With the Regional Stay Home Order ending on January 25, 2021 in California, that meant some of the COVID-19 restrictions would also be lifted throughout the state.  This brought changes from the California DMV also, as they announced that behind-the-wheel drive tests would resume on Monday, February 1, 2021.

What if my original appointment was cancelled?

No need to worry! Any customers that had their driving test appointments cancelled between December 14 and February 1 have been automatically rescheduled. You should have received a text message and email letting them know of the new date and time for their test.

You can also view this new appointment online with the email address or phone number you used when creating the original appointment. If this new date/time is not convenient for you, you can always reschedule online.

What if I want to schedule a new driving test appointment?

If you never scheduled an original appointment with the DMV, then you will have a little bit more time to wait. New appointments will not be taken for behind-the-wheel drive tests until all previously postponed tests have been rescheduled. The California DMV is anticipating that the schedule should open up for new driving test appointments in mid-February.

If you feel like you want to brush up on your driving skills before your test or you still need to get those six hours of in-car driving lessons completed, make sure to sign up today with Coastline Academy!

With the COVID-19 restrictions being lightened, the California DMV announced that behind-the-wheel drive tests would resume beginning today.

Starting Feb. 1, behind-the-wheel drive tests begin again in California

California DMV Resumes Behind-The-Wheel Drive Tests Today

Starting October 2024, we are excited to announce that Cantor's Driving School California in Canyon Lake, CA is now a part of Coastline Academy. Coastline is the largest driving school in the country, with over 92,000 5-star reviews from students across the US. This collaboration combines Coastline's expertise in education technology with Cantor's community roots to create a dynamic driving education experience for students in Southern California.

Online software - Coastline is at the cutting-edge of driver's education technology with online booking, secure payments, and digital lesson reports.

The name - Coastline is an industry leader in behind-the-wheel driver education whose mission is to eradicate car crashes.

A more modern fleet - packed with safety features like GPS tracking, video/audio recording, emergency equipment, and more.

The faces you're used to every day - we're still the same local team of professional classroom and driving instructors, and staff.

The high-quality education - now supplemented and supported by Coastline to make students safer, more confident drivers

We gratefully recognize the incredible work the Cantor's California team has done in the community, and look forward to continuing to support new drivers in Southern California. Coastline is on a mission to eradicate car crashes. We do this by teaching safe and confident drivers for life.

Information about the sale of Cantor's Driving School California to Coastline Academy

Cantor's Driving School California Joins Coastline Academy

Starting June 2024, we are excited to announce that Blue Bell Driving School in Plymouth Meeting, PA is now a part of Coastline Academy. Coastline is the largest driving school in the country, with over 77,000 5-star reviews from students across the US. This collaboration combines Coastline's expertise in education technology with Blue Bell Driving School's community roots to create a dynamic driving education experience for students in Plymouth Meeting and surrounding areas.

We gratefully recognize the incredible work the Blue Bell Driving School team has done in the community over the past decade, and look forward to continuing to support new drivers in Plymouth Meeting and surrounding areas. Coastline is on a mission to eradicate car crashes. We do this by teaching safe and confident drivers for life.

Information about the sale of Blue Bell Driving School to Coastline Academy

Blue Bell Driving School Joins Coastline Academy

Starting May 2024, we are excited to announce that Petaccio's Driving School in Royersford, PA is now a part of Coastline Academy. Coastline is the largest driving school in the country, with over 77,000 5-star reviews from students across the US. This collaboration combines Coastline's expertise in education technology with Petaccio's Driving School community roots to create a dynamic driving education experience for students in Royersford and surrounding areas.

We gratefully recognize the incredible work the Petaccio's Driving School team has done in the community over the past decade, and look forward to continuing to support new drivers in Royersford and surrounding areas. Coastline is on a mission to eradicate car crashes. We do this by teaching safe and confident drivers for life.

Information about the sale of Petaccio's Driving School to Coastline Academy

Petaccio's Driving School Joins Coastline Academy

Starting March 2024, we are excited to announce that Sam's Driving School in Richmond, TX is now a part of Coastline Academy. Coastline is the largest driving school in the country, with over 70,000 5-star reviews from students across the US. This collaboration combines Coastline's expertise in education technology with Sam's community roots to create a dynamic driving education experience for students in Richmond and surrounding areas.

We gratefully recognize the incredible work the Sam's team has done in the community over the past decade, and look forward to continuing to support new drivers in Richmond and surrounding areas. Coastline is on a mission to eradicate car crashes. We do this by teaching safe and confident drivers for life.

Information about the sale of Sam's Driving School to Coastline Academy

Sam's Driving School Joins Coastline Academy

Starting March 2024, we are excited to announce that First Class Driver in Fort Worth, TX is now a part of Coastline Academy. Coastline is the largest driving school in the country, with over 77,000 5-star reviews from students across the US. This collaboration combines Coastline's expertise in education technology with First Class Driver's community roots to create a dynamic driving education experience for students in Fort Worth and surrounding areas.

We gratefully recognize the incredible work the First Class Driver team has done in the community over the past decade, and look forward to continuing to support new drivers in Fort Worth and surrounding areas. Coastline is on a mission to eradicate car crashes. We do this by teaching safe and confident drivers for life.

Information about the sale of First Class Driver to Coastline Academy

First Class Driver Joins Coastline Academy

Starting January 2024, we are excited to announce that Driver Training Services in Lansdale, PA is now a part of Coastline Academy. Coastline is the largest driving school in the country, with over 77,000 5-star reviews from students across the US. This collaboration combines Coastline's expertise in education technology with Driver Training Services community roots to create a dynamic driving education experience for students in Lansdale and surrounding areas.

We gratefully recognize the incredible work the DTS team has done in the community over the past decade, and look forward to continuing to support new drivers in Lansdale and surrounding areas. Coastline is on a mission to eradicate car crashes. We do this by teaching safe and confident drivers for life.

Information about the sale of Driver Training Services to Coastline Academy

Driver Training Services Joins Coastline Academy

Starting October 2023, we are excited to announce that Arvada Driving School in Arvada, CO is now a part of Coastline Academy. Coastline is the largest driving school in the country, with over 77,000 5-star reviews from students across the US. This collaboration combines Coastline's expertise in education technology with Arvada Driving School community roots to create a dynamic driving education experience for students in Arvada and surrounding areas.

We gratefully recognize the incredible work the Arvada Driving School team has done in the community over the past decade, and look forward to continuing to support new drivers in Arvada and surrounding areas. Coastline is on a mission to eradicate car crashes. We do this by teaching safe and confident drivers for life.

Information about the sale of Arvada Driving School to Coastline Academy

Arvada Driving School Joins Coastline Academy

Welcome to the next era of Coastline! We're thrilled to unveil a fresh look and feel that embodies the essence of who we are today. This transformation is more than just an aesthetic change – it's a symbol of our evolution, our vision, and our unwavering commitment to our students.

At Coastline, we've always been committed to guiding our students down the road to confident and responsible driving. As we've grown and evolved, it became clear that our brand needed to keep pace with our aspirations. So, we're thrilled to unveil our refreshing new look – one that captures the next phase of our journey and represents our vision for the future.

Our brand refresh is not merely a change in appearance but a reflection of everything that Coastline stands for. It's an embodiment of our dedication to providing top-tier driving education with a convenient and streamlined experience. By embracing the latest in technology and educational techniques, we're ensuring that our students benefit from the most modern and efficient approaches to learning. Safety, of course, remains a cornerstone of our mission of eradicating car crashes, instilled in every lesson we provide.

The vibrant new visuals of our brand resonate with the joyful and confident spirit of Coastline. Trust and expertise shine through, giving our students the assurance they need as they navigate the exciting journey of learning to drive. The overall feel is one of aspiration – a reflection of our commitment to helping our students reach their fullest potential on the road. A driver license is more than a piece of plastic, it’s freedom to get where you want to go. Our refresh reflects the partnership we feel with our students to help you get there.

Join us as we shift gears into this exciting new chapter. Coastline’s refreshed look and feel are ready to inspire, support, and guide you on your driving adventure. Your road to success starts here, and we can't wait to share the journey with you! 🚗💨

We're thrilled to unveil a fresh look and feel that embodies the essence of who we are today.

Towards the Future: a Refreshed Look at the Coastline Brand

With a new year almost upon us, it looks like the state of California will be implementing some new laws in 2023. To help educate drivers of these new laws, the California Department of Motor Vehicles released a press release highlighting these new laws taking effect on January 1, 2023, unless otherwise noted.

Online Driver’s License Renewal for Californians 70 and Older Ends December 31 (AB 174, Committee on Budget)

Starting January 1, California law will again require drivers 70 and older to renew their license in person at a DMV office. There’s only a couple more days individuals 70 and older can take advantage of the temporary rule allowing them to renew their driver’s licenses or identification cards online or by mail – even if their renewal notice states a visit to a DMV field office is required.

In October 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom temporarily waived the California law requiring senior drivers to renew their licenses at a DMV field office and signed AB 174 in September 2021 to allow online or by mail renewals through the end of 2022. This temporary online option has helped Californians avoid DMV field offices during the COVID-19 pandemic.

New Requirement for Permanent Disabled Person Parking Placard Renewals (SB 611, Hill, 2017)

The DMV is sending notices to Californians who have had their permanent Disabled Person Parking Placard for at least six years and asking them to confirm that they are still in need of one. The DMV will not renew placards for people who do not respond. This renewal requirement is one provision of prior legislation, SB 611, enacted in 2017 to curb fraud and abuse of Disabled Person Parking Placards.

Consumer Notices for Semiautonomous Vehicles (SB 1398, Gonzalez)

Dealers and manufacturers that sell new passenger vehicles equipped with a partial driving automation feature or provide any software update or vehicle upgrade that adds such a feature are required to give a clear description of its functions and limitations. The law also prohibits a manufacturer or dealer from deceptively marketing a feature.

Enhanced Safeguards for Bicycle Riders (AB 1909, Friedman)

Drivers are now required to change into another available lane, when possible, to pass cyclists, building on the current requirement for drivers to give cyclists at least three feet of space when passing. The law also permits Class 3 e-bike riders to use approved bicycle paths and trails, bikeways, and bicycle lanes. In addition, starting on January 1, 2024, the law allows cyclists to cross an intersection when a walk sign is on.

Ban on Sideshows at Parking Facilities (AB 2000, Gabriel)

Parking lots across the state are now included with public roads as locations where street racing and sideshows are banned. Another law passed in 2021 (AB 3, Fong) allows courts to suspend an individual’s driver’s license for violating this ban beginning on July 1, 2025.

Crackdown on Catalytic Converter Theft (SB 1087, Gonzalez and AB 1740, Muratsuchi)

These laws enhance requirements on recyclers to keep specific records of catalytic converters they receive and on the authorized parties that can sell used catalytic converters. These laws aim to reduce the increasing theft of catalytic converters and help keep Californians and their cars safer.

Veteran Designation on Driver’s Licenses (SB 837, Umberg)

This law eliminates the $5 fee for obtaining a military “VETERAN” designation on a driver’s license or identification (ID) card.

Toll Exemptions for Certain Veterans (AB 2949, Lee)

This law exempts vehicles registered to veterans displaying specialized license plates from paying tolls on roads, bridges, highways, vehicular crossings, or other toll facilities. The exemption applies only to vehicles with license plates that are issued to a disabled veteran, Pearl Harbor survivor, prisoner of war, or to veterans who have received distinctions such as the Purple Heart or the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Digital Notices and Remote Renewals for Some Transactions (SB 1193, Newman)

This law allows customers to receive certain DMV notices electronically – which previously had been required to be mailed – if they opt in. It also removes the requirement that a vehicle salesperson’s license be renewed in person, which will enable the DMV to establish a renewal program that allows for consecutive remote vehicle salesperson license renewals. The law will help save time, paper, and reduce the number of transactions needing to be completed at a field office.

Alternatives to Conventional License Plates, Stickers, Tabs, and Registration Cards (AB 984, Wilson)

The DMV will create a new ongoing program that allows entities to issue alternatives such as digital license plates, vinyl front license plate wraps and digital registration cards. Since 2015, the current pilot program has enrolled more than 19,000 customers for digital license plates, more than 5,000 customers for vinyl license plates and less than 100 customers for e-registration. The DMV will work on regulations to govern how the requirements for the permanent program will be implemented.

Reform of License Suspension Law (AB 2746, Friedman)

California state courts will stop sending notices to the DMV for license suspensions for failure to appear starting on January 1, 2023, while requiring the DMV to stop suspending licenses for failing to appear starting on January 1, 2027, to allow time to make computer programming changes.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our friendly support staff. If you want to start your driver's training journey with Coastline Academy, make sure to sign up for Drivers Ed and book your driving lesson today.

We have a new year coming soon and that means new driving laws that take effect in 2022, so the California Highway Patrol is working to remind drivers of these changes.

With a new year comes new law changes, as the California Department of Motor Vehicles reminds drivers of these new 2023 law changes.

New Year, New Laws: California DMV Highlights New Laws In 2023

Driving is a big step for all teens and young adults, but an even bigger step for those on the autism spectrum. Getting their driver's license is one of many choices individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) make as part of the transition to adulthood. By learning to drive, it can contribute to the development of that individual, but also enhance access to employment opportunities, social relationships and community activities.

Because of that, the University of Michigan has announced they are conducting a study to show how well people with ASD can detect road hazards. This is part of their plan to help young motorists in sharpening their driving skills.

This study by the University of Michigan is the second phase of a project funded by Ford Motor Co. It teams the Ann Arbor university with a local driving school, according to Ventura County Star.

During the first phase of the study, researchers found that students with autism spectrum disorder detected fewer hazards than control participants during simulated drives. However, lead researcher Elise Hodges said some extra work behind the wheel did the trick, "Those folks that underwent training improved in two-thirds of hazards in the simulated drive.”

With phase two starting up, 23-year-old Tate Ellwood-Mielewski, who was diagnosed with ASD at age 3, is planning on getting back in the driver's seat. Tate said, “I do want to be able to drive ... and get places where I want to go.” Tate's mother, Debbie Mielewski, played a big part in pulling together the partners to make the study happen.

Debbie was concerned with how her son would fare in the future with no driver's license and his parents no longer around. She is a technical fellow of sustainability at Ford, so she approached her boss in 2018 "and just blurted out: 'Would you support a program to help autistic spectrum kids to learn how to drive?' and he immediately said 'Yes!'"

Ann Arbor Academy, a school for students with learning and social differences, hosted driving lessons. Hodges designed the simulated drives and oversaw the study. Ford footed the bill.

For this study, the goal, in part, was to provide an opportunity for those with ASD to improve their driving skills. Hodges said, "Many of them ... would like to drive, but getting from wanting to drive and being able to drive are two different things.”

The first phase of this study helped in determining that. In addition to detecting hazards, students with autism tended to slow down and "stop short" in front of stop signs, Ventura County Star reported. In phase two, the participants will take part in individualized driving sessions, which Hodges hopes will bear fruit. 

As phase two plays out, Mielewski believes programs like this will go a long way in helping those with autism overcome their doubts. She said, “If we can just free them to think that they can do anything, I really think they can. They need support. We should support them.”

While this study is being done in Michigan, Hodges is hoping similar programs start to appear elsewhere. She said, "In the best-case scenario, I would hope that parents would learn that their teens or young adults who have ASD actually may be able to drive successfully,. And there may be some tools out there that they may not have been aware of.”

To help people with autism sharpen their driving skills, researchers at the University of Michigan are conducting a study.

Researchers at the University of Michigan will use a study to help people with autism learn how to drive.

Researchers Will Use Study To Help Those With Autism Improve Driving Skills

California DMV Resumes Behind-The-Wheel Drive Tests Today

What if my original appointment was cancelled?

What if I want to schedule a new driving test appointment?

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