Getting your license can be really hard work especially if you’re already dealing with the stresses of high school and college applications.
Many aspiring drivers often get confused about the procedure on how to get their license.
For example, you may not know that you have to complete a mandatory 30-hour driver education course before you’re even allowed to take the practical test drives.
These 30-hour courses used to be conducted in classrooms or your local high school.
But now much quicker, convenient, and easy online courses have been designed that can be taken from the comfort of your own home.
“Great, I'll just go and apply to any course I find on Google!”
Sorry to break it to you but...
Some online courses aren’t registered in the state of California, which means they won’t be accepted by your local DMV.
But don't worry.
I've compiled a list of the best online education courses in Oakland along with the best behind-the-wheel courses in Oakland.
Let's get into it.
Top 5 Best Online Driver Education Courses in Oakland
Improv
With their humorous and lighthearted lectures written by Hollywood writers, Improv will leave you in splits.
It’s impossible not to laugh if you take this course!
Engaging, informative, and funny all at the same time, this course is perfect if you can’t stand traditional learning and dull textbooks.
With their interactive teaching style through fun games, frequent quizzes, and video lectures, this school really makes information stick, giving you an edge in the final test.
Improv’s 100% online courses have served over 500,000 happy customers that have overwhelmingly supported the course proven by its 4.7-star rating on Shopper Approved.
So if you have a fear of tests or have never been particularly good at them, then this course is perfect for you.
With over 25 years of experience, DriverEd brings a wealth of knowledge that is completely at your disposal should you decide to take their course.
While their course may not be as engaging as Improv, their 24/7 friendly customer support ensures that you have all the information you need when the final test comes around.
This school offers the convenience of accessing the course from any mobile device. This gives you control over your schedule, being able to study where you want when you want.
All in all, the convenience and stellar customer support make this an option worth considering.
A new school on the block, Aceable has made a course designed for the modern age.
Created for teens, this course integrates video, audio, and interactive animations (even memes!) to provide students with an entertaining course that can be taken on any mobile device.
Among all these courses Aceable has the most user-friendly and innovative website design that makes it so much easier to do your course without having to worry about technical glitches.
The only reason Aceable is my third pick is that the course is a bit more expensive.
However, if you are flush with cash and want the most enjoyable course money can buy, then Aceable is the best option available.
With a 100% money-back guarantee this school is confident that you'll love their course.
While not very entertaining, they do provide you with all the information you need to pass the final test and be a safe driver.
Its bite-sized courses divided into smaller lessons make it so much easier to study and retain information ensuring that you will never feel drained, no matter how long your study session lasts.
A great feature of DriversEdDirect is that they process your certificate on the same day you pass the test.
Just print it out and you’re done.
So if you're looking for a course that teaches you all you need to know precisely and easily then this school is a good option to consider.
iDriveSafely is another great option on this list.
Its innovative learning style allows you to play with 3D animations, providing physical interaction with your course material that makes it so much more than just an online course.
While this course isn't into providing you with the most fun experience, it does get the job done teaching you everything you need to know about driving in all sorts of conditions and situations.
Top 3 behind the Wheel Driving Courses in Oakland
These 6-hour behind-the-wheel driving courses are required only after you have completed the mandatory driving education courses listed above.
Here I’ve made a list of the best and highest rated driving courses in Oakland.
1) Berkeley Driving School
Address - 4154 MacArthur Blvd. Oakland
Phone number - 510-530-1938
Experienced, friendly, and funny instructors, this driving school will make you feel at ease even in the most stressful conditions.
With their large and experienced team, Berkeley Driving School provides you with every type of instructor that can satisfy all your driving requirements.
Safety being their first priority, they have produced numerous safe and experienced drivers over the years with their thorough and patient teaching style.
So if you live in and around the area, Berkeley Driving School is an amazing option that you should surely give a try. (Go and check their team page!)
2) Swift Driving and Traffic School
Address - 411 E. 18th Street, Suite D. Oakland
Phone number - 510-839-3819
With the convenience of pick and drop services and flexible timings, this option is best if you have a busy schedule to keep up with.
The instructor Vincent is known for being a patient and welcoming teacher who tries his best to keep you relaxed on the road.
Preparing you for numerous situations, this school aims to make you a well-rounded driver through the numerous situations they train you in during lessons.
They may not have the best website but if you're looking for a quality instructor, this school is a good contender for the top schools in Oakland.
3) Universal Driving School
Address - 5627 Telegraph Ave, Oakland
Phone number - 510-847-3323
Run by instructor Joseph, who is widely known as a calm and friendly person.
Offering the cheapest prices at $35 an hour, this course is for you if you are on a tight budget.
No official website exists (Only a FaceBook page), so you’ll have to phone him to schedule a driving course.
Driving School in Oakland - FAQs
How Do I Get a License in Oakland?
If you’re a teen you need to:
- Be 15 and a half years old
- Complete the 30-hour driver education course
- Pass the DMV theory-based test after the education course
- Complete a 6-hour practical driving course with an instructor
- Log 50 hours of driving practice, 10 of those being at night with an adult that is at least 25 years of age
- Pass the final driving test
How much Does Drivers Training Cost in Oakland?
It depends on the driving school you choose.
However, driving lessons are generally significantly less costly in Oakland when compared to the bigger cities.
A 6-hour course should cost between $250 to $400 in Oakland.
The options I’ve listed above are all under $350.
Can I Take An Online Driver Education Course in Oakland?
Yes,
The State of California allows for online driver education courses instead of in-person.
Most schools have transitioned to online courses. In fact, I couldn’t find a single school providing in-person driver education in Oakland.
This is possible because the 30-hour driver education course only goes over the theory-based details of driving such as signs and their meanings, speed limits and so on.
In-person courses cannot compete with the low costs of online education courses.
Many people prefer online courses due to the convenience they provide, being accessible everywhere and at any time.
Conclusion
So if you’re looking to get your license, you need to complete the 30-hour driver education course followed by the behind-the-wheel lessons before you’ll be allowed to sit for the final driving test.
With the options above, you won’t need to scour the internet looking for approved courses, just pick an option from each of the lists and get one step closer to that sweet, sweet license.