Steps to Getting Your License

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

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.

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.

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.

For more licensing details, visit our help article.

Oakland Driving School

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!

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California Teen Drivers Ed
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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!

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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

A Coastline Driving Lesson Vehicle

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.

A Coastline Driving Lesson Vehicle

Safety Lives in Oakland

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

Coastline Corolla
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
Coastline Corolla

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.

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How to Get a California Driver's License as an Adult

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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 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 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.

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 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.

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...

Olga H.

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...

Wesley W.

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 M.

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

Lisa V.

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...

Donald W.

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...

Roland T.

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...

Oliver G.

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.

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Serving Thousands of Cities in Eight States Across America

How Can We Help?

Our customer service team is available from 7am to 8pm Pacific Time, 7 days a week.
Chat

Text us at (800) 489-1896.

Phone

Call us at (800) 489-1896.