Business Details
21 Years
experience
Your Trusted Driving School in Wausau, WI
Decker's Driving Academy has been serving the Wausau community since 2005 with comprehensive driver education programs. Our approach combines hands-on classroom instruction with practical behind-the-wheel training, utilizing experienced instructors with diverse backgrounds in transportation and education. We offer flexible scheduling options including in-person classes and state-approved online instruction through Teach Safe. Our team includes certified professionals with extensive experience, including former school bus drivers, semi-truck operators, and air traffic controllers. We provide door-to-door service in select areas and accommodate special needs students through personalized instruction.Our graduates consistently demonstrate superior driving skills, reflecting our commitment to quality education. We maintain transparent payment options including full payment, installment plans, and participation in the Wisconsin Driver Education Grant Program. Our facility is specifically designed to support effective learning with appropriate space and teaching tools. We prioritize student safety and understanding through practical demonstrations rather than traditional bookwork. Our program has earned recognition from local schools and community members for its effectiveness in preparing young drivers.
Services
In-Person Classroom
Internet Program
Behind the Wheel
State Written Test
Right of Way Class
Payment Installments
Door-to-Door Service
Special Needs Accommodation
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We employ instructors with over 2 million combined driving miles and diverse transportation backgrounds
- Our facility features specialized equipment for hands-on driver education demonstrations
- We offer flexible payment options including installment plans and state grant programs
- Our graduates consistently demonstrate superior driving skills in local communities
- We provide both in-person and state-approved online instruction through Teach Safe
What people say
Excellent instructors
Patient and knowledgeable
Superior driving skills
Flexible scheduling
Effective program
Services
In-Person Classroom
Our hands-on classroom program focuses on practical driving techniques rather than traditional bookwork. Students learn through interactive demonstrations and real-world scenarios. The curriculum prepares students for both the written test and actual road conditions.
Behind the Wheel
Professional driving instruction includes 6-9 hours of on-road training with experienced instructors. Lessons cover city driving, highway navigation, and special situations. Our instructors have over 2 million combined safe driving miles.
Internet Program
State-approved online driver education through Teach Safe offers flexible learning options. The program includes comprehensive materials and prepares students for the DMV written test. Available with optional behind-the-wheel training.
Right of Way Class
Specialized course for drivers needing to remove points from their record. Includes both classroom instruction and practical components. Students can use our computers if they lack personal internet access.
State Written Test
We administer the official Wisconsin DMV written test for students under 18. Our program prepares students through classroom instruction and practice tests. Helps reduce DMV visit time for families.
People
Thomas Decker
Owner / Instructor
With 18 years as a school bus driver and 15 years as a semi-truck driver, Thomas brings over 2 million safe miles of experience to his instruction. He has developed our hands-on teaching approach since founding the academy in 2005.
Karen Decker
Owner / Instructor
A 25-year elementary school teacher and former daycare provider, Karen contributes to our curriculum development. She holds an instructor license and currently teaches kindergarten at Hawthorn Hills in Wausau.
Jim Wilkerson
Instructor
Retired air traffic controller with 8 years of driving instruction experience. Brings aviation-level safety awareness to our program. Lives in Kronenwetter and emphasizes defensive driving techniques.
Blair Woody
Instructor
Passionate driver with strong communication skills. Specializes in helping students overcome challenging driving situations. Brings extensive road rule knowledge to our Antigo location team.
Bonnie Decker
Secretary
Handles phone communications with a personal touch. Provides continuity when instructors are teaching. Known for her friendly demeanor and commitment to customer service despite technical challenges in Tomahawk.
Questions
What driver education programs do you offer?
We provide in-person classroom instruction, online courses through Teach Safe, and behind-the-wheel training packages ranging from 6-9 hours.
Do you accept Wisconsin Driver Education Grants?
Yes, we participate in the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Driver Education Grant Program for qualifying families.
What payment options are available?
We offer full payment via credit card (with 3.1% fee), cash/check payments, and installment plans with $180.50 initial payment.
Do you offer special needs accommodations?
Yes, we provide personalized instruction for students with anxiety and other special needs, including flexible lesson structures.
Can I take the state written test at your facility?
Yes, we administer the Wisconsin DMV written test to all students under 18 at our location.
Do you provide door-to-door transportation?
We offer door-to-door service in selected areas for student convenience.
Reviews (6)
Sierra Janas
Feb 12, 2022
Report
Driving instructor did not signal before turning into lot, made me slide because there was snow, I honked and then he proceeded to pull out and follow me all the way to my home. WOULD NOT RECOMMEND! VERY UNPROFESSIONAL!
Luke Tappan
Dec 05, 2021
Report
Critical: Communication The class was great but the Behind the wheel is hard to get them to do. Suggest not paying them in full until they are complete. Been waiting almost 5 Months and still not done.
Amazon Acc
Oct 03, 2021
Report
Critical: Professionalism I could not schedule my lessons it's been well over 60 days so now I'm screwed. Highly not recommended 0 stars if possible.
Suzi Holubiw
Jul 28, 2021
Report
All 3 of my kids have had a great experience. 1 all online and the other 2 took classes. Great people! Extremely helpful and courteous.
Lisa Rasmussen
Feb 02, 2021
Report
Great experience! Tom and his team were great to work with. Made the classroom lessons fun and even though the start of the pandemic forced my son to complete the last couple lessons online, it was still a great experience. Ryan had Milt as his instructor for his BTW training this summer and really enjoyed working with him too. Highly recommend Deckers Driving Academy.
Brad Kafer
Jan 20, 2021
Report
Decker's Driving Academy offers the highest quality behind the wheel driving instruction and unique fun style of classroom instruction! Mr. and Mrs. Decker are phenomenal people to work for and the team at Deckers is professional and top notch! I am honored to drive with the Decker's family.