The Best Driving Schools in Santa Barbara

Looking for driving lessons in Santa Barbara? We’ve put together a list of the best driving schools in the area. We also have Zutobi-vetted partner schools you can book lessons with in Santa Barbara, so you can feel confident you’re learning safe driving skills for life.

or

6 best driving schools in Santa Barbara

Coastline academy
  • AboutAbout
  • ServicesServices
  • AreasAreas
Coastline Academy is a modern driving school offering convenient, high-quality education across multiple states with professional instructors.
Morris A-Steve Defensive Driving School
  • AboutAbout
  • ServicesServices
  • AreasAreas
Learn to Drive and Get Your License Quickly! Our driving school has been helping people of all ages become expert drivers since 1976. With 34 years of experience, we have the knowledge and skill to guide you through the complex process of learning to drive and keep you updated on the ever-changing DMV rules. We attribute our success to our dedicated staff who make a difference in the lives of our students. Click here to meet our team and start your driving journey today!
Easy Street Driving School
  • AboutAbout
  • ServicesServices
  • AreasAreas
We currently don't have a description available for this school. Please check back later!
Top Notch Driving School
  • AboutAbout
  • ServicesServices
  • AreasAreas
Learn to drive with our Teen Behind the Wheel driving lessons program. We offer in-car instruction with a licensed driving instructor to ensure safe, competent driving skills. Our program includes practice sessions, road test preparation, and defensive driving techniques. Get behind the wheel and gain the confidence you need to navigate the roadways. Enroll today and start your driving journey on the right path.
Gundersen Driving School
  • AboutAbout
  • ServicesServices
  • AreasAreas
At Gundersen Driving School in Santa Barbara, we teach safe and responsible driving to everyone. Our experienced instructors are patient and friendly, and we offer lessons to both teens and adults. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced driver, we can help you improve your skills. Come learn from the best and become a safe and confident driver!
California Defensive Driving School
  • AboutAbout
  • ServicesServices
  • AreasAreas
We currently don't have a description available for this school. Please check back later!

California Driving Lesson Requirements

  • Under 18 (Ages 15–18)

    You need a permit to practice driving, which you get by passing a written knowledge test. When you have your permit, you can start driving under supervision.

    Teens must then complete the following:

    • 6 hours of professional in-car driving lessons with a licensed instructor from a DMV-approved school.
    • 50 hours of supervised driving practice with a parent or guardian (including 10 hours at night). Note: Any additional professional driving lessons beyond the 6-hour minimum can count toward the 50 required practice hours.
    Once you meet the requirements and have held your permit for at least 6 months, you can schedule your road test and get your license (which allows you to drive unsupervised).
  • Ages 18+

    • Professional driving lessons are not legally required for adults in California. You do not have mandated practice hours either.
    • You will, however, need an instruction permit to practice driving, which you get by passing the permit test. When you feel ready for the road test, you can schedule it to get your full license.
    Note: Even though professional driving lessons aren’t a strict requirement, they are highly recommended to help you learn safe, confident driving skills. They can also qualify you for possible insurance discounts or course credits.

Schedule Your Santa Barbara Driving Lessons with our Partners Near You

  • Up to 2x higher first-time driving test pass rate (based on internal survey)
  • Home pickup and drop-off available in most of Santa Barbara
  • Certified, licensed, and background-checked instructors
  • Modern cars with dual controls, safety cameras, and GPS tracking
  • Easy online booking and progress tracking
  • California DMV-licensed driving school

How It Works

1. Choose time, location, & date
Enter your ZIP code to see available driving lessons in your area.
2. Reserve lessons that work for you
Once you’ve found a good time & date for your lessons, you can reserve them immediately. You’ll receive a confirmation email and text message, along with other lesson instructions.
3. Start behind-the-wheel training
Learn everything from basic controls to safe, defensive driving with certified Santa Barbara instructors. Each instructor has completed an intensive training course adhering to state standards (and beyond).
4. Get your driver’s license
Once you’ve completed the required hours, you’ll be prepared for the DMV road test. Once you pass, you’ll get your license.

Learn Key Skills

Rest assured, all necessary key driving skills are covered

Freeway Driving
Parking
Intersections
Changing Lanes
Passing
Nighttime Driving
Defensive Driving

Choose your area