High school—the time of learning responsibilities and independence—is the prime time to begin learning to drive.

I took driver’s education in Grandville through a program called Buckle-In. It was a very positive experience, with quality, genuine instructors, and a good group of students my age. We were allowed to sit wherever we’d like in the classroom, allowing us to get to know each other well. I ended up making a large group of friends I’d studied and discussed driving with. One thing I liked was that they’d hand out full packs of candy or large chocolate bars if you answered a question correctly and participated.

The experience started with us setting the dates and times that we’d be available to drive with an instructor or observe another student. We also scheduled range drives, which are where we drove with a car full of classmates among many cars in a large parking lot with cones everywhere. This is without an instructor and helps you learn and practice maneuvers like backing into parking spots, lane changing, doing figure eights in reverse, and parallel parking. It is something that this program does to get you used to a car and help with control. Typically, lasting 2 or more hours, it takes place on the weekend, both Saturday and Sunday.

Throughout Segment 1, we had classes almost every day of the week for two hours, and a long review that we’d fill out as we learned information through videos and slideshows to prepare us for the final. Drives and observation times took place throughout the week, usually before or after class. In most cases, you’d drive or observe first, and then switch with the classmate doing the opposite, though sometimes you’d be alone. All drives are completed with a variety of vehicles as well.

One of my favorite drives that this program provides is when we went through a McDonald’s drive-through to get a drink. We also took highway drives, which I enjoyed, and went downtown during rush hour to practice parallel parking and help get used to the stress of downtown busy streets. This segment ended with the test, which was relatively easy as long as you paid attention, and afterward, we celebrated with donuts and candy.

I haven’t started Segment 2, but I have almost 50 hours of driving and have been driving for over 3 months, so I’ll enroll once I get the chance. I look forward to getting my license, and I know that Segment 2 will go by very quickly.

Overall, I’ve had a good experience with the program, and I’ve enjoyed having the freedom to drive my family.