Steps to Getting Your License

Use this guide to make sure you are in the right place in your licensing journey.

Student type

Step 1

Pass Drivers Ed Course

Before you can take your written test at the DMV, you must pass a state-approved Drivers Ed course and receive your completion certificate.

Start Course

Step 2

Practice for Written Test

Once you have your completion certificate, it is time to practice! Take our practice test questions to ace your exam on the first try!

Start Practicing

Step 3

Pass Written Test at DMV

Ready to go? Make a reservation at the DMV and go pass your test! Once you pass, you will receive your permit.

Make Appointment

Step 4

Take Driving Lessons

Passed your test? Great! Now you are ready to take your first driving lessons. Reserve your spot now so you can get going as soon as you have your permit.

Book Lessons

Step 5

Pass your Road Test

After completing your driving lessons, you can take your road test. Make a reservation at the DMV and go pass your test to receive your license.

Make Appointment

Need more licensing details? Visit our help article.

Oakland Driving School

Name: Coastline Academy - Oakland
Address: 1429 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612, Oakland, CA, 94612, US
Telephone: (800) 489-1896

Are you ready to learn to drive? Whether you’re a teen looking to get your first license or an adult new to Oakland, Coastline is here to help you become a safe and confident driver for life. From Alameda to Emeryville, Coastline’s professional, certified driving instructors are ready and eager to teach you!

Get started

See Prices & Packages

Courses offered

California Teen Drivers Ed

Confident Parent Driver Coach Course

About Coastline

Coastline is licensed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles and recognized by the following California and Oakland-area organizations:

Learn more about our Oakland driver education programs below!

Choose Your Learning Package

Licensed instructors

Dual-control vehicles

Flexible scheduling

More Options

Additional packages to fit your specific needs

Save $30

Get the Online Course Free

Drivers Ed Course + Three 2-Hour Driving Lessons - Home Pickup

Everything the DMV requires for you to get your license, in one money-saving package.

California Teen Drivers Ed

$689

$659

Save $39

Recommended for New Drivers

Drivers Ed Course + Five 2-Hour Driving Lessons - Home Pickup

Save big with our advanced package, which includes five 2-hour driving lessons plus your online course.

California Teen Drivers Ed

$1108

$1069

Three 2-Hour Driving Lessons - Home Pickup

Pay for all three lessons now to receive a discount and the DMV completion certificate you need to take your road test.

$659

Five 2-Hour Driving Lessons - Home Pickup

Pay for all five lessons now to receive a discount and the DMV completion certificate you need to take your road test.

$1069

One 2-Hour Driving Lesson - Home Pickup

Pay for this one lesson. You can pay as you go for your next lessons when booking.

$229

Road Test + Three 2-Hour Driving Lessons - Home Pickup

Our three-lesson package, plus a pre-test prep lesson and use our car for your road test. Save $35!

$999

Individual Services

Drivers Ed Course Only

Our Drivers Ed course is licensed by the DMV and comes with free mailing for your completion certificate.

$60

Road Test Session - Home Pickup

Use our car for your DMV Road Test. We'll provide a 1-hour test prep/refresher lesson which includes travel to the DMV.

$389

Road Test + One 2-Hour Driving Lesson - Home Pickup

Be sure you're ready for your test with an extra lesson.

$599

Over 100,000 5-Star Reviews

She was an incredible teacher! I felt so safe and comfortable with her. Her instructions were really clear and she was so patient. I really appreciated her teaching style. She made me feel confident in myself and by the end of the class didn't want to stop driving. She is great!

Jordan, Oakland

An amazing experience from my instructor, he taught me about reversing, he taught me about parking and he just gave me amazing tips on what to do when behind the wheel.

Kevion, Oakland

Extremely kind and patient! He definitely helped me become more confident with driving, and in passing my driving test!

Rexine, Oakland

Thanks to his tutelage of safe and calm driving - I passed my behind-the-wheel driving test! I appreciated the way he believed in me, reminded to practice, and had faith in the ways I took his lessons seriously to build my confidence as a new driver on the road.

Austin, Oakland

Click here to read more Coastline reviews.

Over 250,000 Students Have Chosen Coastline Academy

See why 98% of students across the country rate their driving lesson with us 5-stars.

Certified driving instructors

Every Coastline driving instructor is certified and licensed by the California DMV and has completed an intensive, California-centered training course

Cutting-edge technology

Secure payments and digital lesson reports—we leverage the latest tech to provide a convenient experience you will love

Customers first

Our instructors don't run errands or make students pick up and drop off other students—your time behind the wheel is your time

Customized lesson plans

Our driving lessons aren't for everyone, they're for you—our instructors customize every lesson to your precise needs

Driving lessons in Oakland and surrounding areas

Oakland is a great place to practice driving! Our lessons cover all the essential skills you need to be a safe and confident driver, including parallel parking and the freeway. Wherever you need to go, whether it’s over the Bay Bridge or down 880, Coastline will guide your driving education from start to finish!

Oakland Driving School Locations

We know you have a busy schedule. This is why Coastline offers a number of convenient options for lesson locations, including home, work, or school pick up. In some cases, we can even drop you off at an agreed-upon location within certain areas of Oakland once your lesson is over!

Other Locations and Lesson Types

Lessons will begin at a convenient Oakland location. You will be able to see our Oakland meeting points once you begin your search for driving lesson availability.

Safety Lives in Oakland

We go above and beyond expectations to provide a safe learning experience.

Driving instructors you can trust

We're one of the only driving schools to do independent background and drug screens on every employee

Marked cars with a second brake

Every Coastline car has a second instructor brake, is clearly marked as a driving school vehicle and is inspected by a BAR-certified mechanic

Dashcam in every car

We record video and audio inside and outside the car for everyone's safety

Driving Lessons Customized for You

Every lesson is custom-made to help you succeed.

Certified Driving Lessons for Teens

Our behind-the-wheel lessons are great for teens needing the 6 hours of behind-the-wheel lessons required by the State of California for a license. By taking lessons with Coastline, you'll have the skills and confidence to pass your California driving test and get on the road in Oakland!

Driving Lessons for Adults

In addition to driving lessons for teenagers, Coastline also offers lessons for adults seeking to become safer and more confident drivers in their everyday lives. Whether it's your first time driving in Oakland or you're looking to practice for an upcoming California driving test, our expert, certified instructors are here for you!

Oakland's Top Driving Instructors

Coastline's hiring standards and training program go above and beyond to ensure your and your child's safety when in the car. All Coastline instructors undergo multiple background checks and complete a rigorous training program to help ensure their readiness and knowledge in the lesson. When you choose Coastline Academy, you are choosing Oakland's top driving educators!

Two-Hour Lessons

A typical Coastline lesson is two hours long, adhering to the California state standard of three, two-hour lessons for all teenaged drivers. Your lesson time starts from when we pick you up and ends when we drop you off.

Will I Pass My Road Test?

Good, prepared, and confident drivers pass their road test. Because of this, we focus on developing and mastering core skills first, including basic driving maneuvers, residential driving, commercial driving, and freeway driving! Once you're confident in these skills, we'll help guide you through the road test by explaining the testing process from beginning to end, including administering a mock driving exam during one of your last lessons!

How Many Lessons Do I Need?

Every driver's needs and progress differ, which is why every Coastline lesson is customized for you. Note, all minors in Oakland and in California are required to take 6 total hours of professional driving instruction. (Need more practice? Not a problem! Contact our Support Team to learn about our five-lesson packages!)

Our Car, Our Insurance

Coastline provides all the tools and materials you need for your lessons, including a vehicle, certified Oakland instructor, and insurance! All you need to bring is a positive attitude and a willingness to learn!

Post-Lesson Report Included

At the end of each lesson session, your instructor will complete a lesson report which will summarize the skills you have mastered and those that need more practice. You'll also get a personalized message with helpful tips and resources to study and try between your lessons, meaning you can maximize your practice time!

The Coastline Guarantee

A great experience or we'll make it right.

If for any reason you are unsatisfied with your driving lesson, we will make it right. We can redo your lesson either with the same instructor or a different one, at your option. Or, if you prefer, you can get a full refund.

Driving instructors serving Oakland

Our friendly, professional instructors bring a wide range of experiences to teaching you to drive. Each instructor is certified by the state and has completed an intensive training course. We're one of the only driving schools to do independent background and drug screens.

Yusuf A.

Yusuf has a wealth of knowledge accumulated over years of driving across the nation. He brings a unique perspective to driver education. Emphasizing not just on technical skills, but also a deep understanding of the road, safety and responsibility on... Read more...

Alan N.

Alan has over 150 lessons with a 95% pass rate. He enjoys teaching safe driving skills because he is also a student pilot himself, which prioritizes safety. You can find him in the skies over the Bay Area when he is not behind the wheel. Alan builds ... Read more...

Racquel S.

Martinez native, Racquel is a compassionate instructor who’s goal is to instill students with the confidence and skill sets needed to be a safety oriented driver. Read more...

Hal I.

Hal is ready to share his many years of experience as a safe, defensive school bus driver with his Coastline Academy students. Hal has been fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Read more...

Jim D.

Welcome students! Jim loves public service and loves to be engaging. He loves working with everyone and is the epitome of a people- person. Jim will help you gain self-confidence and the skills needed for a fun, safe driving career. Read more...

Julie V.

Julie has 15 years of professional driving instruction experience in the Tri-Valley area. She is ready to share her enthusiasm for driving while watching your confidence grow behind the wheel. Read more...

Olga H.

If you are excited and a bit nervous to learn something new like driving, meet Olga. She brings a passion and enjoyment for teaching to Coastline. She started as an academic tutor in school, helping her peers with Spanish, history and music. She can ... Read more...

Janette K.

Janette has been teaching driving in the Bay Area for 4 1/2 years because it fulfills two of her passions: creating safer streets and meeting all types of people. Teaching and learning to drive takes willingness and trust on the part of both student... Read more...

Pierre C.

Pierre has taught more than 1,000 students to be safer, more confident, knowledgeable and responsible drivers. Read more...

Junelle P.

Junelle grew up between Fairfield and Vallejo, and knows the local roads very well. He has been driving for about 10 years, and has 7 years of professional road experience. Read more...

Jason C.

No matter if you plan on just short trips across town, long ones across the state, or even drives as long as from California to Oklahoma, let Jason's compassionate nature and passion for safe driving be your guide. Please also note that I am fully CO... Read more...

Martyn J.

In addition to teaching driving, Martyn is a professional musician and music teacher. Read more...

Dennis S.

Are you in search of a reliable and skilled driving instructor for your child or yourself? Look no further! I'm Dennis Villalobos Sabino, a dedicated and experienced driving instructor who prioritizes safety and confidence behind the wheel. With a fr... Read more...

Wesley W.

Native born San Franciscan, Wesley Wong became an English Teacher after a long career as a professional photographer and photojournalist.Before coming to Coastline, Wesley was an autonomous vehicle test operator for self-driving vehicles. He says his... Read more...

Anna M.

Anna is a kind and knowledgeable instructor who strives for Read more...

David D.

I was born and raised in the Bay area and lived here my whole life. During my spare time, I enjoy collecting hot wheels and matchbox cars. I'm also a easy going person, that embraces diversity. Read more...

Mike R.

Meet Mike, your dedicated driving instructor, born and raised amidst the stunning landscapes of the San Francisco Bay Area. With over a decade of experience teaching college courses at the university level and two decades spent honing expertise as a ... Read more...

Maria G.

Maria is a retired postal carrier who’s gone 30 years without being in a single crash. She is enthusiastic about teaching you to drive defensively and being ready to pass the driving exam. She served as a driving trainer for the Postal Service. She's... Read more...

Nancy J.

Nancy says she’s never met a windy road she didn’t like. While learning safe driving skills, you’ll find her to be patient, easygoing and kind. For Nancy, laughter isn’t off limits to help you learn to be a confident, comfortable driver. Read more...

Kameron C.

Kameron has been driving for ten years now working a multitude of delivery jobs. he enjoys teaching and coaching for the joys of watching a person grow. Kameron has a great sense of humor and loves every sport. He tries his best to stay active and ou... Read more...

Aladrian H.

Aladrian has been driving for over 30 years. She was a trainer at an airline for many years and an after school literacy instructor. Read more...

Sam C.

Sam is a dedicated driving instructor with passion for promoting safe driving habits. They bring patience and clear communication skills to their teaching approach, aiming to make a positive impact on students' lives by imparting essential driving sk... Read more...

Deshea H.

Deshea has been driving for over 10 years. He’s had multiple driving jobs as well. Being both cautious and patient, Deshea has been a safe driver and managed to avoid most crashes and fender benders. He pursuing a career in psychology to be a become ... Read more...

Neelima M.

With over 20 years of safe driving experience all throughout California, Neelima is dedicated to sharing her expertise and passion for teaching driving. Neelima firmly believe that learning to drive is a significant milestone on the path to independe... Read more...

Andy F.

Ever since Andrew got his license he’s jumped behind anything with a steering wheel and 4 tires. He hopes to give this confidences to others as well a discover the joys of driving! Read more...

Robin D.

Driving has always been a passion of mine.I acquired many driving jobs like ecart , instacart caviar and also driving for a medical currier that had me driving all over the area picking up samples and taking them to the labs. It’s all about being out... Read more...

Anthony G.

Anthony resides in the San Jose area and has been driving for 19 years. He recently obtained his CDL A license in May of 2023 and has been enjoying the challenges of driving tractor/trailers. Anthony enjoys teaching and coaching others by sharing h... Read more...

Herman C.

Herman has many years of safe driving in the bay area both on a personal level and professionally due to the requirements of his employment. Through these years he has seen some of the many hazards and is willing to put this knowledge to use to bette... Read more...

Joseph C.

Joseph recalls what it was like to get his drivers license when he was sixteen. He felt excited to join the world in a bigger way! Joseph is originally from the ultimate car culture, Los Angeles. One of Joseph’s first jobs was in the film industry,... Read more...

Andrew H.

With over 30 years of experience driving cars and riding motorcycles in various conditions, coupled with a decade of mechanical repair experience, Andrew is a driving instructor who can effectively balance theory and techniques with real-world applic... Read more...

Lisa V.

A people-person with a big heart and a love of driving. Lisa will build your skills and confidence behind the wheel. Read more...

Crizella W.

Crizella has driven throughout the continental US, Canada, Hawaii, Fiji, and Japan. She has called the Bay Area her home since graduating from UC Berkeley. She has grown her skills in customer service to help others find as much joy as she finds each... Read more...

Gregory P.

Meet Greg, a Bay Area native with 40 years of safe driving experience. As a marketer, he helps brands resonate with consumers. As an instructor, he communicates critical driving principals, rules and strategies that result in actionable guidance. As ... Read more...

Michael Ru M.

Michael or ‘Ru’ for short has been driving with an accident and ticket free record for over 13 years. He grew up in the south bay area and loves the food and boba here! Read more...

Clennel P.

Clennel Perry prides himself on being a defensive driver. Over the years the roads, they have become very congested, and it is imperative to have those skills as well, along with offensive skills. Read more...

Todd T.

Todd Tash is a retired middle school teacher who enjoys working with people of all ages. Besides driving, Todd enjoys mountain biking, sailing, hiking, writing, and traveling. Read more...

Daniel B.

Daniel Biondi has worked in the automotive field for 30 years, educating people on what makes their cars tick. Understanding your car makes learning to drive an easier process. He is ready to help you become comfortable behind the steering wheel. Bei... Read more...

David L.

Working in a cycling academy for four years, David excels in guiding students of all ages to confidently navigate traffic, fostering their safety and excellence while enjoying the process. Read more...

Daniel G.

Daniel currently works in banking full time and serves in the California Army National Guard part time as an Army Officer. He has also volunteered in law enforcement. Previously, he worked for ten years in public schools with students from grades kin... Read more...

Jason G.

Jason's driving experience expands over 35 years. He was trained to drive-in high-pressure situations while attending the police academy. He understands that students will be nervous and excited at the same time. But he will make sure the driving exp... Read more...

Khaled A.

Khaled is Experienced professional with a comprehensive background in both driving and Teaching Driving. Adept at imparting practical driving skills and safety knowledge while fostering a supportive and constructive learning environment. Proven abili... Read more...

Joe G.

Drawing from forty years of driving experience across three continents, Joe brings a global perspective to driver education in California. His background in both international teaching and the tech industry demonstrates versatility and a commitment t... Read more...

Duane O.

Duane's aim in each lesson is to provide a positive and rewarding experience for the student. He believes this can be accomplished by first ensuring the student is relaxed and comfortable and then tailoring the lesson to the individualized needs of e... Read more...

Leonard T.

Leonard has been driving cars for over thirty years with experiences in the US Army, US Air Force and in the police department. In the US military, Leonard has driven Humvees in convoys in Iraq and in rural and urban areas. Leonard has the knowledge ... Read more...

Donald W.

Donald Wu is a professional illustrator with nearly two decades of experience in children’s publishing. Throughout his career, he has mentored emerging artists, sharing his expertise and fostering new talent in the industry. Outside of illustration, ... Read more...

Danny W.

Danny was raised in a multi-lingual family, and is native-fluent in English and Cantonese. Danny also is fairly fluent in Mandarin as well. Danny's varied background helps him succeed with different people and with the many situations that life throw... Read more...

Brian S.

Brian has had many years of teaching experience and is an East Bay Area native. Brian has taught family and friends throughout the East Bay Area roads and highways. Brian graduated from Saint Mary's College High School and Saint Mary’s College Brian ... Read more...

Eric B.

Eric is a bay area local since 1981 and joined Coastline after he retired in 2024. He was impressed with his son's experience with Coastline and aims to reduce car crashes in his local area by training the next generation of drivers. When he isn't tr... Read more...

Ashish B.

Ashish is an experienced driver with 13 years of diverse driving experience across two countries: the USA and India. His driving repertoire includes navigating hills, countryside roads, and bustling urban centers such as Chicago and New Delhi. In the... Read more...

Jenny V.

Jenny was born and raised in San Francisco. She earned a BS in Computer Science from UCSB, spent over five years in training and development in retail operations, and now works full time as a pastry chef. She became a driving instructor to give stude... Read more...

Barron J.

Barron is passionate about helping people safely commute and explore. In previous jobs as a school bus driver and cycling group leader, he patiently guided kids & families through stressful city streets. As your observant, kind and considerate drivin... Read more...

Skye O.

Skye helps turn first-time nerves into real driving confidence. When he’s not teaching or driving on the roads of the bay, he’s out hiking, playing music, bird-watching or tending to his backyard garden. Read more...

Joel B.

Joel Bernal is a seasoned professional driver with over a decade of experience navigating the roads of the Bay Area, including the complex streets of San Francisco, Sacramento, and surrounding cities. He has driven a wide range of routes across the r... Read more...

Diana V.

Diana wants to help teens and adults build essential driving skills and overcome their fears, fostering safe, confident drivers who embrace both freedom and responsibility. Whether in education or driver’s instruction, Diana’s mission remains clear: ... Read more...

Meridith F.

With over 35 years of driving behind her, Meridith has driven almost everything out there- from her tiny convertible to double decker buses and semis. With a passion for driving and education she hopes to help you be ready for the changing Bay Area r... Read more...

Roland T.

Roland Trujillo has been a driving instructor for over ten years. Roland also has seven years classroom experience teaching safe driving. Roland knows the Bay Area and is especially acquainted with Marin County. Roland is said to be patient and calm.... Read more...

Livleen M.

Lovie Moore is a weekend driving instructor who focuses on building confidence and calmness in new drivers. She creates a supportive and stress-free learning experience to help students feel safe and prepared on the road. Long Bio: Lovie Moore is a d... Read more...

Armin K.

DMV-certified driving instructor with Coastline Driving School dedicated to helping students become safe, confident, and responsible drivers. I create a calm and supportive learning environment so students feel comfortable, gain confidence, and devel... Read more...

Yusuf A.

Yusuf has 5 years of experience as a professional in his field, but 10 years of experience with tutoring and teaching various topics. Having both a motorcycle license and an international driving permit have also provided new perspectives through dif... Read more...

Justin G.

Justin Grove is a photographer and passionate driver with over 15 years of safe and defensive driving experience. They have experience in everything from rural back roads, to long distance freeway driving, to National Forest Service roads. Safe drivi... Read more...

Michael L.

In addition to 20+ years of driving experience, Michael has 5 years of experience in Shanghai, Taipei, and Berkeley teaching English as a second language. An experienced skateboarder, Michael also spent several years in China teaching about 1000 stud... Read more...

Oliver G.

Oliver comes from an extensive customer service background specializing in building and implementing educational/functional staff training procedures but really considers himself an artist. From his small hometown in Texas, to California where he has... Read more...

Coastline in the Community

Coastline is proud to work with over 100 local, state, and national organizations to provide access to high-quality driver's education for teens and adults all across California. Here are just a few of the organizations we partner with to further our mission of eradicating car crashes nationwide:

For more information about our Community Partnerships Programs, please reach out to our Support Team.