Ries Driving School

Negative experience: My granddaughter came home in tears. There is an older driving instructor whom she has had twice now. I believe his name is Jerry, he is rude and has no patience. When she started crying he said she was emotional. I don't think he should be teaching young girls how to drive. She now has a lot of anxiety driving thanks to him. I gladly paid for her lessons and now I'm really upset at how she was treated.

Fantastic experience: I went to Ries for drivers ED and I highly recommend. The staff is very knowledgeable and nice. The owner is very intelligent as well. Overall, great experience. They know what they’re doing.

Fantastic experience: I highly recommend Ries Driving School. No matter who you talk to whether it's the secretaries, classroom instructor, driving instructor, or owner they are very polite, knowledgeable, and caring. I am so glad my son went there. Thank you Ries Driving School for helping teach my son! It is truly appreciated!

Fantastic experience: I was a nontraditional student who had never driven a vehicle before. My anxiety prevented me from driving for several decades, and I was unsure if I would be able to drive. Joe was very honest about my future as a driver, and gave me the confidence to believe I would be able to get my license. Over several months, I learned practical skills and developed the right temperament for driving. The day of the road test, Joe provided much-needed reassurance I would be able to pass. I’ll always think back to the experience of learning to drive with appreciation for Joe and Ries Driving for their support and confidence.

Negative experience: Customer service needs improvement.

Fantastic experience: My 15yr old went through Ries. Very professional and are on point! If your child is a good driver they don't have to take the DMV road test! Highly recommend trusting this company with your kids!

Fantastic experience: My 2 teens took the course at the same time. They were really nervous with one of their driver instructors. She constantly grabbed the steering wheel during their driving lesson.They both said they didn’t want her as their instructor again. None of the other instructors did that. I would suggest you stay with the same instructor on all 6 drives, if possible.

Fantastic experience: My experience with Ries Driving School was great. The staff were always friendly and helpful. I enjoyed the text reminders they had, allow with the app you were able to use to schedule appointments. The driving instructors were wonderful as well.

Fantastic experience: Absolutely amazing! The process was really easy, and the instructors were very kind and helpful . If you want to get your license, go to this place.

Fantastic experience: Great communication and friendly staff!

Positive experience: Overall a good place. My son enjoyed most of his instructors and felt they were good teachers. Would have been 5 stars but scheduling was a nightmare. The app would cancel appointments and reschedule automatically without me knowing almost every time I made one through the app. One time, we weren't able to make the new time and canceled at the last minute cause I didn't see the change in time, and we were charged for it. However, when I called about the app continuously canceling appts, they waived the $50 cancelation fee. After having 3 lessons canceled, i stopped using the app and just called in to schedule. Also, there aren't many options for appts locally. Most availability was in another city. Would be nice if the student was picked up instead of me having to make arrangements to get them to a lesson like other driving schools do. I will say, though, that the staff was really great at trying to make things work for us. The place itself is 5 stars, but the app they use is garbage.

Positive experience: Very helpful

Fantastic experience: All three of my children went through Ries Driving School over the past ten years. They are professional and I would highly recommend them to anyone.

Fantastic experience: Worked well with us and kept us informed on everything involved. Great to work with

Fantastic experience: Instructor was very kind. Had a calm voice and very relaxed. Kid's first day there. He answered questions and helped her feel more comfortable before getting in. Great experience so far.

Fantastic experience: I recommend 100% this School. I’m from Colombia and I was struggling to find a driving school close to Green lake, they actually don’t have classes there, but they helped me picking me up there. Also for someone who is from another country, it’s hard to understand the traffic rules and how the traffic works, but my instructor Joe, who I think is the owner, was awesome, he made sure that I were understand everything, and he taught me things not only to take the road test but also for my daily driving. Don't doubt to take your driving lessons with them, the customer service is great as well. I took around 5 or 6 lessons and I got my driver's license on the first try. Thank you!

Fantastic experience: Ries is a place I've been very grateful for for the past three years of my life. Even as an adult, I learned a lot and improved a lot from two of the instructors Joe and Pat. I went through many hardships and overcame them to get my driver's license at 22 years old. If you're an adult and you're hesitant on getting a license, don't be. Practice brings you very far and Ries will make sure you can cross the finish line and pass your driver's test with flying colors! Thank you, Joe! Thank you, Pat! And good luck to everyone else that wants to go for a license themselves!

Fantastic experience: Passed my road-test last Dec 12 2022 and I couldn’t done it without the help of Joe.With my anxiety and knowing that I’m from another country and driving here is way different from ours in terms of strict rules and regulations but Joe had taught me patiently, instilled me the knowledge in driving, the right and lawful way! Mostly his encouragement, lessons and trust given towards me was incredible. Also, the staff, from scheduling the dates and reminding me to not missed it, Thank you! I’m beyond grateful! RIES IS Highly recommended!

Fantastic experience: I’m a 71 year old lady .. never had a license before.. just passed my road test..first try! Couldn’t have done it without Joe! He’s the best.. drove with him this summer, he told me “he’d never Throw me to the wolves if I wasn’t ready” and he didn't! He’s very laidback and has a lot of patience not to mention knowledge you’ll need to know.. the staff is great and if I can do it.. anybody can!! Well worth your time!!!!!!

Fantastic experience: Took a few lessons here. I take my road test on Jan 26th if it doesn’t go well I’ll be more then eager to sign of for a few more lessons. Joe was mostly my instructor, he has a lot of experience more then other driving instructors. Joe gets to know his drivers, and makes sure your in the best hands, and situations to succeed. As a military member the schedule and hours are very flexible at Ries. If your busy, just give them a call or go in person, there very good at making something work for you. The instructors give great advice, at the end of the day if you need help, they will teach you. Driving excellent doesn’t take a day, it takes more time on the road and driving hours. If you make a mistake learn from it. Ries has definitely made me feel more prepare for the road test.

Fantastic experience: I had such bad anxiety with driving and I kept putting off getting my driver’s license. My sister called Ries Driving School, and told them I had bad anxiety with driving and that I was nervous. Everyone who worked there was so kind and polite and very understanding with people who have anxiety with driving. I never wanted to drive a car but I did! Joe took me out driving and I was slowly getting better with each lesson I did. I was seeing my confidence grow stronger and stronger each lesson I had. I am very appreciative of Joe being confident in me being able get my license. I passed on my first try! It was such a great experience for me, I think anyone should go through this driving school who has bad anxiety like me.

Positive experience: Had a good experience with them. Very understanding with my friend and my anxiety and special needs. I do reccomend having the same instructor for every lesson if you are able. Also Joe us good if you need help with anxiety

Fantastic experience: As a foreign driver's license owner I had to start from scratch in order to obtain a driver's license in WI. I scheduled two lessons with Ries and that was enough to be brought up to speed with proper (and legal) driving etiquette in the US. The morning after my second driving lesson I had my road test and passed it without any issues. Thank you Ries for getting me road test ready in just two lessons!

Fantastic experience: Great lessons with helpful information and tips to navigate while driving in

Fantastic experience: They are very good at teaching without getting me stressed out, and are very good at finding little details in my driving that I should improve upon.

Fantastic experience: I’ll highly recommend this place to everyone I really enjoy my all classes It’s a 100/100

Fantastic experience: Joe is good guy and he is my trainer

Fantastic experience: This company really takes the time with kids to teach them how to drive. I’ve had countless conversations with the instructor after behind the wheel lessons and it’s great to hear feedback about my child’s driving. They took the time to listen to my concerns and we made adjustments to lessons and instruction.

Fantastic experience: I am 52 and i always had a fear of driving and i am beyond excited that i made the decision to go threw Ries Driving school to overcome my fear and open up a whole new world of independence Joe the owner is Amazing he was calm was very understanding and it helped me to relax and focus and learn to my ability Love this company 100%

Fantastic experience: 10/10 would recommend, teach you what you need to know and more, exceeds expectations don't listen to the 1 star reviews

Fantastic experience: The best place to learn how to drive in Fond du lac!

Fantastic experience: Joe was my instructor for the majority of my lessons. I was very behind in my driving ability and he helped me get up to level quickly. I would definitely recommend Ries.

Positive experience: Instructors have always been helpful and professional with my two daughters. Only 4 stars because of the online classroom program (not virtual); the ppts and presentation were lacking and a bit clunky; they were old ppts with voice overs. These need to be updated to 2020 standards (much higher quality) for the fee charged. Convenient, yes. Quality, no. Not trying to be negative here, but Ries is only significant player in town and they need this feedback; hire a professional firm to redo the online class material. In class instruction for first daughter was much better.

Fantastic experience: The last of our family just got his drivers license. All four of our children have taken their education through Ries Driving School and I can not say enough about it. Joe Ries and crew were extremely patient and very thorough with their instruction. If you're timid about your son or daughter behind the wheel, give Joe Ries a call at Ries Driving School and leave your worries behind.

Fantastic experience: This review is directed towards the terrific Joe Ries who helped me pass my driving test thanks to his terrific behind the wheel lessons. He really helped me perfect my skills and was a truly incredible person to take lessons with. I originally took lessons with a different driving school in Fond du Lac and they were terrible. I won't give away their school's name (let's just say it starts with a "C" and ends with a "J") but the instructor was rude and taught me incorrect driving skills. He shamed me for using me rear view mirror, wouldn't let me check if the road was clear of traffic more than once, and wasted time we were paying for. He would talk on the phone for 10-15 minutes at a time, complain about the laziness of my generation and talk politics instead of teaching me how to be a good driver. Ries Driving School was NOTHING like that! They were nice, taught me skills that helped me to pass my test, (including using my mirrors, double checking my surroundings, not wasting my time with phone calls, etc.) and did it in a much more professional way. I feel like a much better and safer driver now. Thank you, Joe!

Fantastic experience: Great place to learn how to drive properly. Super convenient and meets you where you need to be instead of going to him every time. Definitely would recommend Joe and this driving school.

Fantastic experience: I started drivers ed before covid hit and then I couldn’t take any drivings with the instructor for a few months. I was very behind by the time I could take them again. They helped me so I could finished in just about a mouth an half to make my deadline. They are very committed to helping all their future drivers.

Positive experience: Super slow with everything

Fantastic experience: We had to transfer from our schools driving program to Ries due to Covid; daughter needed only 1 more hour of driving and they were very accommodating, good communication and we were able to get her scheduled very quickly. Very pleased, will be using Ries for our last daughter in a couple years

Fantastic experience: Joe and Kathy went above and beyond working with schedules and nerves! Joe knows how to deal with anxiety and makes driving with him a pleasure.

Positive experience: Joe and his team are spectacular! Thank you for your kindness and care in preparing my girl for this new chapter in life. Especially taking her out right before her road test, to practice and calm her nerves. Check this place out!

Fantastic experience: Very kind and professional! Patient and clear! The best way to get ready for the road test! I pass and I have to say... They were a big part of my success! Super recommend!

Negative experience: Most of the drivers are great. Got my license through here when I was 16. Reception/scheduling is a nightmare and sometimes they dont make an effort even be polite. Communication is horrible.

Fantastic experience: After my daughter took driver's ed at the local high school she failed her first driver's test and was docked a whopping 45 points. After speaking with Kathy and Joe at Ries Driving school I signed her up for 3 more behind the wheel lessons with them. A couple of weeks later she passed her road test with only 3 points taken off. The woman at the DMV who performed her first and second road test said she had never seen such a vast improvement and she was really impressed with what a safe driver my daughter had become in a short period of time. I wish I would have gone through Ries Driving School with all of my kids from the get go. They really do turn out safe and competent drivers regardless of the students ability and confidence level when they start out I'm not a teacher and I would rather put my trust in a professional for such an important job. Peace of mind worth every penny.

Fantastic experience: Had the pleasure of meeting the owner during my break at McDonald’s. Very kind man who spoke highly of his children and how far life has taken them. If he runs his business anything like how he presents himself in person I would recommend him to anyone.

Fantastic experience: We all have our children that present challenges (we love them all!). In our case, our youngest getting ready to drive was challenging. Ries took the time to understand the difficulties and tailor a remediation beyond the normal courses that vastly improved the situation and restored our confidence. It is great to find a business or school that takes such great care and pride in what they do. This school is worth your time and investment.

Fantastic experience: I am glad to have found this school and taken classes to improve my driving ability. Now I feel more confidence when driving. Thank you very much for your help. If you need to learn how to drive well or just practice, you should go to this school.

Fantastic experience: Thank you Joe, and thank you to all of the instructors for providing me a welcoming and insightful experience driving. I would highly recommend going to Ries if you need any type of driving lessons.

Fantastic experience: Joe has done an amazing job with teaching our daughter, which has a learning disability. We as parents took her driving but Joes experience in teaching was second to none. We will continue services with Ries Driving School to further her driving abilities even though our daughter passed her drivers test. Thank You Joe

Fantastic experience: Best experience ever! They went above and beyond!

Fantastic experience: Joe really sets you up for success he tells you what you need to work on he is straight forward I really appreciate that about him it really helped me succeed. Thanks to the help of ries driving school I officially got my license on the 18th thank you all again.

Fantastic experience: I got my licenses this week! Joe, Thanks for taking me out right before the test, I learned so much in that half hour! Also, a big thanks to Renee, Brian, and Mark for not only teaching me but making it easy to learn!

Positive experience: I have learned much, and continue to and I hope that with what I learned I'll be greater at driving.

Fantastic experience: Learned a lot helped me pass my test today! Thank you to joe for teaching and sharing your stories and veiws! :)

Fantastic experience: A huge shout out to Ries Driving school. We had two of our boys go through their program. Both of our boys are 5 yrs apart and learn differently. Ries Driving school and Joe understood this and took the time to individualizing how they learn. This in itself is great customer service. Customer service is built on trust and connection that you get through experiences you receive. The experiences that we received from Ries Driving School was truly above and beyond. Definitely 5 star!

Fantastic experience: We have had six of our children go through Ries Driving school - 3 of which have special needs. Steve was great at tutoring, Joe Ries was excellent with the behind the wheel and Mr. Muchmore was their favorite in the classroom. One of our daughters had attended a different school and was not sufficiently prepared to drive and Joe Ries was able to bring her up to what she needed to succeed. We highly recommend this school!

Fantastic experience: This driving school is the best. I am a new adult driver and this school help me achieve a goal by obtaining a drivers license. The driver instructor Joe was very nice and made me feel comfortable behind the wheel. I would recommend to anyone.In my opinion, if you are a new driver take the driving lessons consistently because that is the only way you can become better. I obtained my drivers licence the day before Thanksgiving 2017 and it was the best feeling.

Fantastic experience: I just got my driver's license and can't be more than thankful with Ries Driving School and specially to joe. He was VERY patience and made me feel more and more confident while learning to drive, and I have made tons of mistakes! but he is the expert and he knew how to get me out from scary situations. Just trust your teacher and focus, it will be my advice. Getting to know the basics for a safe and happy driving wasn't easy but it's the law! I got to know it in order to pass the road test, every minimal detail like for example respecting the stop sign line, if I yield to cars or pedestrians or turning the head to check my blind spots was SO important for my road test. Ask anybody at the DMV. Driving isn't a joke so better be sure now than regretting later.

Fantastic experience: Great staff, especially Joe! SO helpful!

Negative experience: When the last lesson was done the instructor gave my son his paper but never signed it. Of course my son assumed everything was good until we got to the DMV and found this out. His appointment was at 8:40 and the school doesn't open til 9:00. Why can't they just so the job that we paid an arm and a leg for?

Negative experience: Why do they stop so far away from stop sign line. Then go foward and stop again. That is the way to get hit from behind. I heard student after student say this is what they were taught. Completely disagree with thier teaching.

Negative experience: As I was in a driving lesson the instructor grabbed my steering wheel as I was making a turn. That's not safe driving teaching if you ask me

Negative experience: Safety Steve was "5 star"good, but the driving instructors failed to provide appropriate certification that the student completed and passed the driving instruction.. In other words NO communication with the parents regarding minor teens and preparing for driving test

Fantastic experience: Brian Willis was the bombest teacher ever!!!!

Fantastic experience: Best teacher I EVER HAD

Negative experience: Can't teach students to stop for people in crosswalk.