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.

Richmond Driving School

Name: Coastline Academy - Richmond
Address: 2301 Macdonald Ave, Richmond, CA 94804, Richmond, CA, 94804, US
Telephone: (800) 489-1896

Are you ready to get your driver's license? Whether you’re a teen or an adult new to California, Coastline is here to help you become a safe and confident driver for life. No matter where you are in the Richmond area, Coastline’s professional, certified driving 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 Richmond-area organizations:

Learn more about our Richmond driver education programs below!

Choose Your Learning Package

Most Popular

Our most comprehensive packages for new drivers

Save $90

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

$659

$749

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

$1069

$1208

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 $30

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

$689

$659

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

$1148

$1069

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

$229

Save $56.41

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

$1055.41

$999

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.

$389

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

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

$599

Over 100,000 5-Star Reviews

He is an amazing instructor! He gave me great tips and tricks to become an amazing defensive driver and to get my license in the RIGHT way!

Charlie, Berkeley

5 stars! The lesson was really smooth, he answered all my questions about the exam clearly and calmly and we practiced the most complicated parts.

Ana, Albany

He was super nice and gave great positive feedback! Please give him 20 stars! Thank you Coastline for the super easy sign up, reminders, and awesome communication!

Quinton, Kensington

He was a great instructor who helped me feel secure and in control on the road even though it was my first time.

Kylie, Berkeley

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 Richmond and surrounding areas

Richmond is a great place to learn to drive! Our lessons cover all the essential skills you need to be a safe and confident driver, from stop signs to the freeway. Wherever you need to go, whether it’s in Berkeley or up to San Pablo, Coastline will guide your driving education from start to finish!

Richmond 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. In some cases, we can even drop you off at an agreed-upon location within certain areas of Richmond once your lesson is over!

Other Locations and Lesson Types

Lessons will begin at a convenient Richmond location. You will be able to see our Richmond meeting points once you begin your search for driving lesson availability.

Safety Lives in Richmond

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 in Richmond!

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

Richmond'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 Richmond'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 freeway 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 Richmond 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 Richmond 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 Richmond

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.

David D.

I was born and raised in the Bay area and lived here my whole life. During my spare time, I enjoy collecting hot wheels and matchbox cars. I'm also a easy going person, that embraces diversity. Read more...

1,000+ Lessons

Herman C.

Herman has many years of safe driving in the bay area both on a personal level and professionally due to the requirements of his employment. Through these years he has seen some of the many hazards and is willing to put this knowledge to use to bette... Read more...

200+ Lessons

Crizella W.

Crizella has driven throughout the continental US, Canada, Hawaii, Fiji, and Japan. She has called the Bay Area her home since graduating from UC Berkeley. She has grown her skills in customer service to help others find as much joy as she finds each... Read more...

200+ Lessons

Roland T.

Roland Trujillo has been a driving instructor for over ten years. Roland also has seven years classroom experience teaching safe driving. Roland knows the Bay Area and is especially acquainted with Marin County. Roland is said to be patient and calm.... Read more...

Racquel S.

Martinez native, Racquel is a compassionate instructor who’s goal is to instill students with the confidence and skill sets needed to be a safety oriented driver. Read more...

2,000+ Lessons

Hal I.

Hal is ready to share his many years of experience as a safe, defensive school bus driver with his Coastline Academy students. Hal has been fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Read more...

Instructor Trainer

2,000+ Lessons

Yury K.

Yury has a passion for digital art, music, and especially safe driving. He's ready to share his 10+ years of experience, adapting to your learning styles and needs. Read more...

Instructor Trainer

1,500+ Lessons

Jason C.

No matter if you plan on just short trips across town, long ones across the state, or even drives as long as from California to Oklahoma, let Jason's compassionate nature and passion for safe driving be your guide. Please also note that I am fully CO... Read more...

1,500+ Lessons

Mike R.

Meet Mike, your dedicated driving instructor, born and raised amidst the stunning landscapes of the San Francisco Bay Area. With over a decade of experience teaching college courses at the university level and two decades spent honing expertise as a ... Read more...

Instructor Trainer

1,000+ Lessons

Aladrian H.

Aladrian has been driving for over 30 years. She was a trainer at an airline for many years and an after school literacy instructor. Read more...

500+ Lessons

Robin D.

Driving has always been a passion of mine.I acquired many driving jobs like ecart , instacart caviar and also driving for a medical currier that had me driving all over the area picking up samples and taking them to the labs. It’s all about being out... Read more...

500+ Lessons

Joseph C.

Joseph recalls what it was like to get his drivers license when he was sixteen. He felt excited to join the world in a bigger way! Joseph is originally from the ultimate car culture, Los Angeles. One of Joseph’s first jobs was in the film industry,... Read more...

200+ Lessons

Yusuf A.

Yusuf has a wealth of knowledge accumulated over years of driving across the nation. He brings a unique perspective to driver education. Emphasizing not just on technical skills, but also a deep understanding of the road, safety and responsibility on... Read more...

200+ Lessons

Lisa V.

A people-person with a big heart and a love of driving. Lisa will build your skills and confidence behind the wheel. Read more...

200+ Lessons

Donald W.

Donald Wu is a professional illustrator with nearly two decades of experience in children’s publishing. Throughout his career, he has mentored emerging artists, sharing his expertise and fostering new talent in the industry. Outside of illustration, ... Read more...

100+ Lessons

200+ Lessons

Leonard T.

Leonard has been driving cars for over thirty years with experiences in the US Army, US Air Force and in the police department. In the US military, Leonard has driven Humvees in convoys in Iraq and in rural and urban areas. Leonard has the knowledge ... Read more...

100+ Lessons

Danny W.

Danny was raised in a multi-lingual family, and is native-fluent in English and Cantonese. Danny also is fairly fluent in Mandarin as well. Danny's varied background helps him succeed with different people and with the many situations that life throw... Read more...

Brian S.

Brian has had many years of teaching experience and is an East Bay Area native. Brian has taught family and friends throughout the East Bay Area roads and highways. Brian graduated from Saint Mary's College High School and Saint Mary’s College Brian ... Read more...

Meridith F.

With over 35 years of driving behind her, Meridith has driven almost everything out there- from her tiny convertible to double decker buses and semis. With a passion for driving and education she hopes to help you be ready for the changing Bay Area r... Read more...

Joel B.

Joel Bernal is a seasoned professional driver with over a decade of experience navigating the roads of the Bay Area, including the complex streets of San Francisco, Sacramento, and surrounding cities. He has driven a wide range of routes across the r... Read more...

Oliver G.

Oliver comes from an extensive customer service background specializing in building and implementing educational/functional staff training procedures but really considers himself an artist. From his small hometown in Texas, to California where he has... Read more...

Morgan G.

Morgan Grody is proud to be a driving instructor at Coastline Academy. He is a former school bus driver with over 17 years of experience behind the wheel, including as a driving instructor at the International Stunt School, stunt performer, and motor... Read more...

Dan A.

Dan Abrami has been in education and training for over fifteen years, teaching workplace safety. Dan’s background in safety training and passion for cars excite him to teach others to drive safely. Dan Abrami currently lives in Alameda, California an... Read more...

Vyvyan V.

Vyvyan Vibbert is a transportation professional with over 30 years of driving experience. She is dedicated to helping new drivers not only pass their driving test, but also develop the skills and confidence needed to be safe, responsible drivers for ... Read more...

Lee Ann S.

Lee Ann Salvatore brings more than 25 years of experience in marketing and product management to her role at Coastline, where she combines her passion for teaching, communication, and community safety. Known for making complex concepts easy to unders... Read more...

Jeffrey C.

Bay Area native Jeff Casnio has spent much of his career in the teaching field. With an interest in Special Education, he has spent the last 4 years teaching middle school in Santa Rosa, CA. With a strong background in all thing's nerd, he devotes hi... Read more...

James S.

James Stocke has over 10 years of driving experience, including travel across multiple states and operating larger vehicles. He also spent three years providing driver training to colleagues, teaching them how to safely and confidently operate manual... Read more...

Andres H.

Andres was born in Colombia and has been residing in the Bay Area for 13 years. He graduated from California State University, East Bay, with a B.S. in Kinesiology. Aside from his previous experience in the health and fitness world, he has a strong p... 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.