Frequently Asked Questions

Please review the Rates page for pricing information.

No, all lessons are priced separately. We do not offer bundles and/or packages for our services. The price is the same for both adolescent and adult drivers.

Yes, all students (under 18 y/o and over 18 y/o) must obtain a CA learner's permit to take driving lessons. Please visit the CA DMV website for more information regarding the learner's permit process.

You must get a learner’s permit from the DMV after passing a written exam. Only with this permit can you begin driving lessons.

You will practice in an area suitable for your current skill level. Beginners are usually taken to residential areas while intermediate/advanced drivers will practice in more populated zones. Your instructor may give you feedback on your progress and encourage ways to correct your mistakes.

That depends on many factors such as age, level of fear, learner type, and previous driving experience if any. Once we observe you drive for the first time, we can calculate how long it will take you personally.

As a generalization, a beginner in the 25-35 age range, without excessive fear and learns at an average rate, needs approx 10 lessons to be ready for the exam.

Each lesson is tailored to your specific needs. You will drive in various areas that present different challenges. This will maximize your awareness and build confidence. Lessons will cover residential areas, heavy traffic, construction zones, freeway, one-way streets, bike lanes, hills, right of way, pedestrians, and more.

We strongly encourage all students to communicate their goals and objectives with their instructor.

No. You are fully covered under our commercial driving school insurance.

No. Our lessons are 2 hours to make the practice worthwhile for you and us.

You can pay with a credit/debit card or Paypal via our online booking system or you pay the instructor directly with cash or check.

Yes. We teach everything you need to learn in order to pass your driving test. We use driving test simulations to ensure you are ready. Beyond the test, the defensive skills and good habits acquired with us will last you a lifetime. The best way to prepare for the test is to take a driving lesson. Everything you learn with us will be on the test!

Yes! Depending on your driving habits, you may need more than one. Other countries have different driving rules. If you want to pass the test here, you need to familiarize yourself with the traffic laws and safety regulations of California.

We have a 24 hour cancellation policy. All appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours will be charged the full $220 class fee. This includes no shows, re-scheduling or not having a valid learner's permit or license when your instructor arrives.

No, please contact our office by calling (415)647-2605. Or email rivadriving@gmail.com to initiate a refund.

No, we do not rent our vehicles. An instructor is more than happy to assist you with your DMV test, but you must abide by our DMV Test Day policy. Please review the DMV Test Day page for more information.

No, we only provide pick up services in San Francisco and some San Mateo County locations including Daly City, Burlingame, S. San Francisco. If you live in the East Bay and would like to take a driving lesson, please contact our office to discuss a good meeting point for you in San Francisco.

No, our training vehicles are not equipped to store large items such as luggage and bicycles.

¡Sí! Todos nuestros instructores hablan español.

Yes! Many of our current students are driver's license holders who need help with gaining confidence behind the wheel.