DEARBORN (WWJ) - Hundreds of new drivers may have invalid credentials after an investigation uncovered thousands of violations committed by a driving education program, authorities said.
The Michigan Department of State (MDOS) suspended a Wayne County driver education provider’s authorization to operate following allegations of violating the Driver Education Provider and Instructor Act.
The violations were discovered following an MDOS investigation into a consumer complaint.
Epic Driving Education LLC, owned by Ameer Abusalah, is located at 5 Berwick Lane in Dearborn. The suspension took effect on Nov. 1. The suspension means that Abusalah cannot operate as an instructor and provider, authorities said.
Officials say there are a total of 6,643 violations from 2021 to 2023. Some of the violations include failure to provide training records, contracts and knowledge tests and failing to ensure students successfully passed a knowledge test prior to issuing a Certificate of Completion.
Hundreds of students attended the school during the time period the violations are alleged to have occurred, officials said.
MDOS is encouraging parents whose children attended Epic Driving School between 2021 and 2023 to contact them at Michigan.gov/DriverEdComplaint to confirm if their certificates of completion or driver’s licenses are still valid due to the violations. The Department of State cannot issue certificates of completion to students who took the courses.
According to a statement from the Secretary of State office, “Affected consumers can pursue refunds from Epic Driving Education LLC for services not fulfilled via the bank or credit card used to make the purchase. If unable to obtain a refund from the bank or credit card company, consumers may choose to file a claim with the Surety Bond held by Epic Driving Education LLC. Consumers may also file a formal criminal complaint and/or pursue civil litigation.”
People who have a complaint against Epic Driving Education LLC are encouraged to file a Statement of Complaint online at Michigan.gov/DriverEdComplaint.