The Best Driving Schools in Santa Maria

Looking for driving lessons in Santa Maria? 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 Maria, so you can feel confident you’re learning safe driving skills for life.

or

6 best driving schools in Santa Maria

Coastline academy
  • AboutAbout
  • ServicesServices
  • AreasAreas
Coastline Academy is a modern driving school offering convenient, high-quality education across multiple states with professional instructors.
Five O Driving School
  • AboutAbout
  • ServicesServices
  • AreasAreas
Five O Driving School is a licensed driving school in Arroyo Grande, CA. Run by former law enforcement officers, their certified instructors provide safe driving lessons to teen, adult, and senior citizen drivers in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. They offer free pick up/drop off services in most areas and use cars rated at a five-star safety rating with dual-control brakes. As a fully-insured and bonded driving school, call Five O Driving School today to book a lesson.
Curbside Driving School
  • AboutAbout
  • ServicesServices
  • AreasAreas
We currently don't have a description available for this school. Please check back later!
Cindy's Driving School
  • AboutAbout
  • ServicesServices
  • AreasAreas
We make driving fun and easy to learn, even for those unfamiliar with cars. Our positive teaching approach boosts confidence and progress in driving skills. We focus on what to do, not what to avoid, and help new drivers overcome their fears. As for experienced drivers, we prepare seniors for the Senior Drive Test. Contact us today via phone or website.
Commercial Driver's Academy
  • 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
Top Notch Driving School is now providing driving lessons for both teens and adults in Santa Maria, Orcutt, and Nipomo. Our expert instructors will assist you in obtaining your driver's license, and soon you'll be confident and in control behind the wheel. Don't wait any longer, enlist in our driving school today!

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 Maria 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 Maria
  • 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 Maria 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