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.

Driving Lessons in Carmel by the Sea

Whether it's your first time behind the wheel or you need a brush up before your test, we offer driving education that will make you a safer, more confident driver for life.

Visit our Monterey Bay page for more
The main hub has the pricing and package information you need to get started.
driving student

Over 100,000 5-Star Reviews

My driving instructor was very thorough, and a wonder to drive with. I highly recommend his driving lessons!
Yeona C.
I had a really great driving lesson and I feel like I've learned a lot!
Milly B.
Randi was great, and I really enjoyed this reassuring and informative driving lesson. Emulating the test and practicing parallel parking was really nice! Thank you!
Joseph B.
My driving instructor was very helpful and made sure I was doing safe turns during my driving lesson. He steered the wheel and gave clear directions.
angela z.
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 Carmel by the Sea and surrounding areas

A Coastline Driving Lesson Vehicle

Driving lessons in Carmel-by-the-Sea offer a truly unique learning environment. The city's charming residential streets, known for their lack of traffic lights and unique intersections, provide an excellent setting for developing precision and heightened awareness at lower speeds. This calm, distinctive atmosphere helps new drivers master vehicle control and focus on the fundamentals of road safety before progressing to more complex traffic scenarios.

Once the basics are mastered, lessons can expand to include the scenic routes of CA-1. This experience is essential for learning to handle curves and varying speed limits safely. Driving towards nearby Monterey provides exposure to more conventional city traffic and signals, offering a well-rounded curriculum that prepares students for the diverse road conditions found throughout Monterey County, ensuring they are comfortable in any setting.

We offer flexible pickup and drop-off at home, school, or work when available. To accommodate various schedules, some lessons may begin at convenient meeting points in the area, which will be shown once you start searching availability.

Our ultimate goal is to empower each student with the defensive driving techniques and unwavering confidence required for a lifetime of safe travel. We are committed to translating structured lessons into practical, real-world driving competence.

A Coastline Driving Lesson Vehicle

Safety Lives in Carmel by the Sea

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.

DMV-Certified Driving Lessons for Teens

Our school is certified by the DMV, and our lessons are perfect for teens needing the required training with an instructor so you can qualify to take your test, and have the skills and confidence you need to pass it.

DMV-Certified Driving Lessons for Adults

We teach adult drivers how to become safer and more confident every day. Whether it's your first time driving or you need to practice for a Supplemental Driving Performance Evaluation, our expert instructors are here for you.

Top Instructors

Our hiring standards and training program go beyond the industry standard. When you choose Coastline Academy, you are choosing the state's top driving educators.

Will you Pass Your Test?

Good drivers pass the test. So we focus on core skills first, ensuring you are set up to be safe and confident for life, before worrying about the test. On your last lesson, we will do a mock test to be sure you are ready!

How Many Lessons do you Need?

Every driver is different, which is why every Coastline lesson is customized for you.

Our Car, Our Insurance

We provide all the tools and materials needed for your lesson, so all you need to bring is a positive attitude toward learning a new skill.

Post-Lesson Report Included

At the end of your lesson, your instructor fills out a post-lesson report that shows the skills you have mastered, and those that need more practice, so you can maximize your practice time between lessons.

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

Published in Unclassified

Driving instructors serving Carmel by the Sea

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.

Shayne S.

Shayne S.

Shayne spent the last 29 years serving in the military with the United States Air Force. Now, as a veteran, he is committed to help others be safe and responsible vehicle operators. Read more...

Instructor Trainer
2,000+ Lessons
Pierre C.

Pierre C.

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

2,000+ Lessons
Gil R.

Gil R.

Gil has over 40 years of driving experience and several years of teaching various subjects one-on-one under his belt as well. And with over 20 years providing excellent customer service, he is looking forward to meeting you and teaching you the joys ... Read more...

Speaks Spanish
Instructor Trainer
1,500+ Lessons
David B.

David B.

Dave is very passionate about making the roads safer for everyone. He wants to give you a solid foundation to begin your driving journey. Think of Dave as more of a coach than an instructor. Read more...

1,000+ Lessons
Maria G.

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...

Speaks Spanish
Instructor Trainer
1,000+ Lessons
William H.

William H.

William has over 20 years of navigating California roads. Read more...

500+ Lessons
Andy F.

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...

500+ Lessons
Neelima M.

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...

Instructor Trainer
500+ Lessons
Anthony G.

Anthony G.

Anthony resides in the San Jose area and has been driving for 21 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...

200+ Lessons
Michael Ru M.

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...

200+ Lessons
Daniel B.

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...

200+ Lessons
David L.

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...

Jason G.

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...

100+ Lessons
Joe G.

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...

100+ Lessons
Duane O.

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...

Scott L.

Scott L.

Scott loves animals and dabbles in hiking, skateboarding, snowboarding, making music and travel. He wants to make it second-nature for others to perform safely on the road. Read more...

Dominick S.

Dominick S.

Dominick brings a strong safety-focused background to driving instruction, with multiple seasons as a wildland firefighter and current service in Emergency Management with the Air Force. His teaching style is calm, patient, and supportive, helping st... Read more...

Livleen M.

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...

Tito C.

Tito C.

Tito is a commercial driver with years of experience, licensed since age 18 and holding a CDL since 2021, with extensive driving experience across multiple states and vehicle types. Born and raised on the Central Coast, he brings a calm, patient, and... Read more...

Armin K.

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 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...

Trudi S.

Trudi S.

Trudi has been coaching athletics and training dog obedience for over 20 years. She brings her coaching passion and skills to Coastline to help students learn to be safe and confident drivers in an educational and comfortable environment. Her listeni... Read more...

Pedro A.

Pedro A.

Pedro helps new learners become confident and safe drivers. Learning to drive can be daunting, so Pedro provides a calm, patient, and friendly environment. Whether it's your first time behind the wheel or you're brushing up on skills before the test... 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 Washington. 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.

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.