Akal Driving School
Book a lesson

Family-owned in Bakersfield since 2000 · DMV Lic #E0240

Relax. We’ve got you.

Bakersfield’s most trusted driving school for three generations. Professional driver education and behind-the-wheel training for teens and adults, taught in English, Punjabi & Hindi.

Book your first lesson See how it works
Instructor & student placeholder
  • Free Pick-up & drop-off
  • 7 days Lessons a week
  • 20,000+ Students trained
  • 4.8★ Rating on Google

Programs & services

Two roads to the same license.

Whether it’s a teen’s first permit or an adult’s first time behind the wheel, we meet you where you are, and everyone gets the same patience and respect.

Teen Driver Program placeholder

For drivers under 18

Teen Driver Program

The full California licensing path, start to finish. The same one Bakersfield families have trusted us with for over 20 years, kept simple for teens and parents alike.

  • 30-hour online Driver Education CA DMV-approved, $15, self-paced
  • Learner’s permit guidance documents, knowledge test, DMV visit
  • 6 hours behind-the-wheel three 2-hour lessons, $360, payment plans
  • DMV practice + test vehicle get road-test ready in our dual-control car
Book a lesson How it works
Adult Driver Training placeholder

For adults & first-time drivers

Adult Driver Training

Never driven before? New to California? Coming back after years away? You’ll get patient, professional instruction in English, Punjabi, or Hindi, at a pace that’s yours.

  • First-Time Driver
  • New to California
  • Refresher Lessons
  • Nervous Driver
  • First-time & nervous drivers welcome no judgment, ever
  • Permit assistance required for all ages before lessons
  • Behind-the-wheel lessons 6 hours recommended, $360, $120 each after
  • Refresher & highway confidence brush up or build up
Book a lesson How it works

DMV Test Vehicle

Need a car for your DMV driving test? We may provide a dual-control, insured vehicle so you can test in a car you already know. Pricing varies, so please call for details.

Call for details

What Bakersfield says

Trusted by families, one lesson at a time.

4.8 average on Google

Sample reviews shown. Live Google reviews will be wired in.

  • “My parents sent me to Akal 20 years ago, and I just sent my son. Same patience, same care. He passed on his first try.”
    Harpreet K. Parent of teen driver
  • “I never learned to drive as a kid. They made a nervous 34-year-old feel completely at ease. Highly recommend.”
    Daniel R. Adult learner
  • “Being able to take lessons in Punjabi made all the difference for my mom. Kind, professional, never rushed.”
    Simran G. New to California
  • “The free pick-up and drop-off was a lifesaver with my work schedule. Instructor was calm and encouraging with my daughter.”
    Ashley M. Parent of teen driver
  • “Failed twice with another school. Two lessons with Akal and I passed. They actually teach you, not just drive around.”
    Jaspreet S. Teen driver
  • “Hadn’t driven in years. A few refresher hours and I got my confidence back. Booking was easy and they answered every question.”
    Marcus T. Refresher lessons
  • “You can tell this is a family that’s been doing this a long time. Honest pricing, no upsells, real teaching. Thank you.”
    Priya N. Parent of teen driver
  • “Used their car for my DMV test, a huge advantage knowing the vehicle. Passed first attempt. Worth every dollar.”
    Robert C. First-time driver

How it works

From your first lesson to license in hand.

The California licensing process can feel like a maze. We’ve walked 20,000+ students through it, so here’s the whole path, simplified. Follow the road.

The teen path, under 18

The full California process for teens, from first lesson to license in hand.

1

Driver Ed

Start the 30-hour DMV-approved course online, as early as age 15.

$15 · self-paced · certificate mailed

2

Permit

Pass the DMV knowledge test at 15½ to earn your learner’s permit.

Bring your Driver Ed certificate + ID

3

Lessons

Six hours of professional behind-the-wheel training with our instructors.

Three 2-hour lessons · $360 · free pick-up

4

Practice

Log 50 supervised hours with a licensed adult 25 or older.

10 of them after dark

5

6 Months

Hold your permit for at least six months before the road test.

Required for under-18 drivers

6

DMV Test

Take the road test when you’re ready. Use our car if you’d like.

We’ll warm you up beforehand

7

License

Pass, and your California driver license is on its way.

Congratulations, you did it

Book a lesson Learn more

The adult path, 18 and over

No Driver Ed required. A simpler road, at whatever pace feels right.

1

Permit

Pass the DMV knowledge test to get your permit. No Driver Ed needed at 18+.

Required at any age before lessons

2

Lessons

Behind-the-wheel training at your own pace, with six hours recommended.

$360 · $120 per additional lesson

3

DMV Test

Schedule your road test once your instructor feels you’re ready.

No six-month wait for adults

4

License

Pass the road test, and receive your California driver license.

Welcome to the road

Book a lesson Learn more

The Akal difference

You’re in the hands of the family that taught this city to drive.

For over 20 years we’ve turned nervous first-timers into confident drivers, at their own pace, with patience and zero judgment. Come see why Bakersfield keeps sending us their kids, and their kids’ kids.

Book a lesson
  • 20,000+ Drivers taught
  • 1 family Since 2000
  • 4.8★ Rated on Google

Book your first lesson

Ready when you are.

Call us, or send a note and we’ll reach out. Free pick-up and drop-off, right across Bakersfield.

Either one is enough, so we can plan your free pick-up.

We’ll never share your info. Expect a call, not spam.