9 Best Driving Schools in San Francisco, CA

If you are looking for the best driving schools in San Francisco, you must keep all the nitty-gritty in mind. This includes knowing if the driving school follows the local protocols, being careful about the past customer experiences, ratings, proximity from you, and the services they are willing to offer their customers. Hence, for your convenience, below is a list of the top 9 driving schools in San Francisco. Read on!

List of San Francisco’s 9 Best-Rated Driving Schools

1. A Safeway Driving School

First established in 1980, A Safeway Driving School is a driving school in San Francisco and is one of the best places to learn driving. The business teaches its learners advanced techniques and maneuvers when it comes to driving a car, including vehicle control and details about the traffic laws. With the availability of both male and female instructors, they train their drivers so that they, using all their knowledge and expertise, become adept at using the transportation system wisely.

This driving license school has lessons for everyone, from beginners to teenagers, new residents, adults, and senior citizens. To cater to all kinds of people, their driver training course is all-inclusive. A Safeway Driving School’s Online Driver’s Course costs $15, and drivers can get a Provisional Permit after that. The driving school provides fully insured dual control cars for students looking to learn how to drive in a car with an automatic transmission. Their adult driving lessons offer 30 minutes of free consultation with a 2-hour driving lesson.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS:

“I was looking for a driving school near me when a friend suggested A Safeway Driving School. Collin was an extremely patient teacher. He truly teaches you how to ride safely and park with tips on what to watch for. I truly feel that my money has been well-utilized. Collin really boosts my confidence when it comes to driving. All I need is more practice. I haven’t driven in over 20 years because I’m afraid of the road, and now I can confidently say that it has changed.”
– Jonah Cabe

2. Rivadavia Driving School

Rivadavia Driving School was founded in 1994 and has ever since enabled learners to acquire the perfect art of driving and helped them drive effortlessly by following all the safety regulations. The family-owned and operated car driving school is one of the best among the local driving schools in San Francisco and specializes in defensive driving. It has helped driving aspirants achieve their driving goals for the past 25 years. Learners are taught exceptional skills that exceed the driving test requirements and are also experts in dealing with students who are anxious about driving.

The school features both female and male instructors, and they are highly qualified to make it easier for the learner. They offer free pick up and drop off, and learners are picked up in a DMV-inspected, fully insured, dual controlled vehicle that is both safe to drive and offers a luxurious experience. Additionally, they have been named the 2018 winner of the Best of San Francisco Magazine as Best Rated Driving School in the San Francisco Bay Area.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS:

“I wholeheartedly suggest taking lessons at this institution; I personally had all of my sessions with Yan Carlos. Among all the driving schools in San Francisco, I chose this one because driving with him provides the feeling that you are driving with a friend since it is less stressful. He is also highly vigilant and well-versed in traffic laws. Yan Carlos also does not tamper with the wheel or his pedals needlessly, which is wonderful since it makes me feel like I’m truly driving. When an intervention is required, it is always done calmly and explained to me so that I understand where I went wrong. I passed my exam on the first try and had a fantastic time learning.”
– Timothy Holland

3. Ann’s Driving School

Ann’s Driving School is a woman-owned and operated business that began in 2001. It is one of the good driving schools in the Bay Area and currently has 9 female and male instructors. They excel at teaching driving to all kinds of people with varying competence levels. They use normal-looking cars without stickers to avoid embarrassment to their learners. Being a member of the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists, they offer adaptive learning or specialized instructions for disabled learners.

Ann’s behind-the-wheel classes are rigorous, one-on-one coaching sessions, and throughout the class, a learner is expected to interact with their instructor. It is a great place to get driving lessons for women. To ensure maximum learning, learners are required to provide a running commentary, which is a vocal account of the driving circumstances and the factors influencing their judgments. Their unique clientele includes Josh Kornbluth, a Bay Area Talk-Show Host. They have also been featured on San Fransisco Chronicler, San Fransisco examiner, and the New York Times.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS:

“I attended two sessions with Richard and cannot speak highly enough about him and Ann’s Driving School! It is the best driving school in San Francisco. Richard was incredibly professional, clear, and had just the appropriate bit of fun to help ease any tension that might accompany any exam. Even during COVID, communication was simple, rapid, and unambiguous. Richard is passionate about his work and will always give his all to each of his driving pupils. With many years of expertise, he provides essential tips and tactics to ensure that you pass the driving test and, more importantly, become a safe driver. I highly recommend Ann’s Driving Lessons to everyone!”
– Jules Berkeley

4. Bill’s Defensive Driving School

Bill’s Defensive Driving School is a professional driving school in San Francisco teaching defensive driving techniques and preparing learners to be proficient and safe drivers. The school encourages family members and parents to ride along during a driving lesson to boost the learner’s confidence and to allow them to assess the latter’s performance. Individualized driving lessons are available for adults, the elderly, and teenagers.

Students at Bill’s Defensive Driving School are provided with a new and well-maintained car for driving which is equipped with an accelerator and auxiliary brake for the teacher during each class. This enables the instructors to drive the car if necessary and makes the process even safer. Bill’s Defensive Driving School provides pick-up and drop-off services for extra convenience, and all of their vehicles are insured and licensed.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS:

“Yesterday was my son’s first of three lessons. David, a driving instructor in San Francisco, was assigned to him. He was excellent, patient, and calm, provided several opportunities to practice different skills, was thorough, and presented enough tough circumstances to keep things interesting and valuable. I liked being in the car because it allowed me to get more comfortable with my kid behind the wheel and hear what he was learning firsthand. I wholeheartedly endorse it.”
– Gratis Dacosta

5. Guerrero Driving School

First started in 1986, Guerrero Driving School is an a+ driving school that has been teaching defensive driving skills to learners in Spanish, Portuguese, and English. It is family-owned and operated and serves the area between San Francisco and San Mateo County. All their vehicles are of the latest models and automatic, and they are DMV Licensed, fully bonded, and insured, with dual control. Learners can schedule their appointments over the phone, and the company provides free pick up and drop off from home, school, or work.

Lessons are available 7 days a week, and all their lessons require two hours of driving behind the wheels. All the instructors in Guerrero Driving School are DMV licensed, and they carry their credentials with them at all times. The business mandates no contracts, and they charge an hourly rate. They accept payment through cash, personal checks, and payments through all major credit cards. 

CUSTOMER REVIEWS:

“Juan Carlos not only prepared me for the exam, but he also ensured that I was prepared to drive safely and effectively on San Francisco’s streets, which may be hard at times. I like that he did not push extra courses on me; soon after our first session, he advised that I arrange an appointment with the DMV. During this short time, he made me aware of several poor behaviors that I had never noticed before and also assisted me in correcting them, which I much appreciate! Juan is the best driving instructor in San Francisco!”
– Matt Chan

6. Bill C Licensed Driving Instructor

First established in 2016, Bill C Licensed Driving Instructor is a professional driving training school based in San Francisco. They provide lessons for all ages and offer a behind-the-wheel experience for learners willing to know about every road challenge to pass a driving test. Safety is the priority of this adult driving school, and they teach their students how to handle difficult situations as they arise on the road deftly.

Everything from defensive driving to parallel parking is covered in their driving test preparation. All their cars are reliable, and their professional driving instructors go over defensive techniques and simulate real-life situations so that learners can employ those techniques and learn better.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS:

“After three classes with him, I passed with only two errors on my first try! I was overjoyed with his teaching, especially because I suffer from driving anxiety. He reassured me every step of the process, and I didn’t even feel nervous on the big day. The exam proctor also commended my driving. 10/10 suggest to beginners and even experienced drivers who wish to overcome driving anxiety and improve their driving skills. He gives the best driving lessons in San Francisco!”
– Jayson Cobbin

7. Four Seasons Driving School

Four Seasons Driving School is a professional bay area driving school serving San Francisco and the nearby Bay Areas including Concord, Crockett, Dublin, El Cerrito, Fair field, Hercules, Novato, Oakland, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Rodeo, San Rafael, San Ramon, Sausalito, Suisun City, Vallejo, Walnut Creek, and surrounding areas. It is one of the cheap driving schools because the business guarantees the lowest price in California. They have both female and male instructors for the learners’ convenience, all of which are state-licensed.

As a driving school, they provide a 6-hour driver training course that consists of either 4 lessons of 1.5 hours each or 3 lessons of 2 hours each, and learners can pick any according to their preference. Their business is DMV Licensed, fully insured, and bonded, and they guarantee 100% safe driving to their students. They offer the Drivers Ed Course that fulfills a learner’s mandatory California DMV Drivers Education requirements. It is available 24×7, and learners can access it anytime, anywhere, and at their own pace.  

CUSTOMER REVIEWS:

“I highly suggest Mr. Dan to anyone who wants to acquire their driver’s license or learn how to drive. Four Seasons is the best driving school in the bay area, and Dan is really patient, timely, and efficient. He arrives on time, if not sooner. He is also highly technical. I employed his services when I was applying for a driver’s license in California. His technical knowledge came in handy while I was preparing for the DMV driving exam. I highly recommend him to everyone!”
– Neil Sachar

8. Pacific Motorcycle Training

The top school to learn motorcycle riding in the San Francisco Bay area, Pacific Motorcycle Training teaches learners how to ride and control their motorcycle safely. They provide services to amateurs and experienced riders alike. New learners can learn from them to get a license endorsement, and more experienced riders can utilize their services to get better at riding by improving their skills. They are a part of the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Additionally, all of their instructors are also certified to teach Total Control Motor Cyclist Training Courses.

Pacific Motorcycle Training is also authorized to teach beginner learners the CMSP Motorcyclist Training Course (MTC). They also provide private training sessions through their One-on-One Focus Motorcycle Training, where learners can acquire their skills to become better riders. This motorcycle driving school also offers Intermediate and Advanced Riding Clinics, and the latter has two levels that the learner can choose from. For their beginner course’s riding practice portion, motorcycles and helmets are provided to all learners. Advanced learners, however, can pay $50 rent for a motorcycle that includes both gas and insurance.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS:

“Pacific Motorcycle training offered excellent instructions!  Ken, George, Mike, and Chris were all kind and helpful. They show you where to improve your riding, provide you with regular feedback, and give you careful attention. Overall, it was enjoyable as well as educational. Training is provided in three locations, from which you can select the one that is most convenient for you. I had to postpone my courses twice, and they were more than willing to accommodate me.”
– Paul Oliver

9. A1 Truck Driving School

First established in 1997, A1 Truck Driving School has been in the trucking business since 1975 and has been providing CDL instruction to the Greater Bay area since its inception. This CDL driving school offers training for most industrial vehicles that require a commercial driver license and their specialization includes doubles, transfers, and flats. As a business, they claim that they can make a professional truck driver out of a learner in less than 2 weeks.

Their campus also includes a spacious area that provides ample grounds for practice and training for the learners’ convenience. All of their instructors are patient and considerate towards the learners, and they are available 7 days a week to work according to the learners’ schedule. Although located in the Bay Area, they provide training facilities in Hayward. They also have construction programs that give enthusiasts the necessary training required in the construction business. 

CUSTOMER REVIEWS:

“A1 truck driving school is an excellent location, and it was the best truck driving school near me. Paul, Usher, Edgar, and Vlad were incredible. Before I arrived on the property, I had no experience as a class A driver. In 6 weeks, they taught me the skills I needed to pass my pre-trip and skill tests and obtain my license. You are provided with every information. All you have to do is devote the necessary time and effort. You WILL earn your commercial license if you attend this course. Don’t squander your money or time by attending other schools. A-1 Truck Driving School was the best investment I have made in a long time.”
– Cohen Pilar