Not sure how to get your license?

How to Get Your License in 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.

San Diego Driving School

It’s time to learn to drive! Are you a teen looking to get your first license? Or an adult who has a new commute? Get behind the wheel with our San Diego-based certified driving instructors. From Chula Vista to La Jolla and everywhere between, Coastline’s professional driving instructors are ready and eager to teach you!

Get started:

Driving Lessons

Drivers Ed

I-5 into downtown San Diego with a plane landing

About Coastline

Coastline is licensed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles and recognized by the following San Diego organizations:

Learn more about our San Diego driver education programs below!

Over 100,000 5-Star Reviews

My instructor was very good. He took his time to make sure I felt comfortable driving and gave me great tips. He was also very fun to talk to, which made the lessons even more enjoyable. Highly recommend!

Kyarra, San Diego

If I could give him 10 stars, I would. Very friendly, gave clear instructions. I liked the amount of communication from him - it prevented me from overthinking and freezing up. Awesome instructor, cool voice, positive energy, 10/10!

Zoie, Lakeside

He was very patient, highly motivating, and helped me relax while driving. My confidence was nearly at zero when I started driving, but he renewed my enthusiasm and confidence to drive myself. Getting my license doesn't feel as overwhelming now. Thank you!

Jazzmine, San Diego

He was an amazing driving instructor. He was patient, clear, and made every lesson feel relaxed and productive. His feedback was always encouraging, and he focused on building my confidence and skills at the right pace.

Kayla, San Diego

Click here to read more Coastline reviews.

Driving Lesson Packages in San Diego

Drivers Ed Course Only

Our Drivers Ed course is licensed by the DMV and comes with free mailing for your completion certificate.

$60

Get the Online Course Free

Save $88

Drivers Ed Course + Three 2-Hour Driving Lessons

Everything the DMV requires for you to get your license, in one money-saving package.

$569 $657

Advanced Package, Biggest Discount

Save $126

Drivers Ed Course + Five 2-Hour Driving Lessons

Save big with our advanced package, which includes five 2-hour driving lessons plus your online course.

$929 $1055

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 San Diego and surrounding areas

San Diego is a great place to practice driving! Our lessons can take you all around the region, including La Mesa, San Ysidro, and National City. From quiet, residential streets to the 805, wherever you need to go, Coastline will guide your driving education from beginning to end!

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

Other Locations and Lesson Types

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

Safety Lives 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 in San Diego!

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'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 San Diego'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 roads, and the freeway! 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 San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego

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.

Tyler H.

Tyler is an outdoor enthusiast with a passion for martial arts and teaching. He holds a degree from Cal State San Marcos and looks forward to driving with you. Read more...

Thomas R.

Thomas credits martial arts and becoming a father for his career path that led to Coastline. He spent eight years teaching and mentoring young people and adults in the dojo. This San Diego native shows his students how self-defense in driving reduces traffic danger. Read more...

William H.

Bill has been working with Coastline for two years and has taught over 500 lesson. Bill has lived in the San Diego area for over 40 years and is most familiar Northern San Diego, including the beach communities. Read more...

Eric S.

Eric hails from a long line of classically trained musicians, composers, and educators. With many years of driving experience, 25 years in Los Angeles alone, without an at-fault accident, and with his background in education, teaching safe driving skills in ways that everyone understands, is simply second nature to him. Read more...

Juan F.

Juan is a highly experienced driving instructor with over 18 years of driving experience under his belt. He is widely recognized as one of the best instructors in the business, thanks to his exceptional teaching abilities, extreme patience, and his long list of satisfied clients. Read more...

Joseph O.

Joseph is the Operations Manager for Southern California, who has extensive years of driving experience across two continents in multiple countries and disciplines, including organized motorsport racing competitions from E-Pro Karts to GT Sports Cars. He is an avid car afficionado, including being adeptly comfortable in either left or right hand drive as well as any variation or combination of weather and road conditions. Joseph has operated multiple different types of vehicles, and his technical skill level includes mastery of all the following transmission/gearbox types: 5 and 6 speed "stick shift" manuals, All types of classic standard automatics, Tiptronic automatics with "stickmatic +/- gear shifting sport mode", Current modern automatics with +/- paddle shifters, and Electric vehicle (EV) automatics utilizing paddle shifters to control regenerative (REGEN) braking and i-Pedal function. Joseph is looking forward to sharing his motoring skills, knowledge, and experience with students, and is fully vaccinated and boosted. Read more...

Darryl B.

Darryl's approach as a driving instructor really works! He listens to concerns, pays attention to individual needs, and gives memorable tips that last. With him, it's so much more than a driving lesson. It's a life-changing experience in your newly found independence. Read more...

Marco G.

Marco is a humanistic and progressive person, he finished his studies in a university degree in communication sciences, which focuses on the study of the individual through the masses. For him, communication plays a very important role in any area. Teaching and sharing education is an important factor for him. In addition to his school studies, he is an excellent composer and professional guitarist Read more...

Alex W.

Alex Willens has been driving for 24 years and has been a Scuba Diving Instructor for 16 years. He loves to teach people of ALL ages, and can enjoy communicating with almost anyone. Read more...

Alicia S.

In addition to being a driving instructor, Alicia has been a team player in all that she does, from being a caregiver for over ten years, to participating and managing small and large counseling groups, giving special care and attention to male and female clients in the San Diego and El Centro areas. Read more...

Andrew L.

Andrew has 25+ years of driving experience, along with many years of in-person training as a manager. He has worked in the print and design industry and shares a professional passion for photography. Read more...

Jessi M.

Jessi isn't just an experienced driver with over 20 years driving on the road; she's a great teacher too. Formerly a nanny and now mom, she brings patience, understanding, and excellent communication skills to every lesson. Students appreciate her clear instructions, positive reinforcement, and ability to adapt her teaching style to individual needs. Her commitment to fostering responsible habits behind the wheel ensures that each student develops a lifelong commitment to safe driving practices. Born and raised in San Diego she's able to share insights from a lifetime on these local roads. Get ready to learn and drive with confidence! Read more...

Mo L.

Mo has a background in coaching and mentoring. She has worked with people at all stages of life. She focuses on clear communication, and fostering self-confidence. She is excited to work with you and help you get ready for the road! Read more...

Richie F.

"Richie Rich,” has a passion for baking, (which takes patience), and enjoys fitness. He is also the publisher of his own book. Read more...

Charles M.

With 15 years of driving experience, Charles loves to drive on long road trips and participates in track days in California's race tracks. He is an passionate car enthusiast and looks forward to sharing his knowledge and experience with you. Read more...

Peter H.

Peter has been teaching driving for over two years and has conducted hundreds of lessons. He enjoys teaching because it allows him to teach international students from a wide range of cultures, which makes the experience both engaging and rewarding. He also connects well with younger students by providing a relatable and engaging teaching approach that meets them at their level of experience. Having driven hundreds of thousands of miles in cars and spent thousands of hours operating passenger trains, Peter brings practical, real-world knowledge to each lesson. His teaching style is calm and methodical, with a focus on safety, awareness, and helping students build confidence behind the wheel. In his free time, Peter enjoys both portraiture and street photography. He also has a passion for discovering and reselling unique vintage collectibles. Read more...

Ian B.

In his time-off Ian loves teaching friends and family to rock climb, surf, and do other "extreme" sports. He understands how to break down something as scary as driving and teach the skills needed to be safe and confident on the road! Read more...

Andrea A.

Andrea is an experienced educator with a passion for teaching and coaching. Over the past 12 years, she has dedicated herself to shaping young minds both in the classroom and on the basketball court. Her commitment to student success goes beyond academics; Andrea's empathetic nature allows her to connect with her students on a deeper level, providing a supportive and nurturing environment for their growth. Her dual role as an educator and coach reflects her unwavering dedication to empowering young individuals to reach their full potential, both academically and athletically. Read more...

Ricardo F.

Rico is his nickname, he has a variety of work experiences, above all he's a good driver, he's patient, soft spoken and a good teacher. Read more...

Jannel V.

Jannel became a driving instructor out of a passion for helping others gain confidence and independence on the road. With a strong automotive background and a commitment to safety, she believes proper driver education is essential for both personal freedom and road safety. Through patient, personalized instruction, Jannel empowers students to become skilled, responsible drivers with lifelong safe driving habits. Read more...

Michelle M.

Michelle McPhail is a retired deputy sheriff from the San Diego Sheriff's Department, where she served with distinction for many years. Throughout her career, she gained extensive experience in law enforcement, building a reputation for professionalism, integrity, and a strong commitment to public safety. Known for her calm demeanor and sound judgment, Michelle handled various situations with compassion and dedication. After retiring, she remained active in community organizations, offering her expertise to those pursuing careers in criminal justice. Michelle’s legacy continues to inspire both her colleagues and the community she serves. Read more...

Dulce F.

Dulce Flores has years of experience in the medical field and over 22 years of safe driving under her belt. With a passion for teaching safe and assertive driving, she focuses on helping students build confidence behind the wheel while fostering an appreciation for the journey, not just the destination. Read more...

Jacob W.

Jacob Wheeler has extensive driving experience, from daily freeway commutes to cross-country trips and navigating extreme weather conditions. With a background in mentoring high school-aged individuals as both a manager and youth leader, Jacob is passionate about teaching, focusing not just on driving skills but on problem-solving and adaptability. Having lived in Menifee for 34 years, he understands the challenges new drivers face and strives to help students become confident, responsible drivers. 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 Program, please reach out to our Support Team.