Find a driving instructor in Santa Monica, CA

Find driving schools in Santa Monica, CA

Find driving schools in Santa Monica, CA

Confirm your location to see the best driving schools near you.
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Find driving schools in Santa Monica, CA

Confirm your location to see the best driving schools near you.
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Top 10 driving schools in Santa Monica, CA

Students agree: these Santa Monica driving schools are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Reliable Driving Lessons

Reliable Driving Lessons

New on Lessons.com
22+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
Founded in 2004, Reliable Driving Lessons is a Burbank, California-based driving school serving Burbank and surrounding areas. With over 20 years of experience, their professional instructors proficient in English, Spanish, Russian, and Armenian, are committed to teaching safe driving skills to people of all ages. Whether you're a novice or have minimal experience, their expertise assures quick, effective, and stress-free learning. This women-owned business prides itself on its professionalism and extensive experience.
WeGoThere Media , LLC   (Film, Photo & Drone)

WeGoThere Media , LLC (Film, Photo & Drone)

5.0(1)
16+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA & Online
Tiffany says, "Marley is passionate about photography and is willing to do anything to get the shot. He is creative with his work. He enjoys teaching others about photography and sharing his knowledge about his experiences. " Read more
Vista Driving & Traffic School

Vista Driving & Traffic School

New on Lessons.com
1 hire on Lessons.com
39+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
We have been serving LA county & Ventura county since 1987! We offer different courses like online drivers Ed, behind the wheel training for teenagers, adults, and our senior citizens. Also we have drive test rentals, preparation for written exams, driver safety courses, and freeway training. We are bilingual in English and Spanish. Our new vehicles are fully insured and fully bonded. This business allows us to make a difference in each one of our students lives by teaching them how to drive for the rest of their lives. It is a big responsibility. We take pride in what we do and treat all our customers as if they were family....
Academy Of Motorcycle Operation

Academy Of Motorcycle Operation

New on Lessons.com
17+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
Founded in 2009, the Academy of Motorcycle Operation, located in Pasadena, California, is a CHP-authorized training provider, approved to offer DMV license-waiver certificates. Their professionally trained instructors, certified by Lee Parks' Total Control Training Inc and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, provide comprehensive training, ensuring that graduates can ride any bike confidently. With over 15 years of experience in motorcyclist training, they prioritize safety and skills development, allowing learners to complete their training in just two days. Their dedication to quality training has seen many graduates enjoy discounted rates fr
D&S Driving School

D&S Driving School

New on Lessons.com
Serves Santa Monica, CA
D&S Driving School, located in Reseda and Montebello, California, is dedicated to meeting all your driving needs. With a particular emphasis on nervous and young drivers, their licensed instructor, Geovanna, is always ready to assist. They invite potential customers from the surrounding areas to experience their comprehensive and attentive driving instruction services.
Phoenix Driving School

Phoenix Driving School

New on Lessons.com
15+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
Phoenix Driving School, founded in 2011 and located in North Hollywood, California, is an established driving institution with a track record of delivering effective driving lessons. They offer a DMV-approved program and cater to both teenagers and adults. Committed to ensuring convenience and safety, they provide free pick-up and drop-off in served areas and use dual-controlled cars for training. Their team comprises experienced, professional instructors, including a DMV-certified Driving Instructor. They are insured, bonded, and also cater to the Filipino-speaking community.
International Driving School

International Driving School

New on Lessons.com
27+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
International Driving School, located in Garden Grove, California, and serving its surrounding areas, has been a trusted source of driver education since 1999. They offer comprehensive services from behind-the-wheel training to online traffic school approved by the California DMV and courts. They take immense pride in their record of satisfied students and boast no complaints filed in DMV records. Whether you're a teenager seeking certification or an adult looking for training, International Driving School is committed to providing a high-quality learning experience.
Gihon Driving School

Gihon Driving School

New on Lessons.com
Serves Santa Monica, CA
Welcome to Gihon Driving School, where your journey to confident driving begins. Located in Los Angeles, CA, we specialize in personalized driving lessons tailored to meet the unique needs of each student. Our expert instructors are dedicated to equipping you with the skills and knowledge necessary for safe and responsible driving. Whether you're a new driver or looking to refine your abilities, Gihon Driving School is committed to guiding you every step of the way toward achieving your driving goals. Join us to drive with confidence and skill!
Bell Gardens Traffic School

Bell Gardens Traffic School

New on Lessons.com
32+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA
Founded in 1994, Bell Gardens Traffic School is a trusted institution in Bell Gardens, California and its surrounding areas. They offer comprehensive traffic school classes in both English and Spanish. With the flexibility of online, classroom, and booklet modes, they cater to the varied needs of their students. Their affordable and DMV approved courses meet the 8-hour court requirement, ensuring customers receive quality education and service.
Lyn Starr

Lyn Starr

5.0(2)
9+ years in business
Serves Santa Monica, CA & Online
Laurie L. says, "Lyn is the consummate professional musician, teacher, artist and songwriter. His vocal talent spans a wide variety of genres, and his approach to teaching is person-centered, with a clear delivery of instruction. Lyn brings a wealth of knowledge to every undertaking and makes lessons interesting and engaging. " Read more

Your Driving Lessons questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Lessons.com.

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 Monica driving schools

Recent success stories from people in the Santa Monica area.
Marcello V.
I took one of Lyn’s classes in the past. Lyn is a patient teacher who welcomes questions. He is knowledgeable about a wide variety of subjects and is able to break down complex concepts into easy to understand language
Lyn Starr
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