Find a driving instructor in Santa Clara, CA

Find driving schools in Santa Clara, CA

Find driving schools in Santa Clara, CA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best driving schools in your area.
Zip code

Find driving schools in Santa Clara, CA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best driving schools in your area.
Zip code

Top 10 driving schools in Santa Clara, CA

Students agree: these Santa Clara driving schools are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Success With Us Driving School LLC

Success With Us Driving School LLC

5.0Exceptional(9)
7 hires on Lessons
6+ years in business
Serves Santa Clara, CA
Karol Nicolle C. says, "Great instructor" Read more
ARS Driving School

ARS Driving School

New on Lessons
10+ years in business
Serves Santa Clara, CA
Founded in 2014, ARS Driving School, situated in San Jose, CA, delivers exceptional and comprehensive driver education for students of all ages. Recognized for its fun and informative lessons, the school ensures safety and convenience with free pick-up and drop-off services. The highly-qualified instructors, hand-picked based on company-set criteria, guide students towards successful driving experiences. ARS Driving School also offers special packages, including lessons and mock DMV practice tests, seven days a week. A proud member of the National Driving Association, it is committed to creating competent and confident drivers.
A-Z Driving School

A-Z Driving School

New on Lessons
4+ years in business
Serves Santa Clara, CA
A-Z Driving School, founded in 2020, is a well-established driving education provider in San Jose, California, and surrounding areas. Known for its highly trained instructors, the school offers comprehensive online and in-person lessons focusing on basic maneuvers, defensive driving techniques, and road safety. By offering a supportive and calm environment, the school enables its students to understand the rules of the road and avoid accidents. A-Z Driving School also offers various service packages, ensuring that every learner's need is catered for. It's accredited by the Driving School Association of the Americas (DSAA) and the Better Busin
Ali Driving School

Ali Driving School

5.0(2)
6 hires on Lessons
23+ years in business
Serves Santa Clara, CA
Anthony M. says, "Very Patient, always on time, knows what he is doing and teaches it very well!" Read more
Bay Area Driving Academy

Bay Area Driving Academy

New on Lessons
9+ years in business
Serves Santa Clara, CA
Bay Area Driving Academy, founded in 2015 and operating in Santa Clara and San Mateo, CA, is a world-class leader in driver education and training. Headed by Carrie Lampman, a top-rated instructor with over 14 years of experience, the Academy offers a comprehensive, modern, and safety-focused in-car training program. All instructors are DMV certified, highly patient, and follow a consistent training style. Offering both online and in-car lessons for all skill levels, the Academy uses modern Honda Civic cars, ensuring safety and performance. The Academy is committed to fostering a positive learning environment and building confidence in all st
Stratford Driving School

Stratford Driving School

New on Lessons
12+ years in business
Serves Santa Clara, CA
Established in 2012, Stratford Driving School, based in Santa Clara, California, is a D.M.V. approved academy that caters to the individual driving needs of teens, adults, and seniors. The school is committed to providing quality, safe driving instruction while focusing on traffic safety and defensive driving. With competitive pricing and experienced, background-checked instructors, Stratford Driving School aims to offer more than the average driver training by ensuring a tailored learning experience for all students.
Estel

Estel

5.0(1)
Serves Santa Clara, CA
Talla says, "He is a great instructor " Read more
Cupertino Driving School

Cupertino Driving School

New on Lessons
Serves Santa Clara, CA
For over 30 years, Cupertino Driving School, situated in San Jose, CA, has been committed to teaching teens and adults safe and responsible driving. The school offers specialized training programs, including adult and teenager behind-the-wheel practice, online driver's education classes, and special permit instruction. Cupertino Driving School has been utilizing hybrid vehicles, mainly Toyota Prius models, since 2012, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability. Students consistently commend the effective lessons and practical driving tips provided by the school.
Mission Driving School

Mission Driving School

New on Lessons
33+ years in business
Serves Santa Clara, CA
Founded in 1991, Mission Driving School is a top-rated institution in Hayward, California, and surrounding areas. They pride themselves on providing professional driving training, driver education, and traffic school classes both online and in the classroom. With a team of experienced and DMV certified instructors, they are committed to delivering high-quality customer service and instruction. They also offer additional services like permit test assistance and driving school instructor courses.
Northcal Driving School In Bay Area

Northcal Driving School In Bay Area

5.0(1)
Serves Santa Clara, CA
Guriqbal G. says, "I absolutely loved having lessons from Nothcal driving School! My instructor was so calm and fun to be with in the car . I would definitely recommend Northcal to future drivers! " Read more

Your Driving Lessons questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Lessons.

How much are driving lessons near me?

Driving lessons cost $50 to $150 per hour, on average, for private on-the-road lessons, while classroom training costs less. Some schools or instructors offer packages with 4 or more lessons at a lower price. Discounts may be offered for taking lessons during off-peak hours on weekday mornings instead of high-demand evenings or weekends.

How many driving lessons should I take?

The number of driving lessons you need depends on your learning style, driving experience, and time spent practicing between lessons. If you learn best by watching or listening, you may want to start with classroom lessons. If you learn best by doing, you might prefer to take private on-road lessons right from the start. Whichever lessons you decide on, the more you practice, the more confident of a driver you will become.

How long are driving lessons?

Driving lessons typically last for 1 to 2 hours. Some driving schools offer intensive driving courses that last for 3 or 4 hours per day spread over several days. The length of the lesson is not as important as the quality of instruction and the experience of the instructor. A good driving teacher should tailor the length and frequency of lessons to your individual needs and abilities.

Do driving lessons lower insurance?

Yes, in most cases driving lessons can lower your insurance rates. Drivers who complete a driving course are viewed as more serious about safety and less risky to insure. Since driving courses are not all created equal, be sure to check with your insurance provider to see if they offer discounts for completing a particular course.

What happens if you crash during a driving lesson?

If you have an accident during a driving lesson, don't panic. Stay calm and follow the driving teacher's instructions. They will contact emergency services and take steps to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Since most lessons are covered by the school's insurance policy, they will likely take care of filing any insurance claims.

How do I prepare for my first driving lesson?

To prepare for your first driving lesson, you must first get a learner's permit. The restricted license confirms you understand the rules of the road and allows you to drive with the supervision of a licensed driver. Follow these additional tips for a more enjoyable learning experience:

  • Watch some educational driving videos to be more familiar with driving basics.
  • Practice driving in an empty parking lot with a licensed driver to get familiar with the car and controls.
  • Don't be afraid to make mistakes, just stay calm and keep practicing.
  • Don't be embarrassed to ask questions.
  • Don't get discouraged, driving can be a lot of fun, but it does take practice.
  • Leave your cell phone off and stowed away. Distracted driving is dangerous for even the most skilled driver.

Can I take driving lessons in my own car?

Some driving schools allow you to take driving lessons in your own car if the car is insured and meets all of the state's safety standards. The car must have a working horn, brake lights, turn signals, and headlights to be considered safe for driving.

Other schools may require you to use their vehicles that are equipped with safety features such as dual controls that allow the instructor to hit the brakes or take control of the steering wheel if necessary.

Do you need car insurance to take driving lessons?

Whether or not you need car insurance to take driving lessons depends on the regulations in your state and the policies of the driving school or instructor. Most reputable driving schools or instructors carry their own insurance policy that covers their students during lessons. Check with your state's DMV and the driving school to make sure you have the proper coverage before your first lesson.

How old do you have to be for driving lessons?

The minimum age to take driving lessons varies by state. In most states, you can start taking lessons when you have a learner's permit at age 15. Some states have a higher minimum age, such as New York where you must be 16 years old.

How to choose a top driving school near you?

Quality driving lessons can ensure you have the skills you need for your safety, the safety of your passengers, and everyone else on the road. Finding the right driving school that offers the best training is an important decision. Follow these suggestions when choosing a driving school near you:

  • Compare schools or private instructors that fit your budget and schedule for learning to drive.
  • Don't look at price only; choose instructors who are highly qualified and experienced.
  • Visit the driving school to make sure you are comfortable with the school, staff, and vehicles.
  • Ask for references. Contacting previous students can help you feel confident in your decision.

What questions should you ask the driving school?

There are plenty of driving schools to choose from on Lessons.com, so asking these important questions can help you narrow down the choices:

  • What are your qualifications?
  • What are your hourly rates? Do you offer package discounts for multiple lessons?
  • What are your lesson times and locations?
  • What kind of cars do you use?
  • Can I use my own car?
  • What is your pass rate for passing the driver's license exam?
  • Do you offer a guarantee that I will pass on my first try?

How much does truck driving school cost?

Truck driving school costs range from $0 to $8,000 or more, depending on your state, location, the license Class type, and the specific school and training program you choose. Training to get your Commercial Driver's License, or CDL, costs about $1,000 to $6,000 total through a public school, like a community college or a technical institute. Going with a private trucking company or independent CDL school costs more, typically $3,000 to $8,000+. Some private trucking companies will pay for your CDL courses if you sign a contract to work for them for a specified amount of time once you complete the training and have your license.

Adding endorsements like HAZMAT or tanker adds to your CDL training and licensing costs but provides a wider range of job opportunities later.

Reviews for Santa Clara driving schools

Recent success stories from people in the Santa Clara area.
David C P.
Mohammed was very professional and patient with lessons. He is a great teacher and I would highly recommend him to anyone considering a refresher or a new driver.
Success With Us Driving School LLC
Haleh A.
I really recommend Ali to everyone who needs a great instructor. He is very Professional instructor with lots of experience. Always On time and very reasonably priced drivers training. He even pick you up from work or home and takes you back after your lessons
Ali Driving School
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