New to licenses?

Not sure how to get your license?

How to Get Your License in North County San Diego

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

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

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

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

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

For more licensing details, visit our help article.

North County San Diego Driving School

It’s time to learn to drive! Are you a teen looking to get your first license? Or an adult new to California? Whatever your situation, come learn behind the wheel with our North County-based certified driving instructors. From Escondido to Oceanside and everywhere between, Coastline’s professional staff of driving instructors are ready and eager to teach you!

Get started:

Driving Lessons

Drivers Ed

About Coastline

Coastline is licensed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles and recognized by the following North County organizations:

Learn more about our North County driver education programs below!

Over 100,000 5-Star Reviews

If there was a higher rating than five I would give it to him. He's incredibly nice and a truly amazing instructor.

Crimson, Escondido

He was really patient and friendly. I was really nervous for the behind the wheel driving, but his friendly nature made it less nerve racking. He teaches everything clearly and also makes great conversation so it would feel less quiet during the lesson. Great first behind the wheel driving lesson.

Francheska, Poway

5 stars! He is patient, knowledgeable, and create a calm learning environment. His clear instructions and helpful tips made me feel confident and safe behind the wheel. A fantastic experience!

Mayeth, Carlsbad

He was really respectful and nice. I learned a lot of things from him and could see the improvement within my driving throughout the lesson. Had an amazing time being taught by him!

Darrell, San Marcos

Click here to read more Coastline reviews.

Driving Lesson Packages in North County San Diego

Click here to see all packages.

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 North County San Diego and surrounding areas

North County is a great place to practice driving! Coastline serves all of San Diego North County, including San Marcos, Carlsbad, and Poway. From residential streets to the freeway, wherever you need to go, Coastline will guide your driving education from beginning to end!

North County San Diego 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 CSUSM!) In some cases, we can even drop you off at an agreed-upon location within certain areas of North County once your lesson is over!

Other Locations and Lesson Types

Some lessons will begin at a convenient meeting point location in North County San Diego and the surrounding regions. You will be able to see our North County meeting points once you begin your search for driving lesson availability.

Safety Lives in North County San Diego

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

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!

San Diego North County'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 North County'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 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 North County 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 North County 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 masters 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.

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 Program, please reach out to our Support Team.