Coastline Academy Offers $1 Driver's Education for California School Districts

Published on 2024-12-19 in News

When was the last time your district offered Drivers Education in schools? For many decision-makers like you, learning to drive in high school was not only a rite of passage but also a critical step toward independence and opportunity. However, due to decades of budget cuts, Drivers Education programs have disappeared from most California schools—despite the state’s mandate to provide them for free.

Obtaining a driver’s license in California requires two mandatory components: completing a Driver’s Ed course and 6-hours of behind-the-wheel driving lessons. At Coastline, we believe every student deserves access to essential driving education. That’s why we’re making it possible for districts to offer Drivers Ed for just $1 per student. This nominal fee covers the printing and shipping of the completion certificate, making it affordable to bring back a program that contributes to safer roads and empowered youth.

Why Coastline?

Coastline Academy is the largest and fastest-growing driving school in the nation, operating in over 500 towns and cities across 8 states. We have trained over 250,000 students, equipping them with the skills they need for safe and responsible driving. As the first driving school capable of offering near-free Drivers Ed at scale, we leverage our infrastructure and business model to bring this essential program back to schools. Here’s how:

  • Community Commitment: By providing Drivers Ed at such a low cost, we’re building relationships with families and communities who often choose to continue with us for behind-the-wheel lessons. This sustains our business model while being a win-win for everyone involved.
  • Flexible Partnership Models: Should your district consider offering driving lessons in the future, we’d be happy to discuss discounted rates to make them even more accessible.
What’s in it for your District?
  • State Compliance Made Simple: Fulfill the state mandate to provide Drivers Ed without straining your school’s budget. See EC Section 51220(j) here.
  • Graduation Credits: Drivers Ed counts toward high school graduation requirements, giving students one more reason to engage and succeed.
  • Time-Honored Tradition: Every school board member we’ve spoken to fondly remembers taking Drivers Ed in high school themselves. Let’s bring that legacy back for today’s students.
  • No Hidden Costs: Your district pays just $1 per student. Period.
Next Steps for Partnering with Coastline
  1. Verify Feasibility: While California mandates Drivers Ed, implementation may require approval from principals or other stakeholders. We’ll work with your team to navigate these requirements.
  2. Sign Up: Once approved, we’ll handle the logistics, ensuring every student has access to our online Drivers Ed program.
  3. Reap the Rewards: Celebrate as your district leads the way in making Drivers Ed accessible once more.

Join the hundreds of districts nationwide partnering with Coastline Academy to redefine what’s possible in education. Together, let’s give your students the tools they need for the road ahead.

Contact us today to learn more and get started!


About the Author

Nigel Tunnacliffe

Nigel Tunnacliffe is the co-Founder and CEO of Coastline Academy, the largest driving school in the country, on a mission to eradicate car crashes. An experienced founder and technology executive, Nigel and his team are shaking up the automotive industry by taking a technology-centric approach to learning and driver safety. Having served over 100,000 driving students across 500+ cities, Coastline was recently named the 6th fastest-growing education company in America by Inc. Magazine. Nigel is a frequent podcast guest and quoted driving education expert for major publications such as Yahoo!, GOBankingRates, and MSN.