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.

San Francisco Bay Peninsula Driving School

Looking to take your road test and get your driver's license? Whether you’re a teen or an adult, Coastline is here to help you become a safe and confident driver for life. From San Bruno to Palo Alto, Coastline’s professional, certified driving instructors are ready and eager to teach you!

Lesson Meeting Points:

Lesson Meeting Point

303 Twin Dolphin Drive Suite 600 Redwood City, Ca 94065

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 San Francisco-area organizations:

Learn more about our San Francisco driver education programs below!

Choose Your Learning Package

Most Popular

Our most comprehensive packages for new drivers

Save $93

Get the Online Course Free

Meeting Point Start

Drivers Ed Course + Three 2-Hour Driving Lessons

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

Package Price

$669

$762

Total package price

What's Included

California Teen Drivers Ed

6 hours behind-the-wheel

Meet at pickup point

Save $93

Get the Online Course Free

Home Pickup Included

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

$729

$822

Total package price

What's Included

California Teen Drivers Ed

6 hours behind-the-wheel

Home pickup included

Save $151

Recommended for New Drivers

Home Pickup Included

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

$1179

$1330

Total package price

What's Included

California Teen Drivers Ed

10 hours behind-the-wheel

Home pickup included

Save $33

Recommended for New Drivers

Meeting Point Start

Three 2-Hour Driving Lessons

Pay for all three lessons now to receive a discount and the DMV completion certificate you need to take your road test.

Package Price

$669

$702

Total package price

What's Included

6 hours behind-the-wheel

Meet at pickup point

More Options

Additional packages to fit your specific needs

Save $33

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

Home pickup included

$762

$729

Save $91

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

Home pickup included

$1270

$1179

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

Home pickup included

$259

Save $62.53

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

Home pickup included

$1171.53

$1109

Save $141

Recommended for New Drivers

Drivers Ed Course + Five 2-Hour Driving Lessons

Save big on the package designed to get you road-test ready and confident behind the wheel.

California Teen Drivers Ed

10 hours behind-the-wheel

Meet at pickup point

$1230

$1089

Save $81

Five 2-Hour Driving Lessons

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

Meet at pickup point

$1170

$1089

One 2-Hour Driving Lesson

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

2 hours behind-the-wheel

Meet at pickup point

$239

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.

$429

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

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

$669

Over 100,000 5-Star Reviews

She is very supportive but also encouraging and helped me immensely. Along with being a great driving instructor, she was easy to talk to and ask questions about the test and road rules. Would highly recommend!!!

Jane, Atherton

He was patient, helpful, and instructive throughout. He offered a lot of practical knowledge about driving and the DMV driving test. I was comfortable driving the entire time, and the experience did not feel awkward. He has my highest rating.

Adam, Redwood City

She was so sweet and patient! She helped me calm my nerves and was very professional in her instruction. She made me feel super confident and comfortable in my driving. Thank you so much!

Winnie, Atherton

He is very patient, explains everything very specific and clear, encouraging, and gave me useful tips!

Luz, San Carlos

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 San Francisco Bay Peninsula and surrounding areas

The San Francisco Bay Peninsula 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 in the San Francisco Bay Peninsula, Coastline will guide your driving education from start to finish!

San Francisco Bay Peninsula 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 the San Francisco Bay Peninsula once your lesson is over!

Other Locations and Lesson Types

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

Safety Lives in San Francisco Bay Peninsula

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 the San Francisco Bay Peninsula!

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 Francisco Bay Peninsula'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 the San Francisco Bay Peninsula'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 the San Francisco Bay Peninsula 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 Francisco Bay Peninsula 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 San Francisco Bay Peninsula

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.

Martyn J.

In addition to teaching driving, Martyn is a professional musician and music teacher. Read more...

Instructor Trainer

1,500+ Lessons

Andrew H.

With over 30 years of experience driving cars and riding motorcycles in various conditions, coupled with a decade of mechanical repair experience, Andrew is a driving instructor who can effectively balance theory and techniques with real-world applic... Read more...

500+ Lessons

Gregory P.

Meet Greg, a Bay Area native with 40 years of safe driving experience. As a marketer, he helps brands resonate with consumers. As an instructor, he communicates critical driving principals, rules and strategies that result in actionable guidance. As ... Read more...

Instructor Trainer

200+ Lessons

Ashish B.

Ashish is an experienced driver with 13 years of diverse driving experience across two countries: the USA and India. His driving repertoire includes navigating hills, countryside roads, and bustling urban centers such as Chicago and New Delhi. In the... Read more...

Jenny V.

Jenny was born and raised in San Francisco. She earned a BS in Computer Science from UCSB, spent over five years in training and development in retail operations, and now works full time as a pastry chef. She became a driving instructor to give stude... Read more...

Diana V.

Diana wants to help teens and adults build essential driving skills and overcome their fears, fostering safe, confident drivers who embrace both freedom and responsibility. Whether in education or driver’s instruction, Diana’s mission remains clear: ... Read more...

Alfonso M.

Alfonso is a professional class A driver who used to be a safety officer. If you combine his professions, you'll get a safe driver. Read more...

Speaks Tagalog

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

Maria G.

Maria is a retired postal carrier who’s gone 30 years without being in a single crash. She is enthusiastic about teaching you to drive defensively and being ready to pass the driving exam. She served as a driving trainer for the Postal Service. She's... Read more...

Speaks Spanish

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

Neelima M.

With over 20 years of safe driving experience all throughout California, Neelima is dedicated to sharing her expertise and passion for teaching driving. Neelima firmly believe that learning to drive is a significant milestone on the path to independe... Read more...

Instructor Trainer

500+ Lessons

Anthony G.

Anthony resides in the San Jose area and has been driving for 21 years. He recently obtained his CDL A license in May of 2023 and has been enjoying the challenges of driving tractor/trailers. Anthony enjoys teaching and coaching others by sharing h... Read more...

200+ Lessons

Daniel G.

Daniel currently works in banking full time and serves in the California Army National Guard part time as an Army Officer. He has also volunteered in law enforcement. Previously, he worked for ten years in public schools with students from grades kin... Read more...

Speaks Spanish

100+ Lessons

Joe G.

Drawing from forty years of driving experience across three continents, Joe brings a global perspective to driver education in California. His background in both international teaching and the tech industry demonstrates versatility and a commitment t... Read more...

100+ Lessons

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...

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...

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...

Jeremie S.

Jeremie Secrease is a Bay Area native who has been driving for over 20 years. He's a professional dancer and loves to play basketball in his spare time. He has an outgoing personality and leadership skills which makes him easy to work with. He has ex... Read more...

Solomon S.

Core Strengths • Driver education and training • Defensive driving instruction • Safety and risk awareness • Leadership and mentorship • Clear communication and patience • Professionalism and accountability • Commitment to student success "Every driv... 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.