Steps to Getting Your License

Use this guide to make sure you are in the right place in your licensing journey.
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
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!

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.

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.

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.

For more licensing details, visit our help article.

Driving Lessons in Santa Cruz

Whether it's your first time behind the wheel or you need a brush up before your test, we offer driving education that will make you a safer, more confident driver for life.

Get started:

Driving Lessons
driving student

Over 100,000 5-Star Reviews

My driving instructor was a great trainer. He never made me nervous or anxious about driving. 10/10, would recommend!
finn d.
He's an awesome driving instructor who understands what it means to teach someone during his driving lesson.
Francisco I.
Donnell H. is an excellent driving instructor! He taught both our daughters, and they had a great experience during their driving lessons. Highly recommended!
Katrina G.
I really liked Michael; my driving instructor gave out good and important pointers during his driving lesson. I found them useful for passing the DMV test!
Bradley P.
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.

Every Coastline driving instructor is certified and licensed by the California DMV and has completed an intensive, California-centered training course

Secure payments and digital lesson reports—we leverage the latest tech to provide a convenient experience you will love

Our instructors don't run errands or make students pick up and drop off other students—your time behind the wheel is your time

Our driving lessons aren't for everyone, they're for you—our instructors customize every lesson to your precise needs

Driving lessons in Santa Cruz and surrounding areas

A Coastline Driving Lesson Vehicle

Driving lessons in Santa Cruz offer a unique learning environment nestled between forested mountains and Monterey Bay. As the heart of Santa Cruz County, the city provides a diverse landscape ideal for developing comprehensive driving skills. The area's distinct geography presents a valuable mix of coastal roads and gentle hills, allowing new drivers to build a solid foundation in a scenic setting.

Students will gain experience navigating the city's vibrant downtown core before advancing to major thoroughfares like the iconic CA-1. Training progresses to include managing traffic on routes toward nearby Capitola and handling the unique challenges of CA-17 heading towards Scotts Valley. This varied practice ensures drivers are prepared for both relaxed coastal cruises and more demanding commuter traffic.

We offer flexible pickup and drop-off at home, school, or work when available. To accommodate various schedules, some lessons may begin at convenient meeting points in the area, which will be shown once you start searching availability.

Our instructors are dedicated to building confident, defensive drivers who can safely handle local streets and coastal highways. The goal is to transform foundational knowledge into a lifetime of safe and proficient driving, empowering students to explore their community with skill and awareness.

A Coastline Driving Lesson Vehicle

Safety Lives in Santa Cruz

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

Coastline Corolla

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
Coastline Corolla

Driving Lessons Customized for You

Every lesson is custom-made to help you succeed.

Our school is certified by the DMV, and our lessons are perfect for teens needing the required training with an instructor so you can qualify to take your test, and have the skills and confidence you need to pass it.

We teach adult drivers how to become safer and more confident every day. Whether it's your first time driving or you need to practice for a Supplemental Driving Performance Evaluation, our expert instructors are here for you.

Our hiring standards and training program go beyond the industry standard. When you choose Coastline Academy, you are choosing the state's top driving educators.

Good drivers pass the test. So we focus on core skills first, ensuring you are set up to be safe and confident for life, before worrying about the test. On your last lesson, we will do a mock test to be sure you are ready!

Every driver is different, which is why every Coastline lesson is customized for you.

We provide all the tools and materials needed for your lesson, so all you need to bring is a positive attitude toward learning a new skill.

At the end of your lesson, your instructor fills out a post-lesson report that shows the skills you have mastered, and those that need more practice, so you can maximize your practice time between lessons.

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.

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How to Get a California Driver's License as an Adult

Published in Unclassified

Driving instructors serving Santa Cruz

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.

Gil R.

Gil R.

Gil has over 40 years of driving experience and several years of teaching various subjects one-on-one under his belt as well. And with over 20 years providing excellent customer service, he is looking forward to meeting you and teaching you the joys ... Read more...

Speaks Spanish
Instructor Trainer
1,000+ Lessons
Maria G.

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
Neelima M.

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
200+ Lessons
Anthony G.

Anthony G.

Anthony resides in the San Jose area and has been driving for 19 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...

Tam N.

Tam N.

Tam has over 20 years of driving experience and brings strong practical knowledge to his role as a driving instructor. He spent many years driving 5–6 hours a day as a contractor, gaining valuable experience in different road and weather conditions. ... 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 Washington. 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.

How Can We Help?

Our customer service team is available from 7am to 8pm Pacific Time, 7 days a week.

Chat

Text us at (800) 489-1896.

Phone

Call us at (800) 489-1896