Driving Lessons for Adults
Parent Q&A
Archived Q&A and Reviews
Driving instructor for adults
Nov 2011
I have a European driving license but haven't driven a car for a very long time, probably 10 years by now. I bike a lot and feel safe in traffic, but the thought of driving a car is quite intimidating. Could someone recommend a calm and friendly driving instructor? Thanks in advance! want to drive again
I would call Ann's Driving School. They are based in SF but will come to the East Bay-I had similar fears about driving-didn't get my license until the age of 42, and I found the 2 instructors I worked with at Ann's to be very sensitive and very calm, as well as great instructors. I would definitely recommend them to anyone, even without driving fears, because it seems like the education is thorough. I am a very confident driver now, driving my child all over. Good driver
My son is using an older woman who is very patient through www.bayareadriving.com. I think they also do adult lessons. 510-430-8770. kathryn
Lessons for fearful adult
July 2003
I've had a driver's license since I was 17 and have a very good driving record. However I've driven all of 3 times since moving to California 14 years ago(I also drive very occasionally when visiting family on the East Coast). I've finally faced up to the fact that I don't drive because I am totally out of practice and scared to death of being in/causing an accident. Can anyone recommend a driving instructor for adults who know how to drive but are out of practice and need help getting used to driving again? I don't like being so dependent on public transportation/ friends and relatives driving me around. It's time for me to get over my fear and get on with life. Thanks.
I don't have any personal experience with him but my teenage daughter learned a lot from Henry Ramirez with the Bay Area Driving School. http://www.bayareadriving.com/ I know she learned a lot because she points out the things I do wrong (!) and tells me what she learned from her teacher. ;-)
Seriously, I really think that many of us adults could use a referesher--I'm just unwilling to pay the $95 for something I feel I can already do. In your case, you have the perfect excuse! I know he was able to articulate many of the techniques required in driving (how to merge comes to mind). I would suggest you contact Bay Area Driving School and ask specifically for Henry Ramirez (my older son did not learn as much from his teacher.) Sally
Our nanny, at 52, was overjoyed to have passed her driving test last month. She had failed the test at least twice, so we found an instructor for her, and after two $60 lessons and a lot of directed practicing, she passed easily. I highly recommend her instructor, Carlos Bercerra. He was competent, mild-mannered, experienced, gave her sensible advice for practicing, and was perfectly punctual. And his English is excellent. You can reach him through the Marina Driving School. Good luck.
I have taken several different one-day courses at Sears Point. I think that this is excellent training for all drivers, and especially for new ones who need some sense of what they and their vehicle can do in an emergency. Generally, they teach severe braking, skid control, and handling skills. Check the information under High School Safe Driver Program at http://www.searspoint.com/pages/racewayinfo/searscommunity.html. Linda
I am a similar age and never felt confident driving, although I did get my license way back when. I recently had a very good lesson with Fearless Driver, aka Ann's Driving School, and plan to do another one. Their speciality seems to be people who have been held back from driving by anxiety, so they must have many older learners. Check them out!
https://fearlessdriver.com
Congratulations on taking the necessary steps toward becoming a confident driver.!
While our offspring were in their 30s when they were taught to drive by Bay Area Driving School,
bayareadriving.com
we are eternally grateful for what they have done for our family.
Our son is a high-functioning AS person. Trying to teach him to drive was the most difficult thing I have done in my life - more so than getting an EECS degree from UCB!
This is a family-owned business. The owner, Erika Vieyera, is the daughter of Henry Ramirez, the retired CHP officer who personally taught our son to drive. Mr. Ramirez is the author of a book designed for older drivers. We certainly recommend Bay Area Driving School.
Good for you! We used Bay Area Driving School for our teens but I am pretty sure they can help adult drivers as well - they were super kind and patient, both the office staff and instructors. They will come to you (for a fee).