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.

Los Angeles Gateway Cities Driving School

Name: Coastline Academy - Los Angeles Gateway Cities
Address: 13250 Woodruff Ave, Downey, CA 90242, Downey, CA, 90242, US
Telephone: (800) 489-1896

We know driving around Long Beach and the Gateway Cities can be tricky business. Come learn how to drive the right way with our Los Angeles-based professional, certified driving instructors. Whether you’re a teen looking to get your license or an adult who needs to learn how to drive, Coastline’s 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 Los Angeles organizations:

Learn more about our LA driver education programs below!

Choose Your Learning Package

Most Popular

Our most comprehensive packages for new drivers

Save $88

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.

Package Price

$619

$707

Total package price

What's Included

California Teen Drivers Ed

6 hours behind-the-wheel

Save $139

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.

Package Price

$999

$1138

Total package price

What's Included

California Teen Drivers Ed

10 hours behind-the-wheel

More Options

Additional packages to fit your specific needs

Save $28

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.

6 hours behind-the-wheel

$647

$619

Save $79

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.

10 hours behind-the-wheel

$1078

$999

One 2-Hour Driving Lesson - Home Pickup

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

2 hours behind-the-wheel

$219

Save $50

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!

9 hours behind-the-wheel

Road test with our car

$989

$939

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.

$359

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

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

$569

Over 100,000 5-Star Reviews

Thank you so much! He is really Excellent Instructor, and I have been learning a lot from him. He is so patient and punctual - always on time. He explains the things so well. He is very professional. I super recommend him.

Kimberly, Long Beach

She was an amazing instructor! She gave me many useful tips and tricks. All throughout the lesson, she was calm and talked me through everything.

Briana, Cerritos

Very patient and comforting! I had a great experience! Thank you!

Makaika, South Gate

5 stars! She is very calm, informative, helpful, and encouraging! She made me feel more confident about my test, and I would definitely take more lessons with her in the future!

Razak, Los Angeles

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 Long Beach and the Gateway Cities

Long Beach and the Gateway Cities are great places to practice driving! Our lessons will take you anywhere from Compton and Carson all the way up to Whittier and Pico Rivera. We’ll even help you navigate the infamous Long Beach Traffic Circle! Wherever you need to go in the Gateway Cities, Coastline will guide your driving education from residential roads to the freeway.

Long Beach and Gateway Cities 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. (This may come especially in handy for high school students or older students studying at LBCC or CSULB!) In some cases, we can even drop you off at an agreed-upon location within certain areas of LA and Long Beach once your lesson is over!

Other Locations and Lesson Types

Lessons will begin at a convenient Long Beach or Gateway Cities-area location. You will be able to see our meeting points once you begin your search for driving lesson availability.

Safety Lives in Los Angeles Gateway Cities

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!

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 or you're looking to practice for an upcoming California driving test, our expert, certified instructors are here for you!

Gateway Cities’ 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 the Gateway Cities’ 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 highway 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 Long Beach, LA, 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 Long Beach or LA 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 Los Angeles Gateway Cities

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.

Rosemary M.

Rosemary has been a driver for the past 12 years. Starting off at LAX airport driving on the airplane runways/tarmacs, to now being entrusted to drive children of all ages to school while working for The YMCA. She hopes to reduce the amount of distra... Read more...

Speaks Spanish

500+ Lessons

Kyrsta C.

Kyrsta's been teaching and mentoring for over 15 years and driving since she was 15½. Now combining the two to help new drivers feel safe, confident, and steady behind the wheel. Kyrsta's learned to drive in Long Beach and LA and still remembers the ... Read more...

Kha D.

Kha is a easy-going car enthusiast with 15 years of driving experience. He is an experienced driver that is committed to teaching others not just how to operate a car but also how to navigate real world scenarios with awareness and skill. His goal is... Read more...

Speaks Vietnamese

Chris P.

Christopher Perez is a professional educator with over 10 years of experience teaching soccer and basketball and has spent over 10 years driving in both urban and rural settings, having grown up in The Valley driving in the canyons, track, and even r... Read more...

Speaks Spanish

Lenny S.

Lenny has been driving for nearly 30 years and prides himself on being a safe, patient, and aware driver. He also years of experience driving throughout the Los Angeles area for work, giving him experience navigating freeways, streets, neighborhoods,... Read more...

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

Ian K.

Ian has been all over southern California, and has seen first-hand the importance of safe driving. He has a passion for passing on the wisdom he has accumulated and is determined to create more responsible drivers on the road. Read more...

1,000+ Lessons

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

Patrick K.

In Patrick's 32 year career with United Parcel Service, he was awarded 23 consecutive years of safe driving. He was an on-route daily delivery driver and a driver trainer. Utilizing his Cultural Anthropology degree and the people skills he aquired ... Read more...

Instructor Trainer

1,000+ Lessons

Manager

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 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 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 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...

200+ Lessons

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

Qinmei Y.

Driving should be a comfortable activity, with habitual acts of precautions and Qinmei (May) would love to help you learn how to do so! Read more...

Speaks Mandarin

200+ Lessons

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

Anthony P.

Anthony is passionate about creating a trusting, calm, and supportive environment with his students. He is extremely patient, and wants to help students celebrate small victories, and help them to learn that mistakes are part of the process. Read more...

100+ Lessons

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

Nelson O.

Nelson holds a degree in Management and has worked in the insurance field. With over 30 years of driving experience, he is passionate about road safety and proper technique. His love for teaching motivates him to pursue becoming an instructor to help... Read more...

Scott H.

Scott has been driving the busy roads and freeways of So CA for over thirty years, and has been a driving instructor for over nine years. He takes a calm approach, setting nervous students at ease. Read more...

Alexander T.

Alex brings over 35 years of driving experience and a strong commitment to safety on the road. As a retired Los Angeles County Sheriff Sergeant, he spent approximately 20 years training new deputies as both a field training officer and academy instru... Read more...

Speaks Spanish

David F.

David attended California State University at Los Angeles and the Art Center in Pasadena. David was in the film industry for 25 years. He taught at another driving school prior to working with Coastline. He loves teaching and it is very rewarding and... Read more...

Hannah V.

Hannah is an instructor with the passion for empowering students to become confident and responsible drivers. With a background in teaching high-adventure activities like rock climbing and ATVing through the Boy Scouts of America, she brings a unique... 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.