I have just sent my second child through Excel and yet again, impressed with their service. I live…read morein the Chesterton area and Excel actually comes to Chesterton to pick-up the students for their driving part of the course. The lecture section is still in Valpo, but it is well worth the drive. Both of my sons loved all the instructors and the office staff was very friendly to make sure all of my needs and concerns were taken care of and addressed. Thanks Excel!!!

From the owner: Our goal is to help new drivers in Northwest Indiana, of any age, become competent behind the…read morewheel, while practicing the habits needed for a lifetime of safe driving.

They did a wonderful job teaching my daughter the rules of the road. She got an A++, whoo hoo! It…read morewas a mix of classroom and behind the wheel learning. The instructors were fabulous, very helpful and friendly, she didn't feel that scared, which is good I guess. She definitely learned a lot and passed her exam on the first try. Thank you! I definitely recommend this place if you're looking for a good driving school.

So, there is a problem with the driving instructors. To be honest though, the teacher is very kind…read moreand is also a teacher at Portage High School and has no bias views on her students in her class that also take her drivers ed. Everyone is treated equally in the classroom. On the other hand, they do need to find new certified people for instructors for the driving position. Not saying that they are not but I am saying they need new ones, friendlier, young, and can be flexible. They also work all year, but they do have recommended seasons like spring and fall where they can get used to driving in changing weather.

SCAM! Save your money and look elsewhere! I paid for the online classes and emailed the school in…read moreregards to picking up the form. I was told the form wasn't ready so I waited. Emailed periodically again asking for the form and no one responded. Called a few times and left voicemails that were not returned. When I finally got a hold of someone I was told I was given incorrect information and the form would be processed when I went in person to pick it up. I requested a refund and the snotty staff advised me I would have to go in person to pick up a check but they would be keeping $50 for "processing". Why keep anything when the form wasn't processed? Why not refund my original payment method? Complete scam! Save your time, energy and money and go elsewhere.

Classes were good. Scheduling drives is a nightmare. Way behind the times. You cannot do it online;…read moreyou have to call. Most times I called, they told me "they didn't have the books. Call back later." I'd call back and suddenly they are full. My daughter will get her license late because we've tried all summer to schedule drives and it's close to impossible. Staff is not helpful.

tl,dr: Let my driver's license expire, needed a new one, plus a car to use for the driving test…read more Nova Driving School was fantastic. I moved back to Chicago after 14 years in SF and finally needed to get my license again, mainly so I could help my aging folks in Southern Indiana if I needed to. I don't own a car, and I didn't want to borrow one from friends, so I looked for a driving school that also provides a vehicle for the test. Nova kept coming up in the ads, searches, and on Reddit. But I still needed an instructional permit to drive for the driving test. I went to the downtown DMV, took the written and vision tests, and got my instructional permit. I bought Nova's "2HR BTW + ROAD TEST" package on their site, which included 2 hours with an instructor and the use of the car on the day of the DMV. Called a coordinator, and they got me set up for a Friday morning. I'd show up at 6am at the Elston DMV (closest to me), practice the route in their car, then take the driving test. I arrived at the DMV at 6 AM, where I met an instructor named Jamie. He provided an overview of the driving test, explaining what the examiners look for and what questions they might ask. After that, we switched sides, and I got behind the wheel for the first time in 20 years. I was relieved to find that everything came back to me. Jamie took me through the two variations of the route used for the test. The route was very short, consisting of about four to five turns. There was no parallel parking or interstate driving involved. (Please note that this is specific to the Elston DMV; other branches may have different procedures.) Another student arrived, so we picked him up, and I sat in the back while that student drove the route a few times. Then, two more students joined us, making it three in the back and one in the driver's seat, with the instructor in the front. Each of us drove the route 2-3 times, and we had the opportunity to ask questions. As my appointment time approached, I returned to the front seat and went for another round of the two main route variations. Got into the DMV showing my text confirmation of my appointment. They won't let you enter without revealing either the email or the text proof of your appointment. And this branch doesn't take walk-ins. Stood in the first line to get the paperwork reviewed. I went to the camera line to get a photo, then waited, went to a counter, had everything reviewed, filled out more paperwork, signed more things, went over to pay at the cashier, came back, and got my paperwork for my driving test. Went outside to wait to take the driving test. Note that you can't stay inside the building so dress warm if it's winter. The other guys had less complicated paperwork, so one was in line for the driving test. The other one was in front of me. Then I was next. But this is mixed in with all the different people taking the written test. I waited an hour for the car to come back from the other guy and then got in. The instructor drove me around to the back parking lot. He stepped out, I took the driver's side, and got in line, the line of cars. I waited about 40 minutes in the car in line to get my assigned examiner. They had about 4-5 working that day across 3 lines of vehicles. I was finally at the front; the examiner who was the same woman who had helped me with the paperwork got in. We went exactly the route that Nova had reviewed with me several times. At the end, you have to park in a wide test parking space, then after that you park in angled parking with the rest of the other cars, with completed driving tests, but awaiting results. I choked on the question about which way your wheels point if you are facing uphill/downhill, and which side of the road you are on. Overthinking myself. But still passed thankfully. Examiner gets up, out, and leaves, and goes on to another driving test. 10 minutes later, another person comes out with my temporary driver's license and hands it to me, and I'm done. The real one arrives in 2-3 weeks. The $245 fee was definitely worth it for having a car provided, receiving two hours of driving experience on the exact test routes, and having them handle the appointment scheduling. And Jamie the instructor was clear, patient, and at ease in explaining and repeating all things we needed to keep in mind. I procrastinated on this for a long time and felt foolish when I realized how simple and straightforward the process was. If you're in a similar situation, make getting a new driver's license one of your goals for 2026 and call Nova.

My daughter used them 6 years ago and the program was great. We naturally decided to use them for…read moremy next daughter and it has been a shit show. Save your $. It is so poorly run now. No one calls u back if you do get someone they put u on hold for long periods. Arghhhhh I believe They take on too many students now so trying to get driving time is a nightmare. Plus they change times and you either have to take the adjusted time or lose appointment. Will not be using them for the next two kids. Save your headaches and frustration. Tooooo much $$$$$$ for such chaos. Has to be better program.

Had an absolutely great experience here. Everything was very organized and easy to schedule. My…read moredaughter actually enjoyed the classes and really benefitted from the one on one lessons. I ended up adding extra one on one lessons because my daughter is a nervous driver. It was great how he picks up from your house for lessons and how Brian gives the final road test. He's a great teacher , highly recommended

I took a class with Eddy and he is fantastic! He is super zen, explains things with drawings and…read morevisuals and it is just a great teacher. I was super nervous and I ended up feeling exciting about my driving. Highly recommended.

Nestled between the golf course and busy roads, this is a little gem. There's adventure park…read moreactivities for those interested and different programs for kids throughout the year. But what I love is walking the trails and wondering around or taking a book and sitting and reading. Different views each season. It's a peaceful respite in the middle of the chaos of life. And the Christmas lights walk is so fun. It's only a couple of dollars and you can buy hot chocolate and s'mores kits to roast on the fire pit. During the spring they sell native plants - always the healthiest and good selection. The staff and volunteers are kind and welcoming. It's just a great little gem.

I want to just say thank you to the staff at iron oaks. I know I'm about to butcher the names right…read morenow but I would personally like to thank Cheryl Liz and caryn (sorry if I spelled it wrong) but wow what an amazing group of ppl! Called on such short notice for a mercy meal for a family member we lost. Literally 3 day notice and man oh man did they deliver. And we're so accommodating that it left me speechless. I genuinely recommend this place because the staff alone will go above and absolutely beyond to make sure everything goes great! Just amazing

Too bad there's only 5stars, I'll give him alot more. So thankful I met Mr. Bill, very very good…read moreinstructor. Very professional and respectful but also fun. He is always on time and worth the payment. He don't overcharge like others. He taught me everything that I need to learn.

From the owner: Welcome to Adult Driving With Mr. Bingaman. Formerly known as Bing's Driving School. Bill Bingaman…read morehas been a local instructor in our area since 1988 an is open to anyone 18 years and older. Our goal as a business is to train our clients to the point of passing their road test and getting a license. Don't worry about getting to the lessons. Bill will go to you, pick you up & continue with the lesson. Proudly serving Berrien County since 1988.