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How to Find Good Driving Schools in Alameda County CA

Whether your teenager is taking the driving test or you would like a little refresher yourself, the best driving schools in Alameda County offer driver's education to beginning and experienced drivers alike. Driving schools in Hayward, Oakland, Dublin and Fremont and throughout Alameda County offer basic driving instruction, driver's ed, preparation for driving tests and give you the skills you need to get your driver's license. If you are looking for good driving schools in Alameda County, the following articles will help you narrow your search for that driving instruction.

Updated June 3, 2009

Top 10 Driving Schools in Alameda County

Bill's Defensive Driving School
Send an email to this Company
(877) 689-1480
2644 Appian Way #103
DMV Instructor's #: I432001,
License#: O4362A; DMV Driving School #: 4362
   Prime Buyer's Certified

Areas Served: Alameda County incl. Oakland, Berkeley, Hayward, Livermore, Fremont, Pleasanton CA
Services: driving school for driver's ed & behind the wheel driving instruction emphasizing safety

Driversity of East Bay
(510) 614-0230
2065 Kittredge St
Berkeley, CA 94704

Areas Served: Oakland CA, Hayward, Dublin CA, Fremont, San Leandro, Berkeley, Livermore

World Driving School
(510) 238-8898
1406 32nd St
Oakland, CA 94608

Areas Served: Berkeley, Oakland CA, Dublin CA, Hayward, Fremont, Newark CA, Pleasanton CA, Emeryville

A-one Driving School
(510) 524-9952
600 San Pablo Ave
Albany, CA 94706

Areas Served: Hayward, Oakland CA, Berkeley, Castro Valley, Emeryville, Dublin CA, Union City CA

California Highway Professional Driving School
(510) 526-3003
1164 Solano Ave
Albany, CA 94706

Areas Served: Oakland CA, Berkeley, Fremont, Newark CA, Livermore, Dublin CA, Hayward, San Lorenzo

New Method Driving School
(510) 483-1208
3824 Piedmont Ave
Piedmont, CA 94611

Areas Served: Berkeley, Hayward, Oakland CA, Dublin CA, Fremont, Emeryville, Newark CA, Piedmont

A One Driving School
(510) 524-9952
10567 San Pablo Ave
El Cerrito, CA 94530

Areas Served: Alameda, Oakland CA, Hayward, Fremont, Dublin CA, Pleasanton CA, San Leandro, Livermore

Easy Driving School
(510) 352-3981
120 Juana Ave
San Leandro, CA 94577

Areas Served: Alameda, Berkeley, Oakland CA, Dublin CA, Fremont, Hayward, Newark CA, Livermore

ABC Driving School
(510) 471-7773
4 Union Sq # C
Union City, CA 94587

Areas Served: Hayward, Oakland CA, Pleasanton CA, Berkeley, Dublin CA, Union City CA, Sunol, Livermore

Western Truck School
(510) 489-8736
1220 Whipple Rd
Union City, CA 94587

Areas Served: Castro Valley, Oakland CA, Hayward, Berkeley, Livermore, Dublin CA, Emeryville

Updated January 4, 2010

How to Find Good Driving Schools in Alameda County CA 

Why are driving schools in Alameda County so important? Because although it eats up so much time in our bustling American lives, it's easy to forget that driving is a privilege, a skill, and inherently dangerous. Flawed as we naturally are, we all make mistakes and open ourselves up to the risks that driving incurs everytime we get behind that wheel. But with proper driving instructors, human error can be reduced. There are several good driving schools in Alameda County that can give driving lessons in Alameda County as well as instruct  on additional driving safety techniques and driving skills.

Driving Schools in Alameda County Not Only Teach, They Raise Driving Safety Awareness
Teen driving school, driving instruction, driving lessons, driver's ed—no matter what you call it, we are all better for having been through it. Whether you need to brush up after being a passenger for a long time or you've got a teen that is ready for the ultimate symbol of independence, driving schools in Alameda County offer a wide variety of services.

To prepare for a learner's permit or driver's license test, there are two stages to the driving lessons. The DMV-licensed driving instructors offer a few hours in the classroom to familiarize everyone with the privilege of driving, the general rules of the road, the history of the auto, licensing and registration protocol, components of the automobile, and accident causes and prevention. Following instruction, students may be given examples of written DMV tests to gauge what the student has learned.

After this is complete, the driving instructors can pick you up almost anywhere around Alameda County and behind-the-wheel driving lessons begin. In this stage of the driving lessons, the driving instructors teach the student about spatiotemporal awareness and the principles of inertia and momentum. The student driver learns about vision and motor coordination, maintaining space, changing lanes, smooth operation of the controls, judging their speed, and safe merging techniques.

The driving instructors in and around Hayward, Oakland, Dublin and Fremont will give thorough tutorials on parking as well, including parallel parking, diagonal parking, and perpendicular parking. After a thorough understanding of the basics is established, student drivers get to apply these new skills in different settings around Alameda County, such as urban driving, country driving, and freeway driving. When student drivers display sufficient skill, the Alameda County driving instructors can even simulate a DMV driving test. Alternately, if you only need your driving skills refreshed after an absence behind the wheel, driving schools in Alameda County offer practice tests for "brush-ups"—a great way to be certain of your skill level before heading to the DMV.

Many driving schools in Alameda County can accommodate student drivers with physical or cognitive disabilities as well. And don't be nervous - the driving instructors at driving schools in Alameda County are there to take care of you, and they are infinitely patient!

You Can't Go Wrong With Our List of Driving Schools in Alameda County CA
Once you're ready to get into the fast lane of driving instruction, choose from our TOP 10 driving schools in Alameda County. The Prime Buyer's Report lists these Alameda County driving schools and driving instructors: Bill's Defensive Driving School, Driversity of East Bay, World Driving School, A-one Driving School, California Highway Professional Driving School, New Method Driving School, A One Driving School, Easy Driving School, ABC Driving School, Western Truck School. Other driving schools and driving instructors who might still serve Alameda County include: BayHill Driving School, Capital Driving School, Anna's Driving School, Hayward Truck Driving School, A-1 Truck Driving School Inc. Didn't find what you wanted with the TOP 10 Driving Schools in Alameda County? Then click here to see additional companies in this category.

Check Out the Local Driving Schools in Alameda County Before Hitting the Gas
Most often, the student driver that succeeds is informed and has a desire to learn safe driving. Before you begin with the driving instructors, do some outside research on the basics of driving lessons and the driving schools in Alameda County. We've compiled the most balanced, well-rounded list of organizations for local driving schools and media resources that can prepare you for the next step. Get started by reading The Prime Buyer's Report article, "Key Resources To Find Good Driving Schools in Alameda County."

Updated June 3, 2009
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A Guide to Finding Good Driving Schools in Alameda County CA 

Step 1: Do Some Research on Driving Schools in Alameda County CA
Understand what kind of driving lessons you need and your general goals for the driver's education process. Check agency Web sites, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and the Better Business Bureau for information about driving schools with proper licensing and the best reputation for customer satisfaction.

Step 2: Q & A for the Driving Schools in Alameda County
Ask all questions that you may have about the driver's education and instruction process. Also, be open to questions that the driving instructors may ask of you. Here are some examples that may help you determine which are the best driving schools in Alameda County for you.

How long have the driving schools been operating in Alameda County?
What is the status of the driving schools licensing? And the individual driving instructors?
How long does the driver education last? The behind-the-wheel portion of the driving lessons?
How long have the driving instructors been giving lessons?
What is the pass/fail rate for the driving test with student drivers who have used those driving schools?
Do the driving schools offer group or private driving lessons?
How long is each driving lesson and how much do they cost at each of the driving schools?
How do the driving schools determine pricing?
What type of vehicle is used for training at each of the driving schools?
What is the cancellation and rescheduling policy at each of the driving schools?


Step 3: Make a Preliminary Decision Among Driving Schools in Alameda County

Now that you have some basic information about a few good driving schools in Alameda County, compare the results of your interviews of the driving instructors. When you make a decision, keep in mind that, according to the DMV, "All driving schools and driving instructors should be professional, courteous, respectful, and emphasize safety and integrity." With this in mind, narrow down your list of candidate driving schools in Alameda County.

Step 4: Final Research on Driving Schools
Check with agencies such as the Better Business Bureau, the California Department of Motor Vehicles, and Diamond Certified to verify the driving schools licensing, insurance, and other credentials.

Step 5: Make the Final Decision Among the Good Driving Schools
Call for any final questions of the driving instructors and then ask representatives of the driving school to provide a written and signed pricing, quality, and warranty agreement for all driving lessons or driving instruction.

Updated September 16, 2008
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Key Resources To Find Good Driving Schools in Alameda County 

Associations Related To Driving Schools in Alameda County
AAA American Automobile Association (www.aaa.com)
ADED Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (www.driver-ed.org)
ADTSEA American Driver & Traffic Safety Education Association (www.adtsea.org)
BBB Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.com)
CHP California Highway Patrol (www.chp.ca.gov)
CSAA California State Automobile Association (www.csaa.com)
DCA California Department of Consumer Affairs (www.dca.ca.gov)
Diamond Certified (www.diamondcertified.org)
DIA Driving Instructors Association (www.driving.org)
DSAA Driving School Association of the Americas (www.thedsaa.org)
DSAC Driving School Association of California (www.dsac.com)
DMV California Department of Motor Vehicles (www.dmv.ca.gov)
NIDB National Institute for Driver Behavior (www.nidb.org)
NDTI National Driver Training Institute (www.usdrivertraining.com)
NHTSA National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (www.nhtsa.dot.gov)
NSC National Safety Council (www.nsc.org)
PLAN Provisional License Action Network (www.teensanddriving.org)

Media For Driving Schools in Alameda County
Car and Driver
Driving Magazine
Inside Driving Magazine

www.crashprevention.org
www.funandsafedriving.com
www.ipromiseprogram.com
www.nsc.org/issues/teendriving
www.safedrivingtest.com
www.safercar.gov
www.safeteendriving.org
www.smartmotorist.com
www.teendriving.com

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 driving schools and driver's education classed in Alameda County within the following zip codes.

94501, 94502, 94536, 94537, 94538, 94539, 94540, 94541, 94542, 94543, 94544, 94545, 94546, 94550, 94551, 94552, 94555, 94557, 94560, 94566, 94568, 94577, 94578, 94579, 94580, 94586, 94587, 94588, 94601, 94602, 94603, 94604, 94605, 94606, 94607, 94608, 94609, 94610, 94611, 94612, 94613, 94614, 94615, 94617, 94618, 94619, 94620, 94621, 94623, 94624, 94661, 94662, 94701, 94702, 94703, 94704, 94705, 94706, 94707, 94708, 94709, 94710 and 94712

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 driving schools in Alameda County within the following cities.

Alameda, Albany, Ashland, Berkeley, Castro Valley, Dublin, Emeryville, Fremont, Hayward, Komandorski Village, Livermore, Mount Eden, Newark, Oakland, Piedmont, Pleasanton, Russell City, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, Sunol and Union City
Updated September 16, 2008
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Top 10 Tips on Driving Schools in Alameda County 

Work Toward a Specific Goal With The Driving Lessons
People attend driving schools for several different reasons. What do you want to get out of it? There are different curricula for different goals, such as provisional licensing, commercial licensing, or motorcycle licensing. When you're choosing among driving schools in Alameda County, see that they can offer a course that corresponds to your intentions.

Take Time Choosing Among Driving Schools in Alameda County.
Learn more about potential driving schools in Alameda County than their costs and schedules. Quality varies among driving instructors, and different driving schools have varying success rates. If you devote a little time to research these factors, your final decision on driving lessons will yield much better results.

Play the Field Among Driving Schools
Look closely at several different good driving schools in Alameda County. You'll get an idea of the cost of the driving lessons and you'll get the change to speak briefly with the driving instructors whom you would be working with. Consider this your first cut.

Get Everything in Writing From The Driving Schools.
Good driving schools in Alameda County should provide you with a written agreement for the driving lessons before you attend classes for driving instruction. Keep this for your personal records as well as the documentation you need to present to the DMV.

Check Credentials of the Driving Schools.
Before you sign up, verify business licensing and liability insurances of the driving schools. Also, make sure the individual driving instructors are properly trained and DMV certified.

Don't Sacrifice Your Priorities When It Comes To Driving Lessons
Find candidate driving schools in Alameda County that have classroom instruction that fits your schedule (it can often be 3-5 days) and, if needed, driving instructors that can pick you up from school, work, or home for behind-the-wheel training.

Choose Certified Driving Schools in Alameda County CA.
Driving schools in Alameda County that belong to the Better Business Bureau or have Diamond Certification have attained these endorsements through superior service and years of positive client feedback. When you attend these driving schools, it's reasonable to expect the same treatment, so factor these attributes into your final decision on which driving instructors to go with.

Be Fair With the Driving Instructors.
If a scheduling conflict should arise, don't hesitate to tell the driving instructors. Your slot for driving lessons is reserved ahead of time, which prevents the driving schools from scheduling anyone else with that driving instructor. Many driving schools will be happy to offer make-up days for student drivers who have missed classroom driving instruction. Simply ask, and different arrangements can likely be made.

Be a Responsible Student Driver.
Check your progress periodically, ask what needs improvement and be open to suggestions. That's what the driving instructors are there for!

Know Your Rights With Driving Schools in Alameda County CA.
If you run into any problems with the driving instructors or the driving schools in general, the State is watching out for you. Legal protection varies by region, and as a resident of Alameda County, information that applies to you can be found at the Web site for California Department of Motor Vehicles.
Updated September 16, 2008
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Diamond Certified