FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
When you learn the facts about Buckle In Driving Academy, you’ll know why we offer the best drivers education training in Muskegon, Grandville, Ludington, Ravenna, Kalamazoo, Portage and beyond for you and your teen student. Our classroom and hands on learning offer advantages other schools don’t. Learn more below.
In what locations do you offer classes?
We serve the areas of Kalamazoo, Portage, Muskegon, Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Norton Shores, Grandville, Ludington, Ravenna, Grand Rapids, and beyond. We currently have physical locations in Grandville, MI, Kalamazoo, MI and Muskegon, MI.
Are you licensed by the State of Michigan?
Yes, Buckle In Driving Academy is licensed by the State of Michigan. All instructors are also licensed by the State of Michigan and complete over 180 hours of training.
What do I need to bring the first day of class?
Teen Segment 1 students need to make sure they have the following:
- Original Birth Certificate
- Available drive times
- Must fill out a Teen Segment 1 contract the first night of class
- Something to write with
- Glasses if needed for the vision test
Teen Segment 2 students need to make sure they have the following:
- Level 1 License (must have been issued for 3 months)
- Driving Log (minimum of 30 hours and 2 must be at night)
- Teen Segment 2 Contract
Do parents need to attend the first day of class?
Yes, We will hold an informational parent meeting on the first day of class. You will also need to be there to fill out the contract
How and when will I sign up for driving times?
The first day of class we will schedule all drives with the kids. Please send their availability for the next 6 weeks with them. They must complete 3 drives prior to taking the written test. If schedules don’t align to do that, we will have to delay them taking the written test. All drives must be completed within six weeks from the first day of class
What happens if a student misses a class?
Buckle In does allow a student to make up a maximum of two missed classes. These classes will need to be made up in another Teen Segment 1 class. You must make up the day you missed. So if you miss day 4 you must make up day 4 in the next available Teen Segment 1 class at any of our locations.
What if there is a snow day?
Based on the weather conditions when classes or drives are scheduled will determine if they are cancelled. The instructor will notify you within 2 hours of classes or drives if they are canceled.
WHAT IF I DON’T CANCEL A DRIVE WITHIN 24 HOURS?
If you don’t cancel a drive within 24 hours there will be a $25 fee charged to your account. All fees must be paid in full to schedule future drives and receive your certificate of completion.
WHEN DO I NEED TO PAY FOR CLASS?
We require a $100 deposit. If you need to cancel, the deposit is non-refundable but can be transferred to another class or location if you notify the office in writing 7 days prior to the first day of class. The balance will be due the first night of class via cash or check. This will need to be paid in full before any drives are scheduled and to continue in the class.
What kind of cars do you use?
We use a range of vehicles so students can have different experiences with different vehicles. These range from midsize cars to crew cab pick ups. All vehicles are late model 5 star safety rated with a dual brake pedal giving instructors complete control.
What if I don't have an original birth certificate?
State documents verifying your age will work also such as State ID card, or a Passport
How many drives do the students need?
You will need (6) 1-hour drives on separate days. You will also need (4) 1-hour observations in the car. There will usually be two students in the car at a time. So when scheduling your drives it is good to set a two hour block up so they can drive and then do their observation. NO cell phones are allowed while in the car at any time.
I am over 18 years old can I still take Segment 1?
Yes, you must first obtain a Temporary Instruction Permit from the SOS office. You will also need to fill out the adult contract.
What if my student has a learning disability OR IEP?
Please let us know when registering for the class and we will assist them in any way we can. If your child has an IEP we will set up a separate date after the original test date to have the test read to them.