Driver’s Education

We know that it is important for parents to obtain the best Driver Education and/or Driver Training for their teenager. Good communication between the parent, student, and Driver Education/Driver Training instructor is essential during the process. This is why, at Surf Check Driving School in Santa Cruz County, we make sure that each customer is clear about the requirements to obtain a learner’s permit and/or a driver’s license. In addition, we strive to make every student feel comfortable and knowledgeable of the rules of the road during their learning process.

COURSES

Online Driver’s Education Course

$35.00

Surf Check Driving School offers an online Driver’s Education Course which meets all the requirements of the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Our online course provides an alternative to the 30 hour in-class course, and allows students to set their own schedule. Taking a Driver’s Education Course is required for all students under the age of 17 ½, and is also highly recommended for all new drivers, regardless of age, as adults are required to have an instruction permit while learning to drive.

* A DL 400C certificate, required by the Ca. DMV, is issued upon completion of course

Click Here To Register

Returning Students Login Here


Behind the wheel drivers training course

$450.00

All lessons are private and tailored to each students needs. We accommodate each student by offering a variety of schedules for their convenience. Pick-ups are at a mutually agreed upon location such as home, school or work. 
Lessons are scheduled as six 1 hour sessions. This meets the DMV required 6 hours of Behind-the-Wheel training with a licensed instructor. Lessons are scheduled over the dates between receiving a student learners permit, and taking the behind-the-wheel driving exam. Our drivers are punctual and well trained to provide students a safe, comfortable and confident experience while behind the wheel.
Emphasis is placed on safety, skills and knowledge of driving laws while on the road. Students will have an understanding of road signs, traffic lights and road markings, along with defensive driving techniques taught in multiple situations. City driving will emphasize scanning,  proper steering, speed control, braking, and various types of parking. Additionally, highway driving skills will include entering and exiting, speed control, proper following distances, driving lane choices and passing. Basic auto mechanics such as reading car fluids levels, tire pressure and understanding dashboard signals are covered as well.

* A DL 400D certificate, required by the Ca. DMV, is issued upon completion of six hours of lessons

* Cancellation fee of $70.00 without 24 hours notice or no shows

* ALL STUDENTS MUST BE IN POSSESSION OF THEIR LEARNER'S PERMIT DURING EACH LESSON OR THE LESSON WILL BE CANCELLED AND A CANCELLATION FEE WILL BE APPLIED.

Click one of the link below to schedule your lesson.


Santa Cruz Mountains to Capitola/Soquel

Aptos to Watsonville



Ride to DMV for Testing

$170.00

Use our driver's training vehicle during your DMV Behind-the-Wheel exam. We will pick you up, give you a one hour lesson, and then you can use our car to take your DMV exam.

* ALL STUDENTS MUST BE IN POSSESSION OF THEIR LEARNER'S PERMIT DURING EACH LESSON OR THE LESSON WILL BE CANCELLED AND A CANCELLATION FEE WILL BE APPLIED.

Click one of the link below to schedule your ride to the DMV for testing.

Mark at Surf Check Driving School provided a supportive, educational and fun driver's education experience for my two sons.  He was flexible, prompt, and very easy to work with.  My sons were very prepared for their driving test.  Thank you, Mark, it took a lot of pressure from me :-)


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To obtain a provisional instruction permit you must:

  • Be 15 ½ years old by the completion of the course

  • Fill out a DMV application form DL44

  • Obtain parent/guardian signatures on application (if under 18)

  • Pass the written knowledge test. If you fail the test, you must wait seven days before retaking the test

  • If you are 15 ½ to 17 ½, you must provide proof that you have completed Driver’s Education to the DMV

Under 18 License Requirements:

  • Be at least 16 years old

  • Prove that you have finished both drivers education and driver's training (if under 17 ½)

  • Have a CA. instruction permit for at least 6 mos. (if under 17 ½)

  • Provide parent/guardian signature on your instruction permit certifying that you have completed 50 hours of supervised driving practice (10 hours must be night driving). Refer to California Parent-Teen Training Guide (DL 603)

  • Provide DMV with proof of completion Driver’s Training certificate

  • Pay required DMV exam fee

  • Pass the behind-the-wheel driving test at Department of Motor Vehicles

DMV Resources:

DMV for Permit Exam and/or Behind-the-Wheel Driver’s License Exam

California DMV Driver’s Handbook - Minors' Permit Requirements

"My experience with Surf Check Driving School was really beneficial to me becoming an independent driver. Each time I had a lesson, I felt more confident with my skills and had a good time while learning. It really helped to have a calm instructor so I could perform my best… At the end of my lessons, I felt prepared for my driving test and passed on my first try!"

-Mia