Empowering Safe and Conscientious Drivers, One Student at a Time
At Macatawa Driving School, we are proud to serve our community and help students become safe and conscientious drivers. Our goal is to create a learning environment that fosters a positive attitude towards driving and enables students to develop self-confidence in their driving ability. We achieve this through a comprehensive program that includes classroom time, on-the-road drives, and range drives, all while encouraging parents and students to prioritize safety on the roads of West Michigan.
Our Program
Our program is engaging, interactive, and progressive, designed to hold teenagers' interest and prepare them for the road ahead. We believe that the right mix of practical skills and theoretical knowledge is essential for safe driving, and our program reflects that. Our curriculum covers defensive driving techniques, road rules and regulations, and safe driving practices, all taught by our certified instructors.
Our Instructors
At Macatawa Driving School, we only employ certified teachers as instructors, ensuring that our students receive the highest quality instruction. We carefully select each instructor from local schools, ensuring that they are highly qualified to engage with teens and help them experience success with driving. Our instructors provide humor, depth of insight, and positive encouragement in addition to practical skills necessary to be safe behind the wheel.
Meet the Team
Our team is made up of dedicated professionals who share a passion for teaching and a commitment to safety.
*Rob Ockerse* has a Bachelor of Science and Master Degree in Education from Grand Valley State University. He retired from Zeeland Public Schools in 2014 and has taught or directed driver education programs in Zeeland, Holland, Jenison, and Hamilton since 1990. Rob is dedicated to providing students with the skills they need to become safe and responsible drivers.
*Cherie Ockerse* has a Bachelor of Science in Business with marketing major from Central Michigan University. She has honed her administrative skills in various capacities and is committed to ensuring that Macatawa Driving School operates smoothly and efficiently.
*Ron Poole* has been teaching driver's ed since 2012 and has 38 years of experience in education at Holland Public Schools. He is an avid golfer and enjoys working with teens, helping them become responsible defensive drivers.
*Jerry Wallinga* has been teaching driver's ed since 1987 and has 31 years of experience in education. He enjoys working with beautiful young people and finds that no two days are ever the same in driver's ed.
*Sid Son* has been teaching driver's ed since 2000 and has 31 years of experience in public education. He enjoys building things and looks forward to fabricating a self-contained, all-terrain camper when he retires from teaching.
Our Locations
We offer Segment 1 and Segment 2 classes in various locations, including Zeeland, West Ottawa, and online. Our locations are designed to be convenient and accessible, ensuring that our students can attend classes without any hassle.
Our Commitment
At Macatawa Driving School, we are committed to providing the highest quality driver education programs possible. We welcome any questions, insight, comments, and suggestions, and we look forward to serving our community for years to come.
Overall Experience
Drivers had mixed experiences with Macatawa Driving School, with some having positive encounters while others faced difficulties.
Instructors and Teaching Style
Many reviewers praised the instructors, citing their patience, honesty, and ability to provide a supportive learning environment. They appreciated the instructors' approach to teaching, which included practicing real-life scenarios, such as getting gas and going through a car wash. Some instructors were also commended for sharing personal experiences and values, like sharing the Gospel.
Communication and Customer Service
However, several reviewers expressed frustration with the school's communication and customer service. They had difficulty contacting the school, with some experiencing unreturned emails and no phone number or voicemail. This led to issues with scheduling, refunds, and obtaining necessary documents.
Value and Professionalism
Many reviewers felt that the school provided a good value, with professional instructors and a comprehensive curriculum. They believed the program prepared them well for the driving test and even for long road trips.
Driving Techniques and Safety
One reviewer expressed concern about the driving techniques demonstrated by an instructor, which they felt were unsafe.
