Business Details
21 Years
experience
Your Trusted Driving School in Wausau, WI
Decker's Driving Academy has been dedicated to providing comprehensive driver education since 2005, addressing the need for quality instruction in Marathon County. Our approach combines hands-on classroom learning with practical behind-the-wheel training, utilizing experienced instructors with decades of real-world driving expertise. We prioritize student engagement through interactive methods rather than traditional bookwork, ensuring students develop both technical skills and confidence. Our partnership with Teach Safe delivers nationally recognized online instruction, while our physical locationstrategically situated on a city bus routeensures accessibility.We offer flexible payment options, including installment plans and Wisconsin DMV grant-eligible programs, and maintain a commitment to transparency by refusing to solicit artificial reviews. With a team of certified instructors, including former school bus drivers, air traffic controllers, and educators, we focus on creating safe, competent drivers who contribute positively to their communities.
Services
In-Person Classroom
Behind-the-Wheel Training
Online Driver Education
Right of Way Classes
Installment Payment Plans
DMV Written Test Access
Laptop Access for Online Instruction
Door-to-Door Service
Graduated Driver Programs
Community Safety Workshops
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We offer hands-on classroom instruction with experienced instructors having over 2 million combined driving miles.
- Our behind-the-wheel training includes flexible scheduling options to accommodate student needs.
- We provide accessible online learning through our partnership with Teach Safe, the best in the country.
- We maintain transparent practices by refusing to solicit fake reviews or comparisons with competitors.
- Our flexible payment plans include installment options and Wisconsin DMV grant-eligible programs.
What people say
Hands-on classes
Experienced instructors
Flexible scheduling
Effective teaching methods
Community-focused approach
Services
In-Person Classroom Instruction
Our hands-on classroom sessions focus on practical driving techniques using props and interactive methods. Students learn traffic rules, safety protocols, and real-world scenarios through engaging activities rather than traditional bookwork. This approach builds confidence and prepares students for behind-the-wheel training.
Behind-the-Wheel Training
We offer structured behind-the-wheel sessions with experienced instructors, including 6-hour and 9-hour packages. Training emphasizes safe driving habits, road awareness, and practical application of classroom learning. Lessons are available in both in-person and grant-eligible programs for eligible families.
Online Driver Education
Our partnership with Teach Safe provides comprehensive online driver education recognized as the best in the country. The program covers all required material with interactive modules, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace while maintaining high educational standards.
Flexible Payment Plans
We offer multiple payment solutions including full payment, installment plans, and Wisconsin DMV grant-eligible options. Credit card payments include a 3.1% processing fee, while cash or check payments can be made directly to the academy for convenience.
Right of Way Classes
These specialized courses help drivers remove points from their records through comprehensive instruction. We provide access to laptops for students without home internet access, ensuring everyone can complete required coursework regardless of personal technology availability.
People
Thomas Decker
Owner / Instructor
With 18 years as a school bus driver and 15 years as an over-the-road semi driver, Thomas brings over 2 million miles of accident-free experience to driver education. He founded Decker's Driving Academy in 2005 to address poor instruction quality in Marathon County.
Karen Decker
Owner / Instructor
A 25-year elementary school teacher and former daycare provider, Karen contributes curriculum expertise and classroom management skills. 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. Jim brings safety-focused expertise from working at two international airports, emphasizing alertness and defensive driving techniques to ensure student safety.
Blair Woody
Instructor
Passionate driver with strong communication skills and patience for teaching challenging road scenarios. Blair brings extensive knowledge of traffic rules and a student-centered approach to help learners develop safe driving habits.
Bonnie Decker
Secretary
Handling phone communications with a personal touch, Bonnie provides customer service support while maintaining generational values of respectful interaction. She manages overflow calls during classroom and driving sessions, ensuring consistent availability for families.
Questions
What payment options are available for driver education courses?
We offer full credit card payment (with 3.1% fee), cash/check payment, and installment plans. The first installment is $180.50 (including processing fee) for credit card payments.
Can students take the DMV written test at Deckers Driving Academy?
Yes, we administer the Wisconsin DMV written test to all under-18 students, streamlining their visit to DMV offices and reducing wait times for families.
Do you offer online driver education options?
Our partnership with Teach Safe provides comprehensive online instruction recognized as the best in the country, with options for both standard and grant-eligible programs.
How does the Wisconsin Driver Education Grant Program work?
Eligible families receiving free/reduced lunches can apply through the Wisconsin DOT website. The grant covers specific packages combining classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training hours.
What special accommodations are available for students with anxiety?
We provide personalized support for anxious students, including flexible pacing and understanding instruction. Our instructors work to create comfortable learning environments while maintaining educational standards.
Do you offer door-to-door transportation for students?
Yes, we provide door-to-door service in selected areas to eliminate the need for families to travel to pickup/drop-off locations.
