We offer a comparison of Gulbenes Auto-Moto and Presto Driving School, updated in December 2020.

The table shows CSDD statistical data and the most important information about each driving school. Below the table we have provided a detailed comparison analysis – read it carefully!

	PRESTO Autoskola		Gulbenes auto-moto school
Year of establishment	2012		-
	Branch locations and number
Riga region	34		-
Zemgale region	9		-
Vidzeme region	6		8
Kurzeme region	12		-
Latgale region	5		-
	Team
Lecturers	32		3
Instructors	35		6
Training languages	LV, RU, ENG		LV, RU
	CSDD statistics 01.12.2020 (last 6 months)
Theory	98.38%		95.79%
Driving	B: 42.68% A: 33.82% Others: 27.78%		B: 42.86% A: 77.42% Others: 78.89%

Training quality

Why is it worth paying attention to CSDD statistics and what do they mean? They show what percentage of students from a particular driving school pass the exam on the first attempt. This also helps a future driver estimate how they might perform in these exams when choosing a specific driving school.

A lower percentage means a higher probability that additional money will need to be spent on retaking exams, for example the category B theory exam costs EUR 12.63 and the driving exam costs EUR 38.52.

Theory

Students of Gulbenes Auto-Moto passed the category B theory exam with a success rate of 95.16%. Presto students demonstrated an even stronger performance – 98.38%. It should also be considered that the number of exam participants differs significantly between the two driving schools. From Gulbenes Auto-Moto, 248 students took the CSDD exam, while from Presto 927 students did. Accordingly, 236 and 912 students passed the exam.

A larger number of students helps evaluate the results more accurately and objectively. The greater the number of cases in the data sample, the more reliable the statistics. It can be seen that Gulbenes Auto-Moto results are also high, however there is still a 3.22% higher chance of paying again for the exam – EUR 12.63.

The latest CSDD data shows that Presto’s distance learning platform delivers the best exam results among all 5 platforms.

Driving

The training level of Gulbenes Auto-Moto in the category B driving exam is 42.86%. A total of 147 students took the exam, of whom 63 obtained their driver’s license. Presto Driving School’s result is 42.68%. A total of 485 students took the exam and 207 obtained their license. The success percentage is very similar, however it should again be considered that more than twice as many new drivers from Presto took the driving exam, which means the percentage shown by Presto is statistically more reliable.

Service

By service we mean the level of services included in the price. Service significantly differentiates one driving school from another – not only by the way training is organized but also by how much time must be invested in formalities and how much freedom the student has.

Unlike Gulbenes Auto-Moto, Presto Driving School offers:

• The contract can be reviewed online before signing;
• The contract can be concluded remotely (distance contract) without visiting a branch;
• All driving school services can be fully paid on the website;
• Free instructor change during practical training – you can obtain your driver’s license faster and cheaper;
• The Presto profile clearly shows theory and practical lesson schedules;
• Electronic document flow (administration) – faster results;
• A total training cost calculator on each training category page;
• Articles on the website and videos on the YouTube channel to supplement theoretical and practical training for all categories;
• Video assistance about every training nuance and the services offered by the driving school;
• Ensuring continuity of training (catching up missed lessons, relocation) throughout Latvia;
• The largest network of driver medical commissions in Latvia;

Promotions

Gulbenes Auto-Moto offers a discount for students, however overall there are no visible current promotional offers on the driving school’s website. Unfortunately, a future driver also cannot immediately see a section describing expected costs. To find this information, it is necessary to call, send an email or ask in person.

At Presto, on the other hand, the approximate costs are clearly visible right away. Students are also offered a motivating promotion – if exams are passed within the specified time, the driving school covers expenses up to EUR 51.15. This promotion was created to encourage more focused and faster training, allowing each student to reach the finish line sooner.

Contract analysis

The total cost of training is a considerable investment, therefore it is important to carefully review the contract and, if necessary, show it to a lawyer to make sure there are no hidden risks or additional obligations (hidden costs).

Gulbenes Auto-Moto does not provide an option to view the contract online. To review it, you will need to be patient. In some cases it may be sent by email for review, but it is also possible that its content will only become known when signing the contract in person. In short, it is best to clarify all important questions on site. It is also worth considering why the driving school does not openly publish the contract on its website if there are no hidden pitfalls.

The Presto contract, on the other hand, describes the training process in detail, leaving no room for hidden costs. You can review the Presto Driving School contract here. The contract is valid for 1 year.

Reviews

The Gulbenes Auto-Moto website does not provide a review section. It is also difficult to find a separate Facebook group where experiences of other students could be explored. In contrast, Presto has the largest collection of authorized reviews in Latvia; they can be sorted by instructors, lecturers and the driving school as a whole. No other Latvian driving school website has as many authorized (genuine) reviews as here.

Complaints

The complaint portal sudzibas.lv is popular but sometimes not objective. The reader must evaluate the context – the nature of the complaint, the driving school’s response, and whether the case was resolved or not. It should also be considered that there is a correlation between the size of a driving school, the number of clients served and the number of complaints.

All complaints are anonymous, therefore it is better to rely on what acquaintances say or try the service yourself. On this portal you will find complaints about many driving schools – it should be understood that anonymous opinions are often unreliable.

Sources:

presto.lv
www.csdd.lv
www.gulbenesautomoto.lv
autoskolas.com

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