Classroom

How old do I have to be to take a class through Oregon Area Driving School?

You can register for a class early, but cannot start class until you are 14 years, 9 months of age.

What is the difference between the Zoom classroom instruction and online course?

Zoom Classroom Instruction Option

  • Taught by an Oregon Area Driving School instructor. 
  • Students are in the physical classroom at the time of the Zoom sessions; however, students are not able to see the Zoom participants and Zoom participants are not able to see classroom students in attendance. 
  • These classes are scheduled at a set time. The schedule is usually 4:30 - 6:30 pm, Monday - Thursday, but is subject to adjustments. 
  • Students can only miss two classroom sessions, so please select a month that works best for your family's schedule. 

Online Course Instruction Option

  • This course is completed through our vendor, Teach Safe. 
  • Our instructors set you up in the Teach Safe system, and then you take it from there! 
  • There is no instructor involved. 
  • You complete the coursework at your own pace and on your own time. 
  • The course must be completed within 90 days of starting the first lesson. If the course is not completed within 90 days, you must pay an additional fee ($30 for each additional 30 days requested). 

Driver's License

What is my "license eligibility date"?

When planning out your sessions with OADS, we will often refer to your "license eligility date". This is the date that you are eligible to test or apply for your probationary driver's license.

 

You can determine your license eligiblity date by determining: 

1) What is the date 6 months after my student has recieved my Instructional Learner's Permit?

2) Is my student 16 years old as of the date listed in #1?

 

Example 1: A student gets their Instructional Learner's Permit on December 5, 2021 and turns 16 on June 1, 2022. Their license eligiblity date is June 5, 2022 because they are 16 AND have had their instructional learner's permit for 6 months. 

Example 2: A student gets their Instructional Learner's Permit on December 1, 2021 and they turn 16 on August 1, 2022. Their license eligibility date is August 1, 2022. On August 1, 2022, they have had their instructional learner's permit for 6 months AND are now 16 years old. 

What do I need to complete to get my driver's license?

Oregon Area Driving School provides:

  • Classroom instruction (instructor-led in-person, instructor-led via Zoom, or online course with no instructor)
  • Permit testing. Oregon Area Driving School instructors offer this on a very limited basis or this test can be completed at a DMV location. 
  • Six driving sessions and six observation sessions
 
Additional Requirements:
  • Permit testing (if taking at a DMV location)
  • Need to have Instructional Driver's Permit for at least 6 months
  • Complete at least 50 hours (10 at night) of driving with a parent/guardian/other eligible adult. Driving schools do not provide this instruction
 

After all the requirements above are met AND you are 16 years old, students can apply/test for their driver's license through Wisconsin DMV. 

Policies

What is your cancellation policy?

Please do your best to schedule accurately so you do not have to cancel or reschedule as it may take you time to get into another session. However, we understand that things come up and if they do, we allow you to cancel and reschedule. 

You can cancel/reschedule driving lessons by logging into your account. You will be charged a late cancellation fee if you do not cancel more than 24 hours in advance. After you cancel, you will be able to reschedule that session when the next one becomes available and after you have paid any applicable fees. 

If you do not cancel your driving session more than 24 hours in advance, you will be charged a $75 cancellation fee. These fees need to be paid before you can reschedule. 

Do I have to wear a mask in the classroom or in the car?

As of May 2023, we are not requiring students to be masked in the car/classroom; however, we reserve the right to change this policy at any time. 

What is your refund policy?

Refunds are up to the discretion of Oregon Area Driving School staff and are only provided for services not yet rendered. 

Are there any additional costs?

If you choose to pay for your class via credit/debit, there is a 2.5% fee. You do have the option to pay via check. Please keep in mind: your spot is not secured until a deposit is received. 

The State of Wisconsin DMV will charge fees for a student to obtain their probationary instructional permit and driver's license; you can review the costs of these under Rules and Resources > External Links > Wisconsin DMV Pricing List. 

Behind-the-Wheel

When will I start my Behind the Wheel driving?

You will be contacted by OADS to begin your behind the wheel instruction.

 

Start dates will vary as we try to: 1) have everyone completed by their license eligiblity date and 2) schedule our last behind the wheel session shortly before your scheduled DMV driving test. We believe this will set you up for success when taking your road test. 

What if I need to cancel or reschedule my driving lesson?

Please see our "Policies" FAQ for our cancellation policy. 

What will I learn during my behind-the-wheel sessions?

During your behind-the-wheel sessions with our instructors, you will learn how to properly execute various driving maneuvers (lane changing, highway driving, Y-turns, parallel parking, etc).

You are expected to come to your driving sessions with a proficient level of street driving, and our instructors will take care of the specifics of driving and the rules of the road. 

Can I request a specific instructor for my behind-the-wheel sessions?

You are able to see who the instructor is when you register, but may not be able to schedule with a specific instructor if they are not available.

Do I need to complete classroom instruction before behind-the-wheel?

You will need to complete classroom instruction and obtain an adequate score on the permit test to obtain your Instructional Learners Permit. After you have your permit and have uploaded it into our system, you will be eligible to schedule your driving sessions.

Do I need to have my own car for behind-the-wheel lessons?

No, you will use Oregon Area Driving School's cars during your scheduled driving lessons. Our cars are covered under our insurance and have special safety equipment installed.

Are your instructors licensed?

Yes, we have four instructors that are licensed through the Wisconsin DOT and they recieve ongoing training to maintain their licensure.  

Will I have the same instructor for every driving lesson?

Not necessarily. You are able to see who the instructor is when you register, but may not be able to schedule with a specific instructor if they are not available.

Do you offer home pickup and drop off?

No, you must be able to get to the designated location to complete your driving lessons.