For many years, Shining Star Driving School in Wethersfield, CT, was a popular choice among aspiring drivers. Known for its dedicated instructors and comprehensive driving programs, the school helped many students earn their licenses and gain confidence behind the wheel.
However, the school is no longer operational, as it was closed by the state in September 2023. Initially, the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) had only suspended the license, asking the institute to restore it. But when the school violated an agreement to restore that license, the state shut it down.
While the shutting down of Shining Star Driving School in Wethersfield, Connecticut, seems like a thing of the past, many people still wonder exactly what went down.
If you are a former student of this institution, an aspiring driver, or someone who simply wants to know more on the topic, you have come to the right place. Today, we will explore what happened a year ago and some of the best alternatives to this driving school.
Let’s begin.
Why Did Shining Star Driving School In Wethersfield, CT, Close?
The Shining Star Driving School was originally based in Manchester, CT. It was thriving and had received positive reviews from some students. The success of Shining Star Driving School in Manchester, CT, encouraged its owner, Antoinette Khan, to open another branch in Wethersfield, CT.
However, this new beginning came to a cease as the school’s license got suspended effective immediately in early September, 2023. The suspension of Shining Star Driving School’s license came after an investigation by the DMV uncovered compliance issues and violations of statutes and regulations. The DMV also raised concerns about the school’s operation and the qualifications of its instructors.
While specific details may vary, DMV license suspensions for this particular driving school resulted from regulatory violations, including:
- No license to run the driving school in Wethersfield Location.
- Failing to meet safety or operational standards.
- Unclear details about school’s operations.
- Issues with the proper certification of instructors.
- Non-compliance with state-mandated requirements for driving schools.
DMV vs. Shining Star Driving School
Due to some positive shining star driving school in Wethersfield, CT, reviews, it was uneasy for many locals to see this institute lose its license. Everyone, including the students of the school at that time, was asking DMV for the reasons, and the officials finally made the details public.
The top reason why this driving school’s license was suspended because it did not have official or government permission to run in the Wethersfield location. The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) cleared that they had notified the owner throughout 2022 that her application for the proposed Wethersfield location was denied because it failed to meet requirements.
However, it came as a shock to the government body when one of their analysts saw students receiving driving licenses on the site for which a license was never provided by the office.
In result to this, DMW contacted the school in July 2023, reminding them they were operating a business in Wethersfield despite not having a license to operate there. Getting no response from the institution, DMV did an audit of the school, revealing that Ms. Khan was giving classes and even signed nearly 190 electronic certifications after her instructor’s license expired on April 25, 2023.
The DMV also discovered that there was another individual in the school providing young and adult driving lessons without holding one himself. Plus, the owner was keeping most of its school’s records at the unlicensed Wethersfield location.
Reinstation Of The License Failed
One of the most crucial things to understand here is that DMV did not shut down the institute immediately. The government body only suspended the license initially. The DMV officials at that time declared that they would work with the driving school’s owner within the means of law to reinstate its license under a “stipulated agreement.”
However, this too did not go well, and the Shining Star Driving School was closed due to violating the agreement at the owner’s end.
The agreement was signed between the owner, Ms. Khan, and DMV Commissioner Antonio Guerrera at that time. The terms of the agreement included:
- The payment of a $5,000 civil penalty.
- Changes to the school’s operations, including the storing of all records at the Manchester location and a ban on providing driving instruction at its unlicensed Wethersfield location.
- Instructions to provide free lessons to students who took or paid for classes on or after April 26, 2023. This also included students who had their electronic driver education certificates signed on or after that date.
As per the signed agreement, the DMV would have restored the Shining Star Driving School’s license once all the terms had been fully executed. However, the school would have required DMV’s direct approval before it could begin accepting new students at any of its locations.
Unfortunately, the school and its owner, Antoinette Khan, violated an agreement to restore the license, leading to the closure of Shining Star Driving School, leaving many prospective students in search of alternative options in the Wethersfield area.
What’s Going On With Shining Star Driving School in Wethersfield, CT, At Present?
As of December, 2024, the Shining Star Driving School in Wethersfield is closed. However, efforts to reopen the facility under a new name are being made.
Zahid Khan, owner of Atlas Driving School in West Hartford, and husband of Antoinette Khan, had initiated to open a “branch office” of his institution at the former location of Shining Star Driving School.
In October 2023, the Shining Star Driving School had filed an “interim notice” with the Secretary of the State of Connecticut that indicated Zahid Khan had replaced his wife as the company’s manager and principal.
He even had given the statement that he was not involved in any manner with the situation of Shining Star Driving School that led to its closure. In addition, he also took ownership of the school with plans to reopen it under his own instructor’s license in January 2024.
However, these ambitious plans of Mr. Khan’s have faced regulatory hurdles, including the inability to gain a new license and issues with local zoning applications. The DMV has stated that any attempts to operate under a new identity must fully comply with state regulations before approval is granted.
With so much going on, it is not wrong to say that the revival of this driving school in Wethersfield is seeming to be impossible. But you do not worry.
If you are seeking driving lessons in the Wethersfield area, considering alternative, reputable driving schools may be a better option. Take a look at the list above and let me know if you would like more recommendations.
5 Easy Tips To Finding Alternatives to Shining Star Driving School In Wethersfield, CT
Whether you are looking for a reputable driving school in Wethersfield or the surrounding area for yourself or your teenage kid, there are several other good options to consider. Just like I always have tips for first-time car buyers, I also have some of my pointers for driving school seekers.
These tips are something that I have collected over the years, and they will surely help you choose the right one whether you are looking for driving schools in los angeles or Connecticut:
Check DMV Certification
Foremost, ensure that the school you are choosing is fully certified and licensed by the Connecticut DMV. It does not mean they should have the latest 2026 cars to teach you. Simply, knowing that they are properly licensed guarantees that they meet the state’s standards for driver education.
Ask About Instructors
Experienced, patient, and certified instructors are key to a successful learning experience. Thus, don’t hesitate to ask about their qualifications. It is always better to have a one-on-one interaction before signing up. This will tell you if the person truly knows about their work or not, and you can proceed accordingly.
Evaluate Curriculum and Training Vehicles
The best driving schools offer a balance of classroom instruction and hands-on training in safe, modern rides, including gasoline, hybrids, and electric vehicles.
Make sure you understand their curriculum well. Also, learn about what kind of vehicle you will be getting your training in. You can do so by visiting the school in person.
Examine the ride carefully. If it seems poorly maintained, the institute is not right, as such a ride raises questions against safety.
Compare Pricing and Scheduling Options
Look for a school that fits your budget and schedule. Many schools offer flexible class times, including evening and weekend options. Not only this, some schools even offer flexible pick and drop. So, compare carefully the price and schedules of different schools, as this will help you greatly in narrowing down your options.
Read Reviews and Testimonials
A good reputation is often a reliable indicator of quality, whether it is driving school or driving gloves. Look for the institute online and check what their previous students are saying about it. In addition, you can ask around the locals to get a better idea of the school and its pupils.
Top 5 Recommended Driving Schools Near Wethersfield, CT
As the Shining Star Driving School in Wethersfield, CT, is no longer present, many people are looking for better alternatives to enroll their loved ones to learn the must-have skill of driving.
Here I have a few nearby driving schools you may want to consider to get your learner’s permit and the full-fledged, valid driving license:
1. AAA Driving School
- Location: Multiple branches in Connecticut, including nearby areas like West Hartford.
- Contact Number: (203) 937-2597
- Email: Not publicly listed; use the contact form on their website.
- Website: AAA Driving School
- Services Offered: Comprehensive driver education, including the 8-hour safe driving course, teen driver education, and adult driving lessons
The AAA Driving School is known for its professional instruction and trusted curriculum. Many students commend the staff for their effective teaching methods, making driving less intimidating.
The clean, well-maintained vehicles and the focus on road safety and awareness are particularly appreciated. You are not going to get a Lightning McQueen to hone your driving skills, but you will get something that will make you familiar with modern car technology.
A few reviewers mentioned occasional scheduling challenges but noted that the overall experience remained positive for them.
2. The Next Street
- Location: Offices across Connecticut with locations near Wethersfield.
- Contact Number: (800) 732-8090
- Email: Not listed; online inquiries are encouraged via the website.
- Website: The Next Street
- Services Offered: Flexible driving education programs, including for teens, adults, and senior drivers. It also offers online and in-person classes.
The Next Street Driving School in Wethersfield is often praised for its flexibility with personalized training programs and experienced instructors.
Online reviews state that students feel well-prepared for the driving test thanks to a curriculum that emphasizes practical experience. While some suggest improvements in communication, the school’s approachable teaching style and commitment to safety have made it a popular choice.
3. Epic Driving School
- Location: Offices across Connecticut, with a focus on tailored programs for individual needs.
- Contact Number: (203) 336-9999
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Epic Driving School
- Services Offered: CDC-guided safe driving classes, group lessons, and personalized schedules
Epic Driving School in Wethersfield, CT, is praised for its flexible scheduling and skilled instructors who build student confidence. Many commend the practical training and supportive teaching style.
However, some criticize delays in communication and challenges with refunds. While instruction quality is strong, clearer administrative processes could improve the experience for the customers.
4. Knepler Driving Schools
- Location: 388 Main Street, Monroe, CT 06468 (with additional locations in Stratford, Shelton, and Trumbull)
- Contact Number: (203) 268-6040
- Website: Knepler Driving Schools
- Services Offered: Teen & adult driver education, behind-the-wheel training, defensive driving courses, special needs driver training, DMV test preparation
Knepler Driving Schools is known for its experienced instructors and well-structured curriculum. They offer tailored driving lessons for both teens and adults, focusing on safe driving practices.
The school is especially praised for its comprehensive training programs and personalized approach, offering both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training.
They also strictly adhere to NHTSA standards for novice drivers, making learners feel more comfortable on the road. Some students note that while scheduling can be busy, the overall quality of instruction remains a key strength.
5. The Driving Whisperer
- Location: 124 Simsbury Road, Avon, CT 06001
- Contact Number: (860) 836-7450
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: The Driving Whisperer
- Services Offered: Teen and Adult Driver Education, Anxiety-Free Driving Lessons, Customizable Lesson Plans, Road Test Preparation, Refresher Driving Courses, Special Needs Driving Instruction
The Driving Whisperer in CT offers a unique approach to driving instruction, focusing on helping its students with anxiety or specific learning challenges.
Its customer reviews often highlight the calm and patient nature of the instructors, which helps students build confidence and skill in a low-pressure environment.
The school’s flexible scheduling and personalized lesson plans are particularly appreciated, though some students recommend early booking due to high demand.
Conclusion
The closure of Shining Star Driving School in Wethersfield, CT, serves as a reminder for everyone of the importance of oversight in driver education.
This is not something to be taken lightly, as you will be learning a survival skill of the modern world. You can never rely on advancement in technology like autonomous driving systems. To be able to operate such high-end features, you first need to have the necessary knowledge yourself.
Thus, when choosing a driving school, make sure they are DMV certified, plus they operate in full compliance with state regulations and maintain high standards for safety and instruction.
