Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Driving School in Onalaska, WI
Founded in 1966, Zimmerman Driving School has been dedicated to providing students with the highest quality driver education experience. Located in Onalaska, Wisconsin, our mission centers on preparing drivers of all ages through comprehensive training that prioritizes real-world safety over passive lectures. Our team of passionate instructors combines decades of expertise with engaging teaching methods, ensuring students build confidence behind the wheel. Recognized as the Best Driving School of La Crosse County in 2021 and 2022, we maintain our legacy under the same trusted ownership while embracing fresh management approaches. We offer flexible learning formats including adult private lessons, online courses, and structured in-person classroom instruction.Our programs cater to both new drivers under 18 and adults seeking skill refinement, with behind-the-wheel training tailored to individual needs. Payment options include check, money order, and credit/debit cards, with transparent pricing that avoids hidden fees. Under new management since 2023, we continue emphasizing personalized instruction while expanding access through live Zoom courses. Our commitment remains unwavering: transforming nervous learners into capable, safety-conscious drivers ready to navigate modern roadways confidently.
Services
Adult Private Lessons
Online Driver Education
In-Person Classroom Courses
Behind the Wheel Training
Failure to Yield Program
Details
- Year established: 1966
Highlights and features
- Instructors combine 57 years of collective experience with engaging teaching methods
- Flexible learning formats: in-person, online, and live Zoom courses available
- Award-winning status as La Crosse County's best driving school (2021-2022)
- Personalized training focusing on real-world driving preparedness over textbook lectures
- Same trusted ownership since 1966 with modernized management and expanded course access
What people say
Kept us laughing
Valuable information
More confident drivers
Best of La Crosse County
Engaging teaching methods
Services
Adult Private Lessons
Customized one-on-one driving lessons for adults seeking road test preparation or skill refinement. Our experienced instructors focus on real-world scenarios rather than textbook lectures. Students receive personalized feedback during 1-6 hour sessions tailored to individual needs and experience levels.
Online Driver Education
Self-paced 30-hour online program covering essential driving knowledge. Includes interactive modules and flexible scheduling for learners of all ages. Combines classroom instruction with optional in-person driving practice through partner schools for comprehensive preparation.
In-Person Classroom Courses
Structured 30-hour courses with set schedules for comprehensive driver education. Combines knowledge testing with 12 hours of supervised driving practice. Requires physical attendance while maintaining flexibility through multiple course locations and formats.
Behind the Wheel Training
Professional driving instruction with 6 hours behind-the-wheel and 6 hours observation. Certified instructors guide students through real traffic situations. Training scheduled after permit acquisition with personalized lesson plans for optimal skill development.
Failure to Yield Program
Specialized online course addressing right-of-way violations. Designed for drivers cited for failure to yield tickets. Provides defensive driving techniques and traffic law education to help resolve citations through approved completion certification.
Questions
What driver education options do you offer for adults?
We provide 1-6 hour private adult driving lessons tailored to individual skill-building needs, including road test preparation and habit improvement.
Do you offer online driver education courses?
Yes, our 30-hour self-paced online program includes classroom instruction with optional behind-the-wheel training available separately.
How does the registration process work?
After submitting a signed contract and payment, you'll gain access to courses - either immediately for online programs or after permit acquisition for driving lessons.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept check, money order, and credit/debit cards (with processing fee disclosure) but do not accept cash payments.
Are your instructors certified and experienced?
Our team maintains decades of combined experience with personalized training approaches, as evidenced by our back-to-back 'Best Driving School' awards.
Reviews (7)
Nadalie
Sep 29, 2023
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i honestly dont know where to start. i had a 3 week in person course and lets just say the teacher i had was incredibly rude. and only talked about his life and how his back is broken or his eye is blind. The people i had this class with even told me that their parents even called this company about the teacher and he is still teaching. he kicked me out of the classroom for writing an essay he assigned me, not only did he make me write an essay he said he wasnt good enough and i had to redo it.my mom that works in a office said it was perfect and there was nothing wrong with it. so i started to rewrite my essay and i was still answering the questions and paying attention. then in a rude manner the instructor said what do you think you are doing and i said rewriting the essay you assigned me. he got up grabbed all his stuff and pushed the door open and ran out the class didnt come back for 10 mins. he came back and told me to leave. i left called my mom and my mom asked if she could talk to him he was rudely yelling at my mom to talk to the company about it. so we left and after we left the others in the class told me he left the room again and was being violent slamming the chair, slamming the doors and scaring the others in the room. and I heard that two of the others left that day. 400 dollars down the drain for doing what he told me to do. every sad honestly
Joey Bosco
Jan 12, 2022
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Took my son here and was greeted not only with great instruction but my son was confident and passed with flying colors! Thank you for making it easy guys! 5 stars for sure!
Joelle Pirnie
Jan 11, 2022
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Good place to take your kid if they are having a hard time learning driving skills. I was scared to let my kid on the road with out them! They saved my sanity and my kid drives great now! Thanks Zimmermans!
Katie Laffea
Nov 29, 2021
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Beyond not being able to complete in person school (which due to covid) I was fine however they didn't even teach my son half the basics for behind the wheel. There was no accountability from the instructor to the school after I called and questioned what was going on after the instructor didn't even show 3 times (not even a call). Now I have to pay for another school to teach my child what they need to learn. Very unprofessional business.
Amber Maly
Jun 19, 2021
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I did not take drives education until I was almost 17 from having a fear of driving. At Zimmerman's I felt comfortable in class and behind the wheel with the instructors. When it came time for my test at the DMV I was much more confident behind the wheel thanks to Zimmerman Driving School.
Maya Chilcote
May 26, 2021
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I've had my license for a couple of years now and attended Zimmerman Driving School before I got my permit. I learned a lot of useful information before I even drove a car for the first time. I felt very prepared for the written exam and felt like the classes were professional. I also took behind the wheel lessons here and thought that also went well. Something that would be beneficial is a more flexible schedule for students.
April Handtke
May 16, 2021
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I had total confidence in the instruction my son received when he went through Drivers Education at Zimmerman's. Policies were in place to ensure students met classroom and behind the wheel standards so that with addition of their home driving hours they could confidently take their drivers test. It was a good partnership between Zimmerman's and the family.