Learn to Drive

Coaching Better Drivers.

The Driving Academy Advantage

We coach new drivers to think ahead, make better decisions and build the confidence needed for a lifetime of safe, independent driving.

WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE THE DRIVING ACADEMY

The Driving Academy Student License Program: Start behind-the-wheel training (BTW) on your 15th birthday before obtaining a learner's permit. Includes Online Driver Ed + BTW.

Proven Authority: Developed by our former Senior Coach at the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy and former Master Defensive Driving Instructor with 36 years of coaching experience.

Built for Everyday Driving: Our coaching develops driving skills, vehicle control, sound judgment and decision-making for today’s roads.

Personalized Coaching: Lessons are tailored to every student’s learning style, pace and goals, including students who are neurodivergent or anxious about driving.

Our Pilot Inspired Approach | The Driving Academy

Powered By the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy | The Driving Academy

BUILDING BETTER DRIVERS THROUGH COACHING

Our coaching system is built on three proven principles that help students become safer, more confident drivers.

THE THREE PILLARS OF THE COACHING SYSTEM

Active Discovery: Students actively navigate real-world driving situations, developing sound judgment through experience.

Personal Responsibility: Students learn not only what to do, but why it matters, building accountability and responsible driving habits.

Mastery Over Memorization: Students learn to think through real-world situations, instead of memorizing answers, building practical skills that extend beyond the DMV test.

THE COACHING EXPERIENCE

Pre-Drive Brief: Every lesson begins with a brief discussion to establish goals for the drive ahead.

Real-Time Thinking: We coach side-by-side, helping drivers think ahead, anticipate hazards and make sound decisions in real-time.

Growth-Focused Debrief: Every lesson ends with a constructive review that reinforces strengths, identifies opportunities and builds confidence for the next drive.

Our Coaches

The Concierge Difference

From DMV requirements to personalized guidance, our concierge team and expert coaches make every step simple and seamless.

Customized Planning: Personalized guidance to help you choose the coaching program that fits your goals and schedule.

DMV Concierge and Test Preparation: Optional services include permit and drive test scheduling, document verification, permit test tutoring and one-on-one coaching to help you arrive prepared.

Concierge Transportation: Convenient door-to-door transportation for lessons, with optional full-service DMV test support.

"I cannot recommend The Driving Academy more - phenomenal! My teenage son is a very busy student athlete, and Rita Shuster made scheduling a dream. My son’s instructor, Raul, was incredible - calm, experienced, professional, reliable, and an excellent teacher and enormous support during the entire process."

L. Breier

"We had another incredible experience with The Driving Academy! Our 16-year-old daughter just passed her road test, and her instructor, Raul, was patient, professional, and truly helped build her confidence behind the wheel. Russ and Tom run such a well-organized, high-quality program, and Rita makes scheduling completely seamless and stress-free, plus they all have such fun personalities. We actually used them four years ago for our son and had the same outstanding experience. Everyone is extremely professional, fully trained, and clear communicators, and the overall process felt safe and even enjoyable. We highly recommend The Driving Academy to any family!"

Gara D.

"Just passed my DMV test today! The Driving Academy was seriously the best. All the instructors were super nice and made me feel comfortable every step of the way. Russ was awesome — he always kept me calm and confident while driving. And Rita made scheduling everything so easy. If you’re learning to drive, I totally recommend them!"

K. Valdez

"The Driving Academy was amazing in helping my daughter get her driver’s license and teaching her how to drive! Every instructor was fantastic. Rita is super responsive and helps with everything. I can’t say enough good things about them!"

E. Mavromati

"I’ve used The Driving Academy for two of my kids, who have very different driving profiles and personalities. We’ve had excellent experiences in both cases. One of my children needed more instruction, but they both passed their behind-the-wheel test on the first try. Scheduling and communication are easy, and their staff is very helpful, flexible, and friendly. Rita and Raul were particularly great. I will most definitely use them again for the third kid."

M. Silva

"The Driving Academy is the best driving school out there! Such a dream team of teachers, I went from zero experience to a licensed confident driver under their instruction. Strongly recommend this company! Russ and Rita are the best."

E. Ackerman

"Russ is truly exceptional, and I would highly recommend The Driving Academy to any new or anxious driver. He is so charismatic, and I gained so much confidence in my driving capabilities after taking a few lessons with him. Our lessons were nothing short of entertaining and instructive. I have him to thank for my license, and for teaching me to “enjoy” driving in LA."

K. Smith

"Russ and his team are the best! They shaped my daughter into the confident driver that she is today. She passed her driving test the first time, and no one was more excited for her than Russ and his team. They are encouraging, supportive, and really care! I wouldn't use anyone else!"

P. Springsteen

"The Driving Academy is excellent in every way! They accommodated our daughter's busy schedule to arrange practice driving times that fit her. Raul was such a calm and informative driving teacher. The Driving Academy even took our daughter to the DMV for her driver's test, and she passed! Thank you to Rita and Raul and everyone at The Driving Academy!"

Alissa B.

"Had a great experience with The Driving Academy. Couldn’t have learned to drive and get my license the way I did without Russ and the rest of the guys' help. Thank you so much!! Really recommend anyone who needs help learning to drive or just needs tips to improve their driving to use this academy."

S. Maged

"Russ Shuster is amazing! He taught me so much about driving, and his tips made me very confident driving on my own. I would recommend this school to anyone in the greater Los Angeles area looking for the best driving school. 5 stars!!!"

J. Etessami

"We had the best experience with Rita and the drivers from The Driving Academy. The drivers are professional, kind, and patient. My daughter had never been behind the wheel. Now she’s driving on the freeways! They were always on time. Scheduling was easy and efficient. My daughter learned to drive, and they made her feel comfortable and confident behind the wheel. I’ll be back in 2 years for my son!!!"

K. Lang