Business Details
32 Years
experience
Welcome to Corliss Driving School
Founded in 1994 by Bill Corliss, a dedicated educator with over 30 years of experience in Visalia Unified School District, Corliss Driving School was established to address the gap in driver education after California eliminated free high school driving programs. Our family-run business combines decades of teaching expertise with a commitment to safety, employing only credentialed instructors who exceed DMV requirements. We prioritize rigorous training, ongoing professional development, and a personalized approach to ensure students develop the skills and confidence needed for safe driving. With a team of experienced educators and law enforcement professionals, we serve Tulare County, offering tailored programs for teens, adults, and seniors.Our focus on quality instruction, rather than cost, has made us a trusted choice for families seeking reliable driver education. We maintain active involvement in state and national driving associations to stay at the forefront of industry standards. Our office staff, including family members with educational backgrounds, supports seamless registration and scheduling. While our in-person hours are limited, we provide flexible communication options to accommodate student needs. Through continuous adaptation to challenges like the pandemic, we remain committed to delivering exceptional driving instruction that empowers lifelong safe driving habits.
Services
Driver Education
Behind the Wheel Training
Teen Refresher Lessons
Senior Assessments
Online Courses
Permit Preparation
DMV Test Support
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We employ credentialed schoolteachers and law enforcement professionals with college degrees
- Our instructors undergo 40+ classroom and 20+ in-car training hours beyond DMV requirements
- Mandatory continuing education ensures up-to-date teaching methodologies for all instructors
- Family business with 30+ years of combined educational experience in driving instruction
- Active participation in state and national professional driving associations for industry leadership
Services
Driver Education
Our comprehensive driver education program prepares students for California DMV licensing requirements. The 30-hour online course covers traffic laws, safe driving practices, and risk management strategies. With over 96% first-time pass rates, our DMV-approved curriculum includes unlimited practice tests and certificate processing for new drivers of all ages.
Behind the Wheel Training
Professional in-car instruction tailored to individual needs. Teen drivers receive six hours of structured training across three sessions, while adults get customizable lesson plans. Our certified instructors provide pick-up/drop-off within Visalia/Farmersville area and use proven techniques to develop essential driving skills for various road conditions and scenarios.
Senior Assessments
Specialized driving evaluations for senior citizens to maintain road safety and independence. Our certified instructors assess driving capabilities, provide personalized feedback, and offer refresher training when needed. This service helps older drivers adapt to changing physical abilities while maintaining confidence behind the wheel through tailored instruction approaches.
Online Courses
Flexible online driver education accessible 24/7 from any device. Developed with veteran instructors, our DMV-approved course features interactive modules, practice exams, and instant progress tracking. Students receive a physical certificate within 5 business days of completion, with automatic $25 discount applied at registration for convenient, cost-effective learning.
Permit Preparation
Comprehensive preparation for California DMV written exams. Our program includes study materials covering traffic signs, vehicle laws, and safe driving practices. Students gain access to unlimited practice tests that mirror actual DMV exams, with personalized guidance to address knowledge gaps and ensure first-time success on the permit examination process.
People
Bill Corliss
Owner and Lead Instructor
Bill Corliss, a retired teacher and football coach with Visalia Unified, founded the school in 1994. He holds a specialist degree in driving education and has taught for AAA and California State University. With over 40 years in driver education, he leads our team of qualified instructors.
Pam Corliss
CFO
Pam Corliss manages financial operations as Chief Financial Officer. A retired teacher from Visalia Unified, she brings decades of educational experience to ensure efficient business operations. Her background in education administration supports our commitment to quality driver instruction services.
Cristin Corliss
Driving Instructor
Cristin Corliss, a DMV-licensed instructor, serves as Principal at Green Acres Middle School. Combining her educational leadership with driving instruction expertise, she delivers effective training that builds student confidence and road safety awareness through personalized teaching approaches.
Carli Corliss Hawkins
Driving Instructor
Carli Corliss Hawkins, Principal at VCIS, brings her educational leadership experience to driver instruction. As a DMV-licensed instructor, she focuses on developing students' visual skills and risk assessment abilities using teaching methods adapted from her extensive classroom experience.
Kristina Mackey
Office Manager
Kristina Mackey coordinates scheduling and administrative operations as Office Manager. With experience in educational administration, she ensures smooth registration processes and maintains communication between instructors, students, and parents to support successful driver training outcomes.
Questions
What driver education programs do you offer?
We offer DMV-approved online courses and behind-the-wheel training for teens and adults. Our programs include 30-hour online classes with practice tests and six-hour in-car training packages.
How qualified are your driving instructors?
All instructors exceed DMV requirements: they're credentialed teachers with college degrees or law enforcement professionals, aged 30+, with extensive training beyond the minimum standards.
What areas do you serve for driving lessons?
We provide free pick-up/drop-off in Visalia and Farmersville city limits. For Tulare residents, we offer service within city limits at an additional rate and can arrange meeting points for outlying areas.
Can adults take driving lessons?
Yes, we offer customized adult driving lessons. Each 2-hour session focuses on specific needs, whether you're a new driver or seeking refresher training to improve particular skills.
How do I register for driving lessons?
You can self-register through our website for behind-the-wheel training. Online course registration is also available directly through our partner platform with automatic discount application at checkout.