Rated 4.73 / 5 from 30 reviews
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South Bay Driving School Your interest in South Bay Driving School is greatly appreciated. Learning to drive will be easy and enjoyable with us. We offer only private driving lessons to ensure the instructor's undivided attention and to provide continuity in the learning process.

We have friendly, courteous, punctual and well-trained male and female driving instructors. Our instructors are trained in the most modern techniques of instructing and are licensed by the State of California through the Department of motor Vehicles. It is a California law that each instructor be trained for a total of 60 hours, and we insist they continue learning with additional materials on their own. We offer convenient scheduling seven days a week.
Highlights and features
  • Adult Courses, Teen Courses, Online Courses
Services
Drivers Ed
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Drivers Ed Drivers Education is a 30 Hour course as outlined and approved by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Information in this course will assist the reader in gathering the knowledge in order to pass the written DMV test.
Teen Driving Lessons
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South Bay Driving School has been teaching teens to drive for over 25 years. Our instructors are friendly, experienced and know the most up-to-date methods of driving and safety techniques. Driving lessons put to practice what you studied in drivers education. Private driving lessons also give you personal attention in order for you to improve your driving skills. Our instructors are licensed, trained professionals. Apart from their experience, they are also fun and friendly people.
People
Andrea K. Stavast
Andrea K. Stavast
Owner & Operator
Reviews (30)
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Shay Lennemann
Jun 23, 2022
I had a very good experience with South Bay Driving School. Bree is the best driving instructor in the world and I am perfectly prepared for my test. She is the chillest person ever and helped me learn everything super quickly. 100% recommend her!
Ellie H.
May 30, 2022
Fantastic Driving Lessons! I took 9 lessons because I had absolutely zero driving experience, and by the final lesson driving felt like second nature! My instructor Rosie was very friendly, and focused on exactly what I needed to improve on, while reinforcing the things I was getting right. She not only prepared me for the driving test, but also taught me how to handle myself on the road in general.

I looked forward to every session, and I'd definitely recommend this school to anyone who's looking to learn how to drive. UPDATE: I just passed my driving test thanks to Alfred, who gave me a few pointers and practice on the way to the DMV.
Sydney Parker
May 28, 2022
South Bay Driving School has been a wonderful experience for me. My instructors were all eager that I learn the abilities I needed to pass the test. It's critical to pay attention to what they're saying because they already know what will be on the test, and all they want is to see you succeed as a driver. My instructors, Alfred and Gabriel, were a key factor in helping me become a more confident and skilled driver.

They taught me skills like smooth lane changes, parallel parking, reversing, and pulling into parking spots, all of which helped me pass my driving test on the first try. Without South Bay Driving school I do not think I would have passed the driving test.
Kelly Aguirre
May 18, 2022
Really recommend south bay driving school! My instructor Ms. Rosie made me feel secure and was very friendly! She was always on time and never made me feel nervous, she taught me a lot and prepared me for my test very well. I was able to pass my behind the wheel test at the DMV today thanks to Rosie!
Scarlett Chang
May 14, 2022
The driving school is very professional on booking classes, confirming timing and tracking your progress through scorecard. Alfred is a great instructor. He is patient, encouraging and fun - that truly made me enjoy the learning and driving. I never had driving experiences before but was able to pass the exam for the first time and started driving with confidence in one month. I worked with a few other instructors and the experiences were great too. Highly recommend.
Jonas Lastrapes
Apr 10, 2022
Had Alfred as my instructor, he is a great guy and taught me everything that I needed to know to pass my driving test. I would highly recommend that you ask for Alfred when going to take your lessons. He is very thorough and the best instructor that I could ask for. He taught me so much and helped me out to the best of his ability. Thank you Alfred and South Bay Driving School.
Nathalie Sumule
Feb 27, 2022
I just completed my instructional driving hours with the instructor Rosie and I couldn't have asked for better mentor to drive with and learn from. I had learned from back in September when I had hardly started to drive and I remember how nervous I was when we began driving. I also remember how easy it was to become comfortable at the wheel instead of fearing it all the time.

This most recent lesson wasn't any different, in fact, it was even better since I had already a lot more familiarity with the road. I was still nervous, of course, but Ms. Rosie's amiable and warm personality helped me to just enjoy being able to cruise along streets against the crisp ocean breeze. Despite her friendliness, Ms. Rosie does have a sharp eye for watching on how you drive and corrects it if needed.

I wish that more teachers could be as genuinely concerned about how students learn(?) and encouraging about what they teach like Ms. Rosie. I think that would help make the world a brighter more positive place. Thank you Ms. Rosie! Thank you South Bay Driving School! I definitely feel a lot better being on busy roads now!
Ernie Chavez
Feb 23, 2022
South Bay Driving School is the best! From my initial phone interaction with the owner and through my 3 driving lessons with the AMAZING instructor, Rosie, I can't say enough great things about my experience. Rosie was on time for every lesson, kind, patient, knowledgeable, and made things light and fun. After those three lessons, I passed my Driving Test at the DMV!

I used South Bay Driving School's option to be escorted by their Instructor Alfred, and test in their vehicle. Using this service and having Alfred there to walk me through the process, combined with the skills that Rosie taught me, was the perfect combination! I will definitely recommend Rosie, Alfred, and South Bay Driving School to all of my friends!
Owen Cogswell
Feb 05, 2022
I'm in my 20s and thought that I would never drive a day in my life. At the end of last year I decided "Enough is enough" and started looking for driving lessons near me (in Torrance). I chose South Bay Driving School because I had seen the building off the corner of PCH and Madison for years. My instructor was Rosie and she did such a good job at making me feel comfortable in the car before even turning it on. Now I look forward to driving! I feel very lucky that I got an instructor like her.
Savannah House
Jan 15, 2022
I had a wonderful experience with South Bay Driving School. My instructor, Rosie, was great at communicating with me while driving and in reminding me about sessions. She was very calm in the car and helped a great deal with confidence behind the wheel. I would highly recommend South Bay Driving School if you are learning to drive. Rosie was fantastic!
Michael Y.
Jan 14, 2022
Was looking for lessons to drive a manual. The school connected me with an instructor, Ali, who was excellent. He was patient, had a positive attitude, provided reassurance, and kept things simple for the full 2 hours of instruction agreed upon.
John D.
Nov 21, 2021
Ali is the best teaching manual/stick shift. Took a 2 hour lesson for $160 and it was great. Started practicing in a parking lot, then eventually moved onto the streets, and then eventually to the hills. Awesome and patient dude and would definitely recommend to anyone looking to learn.
John D.
Sep 07, 2021
I booked my driving classes with AJ. That guy had the patience of a saint. I'm normally a nervous person but he made driving feel natural to me. He gave a ton of helpful advice that I'll remember always. For my DMV test I booked it with Oscar. That guy was an awful instructor. I was waiting 15 minutes past the time he was supposed to be here wondering where he was.

No one called or texted me. No one knocked on my door. Eventually my mom said there was a car that looked like it was from a driving school car parked halfway down the street. I walk over and ask him if he's Oscar. He's just sitting there on his phone wasting the time and money that I booked. We practiced for an hour before my DMV test. Oscar spent a lot of time listening to music on the radio, looking at his phone, and giving unhelpful advice.

He got agitated over the smallest thing and sent my anxiety through the roof. When we got to the DMV for my appointment, he laughed and sarcastically told me good luck telling me I could always book more sessions. As soon as he was out of the car and the driving test started, all the anxiety I had lifted over me. I just remembered all the driving lessons I had with AJ. I ended up passing on my first try and now have my driver's license. TD;DR: Avoid the driving instructor Oscar
Keisuke K.
Aug 12, 2021
I had taken the manual shift lessons twice before I purchased my MT car recently. My instructor Ali was so professional that he got my driving skill level back very quickly by pointing out exactly what I needed to focus and how to improve my skills. Last time I drove MT car was more that 20 years ago, and now I can drive my new car with confidence after only two lessons. He's great and I highly recommend South Bay Driving School and Ali for those who want to learn how to drive an MT car or want to be a better and safer driver.
Leo Y.
Jul 17, 2021
This is the best driving school around! I had a 2 hour stick shift lesson with Ali and I could immediately tell the guy knew exactly what he was doing. I often get anxiety when I see that my instructor is getting frustrated, but that was not the case here. Ali was patient and calm the entire time and made sure that I learned everything related to stick shift driving.

I will certainly come back here if need be and refer this school to my friends and family. If you are interested in a driving school of any kind, don't look further than South Bay Driving School.
Madi G.
May 28, 2021
Decided to go with this school to learn how to drive and also pass my driver's test and I passed today thanks to their help. I did the 3 lessons for 2 hours each and each lesson I picked AJ as my instructor. He is a good instructor and encourages you as you drive and also gives you advice on what to do better. Definitely recommend him as your instructor if you have the chance
Alex C.
May 21, 2021
Ali is an incredible teacher! I felt like I was learning to drive stick from my father. He was genuinely excited for me when I started to understand how to drive the car. He was very patient and thorough with all of our lessons. Whenever it is I buy my next car, I will be naming it Ali in his honor. Thank you for helping me as a beginner!
Scott W.
May 14, 2021
South Bay Driving school did a great job teaching my daughter how to drive. They were very nice and accommodating on pick up times and locations. They were very patient and calm and made her feel comfortable behind the wheel. They taught my daughter all the necessary steps for learning how to drive. They provided handy tips for passing the DMV driving test. The office people were flexible and answered all our questions.
Lizzy D.
Mar 23, 2021
I am incredibly thankful for AJ! He exceeded my expectations of a typical driving school. Before I had my session, I imagined this "driver" would assist me on a 2hr ride with a glazed look in the eyes and a constant monotone voice. AJ was the very opposite of that. He was patient with me throughout the whole ride. If I needed correction, he would politely tell me what I needed to work on.

Plus he made it fun! I didn't think I'd ever have fun learning how to drive! Not to mention all the anxiety that builds up every time I'm behind the wheel. I will definitely recommend AJ (and the South Bay Driving School) to all of my friends!
Diane S.
Nov 07, 2020
Our daughter and her friends all used South Bay Driving School to get their driver training. All of them passed the test on their first try. My daughter only got three dings out of a possible 15 for passing the test so she was well within the margin allowed for mistakes. She liked Ben as her instructor for not talking too much and letting her concentrate on driving. South Bay makes it convenient by picking up students at their home to go for a driving lesson. It's a family run local business and they deserve your support!
Maria C.
Aug 09, 2020
Thank you to Rosie for helping my son pass his driving test on the first try. He did not have much driving experience prior to his first lesson, but Rosie gave him the confidence and knowledge to practice. She provided constructive criticism needed for him to be a cautious, able driver. Scheduling and communication with the office was also easy, specially with the unexpected rescheduling from COVID.
Arlene L.
Jul 24, 2020
I want to thank Alfred so much for being such a GREAT driving instructor! My son passed his driver's license test today! Alfred was so accommodating and opened his schedule at the last minute so my son could finish his last behind the wheel hours. He was so patient and made my son feel at ease and confident that he was prepared for his test! He is a great instructor and if you get a chance request him!

Thank you South Bay Driving School for helping my son through this process, it was very easy and a positive experience for us all! You have a great staff and a wonderful program! Thanks again!
Ken R.
Jul 21, 2020
Just passed my test! Rosie was such a wonderful instructor and was so sweet. She gave me good constructive criticism when I needed it and driving with her was always a fun time. I can't recommend her and South Bay Driving School enough :))
Joanah A.
Jul 02, 2020
I'm so thankful for Southbay Driving school for making accommodations in finding an instructor a week before the test due to covid. Even though today was very eventful, I appreciate Aldi and AJ for making everything happen! Passed on the first try!
Robert D.
Nov 25, 2019
Their instructors my be good, but there business practices, relative to customer relations and retention are sorely lacking. as an existing customer, I asked my son to schedule his next session and let me know the balance for his remaining 2 lessons, we had a credit and I had morning meetings. The ensuing back and forth was ridiculous. Initially between my son and I, then I'm getting texts and a phone call from SBDS. Remember, I'm in a meeting.

The details are both absurd and mind-boggling, the woman, who was dead-set on collecting $167, was offensive and rude and ultimately motivated me to take my business elsewhere. Policies, policy changes are fine, a lack of people skills and arrogance equal lost business.
Harrison H.
Sep 11, 2019
Thanks to my driving instructor Rosie, i was able to pass my test on the first try! She was easy to talk to and always gave me helpful pointers when I was on the road! The cars they have students drive in are safe and clean! Lastly everyone who works in the office is so nice and welcoming! I would definitely recommend this place to anyone in the south bay looking to get their drivers license!
Alexis F.
Aug 29, 2019
Teresa is the best instructor! My friends who are great drivers had Teresa and recommended me to her. My first lesson was scary because it was my first time on the streets, but she made me feel comfortable behind the wheel. She is also the easiest and nicest person to talk to. She makes two hours fly by! I have learned so much from her and I'm not scared for my drivers test anymore! You're really missing out if you don't get her as your instructor!
Sandor C.
Aug 10, 2019
Anyone who wants to learn to drive stick should definitely come here. I have never sat in the driver's seat of a manual transmission vehicle in my life, and in two hours I was driving through the busy streets of Torrance, including up hills. Ali is a nice guy and a great driving instructor. The folks in the office are very nice too. I am definitely coming back for a refresher practice run before I buy my next car. I highly recommend this business.
Chris G.
Jan 30, 2019
I'm finding surprise in the negative reviews. I received full disclosure on the process of driving one student home after the next lesson starts. I also found the customer service individuals to be great every time I called in. They were polite and seemed to have appointments around the days/times that I needed. They also called me before appointments as a reminder.

My daughter drove with two different individuals and enjoyed her time with each. I have another daughter who is 14 and I will not hesitate to utilize South Bay Driving School again when the time is right. My eldest passed her drivers test on the first try and reported that she felt confident based on her driving school experience and how SBDS prepared her.
Maurice W.
Oct 23, 2018
Alfred at South Bay Driving School is a breath of fresh air. This day was difficult for me because I haven't driven for more than a year due to my recovery from two brain surgeries for an aneurysm and brain tumor that I had performed in Germany away from Wrestling age-group wrestling Worlds in Bulgaria (I was Med-evacuated to Frankfurt once the aneurysm and brain tumor were found). Alfred made me feel at-ease, and is an encyclopedia of driving knowledge. Your day will be much better once you drive with him!