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Prime Buyers Guide Driving Schools

How to Find Good Driving Schools in Marin County CA

Whether your teenager is taking the driving test or you would like a little refresher yourself, the best driving schools in Marin County offer driver's education to beginning and experienced drivers alike. Driving schools in Novato, Sausalito and San Rafael and throughout Marin 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 Marin County, the following articles will help you narrow your search for that driving instruction.

Updated June 3, 2009

Top 10 Driving Schools in Marin 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: Marin, incl. San Rafael, Sausalito, Mill Valley, Novato, Corte Madera, San Anselmo, ...
Services: driving school for driver's ed & behind the wheel driving instruction emphasizing safety

ABC Driving School
(415) 444-0571
35 Mitchell Blvd Ste 9b
Terra Linda, CA 94903
DMV License #4083A

Nile Driving School
(415) 897-7002
7075 Redwood Blvd # J
Novato, CA 94945
DMV License #3381

Areas Served: Marin County incl. San Rafael, Sausalito, Mill Valley, Ross, Tiburon, Belvedere

Miwok Driving School
(415) 897-9011
1135 Santolina Dr
Novato, CA 94945

Areas Served: Marin, Novato, Sausalito, Mill Valley, San Rafael, Tiburon, San Anselmo, Woodacre

A & M Driving School
(415) 382-0337
Novato, CA 94949
DMV License #2949

Areas Served: Mill Valley, San Rafael, Tiburon, Sausalito, Belvedere, Fairfax CA, San Anselmo

Best N Affordable Driving School
(800) 884-7122
2409 19th Ave. Suite B2
San Francisco, CA 94116
DMV License #4182

Areas Served: Marin County incl. San Rafael CA, Mill Valley CA, Novato CA, San Anselmo, Tiburon, ...

MT Tam Driving School
(415) 454-1742
19 Sage Ln
San Geronimo, CA 94963
DMV License #3565

Areas Served: San Rafael CA, Larkpur, Woodacre, Sausalito, Mill Valley, Novato, Tiburon, Kentfield

Updated January 4, 2010

How to Find Good Driving Schools in Marin County CA 

Why are driving schools in Marin 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 Marin County that can give driving lessons in Marin County as well as instruct  on additional driving safety techniques and driving skills.

Driving Schools in Marin 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 Marin 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 Marin 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 Novato, Sausalito and San Rafael 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 Marin County, such as urban driving, country driving, and freeway driving. When student drivers display sufficient skill, the Marin 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 Marin 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 Marin County can accommodate student drivers with physical or cognitive disabilities as well. And don't be nervous - the driving instructors at driving schools in Marin 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 Marin County CA
Once you're ready to get into the fast lane of driving instruction, choose from our TOP 10 driving schools in Marin County. The Prime Buyer's Report lists these Marin County driving schools and driving instructors: Bill's Defensive Driving School, ABC Driving School, Nile Driving School, Miwok Driving School, Best N Affordable Driving School, A & M Driving School, MT Tam Driving School. Other driving schools and driving instructors who might still serve Marin County include: NV of Marin Driving School. Didn't find what you wanted with the TOP 10 Driving Schools in Marin County? Then click here to see additional companies in this category.

Check Out the Local Driving Schools in Marin 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 Marin 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 Marin County."

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

Step 1: Do Some Research on Driving Schools in Marin 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 Marin 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 Marin County for you.

How long have the driving schools been operating in Marin 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 Marin County

Now that you have some basic information about a few good driving schools in Marin 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 Marin 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 Marin County 

Associations Related To Driving Schools in Marin 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 Marin 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 Marin County within the following zip codes.

94901, 94903, 94904, 94912, 94913, 94914, 94915, 94920, 94924, 94925, 94929, 94930, 94933, 94937, 94938, 94939, 94940, 94941, 94942, 94945, 94946, 94947, 94948, 94949, 94950, 94956, 94957, 94960, 94963, 94964, 94965, 94966, 94970, 94971, 94973, 94974, 94976, 94977, 94978 and 94979

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

Almonte, Bel Marin Keys, Belvedere, Belvedere Tiburon, Black Point, Bolinas, Corte Madera, Dillon Beach, Dogtown, Fairfax, Forest Knolls, Greenbrae, Ignacio, Inverness, Kent Woodlands, Kentfield, Lagunitas, Larkspur, Lucas Valley, Marin City, Marinwood, Marshall, Mill Valley, Mission Rafael, Muir Beach, Muir Woods, Nicasio, Novato, Olema, Point Reyes Station, Ross, San Anselmo, San Geronimo, San Marin, San Quentin, San Rafael, Santa Venetia, Sausalito, Sleepy Hollow, Stinson Beach, Strawberry Point, Tamal, Tamalpais Valley, Terra Linda, Tiburon, Tomales and Woodacre
Updated September 16, 2008
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Top 10 Tips on Driving Schools in Marin 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 Marin County, see that they can offer a course that corresponds to your intentions.

Take Time Choosing Among Driving Schools in Marin County.
Learn more about potential driving schools in Marin 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 Marin 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 Marin 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 Marin 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 Marin County CA.
Driving schools in Marin 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 Marin 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 Marin 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