Official Driving School

Negative experience: Worst Instructor, Mrs. Cat

Negative experience: They do not value your time at all. All the zoom meetings started late, they canceled 2 drives for me and 4 for my brother, and the certificate was a week late. Also, after you complete the segment one test, you have to sit there doing nothing while the other kids finish. My brother and I sat there doing nothing for an hour. They do do a decent job teaching you, but I am unimpressed with there timeliness.

Fantastic experience: This place is great, the instructors are fun, Wade needs a raise, he is so funny

Positive experience: We have a 2nd child here. The in car instructors have been great! The online, scheduling, and communication portion is fairly bad. Our first son had to miss an online class and rescheduling it was **terrible. Our second son had to do the same and it was a little less terrible. They make it sound like you just sign up for another one, but they don't exist online. Do not email them, they do not reply! CALL and press star for a call back is the best way to get answers. If a kid takes the test from segment one are the results posted? I do not see them anywhere. There should be a printed (or emailed) checklist given to parents for every step of the way in segment 1 and 2. This can be made a lot easier than it is.

Negative experience: Avoid at all costs if you want to be able to schedule your child’s drives in a timely manner. Would not recommend to anyone.

Positive experience: Updating... Three behind the wheel scheduled.

Fantastic experience: Ben was great! He helped my daughter feel comfortable and confident as a new driver! He was also so accommodating with his schedule! Definitely recommend!

Fantastic experience: After years of putting off driving I finally took the step to learn and I couldn’t have asked for a better instructor than Rachel K. Super nice, knowledgeable and reassuring. Would definitely recommend

Fantastic experience: My name is nathan f and we had a great instructor to help us stay on track and ready for the test

Fantastic experience: My daughter took sessions 1&2 in Rockford, but was not comfortable with instructor, which led to her not wanting to drive. I set up extra time in Grand Rapids. She drove with Gary Strong and it made all the difference!! His calm approach and encouragement was exactly what she needed. He also gave me tips as a parent riding with a new driver that really changed the dynamic. I highly recommend Gary as an instructor.

Fantastic experience: Ben is a great driving instructor. My daughter really enjoyed having him, and she learned a lot from driving with him. We definitely recommend him.

Negative experience: It’s so great that car number 126 is teaching students to speed on the highway in construction zones and cut off other cars that are clearly stopped/merging into the other lane because THE SIGNS SHOW LEFT LANE MERGE! The instructor was even laughing and waiving at the other cars on the highway. What a great way to teach teens how to be a safe and responsible driver.

Fantastic experience: This was the greatest experience. My teacher was Jason M. Barnes, he’s the best. He taught me tips and tricks which helped me along all my drives. Jason was amazing and I am really glad I had him as a teacher and may God bless him.

Negative experience: Terrible.

Fantastic experience: Thank you Rachel! Rachel is an excellent instructor. She made me feel confident while driving. She is patient with mistakes and her instructions are direct and precise. I took lessons with other teachers from another driving school, but they made me nervous all the time and thought that driving is very difficult to learn. I am glad that I decided to contact Official and I was lucky enough to have Rache to instruct me. After a few lessons with Rachel, I felt confident and my driving skills improved.

Fantastic experience: Mohammed A i had Robin and she was a great instructor

Fantastic experience: Ben is a great instructor easy to understand and I patient. Makes drives enjoyable

Negative experience: What a miserable experience. They don’t honor the schedule they set at the beginning of class (over the course of a three week class, they’ve “rescheduled” two classes to fall on nights that we didn’t sign up for), the driving times they offer require kids to skip school unless you’re lucky enough to be one of the first in lines, and their customer support keeps sending us information for classes on the other side of the state. I know drivers training is never going to be a GOOD experience, I just truly didn’t realize how a badly conducted business could make it so much worse. The “convenience” of online classes was completely offset by the obvious disregard they have for their customers. EDIT: Laughably, after the “we’d love to make it right,” their customer service person was completely unable to help and told me I’d have to call back a week later in order to get a time for the test that THEY cancelled on US. So for those of you wondering if their responsiveness on Google Reviews indicates an attempt at customer service, it does not. It’s just window dressing.

Fantastic experience: What parent isn't nervous to drop their child off for the first time for drivers training? Gary made it a smooth and easy experience. I'm thankful for all of his years of experience and for the gentle way in which he teaches. My son had a fantastic experience because of Gary!

Fantastic experience: I was very satisfied with the way Ben instructed my daughter. Good place with good and friendly people.

Positive experience: It was a god class, i learned a ton from it. My instructor was really fun and laid back. But sometimes i got very boring. My instructor was Mrs. Tulip. Very good teacher.

Negative experience: This place is just terrible!!! Daughter took phase 1, told her she didn’t pass test and to retake early next year. Signed up after new year and go to take test on Saturday, they turned her away because they forgot to mention she needed a new study guide because new year. She had 2 days essentially to study from new book, before test they said just show up for. Went in a 3rd time and they realized she did actually pass first time, just corrected it wrong. So here we waited 2 months, waisted because they were incompetent. Also, I wish I knew the guys name who was a jerk and jumped at me when I didn’t have a mask on. In front of the whole class etc. only later to apologize because he realized he wasn’t professional. The sign in the door said all students must wear a mask, I was not a student but a parent. I would run far from this place…

Negative experience: Most of the instructors don't take the course seriously, one even commented that he likes making people mad

Fantastic experience: Mrs Tulip was a awesome teacher and helping me learn on my 4th online class

Fantastic experience: I cannot emphasize enough the invaluable assistance we received from Official Driving School, particularly from Mr. Garry, in helping my wife adapt to the driving culture here in the United States. As a green card holder who had always relied on public transit, the transition to a car-reliant society was initially overwhelming for her. While I did my best to support her, we both recognized the need for professional guidance and instruction. Official Driving School, with Mr. Garry at the helm, played a pivotal role in ensuring her success. Thanks to their tailored private lessons, my wife not only gained the necessary skills but also the confidence to take her driving test, which she passed on her very first attempt. Mr. Garry's unwavering support, patience, and encouragement were exactly what she needed to feel at ease behind the wheel. We consider ourselves extremely fortunate that the school paired her with such an outstanding instructor. Without hesitation, I wholeheartedly recommend Official Driving School to anyone seeking top-notch driving instruction. Thank you, Official Driving School and Mr. Garry, for making this transition smoother and safer for my wife. Your dedication to your students is truly commendable, and we are immensely grateful for your exceptional service.

Positive experience: This driving school was recommended by a few friends, however it’s been definitely a bad experience. There are not drive times available. First test was rescheduled from 9/13 to 10/5 and my son still doesn’t have drive time completed. Only was able to schedule one time drive out of three so far. It is very difficult, we checked the website consistently but we never know when spots will be available, for example I checked this morning around 8 and when I checked back at 9 they open some spot but was already booked. There is no way we can checked this website every single minute. They should have a be system that allow students know when the website will be open with nspots, or only allowing people to book one or two slots at a time to save spots for others. After we paid a lot of money it is ridiculous that we cannot get this completed on time. I sent a email asking when more spot will be available and if there was any way we can receive an alert or something letting us know when will be opens and Ilisha reply this “ We are aware that drives in your area are currently unavailable please keep checking website portal” unbelievable! For now, I would definitely not recommend using Official Driving School.

Fantastic experience: Sean M, 09/12/2023, My instructors name is Mr. Cyle. He makes dad jokes everyday and makes jokes about how he hates the voice of some people in a video and It makes me laugh. He is a cool guy though he does not let us talk in class it is still fun at times. 28th street driving school. Segment 1 class.

Fantastic experience: tynan goebel, robin,

Fantastic experience: Austin S had a great experience. Cyle B was a fantastic teacher and instructor he took the questions and slides very serious which was great because it allowed me to learn the subject manner that much better, and how serious it all is. He also had hilarious Dad jokes. THANKYOU Cyle.

Fantastic experience: I had mr.cyle he was amazing and tight very well. Md M

Fantastic experience: Very well educated and classes were good. Instructors were all very helpful and nice! The only thing I noticed is the shortage on staff and not enough drive times for my whole class right away. My instructor was Mr. Cyle and he was funny and extremely knowledgeable with dealing with wintry conditions. He’s great! I would recommend. -Izzy S. 9-12-23

Negative experience: This driving school came recommended by a few friends, however due to recent changes, it’s been a very poor experience. There are no drive times available and my daughter has only gotten 1 drive in 3 weeks and we don’t have any other drives scheduled in spite of the State of Michigan requirement to complete the course and driving within 6 weeks of the start date. I hope they find a better system soon (like only allowing people to book one or two slots at a time to save spots for others), but for now, I would definitely not recommend using Official Driving School.

Fantastic experience: I took private driving lessons in Grand Rapids. My instructor was Garry Strong. I am foreigner and he helps me with my weak points in driving. He taught me a lot of new things, helped me to put into practice the rules of driving in Michigan, and most of all - he finally taught me how to park. I am very grateful to him and recommend him to everyone, especially people who are unsure of their skills. He is a true teacher. By the way, he is always calm and has a very nice sense of humor. The lessons are fun. I passed my practical test on the first try and the examiner asked me - who taught me to drive like that. Gary rules!

Fantastic experience: 10/10 the instructors are incredible. Mr cox was the best.

Fantastic experience: Official Driving School was absolutely amazing for my family! So far 1 of my daughters and 1 of my sons has attended and successfully completed Segment 1 through them. One of their driving instructors, Mr Billings, has been so amazing. He was kind, patient, caring, and understanding through it all, even when my children struggled a bit. I very highly recommend Official Driving School, and especially Mr Billings, to anyone looking for an excellent driving School for their children! Thank you, Mr Billings!!! I would give you 100 stars if I could!

Fantastic experience: A good driver trainer she show you how to do the right things not speed of go slow make your turns at the right time

Fantastic experience: I had Mr. Cox for driving lessons and in class. He made the classes fun and he is very patient, knowledgable, and helpful during the drives.

Fantastic experience: They do a good job

Fantastic experience: The instructors are so fun, they teach you a lot of things but also make some jokes to make it less boring :) I learned so much, I'm so close to getting fully licensed. This place is amazing!

Fantastic experience: Savannah B. Segment 1. I have Ms. Rachel and she is so nice and makes sure we have fun and stay into the lessons.

Fantastic experience: Kymen C Yall are awesome

Fantastic experience: Mr. Gary has been extremely patient, just the right amount of stern, and hilarious through my lessons. I highly recommend him to anyone nervous about driving

Fantastic experience: Mr. Rick is the worlds okayest instructor.

Fantastic experience: Drew S. Mr. Spagnoli was awesome 1/6/2023

Fantastic experience: Official Driving School is helping me learn a lot of information about driving and the process to sign up for drives and scheduling classes is really easy.

Fantastic experience: I took private driving lessons through the Grand Rapids location. My instructor was Garry Strong. I was very impressed. I am an older woman who has not driven in a few years due to health issues. He was very respectful, very kind, firm, brought me back to the basics from many years ago. I was able to get comfortable behind the wheel very quickly! I would strongly recommend this instructor and the services of Official Driving School.

Fantastic experience: Currently learning with Mr. Garry. I have had driving lessons with another driving school before. The instructors in my previous driving school never pointed out my mistakes and help me improve. They always kept telling me that I did well in everything. But Garry is different. He tells me what exactly is wrong with my driving in what situations. This information is very helpful for making corrections. I feel like I am finally learning to drive. Totally recommend him.

Fantastic experience: When I first showed up I was terrified because I was in an accident in 2021 and I was scared of driving. Gary, my instructor super nice he made me feel super comfortable behind the wheel in less than an hour! After I left I WANTED to drive more. You know you got a great instructor when you come terrified and leave calm. A few more drives and I’ll be ready for all types of driving!

Fantastic experience: Brooklyn's a great instructor for my child !

Fantastic experience: Garry was very helpful and his patience makes the experience better.

Fantastic experience: I love my teachers, they're all really understanding and patient especially with anxious drivers. If you know that you're going to be an anxious driver, sign up for classes with Ms. Brooklyn and Mrs. Catherine. They were both extremely patient with me. They're both very good at teaching and are very clear with what everything means especially because it's all a lot of information to retain. I really recommend Official Driving School!

Fantastic experience: Ms.Rachael was awesome. My first lesson was with her and i learned so much on the first day!!!

Fantastic experience: Jermaine H. Sept 22. Ms Brooklyn the best teacher fr

Fantastic experience: Mr.Cox was an excellent instructor. He made class fun NOT boring and actually interesting!!

Fantastic experience: Ms. Brooklyn is really cool and super fun instructor and Mr. Cox is a really fun teacher and always made me laugh in class

Fantastic experience: Ms. Hill was very informative on my drives, and gave me nice tips along the way.

Fantastic experience: Mohammed here. Brooklyn was such a good driving instructor, I was having the time of my life on every drive with her.

Fantastic experience: I really appreciated Mrs.Ramirez’s humor And her instructing skills def a 10/10

Fantastic experience: All of the instructors were great

Fantastic experience: Brooklyn is the best teacher that I have driven with!

Fantastic experience: Ms.Hill good teacher would recommend

Fantastic experience: Ashley Ramirez is a really good and impressive driving instructor!! 10/10 would recommend

Fantastic experience: Driving with Ms. Ramirez was a very good experience, she helped me learn in a way that was comfortable and effective for me. A great experience for segment 1 of drivers ed, I look forward to segment 2!

Fantastic experience: Wonderful program and the instructor Pam is above and beyond

Fantastic experience: Very nice teacher and driving instructors I liked having Ashley Ramirez and my driving instructor

Fantastic experience: great school, my instructor hill, catherine was very easy to learn from and drive with

Fantastic experience: Gary is the best!!! I would recommend this driving school to anyone. He taught me everything I needed to know. Now I have the confidence to take my road test.

Positive experience: I had Mr. Roberts for my 2nd and 3rd drive. It was incredibly stressful and confusing, especially for a new driver. He gave last minute directions, wouldn’t give clear instructions, wouldn’t indicate anything, and his car was really dirty. My last 3 drives were with Ms. Brooklyn!! She was very calm and bubbly, with a much more relaxed environment. She gave clear, early instructions and was very thorough. She made me feel much more confident and comfortable with all 3 of the drives! Definitely wish that I had her for all of my drives, but I wasn’t that fortunate. Would 100% suggest having her as your instructor! Overall, it was a good experience. I did my courses online, and it was very formal. Other than my 2nd and 3rd drive, would rate it 5 stars. Thank you! Fyi, This was for the 28th St Grand Rapids location

Fantastic experience: Samuel L. Cat is a very great instructor 7/21

Fantastic experience: Trenton Zapata is a great instructor that helped you in a way that was relaxing.

Fantastic experience: Ms. Kimberly is a great instructor, very nice and great help

Fantastic experience: I learned alot from my instructors escpecially Mr Garry, Mrs Kimberly and Mr Zapata

Fantastic experience: Mr. Garry is an excellent instructor. I never had experience behind the wheel until my first lesson with him. He taught me everything from scratch. He made sure I was comfortable and confident before he let me go on the road during the lesson; this was a great experience because he also built my confidence. He’s funny and professional, super knowledgeable about his practice. He looks intimidating but I assure you, he‘a quite friendly. He’ll build the skills you need to pass (I passed on the first try).

Fantastic experience: Ms. Brooklyn was really supportive and awesome. Great course!

Fantastic experience: I had a great experience with Official Driving School. Especially with Ms. Kimberly V, she’s a great teacher. She taught me so many tricks and tips to improve my driving. I really do recommend taking Official Driving School.

Fantastic experience: I'm a 38 yo with some health issues,getting my license and Mr.Garry has been Great he's understanding and is taking things at my pace,he's Is a 5/5 instructor.

Fantastic experience: Mr. Garry has been so patient and kind working with my husband. My husband suffers from a traumatic brain injury and anxiety and Mr. Garry has worked magic with him behind the wheel. Thank you so much!!!!!!

Fantastic experience: Great experience. Love the instructors.

Negative experience: The teacher Mr. Cox is very arrogant and rude. Not only did he blatantly disrespect me but he also called my school out for being “dumb” . Overall a terrible experience and extremely annoying teacher. 1/10 don’t recommend

Fantastic experience: MrCox is an absolute don definitely deserves a raise and anyone that’s had him would agree made learning fun and enjoyable and anyone that had him got blessed all I’ve got to say well deserved 5 star

Negative experience: This was horrible my 1st drive I had no clue where my Instructor was because he was late. After that my next 4 drives were smooth but my instructor let us off almost an hour early everytime and wasnt teaching me enough information. My 6th drive i had a instructor who had an attitude the whole time and was mouthing me off the entire time plz dont come here to this school

Fantastic experience: Ashley Ramirez is a good instructor who teaches very well!

Fantastic experience: Great place instructors are great especially Garry strong Ashley Ramirez.

Fantastic experience: All the instructors are very nice and extremely helpful. 10/10 recommended

Fantastic experience: My in car instructor was very nice wasn’t to hard when i messed up on little things and was very nice about things

Fantastic experience: My daughter said that they was great at explaining in great detail and very patient with her

Fantastic experience: Ayala Cesar - Helpful, kind, encouraging.

Fantastic experience: Mr. Ayala was a good instructor and was very good at iteaching turns and other driving manuvers.

Positive experience: He's chill

Fantastic experience: Mr ayala was a pretty good teacher

Fantastic experience: Definitely recommend Mr. Ayala. Always stayed calm throughout the drive and always made sure I was aware of road rules.

Fantastic experience: Mr. Ayala was a good instructor and was very detailed.

Fantastic experience: Amazing instructing from Mr.Ayala. Calm with the students and does not get frustrated. Always engaged with the students about how they’re doing in school and in life.

Fantastic experience: Mr.Ayala is very nice and understanding, he always make sure I feel comfortable while driving.

Fantastic experience: I recommend Mr Ayala. Very nice and cool teacher. Got nothing bad to say about him.

Fantastic experience: Great experience in class and in driving i drove with me Ayala great instructor kept calm entire drive and explained things really well.

Fantastic experience: Mr Ayala was a really good instructor, really knows how to explain things.

Fantastic experience: 10/10 of the instructors. Funny and know how to teach kids about cars Mr. Ayala 10/10 and Mr. Cox both great instructors to have

Fantastic experience: This place is nice all the instructor are to especially Mr. Ayala he's lit calm and a good teacher most down to earth person I know but overall great school 100% recommend you go here.

Fantastic experience: Mr. Ayala was a great instructor. He taught me how to drive safely and gave good guidance. He also taught me the steps to parallel parking and made great conversation.