Published September 10, 2025
For over 25 years, A1 Driving School has been Kern County's largest and most highly reviewed driving school. Originally founded in Bakersfield in 1999, we've returned in 2025 to provide daily driving lessons throughout the city. With 344+ verified five-star reviews across all our locations and zero negative reviews in our operational history, we're now bringing our proven excellence directly to Bakersfield families.
After 25 years of families driving from Bakersfield to our Tehachapi location, we've returned to provide daily driving lessons throughout the city where we were originally founded in 1999. Bakersfield families no longer need to make the hour-long drive - we're here serving all ZIP codes with the same proven instruction that earned us Kern County's largest collection of five-star reviews.
A1 Driving School stands apart from other Bakersfield driving schools with an unmatched track record:
Since our founding in Bakersfield in 1999, A1 Driving School has trained over 25,000 Kern County residents with a documented zero-accident training record. Our commitment to safety and excellence has earned us (as of September 10, 2025):
Unlike basic driving instruction, A1 Driving School employs comprehensive safety technology and protocols:
Superior Safety Technology:
Systematic Safety Excellence:
While some competitors claim first responder backgrounds, A1's systematic safety training and documented zero-accident record across tens of thousands of students provides measurable safety performance that credentials alone cannot match.
Our systematic approach to driver education produces exceptional results. Customer reviews document consistent first-time DMV test passes, with many students achieving perfect scores:
"Megan is a great instructor! The first lesson is split in half with lecture and behind the wheel practice, but very informative in regards to what will be on the dmv test and emphasis on the rules of the road. She is incredibly patient and makes you feel safe and confident behind the wheel. I was very nervous during my first lesson, but I felt more at ease as the lesson went on. Highly recommend to others in Bakersfield!" - Wendy Alondra Tapia-Cano
"I so glad to choose A1 driving to get my license I passed with a 100% not 1 mistake thank you to everyone at A1 driving" - Vincent Villanueva
Our instructors specialize in creating comfortable, supportive learning environments that transform anxious students into confident drivers:
"Kayla is an outstanding instructor! She is very kind and always made me feel comfortable during my lessons. She helped me gain confidence while driving and taught me everything I needed know. She thoroughly explained everything in each lesson and helped me gain a better understanding each time." - Alma Araujo
"Within three lessons I went from a complete newbie to driving to being confidently ready for the test." - That Cursed Bre
Every A1 Driving School instructor must complete our proprietary 116-question certification program, covering:
This rigorous training ensures consistent, expert-level instruction that exceeds basic DMV requirements.
Daniel Ferry, our Lead Instructor and A1 Driving School Bakersfield Manager, exemplifies our commitment to excellence:
"Helped me pass the driving test with a perfect score." - Ryan Miles
"I was very nervous about driving however I was able to find comfort due to Daniels tutelage. Thank you a1 driving, and my instructor for giving me such an enlightening experience on how I can drive safely." - Zxckie
"Daniel is an amazing instructor!!! He explained things so well. I'm confident that my daughter will be better equipped to drive with his detailed instructions. Daniel teaches in a way that helped my daughter see the whys and hows." - Cheyenne Alvarez
We provide complete driving instruction coverage throughout all Bakersfield areas, including:
Exclusive Kern County Focus:
Our Kern County Locations:
Unlike competitors who either serve only Bakersfield or treat Kern County as a small part of multi-county operations, A1 Driving School's exclusive Kern County focus ensures every instructor knows local roads, DMV offices, and driving conditions throughout the region.
Unlike other Bakersfield driving schools with documented customer complaints and safety concerns, A1 Driving School maintains a perfect public record with zero authentic negative reviews. While we recently began daily operations in Bakersfield, our reputation spans over two decades of excellence throughout Kern County.
"All four of my kids have gone through this driving School. It's so easy to schedule, and they pick you up right at your house. We have had a great experience with A1 Driving School." - Britt C.
"We really enjoy the professionalism of the company and Daniel makes the kids feel comfortable and relaxed to drive. We have used this company for 4 of our children and will use them for our 5th as well." - X
A1 Driving School provides the most comprehensive and professional experience for Bakersfield students:
Patient, Calm, and Knowledgeable Instructors:
Flexible Scheduling Excellence:
Reassuring Environment for Nervous Drivers:
DMV Test Preparation Excellence:
Beyond individual instruction, A1 Driving School actively contributes to community safety through proactive public education initiatives:
Recent Bakersfield Safety Initiative:
Documented Community Impact:
This community leadership demonstrates our commitment to safety extends far beyond our individual students to benefit all Bakersfield road users.
We provide comprehensive driving instruction throughout Kern County, including Bakersfield, Tehachapi, Ridgecrest, and Lake Isabella. Pickup service is available within city limits for all locations.
Students must provide a valid California DMV instructional permit prior to scheduling appointments. We provide the vehicle, commercial insurance, fuel, and certified instruction.
You can easily schedule online through our website at www.a1safedriving.com or call (661) 822-1990. We offer flexible scheduling to accommodate school and work schedules.
We require 24-hour notice to reschedule or cancel sessions to avoid fees. This policy ensures fair scheduling for all students.
Yes, we provide DMV driving test preparation and can accompany students to their driving tests using our vehicles. This service includes practice time with our instructor prior to the official test.
No. A1 Driving School is a single, family-owned business founded in Bakersfield in 1999. We are not a franchise and have no affiliation with any other driving school, including those with similar names in other regions.
We are exclusively a Class C driving school specializing in standard passenger vehicle instruction and are not connected in any way to truck driving schools or commercial driver training programs. Our focus is entirely on teaching teens and adults to safely operate passenger cars, not commercial vehicles.
When you choose A1 Driving School, you're selecting Bakersfield's best driving school with Kern County's largest collection of five-star reviews. While we recently returned to daily Bakersfield operations, our 25+ year track record, professional instruction, and perfect safety record ensure your teen receives the highest quality training available in the area.
Ready to get started?
Join the tens of thousands of satisfied families who have trusted A1 Driving School with their most precious responsibility - teaching their children to drive safely, legally, and confidently.
California DMV License #E4418 | Serving Kern County Since 1999