOTAL 10HRS, I EFFECTIVELY DID DRIVE FOR 6HRS ONLY. Exact reasons:
One driver Janardhan, took 2hr class for me. He would sit next to me. I am on the drivers seat, but Steering wheel is actually completely in his control. I mean, like he steers the steering wheel with one hand. This is done usually when its difficult curve and when squeezing in narrow lane. Yes its required then. But Janadhan takes control 80% of the time. I once took of my hand from the steering wheel complete and didn’t even touch for him to understand. He just said, "what can I do if you cant drive". He drives straight to his home or something near Ejipura(Passport office). And leaves you waiting for 20mins(yes it was a sunday). Driving to his house is 20mins from Santro office, 20mins waiting, 20mins driving back to office. 1hr of class overrrrrr. He may claim, he is taking you into narrow lanes of Ejipura for your learning. Senseless when he is in complete control(you can safely take ur hands off the wheel:-).
This happened for 2 days, i.e. 2hrs of my 10hrs. This is direct 2hrs loss. This experience left me really disappointed. I did not take this issue to the owner, Mr.Imran, as I knew from my experience like I will no get my 2hrs back anyway. And another issue is getting Imran on phone. he never picks up.
. Another driver Kumar took some 4hrs session(on card). Actually just 3hrs. 1 hour loss is because HE ALMOST NEVER COMPLETES A SESSION, A 2HR SESSION IS DONE IN 1.6HR. He takes you into the city, drives long distances(to domlur, indiranagar.). during this, a 1hr session gets extended to 2hr session WITHOUT your permission and you are helpless as you are some where far off from the office and you wont check the watch often. This because a slot is vacant, somebody missed his session.
Regarding the lost hours, he would say that he will certainly make up for these hours in the next sessions. I reminded him on my 8th hour session. He said that he covers the highest number of kms which no other driver does(Means you are compensated there). After that he stopped picking my phone, and was ready to give back my GURUDAKSHINA. hahaha.
And this GURUDAKSHINA! he asks for. 301Rs. luckily I paid only 200hrs.
. Next is Mr. Imran. I asked him to change 4hrs of simulator class to 2hrs Driving(as printed in the card). He said clean, 4HRS SIMULATOR CAN BE CONVERTED TO ONLY 1HR DRIVING(PRINTING MISTAKE IN CARD, NOT 2HRS). finish. I did not ask further.
. Now my driving sessions done. Going for DL test.
I realize now, PROMISED 1HR SESSION ON CAR MAINTENANCE LIKE TYRE CHANGE, OIL CHECK ETC NEVER HAPPENED.
Next is the Driving License test by Koramangala RTO:
Some 50-60 people asked to be at the Santro office by 8:30 A.M for the test. The first Santro person comes at 9:00. OK fine.
Now the RTO inspector surprises me with questions like:What is section 2a? 5a ba. sectionx, y .what do you when driving uphill. Thats when I realize that at my Santro school " NO TRAINING ON SIGNALS, RULES ETC. THERE IS A MANDATORY SYLLABUS FOR THIS FROM THE GOVT. AND IS PART OF YOUR TEST @rto. And these are actually very important safety issue while driving.
Fortunately, this inspector was just like " showing off". He is bribed fully.
Before ending a few additional points:
. No easy point of contact:
Imran never picks the phone for weeks together. If he picks by accident, call cant last for more than 10secs.
. customtakeoutER CARE NO: 08032550377 ON THE CARD IS LONG DEAD. I called the other numbers in the card to fix the training session, got a rude answer: go check your card for the correct number, call cut.
. Some times THE PERSON AT THE DESK, who seems to be handling all paper work can be REALLY RUDE. He does not mind shouting at the customtakeouters. take care here.
. NOT so good cars. and once you get cars with power steering, and some times normal steering.
ONE+VE POINT Santro SEEMS TO HAVE GOOD CLOUT WITH the RTO. DL COULD BE EASILY GOT, however you drive(better try not to get over the footpath).
Thats it, this is about Santro Driving school. Now you know something about Santro. Plan your negotiation keeping these points in mind(if you have chosen Santro). Else be prepared mentally for these, you wont have to crib after.