Teen Driver’s Training, In- Car
behind-the-wheel instruction
Returning Students
Our Driving Instructors are skilled professionals and have a genuine commitment to traffic safety. At Bay Area Driving School, learning to drive will be a positive and enjoyable experience. We offer lessons Monday through Saturday.
Learn to drive safely, with confidence and precision™
The 6-hour course is divided into three 2-hour lessons. Students with minimal or no driving experience will receive a brief demonstration drive and an introduction to vehicle controls. Typically, the first lesson focuses on vehicle control, maintaining proper lane position, making left and right turns in residential areas, visual search techniques, understanding intersections, making smooth stops, navigating light traffic, and practicing curb parking. The training also covers lane changes, unprotected left turns, U-turns, parking lot maneuvers, parallel parking, center turn lanes, an introduction to freeway driving, DMV review, and other essential driving skills. Basic defensive driving techniques are included in each lesson. After each lesson, you’ll receive a written evaluation, and a DMV-approved certificate will be provided upon completion of the third lesson.
Vehicles
Driver’s Training is conducted in our Honda Civic vehicles with automatic transmissions. Each vehicle is equipped with student driver stickers, a dual control brake pedal, and an instructor mirror.
Prerequisite
Students must have a valid, CA learner’s permit. If you don’t have one, consider signing up for the Student License Program or check out our Written Test Prep.
Self-scheduling
Once you enroll and prepay for a lesson using the “Get Started” button to the right, you’ll gain access to the calendar and can choose an appointment slot. If you prefer to schedule by phone, we’re happy to assist with that. Please note that same-day appointments cannot be scheduled online; if you need a same-day lesson, please call our office.
Additional information
Lessons are offered in English or Spanish. We offer a minimum 2-hour lesson. Longer lessons available upon request.
Weekend pick-up and drop-off services are available exclusively for local and Tri-Valley students. Please note that Instructor Simer does not provide home pick-up or drop-off. All students assigned to her will meet at our Hayward office location.
While we strive to accommodate your preferred schedule and pick-up times, adjustments may be necessary based on instructor availability. If any changes are required, our office will contact you in advance. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility.
Health & Safety
At Bay Area Driving School, the health and safety of our customers and community are our top priorities. There have been many changes since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Student not allowed to take lesson if they ill or experiencing any cold or flu-like symptoms (i.e. sore throat, cough, fever, body aches, etc.).
- Vehicle’s high touch points will be disinfected between lessons.
- Hand sanitizer always available in training vehicles.
- Face mask are optional, per instructor’s discretion.
Piggyback system / semi-private lessons
Some of our instructors use the popular industry piggyback system. This means that at the end of one student’s lesson, we will pick up the next student before dropping off the first. If the next student has no driving experience, the instructor will conduct a demonstration drive back to the first student’s drop-off location. Aside from the piggyback time, the lesson will be completely private. If you prefer a fully private lesson, please let the office know when scheduling. Parents and spouses are not permitted to ride along.
We service the following cities
Alameda* – Berkeley* – Blackhawk* – Castro Valley – Danville*- Dublin* – Fremont* – Hayward – Kensington* – Newark* – Oakland* – Piedmont* – Pleasanton* – San Leandro – San Lorenzo – San Ramon* – Union City*. *There is an additional travel fee for customer outside of local Hayward area.
Travel fee
We currently offer free pick-up and return for residents near our headquarters, including Hayward, Castro Valley, San Leandro, and San Lorenzo. For other cities, a travel fee of $20 and up, depending on the zip code, will apply and can be paid on the day of your lesson. There is no additional fee if you meet us at our office at 1070 A Street, Hayward.
Cancellation policy
For in-car training, we require a 24-hour notice for cancellations. Late cancellations, same-day cancellations, and no-shows will incur a $95 missed appointment fee. Our office is closed on Sundays, so any changes to Monday appointments must be made by the preceding Saturday. Please call or text the main office at 510-886-1016 to cancel OR log into Drive Scout , go to the “Sessions” section, and cancel the lesson yourself.
Students are expected to cancel their driving lesson if they display any signs of illness, such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath, within 24 hours of the lesson without incurring a financial penalty.
Gratuity / Tips:
Other classes offered
Freeway Lessons, Defensive Driving, Phobia Lessons, Corporate Training, Disabled Person Program, and more, click here “Specialized Training.”