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 Dana Point

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.

Get started:

Driving Lessons
driving student

Over 100,000 5-Star Reviews

Ms. Carmela was very informative and taught me new skills during my driving lesson. Highly recommended!
Noah O.
Askari was super helpful and chill, answering all of my questions during my driving lesson. A great driving instructor!
Costa M.
I felt very comfortable driving with my driving instructor, Morgan, during my driving lesson. We had a fun drive on the freeway, even in the rain!
Jordan H.
My driving instructor doesn't stress you out and gives feedback well. He makes you feel comfortable and confident during your driving lesson.
Braelynn F.
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.

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

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

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

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

Driving lessons in Dana Point and surrounding areas

A Coastline Driving Lesson Vehicle

Driving lessons in Dana Point offer a unique blend of calm residential practice and real-world coastal traffic experience. The city's quieter neighborhoods provide an ideal setting for new drivers to master fundamental skills like steering, braking, and parking without pressure. This foundational experience builds the confidence needed to safely navigate the more dynamic areas near the harbor and along the coast.

As students become more comfortable, they can expand their skills on major thoroughfares like the scenic Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1) and the busy I-5 freeway. These routes provide essential practice with merging, lane changes, and managing higher speeds. Driving to nearby communities such as San Clemente or Laguna Niguel exposes learners to different intersection types and traffic flows found throughout Orange County.

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 primary mission is to empower new drivers with the defensive techniques and situational awareness required for a lifetime of safe travel. We focus on transforming instruction into lasting confidence and practical ability behind the wheel.

A Coastline Driving Lesson Vehicle

Safety Lives in Dana Point

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

Coastline Corolla

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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 Dana Point

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.

Jim H.

Jim H.

Jim has been a drive instructor since 2013. He has taught thousands of students how to drive or improve on their driving ability. Engaging, fun and calm under stress, he has very quick reflexes and has your safety in mind. Read more...

Speaks Japanese
2,000+ Lessons
Carmela R.

Carmela R.

Carmela has been a teacher for over 24 years.She is patient, fun, and cares about her students. Her teaching skills help new drivers feel confident and comfortable. . Read more...

Speaks Spanish
Instructor Trainer
2,000+ Lessons
Sylvanus N.

Sylvanus N.

Sylvanus has been driving for 12 years, with 5 of these years being a Commercial driver license holder. Sylvanus graduated from the University of Maryland and is ready to help you become a safer driver. Read more...

1,000+ Lessons
Instructor Trainer
Ryan H.

Ryan H.

Ryan has been a Music Teacher for almost 30 years. He now sees the car as a musical instrument and would love to guide you to play tastefully and and in tune! Read more...

500+ Lessons
Steve S.

Steve S.

Steve has spent a lifetime as a photographic business owner; is college educated and a U.S. Navy Vietnam veteran. Semi-retired he is currently a teaching docent with over 4,000 hours at Lyon Air Museum. Teaching and educating are equally important. Read more...

200+ Lessons
Paul C.

Paul C.

Paul has over 15 years experience navigating the road between the California coasts to the Snowy weather in Colorado, and in Toronto, Canada. He drives with a family first mindset and enjoys swimming, bike riding with family, and plays the Ukulele. Read more...

200+ Lessons
Riley S.

Riley S.

Riley has a love for teaching and being around people. She has always taken pride in being a safe and well-rounded driver and hopes to help others feel the same way about themselves. She is kind, patient, detail-oriented and compassionate while also ... Read more...

100+ Lessons
Michael F.

Michael F.

Michael F has 14 years as a truck driver. Has driven across the continental U.S through various weather conditions. Throughout his career, he has had the opportunity to teach new truckers and guide them through the industry. He has also taught in a p... Read more...

Jennifer B.

Jennifer B.

In addition to working for the United States Postal Service, she takes pride in having a patient, fun loving attitude with her students and sharing her 42 yrs of driving experience. She treats each student with the dignity and respect they deserve. Read more...

200+ Lessons
Adnan K.

Adnan K.

On a traffic light green means go and yellow means yield, but on a banana it’s the exact opposite. Green means hold on, yellow means go ahead, and red means where did you get that banana at? Read more...

200+ Lessons
Milan S.

Milan S.

Milan Shah has covered a lot of miles under different driving conditions while driving an Uber. He has improved his defensive and predictive driving skills as a result and is happy to pass it on to the new drivers to make driving safer for all on the... Read more...

100+ Lessons
Wael E.

Wael E.

Wael is a dedicated driving instructor with a background in aerospace engineering and a passion for road safety. Having driven across multiple countries since 2008, he brings a clear, calm approach to teaching. Fluent in English and Arabic, and a fat... Read more...

Speaks Arabic

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