Behind the Wheel Driving School

Business Details

32 Years

experience

Your Trusted Driving School in Manhattan Beach

Behind the Wheel Driving School has been empowering safe drivers for over 25 years through comprehensive driver education and training programs. Founded in 1994 by renowned instructor Frank Zock, we are a family-owned and operated, DMV-licensed (#2148) institution dedicated to transforming driving experiences. Our curriculum integrates international research and best practices to address risk factors, vehicle control, and traffic navigation. We offer online and in-class education, behind-the-wheel training, DMV test preparation, and defensive driving courses tailored to novice drivers. Our experienced instructors, with over 15 years of teaching experience, prioritize safety, responsibility, and mastery of traffic laws.

Lessons are available seven days a week with complimentary pickup/drop-off within service areas. All vehicles feature dual controls for safety, and our 24-hour All Around Driver Program provides the most comprehensive training. We emphasize personalized coaching, gradual skill development, and adherence to DMV standards. With a focus on community trust, weve served South Bay residents for decades, maintaining a reputation for excellence through referrals and satisfied clients.

Services

Online Driver Education Core Driving Program Defensive Driving Program DMV Drive Test Prep Freeway Driving Intensive All Around Driver Program Traffic School Scheduling Permit Test Tutoring In-Class Driver Education Drive Test Services

Details

Year established: 1994

Highlights and features

25+ years of proven driver education expertise
Experienced instructors with 15+ years of teaching experience
Curriculum based on international safety research
Seven-day scheduling flexibility for lessons
Defensive driving programs qualify for insurance discounts

Associations and certifications

California Department of Motor Vehicles

Website

Update Listing

Services

Online Driver Education

Our DMV-licensed online course fulfills mandatory driver education requirements through 30 hours of self-paced modules. Students learn traffic laws, safety protocols, and responsible driving practices. The program includes 11 units with quizzes and a final exam, with unlimited retakes to ensure mastery.

Core Driving Program

This 6-hour foundational program teaches vehicle control, lane positioning, and traffic navigation. Students develop scanning techniques, merging skills, and defensive driving habits through structured lessons. Parent-guided practice is encouraged to reinforce 50+ hours of required driving experience.

Defensive Driving Program

Our 10-hour comprehensive program combines core skills with intensive defensive driving training. Students master freeway navigation, collision avoidance, and risk assessment techniques. Completion qualifies for potential 20% auto insurance discounts through certified training documentation.

DMV Drive Test Prep

This 2-hour session simulates the official DMV drive test using our Safety Performance Evaluation Exam. Instructors guide students through test zones, focusing on parking, lane changes, and intersection navigation to build confidence and proficiency.

Freeway Driving Intensive

Designed for experienced learners, this 2-hour session focuses on freeway entry/exit, merging, and high-speed lane changes. Instructors assess readiness before training, emphasizing safe spacing and traffic pattern anticipation during heavy congestion.

Questions

What driver education options do you offer?

We provide DMV-licensed online courses, Zoom-based classroom instruction, and in-person behind-the-wheel training programs.

How long are your driving lessons?

Lesson durations range from 2-hour sessions to comprehensive 24-hour programs covering all driving scenarios.

Do you offer DMV test preparation?

Yes, our DMV Drive Test Prep includes mock exams and route-specific training to ensure test success.

Are your instructors certified?

All instructors are DMV-licensed with background checks and ongoing training in current traffic laws.

What areas do you serve?

We serve Manhattan Beach, El Segundo, Hermosa Beach, and surrounding South Bay communities with pickup options.

Can I schedule weekend lessons?

Yes, driving lessons are available seven days a week with flexible morning and afternoon time slots.

Reviews (5)

Write a Review

Kenneth Picasso

Apr 15, 2022 Report

Thank you so much George, you've taught me so very much while I attended your driving school. What I've learned here was priceless, all the skills I will need for my future. I really appreciate your guy's services! George is the man, please do yourself a favor and go here you won't regret it.

Sajeela Euceph

Oct 15, 2021 Report

My son took classes with one of the instructors named Jason. Jason was so kind and knew how to work with teens. My son was nervous about his driving test but Jason made him feel very comfortable. My son passed his driving test in his first try. Jason is an excellent instruction and I would highly recommend him. Behind the Wheel school's staff is very caring and professional.

A. Straeter

Apr 14, 2021 Report

The administrative staff are professional, prompt and very pleasant on the phone - a great first impression. My daughter took lessons with BTW Driving School with several different instructors- all were professional and really helped her gain comfort and confidence while driving. It was the perfect compliment to learning to driving with me haha! She passed her test on the first try. I couldn't be more pleased with our experience and highly recommend this business.

Toni Nilsen

Dec 23, 2019 Report

Excellent Instructors -The instructors recognized our son's driving ability and tailored their instruction to him so that he got the most out of his behind the wheel training sessions. Excellent Staff -The staff was so helpful. Our son is a football player and they were so helpful in accommodating his practice schedule when it conflicted with the classroom instruction. He was able to complete all his required time in the classroom because of the staff's ability to see him as a valued customer and student athlete.

Excellent Business -Our experience was wonderful. We have shared our experience with other parents and sports families. I think it's nice to know that there is a business that values their students and their commitments as much as they do.

Jibran Khan

Mar 25, 2019 Report

I hadn't driven in years and needed a refresh. I'm happy to have chosen chose Behind the Wheel as my teachers. I took 20 hours, saw two instructors (Mario and Tracy), and had a DMV appointment session with Ryan. The result was I passed first time and feel like a better more confident driver. So overall a great experience, by good folks that supplements well an initiative to learn to drive (11/16/2018).