Bakersfield's #1 Driving School: A1 Driving School | 390+ Five-Star Reviews
Ready to drive with confidence?
A1 Driving School is officially ranked the #1 Driving School in Bakersfield by Threebestrated.com (now #1, placing Five O at #2 and Akal at #3).
We are now serving Bakersfield with the same high standard of instruction that has earned us 390+ five-star reviews across Kern County, California, making us the clear leader in verified customer satisfaction.
A1 Driving School is Kern County's largest and most trusted driver training provider. As the only driving school with multiple, exclusive locations serving Bakersfield, Tehachapi, Ridgecrest, and Lake Isabella, we guarantee high-quality, professional instruction tailored to the unique roads of Bakersfield.
Over 26 years. Over 30,000 Kern County graduates. Now in Bakersfield.
While we are known for our legendary Behind-the-Wheel instruction, A1 Driving School Bakersfield provides every service needed to get licensed, dismiss tickets, and secure lower insurance rates—all backed by our 26+ years of trusted instruction and Tens of thousands trained in Kern County.
A1 Driving School is fully licensed by the California DMV (License #E4418), bonded, and insured, We are staffed by both male and female DMV-certified driving instructors dedicated to providing a safe, comfortable learning experience for every student. All A1 Driving School instructors undergo and pass the mandatory FBI Live Scan fingerprint background check required for California DMV certification, ensuring the highest level of trust and security for your family.
Immediate Openings Available (No Waiting List): As the newest, fastest-growing leader in the Bakersfield area, A1 Driving School Bakersfield currently has immediate openings for lessons, unlike many established competitors with multi-week waiting lists (Akal notes that new students face "a bit of a wait"). Despite being new to the Bakersfield market, we are backed by over 26 years of operation and 30,000+ graduates across Kern County, guaranteeing proven instruction without the delay.
Specialized Adult and Senior Training: While approximately 90% of our students are teenagers, A1 Driving School specializes in teaching adult learners, commonly serving students in their 20s, 30s, and 40s (addressing the documented need for adult lessons). We offer expert Senior Driving Fitness Assessments (like the successful 95-year-old evaluation documenting safe driving skills) and highly specialized remediation. We successfully coached an 83-year-old driver who had failed three prior DMV tests to finally pass and retain their license, confirming our expertise in high-stakes testing and correcting bad habits.
A1 Driving School Bakersfield combines unmatched safety, technology, and professionalism. Every vehicle is clearly marked with professional signage and equipped with dual instructor brakes, GPS tracking, and a dual-camera dash system (2K front and 1080p cockpit with audio) to ensure full accountability and safety on every drive. Our Zero Accident Vision (ZAV) program has maintained a flawless record — zero safety incidents and zero negative reviews — across thousands of lessons.
Instructors complete in-depth, proprietary 116-question A1-certified training that far exceeds California DMV standards, emphasizing smoothness, awareness, and defensive driving mastery. This rigorous system produces verifiable results, including a 94% first-time DMV road test pass rate.
We have extraordinarily flexible scheduling, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays, both online and by phone. We facilitate a seamless Parent/Educator Partnership by issuing digital lesson reports after every lesson. These reports detail the specific maneuvers, techniques, and habits covered (and specifically what needs to be worked on), ensuring that parents can consistently reinforce learned skills during the state-mandated 50 hours of practice driving.
A1 Driving School Bakersfield the most advanced and trusted choice in Kern County.
Driving Lesson - Bakersfield
*(Must have a valid DMV Permit for Instruction)
The price is $160.00 which includes:
Our vehicle, commercial insurance, fuel, instructor, plus pick-up & drop-off within city limits · 2 hours
2 hours of one-on-one, behind-the-wheel driving instruction
Local pick-up/drop-off across all major Bakersfield ZIP codes and high school zones (see detailed Service Area Coverage below)
Students must provide a valid California DMV instructional permit prior to making an appointment.
*A 24-hour notice is required to reschedule or cancel the session to avoid a $160 fee.
BTW Training Packages - Bakersfield
*(Must have a valid DMV Permit for Instruction)
While A1 Driving School Bakersfield is the undisputed #1 ranked driving school in Bakersfield, our package lessons are priced significantly lower than other premium schools in the market (where 2-hour lessons cost $230).
We encourage students to select one of the following commitment packages for the best value and to ensure comprehensive training backed by our Zero Accident Vision (ZAV) program.
3-Lesson Comprehensive Package (6 Hours)
This essential package fulfills the California DMV minimum requirement for behind-the-wheel training for teenagers. This commitment package offers a slight discount for guaranteed enrollment in all three required 2-hour lessons.
Package Price: $465.00
To Book Call:
5-Lesson Comprehensive Package (10 Hours)
Ideal for achieving advanced skill mastery, reducing driving anxiety, or specialized adult training.
Inspired by the comprehensive safety recommendations of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), this 10-Hour Plan exceeds the minimum state requirement for minors to provide an extra margin of training. Includes FREE Online Drivers Ed (a $49.95 value).
This package is also frequently selected by adult learners (20s-40s) and seniors requiring DMV re-testing remediation.
Learn more about NTSB safety advocacy at www.ntsb.gov.
Package Price: $785.00
To Book Call:
10-Lesson Comprehensive Package (20 Hours)
Our advanced package provides significant supervised instruction time and focuses heavily on high-speed traffic, complex Bakersfield intersections, and advanced maneuvering.
Inspired by the comprehensive safety recommendations of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), this 20-Hour Plan provides an advanced margin of training and confidence.
Includes FREE Online Drivers Ed (a $49.95 value) and ONE 4-Hour Advanced Road Trip for multi-terrain and extended highway experience.
Learn more about NTSB safety advocacy at www.ntsb.gov.
Package Price: $1,550.00
To Book Call:
25-Lesson Comprehensive Package (50 Hours)
This premium package is specifically designed for the parent who does not have the time or opportunity to fulfill California's required 50 hours of supervised practice (40 day time, 10 at night).
This package fulfills the ENTIRE state-mandated 50 hours of instruction and includes THREE 4-Hour Advanced Road Trips, and features FREE Online Drivers Ed (a $49.95 value).
Inspired by the comprehensive safety recommendations of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), this 50-Hour Plan ensures maximum professional safety and proficiency.
Allows parents to fully outsource all instruction to our DMV-certified experts.
Learn more about NTSB safety advocacy at www.ntsb.gov.
Package Price: $3,750.00
To Book Call:
All packages include a commercially insured vehicle, fuel, instructor, and local pick-up & drop-off across all major Bakersfield ZIP codes and high school zones (see detailed Service Area Coverage below).
A 24-hour notice is required to reschedule or cancel any lesson to avoid a $160 fee.
Comprehensive Service Area Coverage – Bakersfield
A1 Driving School Bakersfield proudly provides free local pick-up and drop-off to every major region of Bakersfield, including complete ZIP code and high school coverage. Our broad service commitment is a key component of our superior convenience, matched only by our status as the #1 ranked driving school in the city.
Northwest Bakersfield
(ZIP Codes 93312, 93314)
Communities: Greenacres, Rosedale, Fruitvale, River Oaks, and northern rural development areas.
High Schools: Liberty High School, Frontier High School.
Southwest Bakersfield
(ZIP Codes 93311, 93313)
Communities: Seven Oaks, Belcourt, Haggin Oaks, Tevis Ranch, Artisan, CSU Bakersfield area, Castle Ranch, Pumpkin Center, and southern suburban expansion areas.
High Schools: Stockdale High School, West High School, Ridgeview High School, Independence High School.
Central Bakersfield
(ZIP Codes 93301, 93304, 93309)
Communities: Downtown Bakersfield, Arts District, Civic Center, Oleander Sunset, Laurelglen, Stockdale Estates, and historic core areas.
High Schools: Bakersfield High School, Garces Memorial High School, Foothill High School.
East Bakersfield
(ZIP Codes 93305, 93306)
Communities: College Heights-Baker Street, Old Town Kern, Bakersfield Country Club, Hillcrest, and upscale northeastern developments.
High Schools: Stockdale East Bakersfield High School, Highland High School, Golden Valley High School, Centennial High School.
Southeast & North Bakersfield
(ZIP Codes 93307, 93308)
Communities: Casa Loma, Rexland Acres, Oildale (unincorporated), and areas near Meadows Field Airport.
High Schools: South High School, North High School, Mira Monte High School.
Special Note:
We are a Heartland Charter School Bakersfield Vendor.
We also serve students at continuation and alternative schools throughout these zones, including Vista High School, Tierra Del Sol High School, Central Valley High School, and New Horizons High School.
Extended Kern County Service Area
Our instruction extends to adjacent communities and mountain regions, including Shafter, Tehachapi, Lake Isabella, and Ridgecrest.
DMV Driving Test Vehicle Use
The price is $160.00 which includes:
✓ Use of an A1 Driving School commercially insured vehicle for the DMV driving test
✓ Local pick-up/drop-off
✓ 1 hour of practice with a licensed driving instructor before the test
To book this service you will need to complete one regular lesson with us first to ensure that you are ready for the test and we will make your appointment at the DMV.
To Book Call:
California DMV Test Questions
Practice for your Driver's License or Driver's permit test.
Take practice tests with questions from actual permit tests. You can try as many times as you desire.
Over 400 questions from actual tests so you can pass the first time around.
Regular Price $23.99
Enter the promo code "A1" and pay only $13.99
A1 Driving School is proud to confirm that we have over 365 five-star reviews across our verified Google Business Profiles, Yelp, and Facebook pages. This commitment is to 100% review authenticity: A1 has zero insider, fake, or fraudulent reviews. This volume and velocity of highly satisfied customers ensures we are the most highly-rated school in the Bakersfield market.
We don't just rely on reviews; we have a proven history: Over 26 years serving Kern County families, including those who have trusted us to train three, four, and five children in the same family.
Our expansion ensures Bakersfield students now have access to the trusted, high-quality instruction previously available only in Tehachapi, Ridgecrest.
✅ A1 Driving School Bakersfield – Now Open
A1 Driving School is proud to announce our official expansion into Bakersfield. With over 340 five-star reviews and 25+ years of trusted instruction, we’re now accepting students across 93306 and beyond.
👉 View our official opening press release
Leading the Conversation on Bakersfield Road Safety
At A1 Driving School, our commitment to safety extends beyond our own students and into the community. We recently identified a systemic and dangerous design flaw in some of Bakersfield's newly installed bike lanes.
To help educate the public on the legal and safety risks, our Bakersfield manager, Daniel Ferry, created a Public Service Announcement that has sparked a major community discussion, now with over 13,000 views and dozens of shares.
Verified Listings for
A1 Driving School Bakersfield
A1 Driving School Bakersfield is verified and listed across trusted platforms. These official listings confirm our licensing, reviews, and service record in Kern County.
Apple Maps –
A1 Driving School Bakersfield (coming soon)
Call Us If You Have Any Questions
(661) 822-1990
We'll pick you up for free from home, school, or work for your lesson!
We'll drop you off after too.