Driving Schools in California - Find the Best Driving School Near You

by Maxwell T. on July 16, 2019
Today I had Sam as an instructor, one of the nicest guys I've met. Really makes students feel comfortable while driving. Great price for the area and best driving school around!

by Miles K. on July 1, 2019
I took three two-hour courses with Viva and used their car for my driving test. My instructors Adis, George, Sam and Randy all did an excellent job teaching me to drive and I easily passed my driving test. If you want to learn everything you need to know to drive safely and pass your driving test I would highly recommend Viva Driving School.

by Ife D. on October 5, 2018
This driving school is amazing. The instructors are very patient and teach you all you need to know for the test. I definitely recommend this driving school!

by Brendan F. on June 2, 2019
I had a great experience with Viva I took my lessons with randy and would  highly recommend him . professional and calm helped me to finally try and get my liscence - got it first try! Thank you Viva and most Importantly Thankyou Randy ! Couldn't have done it without you!

by Amelia S. on May 25, 2019
Wanted to write for a very long time.
Now before I found this school I had a major issue with another teacher (from another school) that was very disrespectful towards me so when I met for the very first time my teacher from this school I was pleasantly surprised. Everyone here is so nice and calm that automatically you are feeling yourself more confident and comfortable. Absolutely recommend this school to anyone who wants to get qualified and very knowledgeable instructor. They worth every penny I spent here.
Would definitely give 10 stars if I could.
Thank you guys very for everything.

by Stacey F. on May 14, 2019
I recently moved from the UK and needed to retake my driving test to be able to get a CA license. I had been driving in the UK for 14 years and knew I had picked up bad habits plus the roads and rules of the road are different so I decided to have a couple of lessons with an instructor.

I contacted Viva and the customer service was excellent. I managed to get a lesson for the next day and the lady clearly explained what to bring and who my instructor would be. The only thing that she didn't explain was that the lessons are "back-to-back", meaning the last person who had a lesson is in the car with you and you then drive to drop them home and towards the end of your lesson you pick up the next person. This may be the norm here though.

My 1st lesson was with Rachel. She picked me up on time, calling to say she had arrived. I then explained why I was having 2 lessons, I had a lot of driving experience but was preparing for my test and wanted to know of any bad habits to eradicate, how to be as prepared as possible and to practice a couple of maneuvers that I didn't have to learn in the UK (e.g. reversing whilst turned with right hand on the passenger seat).

Rachel then started to direct me and we drove around for a while, dropping off the previous lesson and heading towards the next. I saw another review on yelp that said she spent most of the time looking at her phone...this was true for my lesson also and it was because she was using the maps to see where we were going. I understood at 1st but then quickly realized that it meant she wasn't really watching what I was doing and she didn't give me much feedback as we drove.
We didn't practice the reversing I had asked her to and there was a couple of things that she allowed me to do that when I asked if that was ok or if I should have done it differently she said "I wouldn't do it on your test but it was fine for just now".
Considering that I had told her I was preparing to pass my test, not just practicing/ learning and that I had only booked 2 lessons I was annoyed that she allowed me to do those things and didn't practice test maneuvers with me either.

We collected the next student and as I am new to the area I didn't realize that we were actually a 25 min drive back to my house. This was a little annoying as I had plans and needed to get back home.

Once home I called viva to check who my instructor would be for the next lesson and thankfully it was a different instructor. I didn't want to waste any more money if I wasn't going to be prepared to pass my test.
I had George for my 2nd lesson.

George was great! I explained the same again as to why I had booked a lesson. He talked me through what to expect on the day, things I need to do more of, things to watch out for, bad habits to change, practiced hand signals with me and reversing with right hand on the drivers seat.

George also used his phone to direct us but I didn't feel like he was focused on it, he was constantly watching what I was doing and consistently gave me feedback, both positive and constructive, so I know what to focus on when I'm out practicing with my partner.
His next lesson collection was only a 5 minute drive away from my house so it wasn't inconvenient for me.

To conclude...Viva is a good school, with great customer service, an easy to navigate website and a fair price.
I would highly recommend George as an instructor! He understood my needs from the lesson and delivered them!

by Liz C. on May 13, 2019
I passed my driving test today!!! Thanks Viva! If you are thinking of getting your driving lesson, this is the right place to do it and I recommend the best Instructor George. The ladies at the front that set up my driving lessons schedule were very friendly, Lizbeth and Paula thank you! I had two different driving instructor, first day was instructor Bert, he was okay. Second day was instructor George, what a huge difference the way they teach and explain things, George is way better and he was always on time to pick me up and very good at explaining everything so I requested him to be my driving instructor for the rest of my remaining lessons. Instructor George, thank you so much for teaching me how to drive the right way, sharing good information about driving, for all the great advice for me to pass my driving test and especially for being soooo patient!  You are the best instructor! I would recommend instructor George to anyone who would enroll for a driving lesson with Viva. Trust me, your time and money will be worth it with instructor George. Just listen and pay attention to everything that he's going to teach you and you will pass your driving test! Thanks so much Viva Driving School!

by Ayman S. on May 3, 2019
Absolutely fantastic, would recommend to everyone I see and more.  The whole team is amazing and patient especially Sam and Addis, my favorite teachers.  Honestly, these guys gave me freedom.

by Judy L. on April 25, 2019
Took additional driving lessons from George this April, felt very prepared to take my senior driving test.George was very
patient, encouraging and professional.Highly recommend Viva!
Ps I am a senior, not paid by Viva but very pleased with their help

by Lani N. on April 5, 2019
I signed my son A. up for 10 hours or 5 sessions of driving lessons with Viva.  He took his test today and passed with flying colors, not one point or area of needed improvement from the DMV Driving Test Administrator.
We drove with our son a lot after he got his permit which helped but I also have to give a lot of credit to all of the wonderful driving instructors at Viva.  My son had 3 different instructors in the 5 lessons he took and all of them were wonderful.  All very patient and provided wonderful instruction.  My son learned a lot from the instructors, things we forgot or did not tell him about with regards to daily driving because we just know out of habit and forget that he is still just learning.  We opted for 5 lessons because he got his required 6 hours of instruction for his license. And we used the 4th lesson as a dry run of the test route and the 5th lesson was some final basic instruction and the instructor taking my son to the DMV and using the Viva vehicle that he has been taking lessons in for the actual test.  This service is wonderful.  Instructors are always prompt and on time to the lessons and always nice and professional.  Even everyone I have ever spoken to in the office is always pleasant and accommodating.  They will even pick your kid up from their high school on the day of their lesson.
I can't tell you how invaluable the time spent with Viva Driving School was for my son.  I will definitely call them again when my 12 year old is ready for lessons.  If I could give them more than 5 stars  I would.

by Velveeta M. on January 15, 2019
We found that Viva Driving School was fantastic for our daughter.  They were able to accommodate our schedule at the last minute for lessons. The instructors were great and I felt very comfortable driving with my daughter after her classes.

Thanks!

by latisha s. on March 22, 2019
I had four sessions with Viva. Most of my lessons were with Randy. Randy is very calm and patient. That helped me feel a lot more comfortable despite my high level of anxiety. He even came in on his day off to take me to my test so I would feel more comfortable. I didn't pass that day due to a silly mistake but I did pass a week later (today). In between the two tests, I had a lesson with an Armenia man (Can't remember the name). He was nice and eager to help. Both instructors were more than willing to answer all my questions and were encouraging. Whenever I called the office, the staff was friendly and helpful. Making appointments/payments was easy. Lessons started on time and you get a friendly reminder call beforehand. Overall, I would definitely recommend Viva and think they are largely responsible for me getting my license.

by Bivin V. on March 4, 2019
Got my license with just 6 hour session from Pasadena DMV . Special thanks to my instructor George

by Qiuwei L. on March 17, 2019
Took a one hour lesson with George. I am an experienced  driver but moved from overseas and needed to take the California test and George gave me great tips. I ended up passing at Pasadena DMV. They could improve on their car as well as booking options. I paid for the lesson one month in advance but couldn't book a lesson then because I wanted a lesson nearer my test date. Also, instructor was unaware my lesson was only for one hour instead of two which resulted in some delays. Nonetheless, the main driving lesson which is the most important part, went great.

by Nadia W. on March 11, 2019
After I got my permit I was determined to get my license as fast as possible. I learned about Viva through multiple alumni from my former high school. They all had great experiences with the service. Viva helped me learn the rules of the road and made me a safe/confident driver. I got my license in around 2 months by taking driving lessons every weekend. The instructors are very helpful and put you at ease if you are nervous to start driving. They also make sure you know everything you need to know for the driving test and for your future as a driver. 10/10 Would recommend.

by Raza N. on February 28, 2019
I was lucky to get Racheal and Randy as my instructors! They did an amazing job! They were very detail-oriented and provided excellant tips not just to pass the test but also to become a life-long safe driver.

by Jennifer M. on February 20, 2019
Awesome driving school.  Very attentive to needs.  Will schedule same instructor for each lesson if you so desire.  Reasonable prices.  They will take you on a practice run in area of DMV you are testing at.  Not much notice needed for scheduling instruction.  Nice cars as well.  Attis was the best instructor.  Should have used him for the 3rd rather than Bert, but... my son passed his driving test today.  Thank you VIVA!!!!

by Cas S. on February 18, 2019
Honestly depends on who you get.
For my lessons, I had Sam and Attis, who are great teachers. I would highly recommend requesting them. The only instructor I ever had issues with is Bert, who was completely unprofessional at times. For one of my lessons with him, he didn't offer much useful advice, and even requested that I park and wait for him for 10 minutes while he went to use the bathroom. That might not seem like a lot, but when you're paying $110 for only 2 hours (about a dollar per minute) it's incredibly unprofessional. My experience while driving with him was unpleasant and awkward, as every moment felt like he was just chastising me for doing something wrong, and he made no initiative to make conversation like the other instructors. Another instance I had with Bert was during my DMV road test. One would expect the instructor to show up early so that they could show you the route and give you extra practice. Imagine my anger and disappointment to learn that not only did he show up 20 minutes late, but he also didn't even know/was prepared to take me to my test. Had I not explicitly stated to him my test was for that day, he would have never taken me there. I never got to practice around the route, and we quickly went to the DMV without any prep. At the DMV while waiting, he forgot his instructors permit, and took his sweet time walking to the car to go get it. I was stuck waiting alone, letting others behind of me go first while I waited for him to come back. Needless to say, I failed my test because I forgot the route. A complete waste of $140.
However, the other instructors are incredibly nice, and offer great advice. For my third lesson, Attis showed me every spot student tended to fail in, and was very nice. For my first DMV test, the instructor (I think it was Randy) warned my about certain streets which had a speed limit that wasn't posted. He was incredibly nice, and it never felt awkward to drive with him. Considering it was only an hour before my test, he did a great job of preparing me while also making me feel comfortable. Even when I failed, he was there to comfort me by giving me hope and telling stories of other students. If you're gonna use this service, I recommend any of the other instructors!

by Serena C. on January 29, 2019
Just finished the VIVA driving school course with George and passed by behind the wheel test in Arleta after three classes. The instructors are all very nice and super patient and tell you exactly what you need to do in order to pass the test. Their cars are easy to drive for beginners because they are small and easy to handle. Also, if you have a set driving test date you should let your instructor know beforehand so that he/she can take you to the course on your last day and show you what it will be like. Highly recommend!! Everybody is great and they make you feel like a comfortable driver in no time!

by Rae F. on January 24, 2019
I just had my first driving lesson with Viva today and I'm feeling so good and empowered by my driving lesson. I had Rachel, who made me feel very comfortable and was easy to approach with any questions that I had. She was so personable and really easy going. I'm a very anxious driver and the lesson made a lot of my fears go away. I will be back for my second session soon, with Rachel! Thank you Viva for helping me feel more comfortable driving!

by Zali Kierra on July 9, 2019
Randy is such an amazing driving instructor he made me feel very comfortable on the road and it was my very first time driving. I thought I’d have an insane panic attack but he was very patient and calm with me. He gave detailed instructions and let me know all the rules of the road. It was a very wonderful experience enough so that I’m coming for one more lesson before I finally take my driving test! (:

by Dev04 on June 8, 2019
Took the test this month. Viva greatly helped me with my driving skills and made me more confident on the road. The staff is really helpful and attentive . Definitely recommended to all drivers and prospective drivers.

by Brian/Vu Le on February 19, 2019
I hold a foreign driver's license and needed to re-take the California driving test. I went with the 2 hour exam package. Excellent experience, perfect package for my situation, and Sam, the instructor, was outstanding. Easy pass.

by 1LLUMINATED1 213 on October 12, 2018
I really appreciate Viva driving instructor Randy. He was very professional, informative and patient with me. He's the best he's a 5 star driver instructor thanks Randy!!!!

by Lucrecia Allen on April 12, 2018
Going here for now on

by Victoria Ramirez on March 12, 2018

by Joana Laguna on March 12, 2018

by taylor robinson on March 12, 2017
One of the instructors is mean and impatient. She also cuts lessons short and swears and has road rage. She was such a b*tch. I'm 21 and still don't have my license. All that b*tch did was take my money with her lazy ass.

by Seth C on March 12, 2017
I attended and had both Edwin and Randy as instructors and they were both very knowledgeable, professional and friendly. Previously I had had other instruction so I didn't stay the full course at VIVA but I would definitely recommend this school to anyone else looking to learn to drive and pass the driving test.Other conveniences:- Pay Online- They'll schedule your driving test for you if you are using their car for it (Pasadena or Glendale DMV only)- Pick-up for lesson and drop-off after at desired address(es)- School cars (Prius C) are nice and well-maintained

by Mohammad Shehata on March 12, 2017
Wonderful, experience! ... Viva makes the driving test a simple task.

by Newcomb Pierre on March 12, 2017
Very easy to use.

by Allen Connolly on March 12, 2017
So far everything has been straight forward and simple !

by Widyana Elizabeth on March 12, 2017
I give 5 stars to Viva Driving School,Inc., the best Driving School in Pasadena and Los Angeles. I used Viva Driving Schools in Pasadena. For the first time, I found Viva Driving School from the website, I had felt already that Viva Driving School Inc., is very different with other Driving Schools. Feel it by yourself! Welcome and pleasant voice of Customer Service, in scheduling and checking what you need. The cars are brand new and nice.RANDY, my instructor during my driving practice with his deep knowledge, is very kind, patient, make me confident all the time.His lessons and words are very helpful and meaningful, and will be always remembered by me in my lifetime.I passed the Driving Test only 1 take. The first time.I STRONGLY RECOMMENDED Viva Driving School Inc., for everybody who has desire to pass the Driving Test and be a safe driver. I give 5 stars also to my instructor, RANDY. I recommend him. Viva!

by Kendrick Luong on March 12, 2017
Also, some video's you have to completely watch over if you loose internet access to the website.

by Ariely Gomez on March 12, 2017
I was scared to go out on the road and start driving but with Viva I felt so confident! I was driven to take my test and PASSED! Definately recommend to anyone looking to pass on the first try.

by Jayne Manuel on March 12, 2017
VIVA is the best! I had both Glen and Sarah as instructors (from the Pasadena office). They definitely put me at ease for being an older student and were always calm and patient. Sarah was my instructor for the weeks leading up to my test, she's great company, and I passed on my first exam!! Bonus: the ladies in the office have great customer service. Thank you so much, VIVA!!

by Pompa Banerjee on March 12, 2017
I am extremely satisfied with Viva Driving School!! Loren was my instructor and she was so positive and friendly and she encouraged me a lot!!

by Brett Schraeder on March 12, 2017
Overall the instructors have been good with my son (almost 16). We had to cancel a session and then had to scramble to get a new session before his drivers test--they were great in making that happen. Our younger son will go to Viva in a few years!

by Joshua Pisacane on March 12, 2017
Viva's Driving schools is a great place to get driving instructions. It is easy to learn here and quick.

by Amirah Azhar on March 12, 2017
The instructors here are the best! I had Lorena as my driving instructor and she was very patient and really helped me learn and improve my driving skills.