New to licenses?

Not sure how to get your license?

How to Get Your License in Richmond

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.

Richmond Driving School

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:

Driving Lessons

Drivers Ed

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!

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.

Driving Lesson Packages in Richmond

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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

Olga H.

If you are excited and a bit nervous to learn something new like driving, meet Olga. She brings a passion and enjoyment for teaching to Coastline. She started as an academic tutor in school, helping her peers with Spanish, history and music. She can ... Read more...

Speaks Spanish

1,000+ Lessons

Janette K.

Janette has been teaching driving in the Bay Area for 4 1/2 years because it fulfills two of her passions: creating safer streets and meeting all types of people. Teaching and learning to drive takes willingness and trust on the part of both student... Read more...

1,000+ Lessons

Instructor Trainer

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...

500+ Lessons

Instructor Trainer

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...

200+ 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

800+ 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...

200+ Lessons

Deshea H.

Deshea has been driving for over 10 years. He’s had multiple driving jobs as well. Being both cautious and patient, Deshea has been a safe driver and managed to avoid most crashes and fender benders. He pursuing a career in psychology to be a become ... Read more...

200+ 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...

Gonzalo B.

In addition to being a driving instructor, Gonzalo is a tennis assistant coach and former ski instructor. He likes to share his knowledge and expertise in fields he is passionate about. Read more...

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...

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...

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...

Catherine S.

Catherine was born and raised in the Bay Area with 12 years of driving experience. She has worked as a delivery driver for about 3 years after working in the healthcare field as a caregiver. Working in these jobs has exposed her to drive and get aqua... Read more...

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...

Clennel P.

Clennel Perry prides himself on being a defensive driver. Over the years the roads, they have become very congested, and it is imperative to have those skills as well, along with offensive skills. Read more...

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...

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...

Thuon C.

Thuon Chen was born in Taipei, Taiwan, and came to the United States when he was 5 years old. Thuon studied English Literature at UC Berkeley, and worked as a computer programmer for 15 years, and traveled the world, before becoming a school teacher... Read more...

Barron J.

Barron is passionate about helping people safely commute and explore. In previous jobs as a school bus driver and cycling group leader, he patiently guided kids & families through stressful city streets. As your observant, kind and considerate drivin... 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...

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...

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.