April TurnerGetting your license is a major milestone. Teens eager to drive to the Pearl gain independence, while adults finally tackle the I-10 commute.
However, San Antonio roads can intimidate beginners. You need a school that teaches you to survive rush hour rather than simply helping you pass a test.
I reviewed the options to find schools that prioritize safety and confidence. Here is your guide to the best driving schools in San Antonio.
How much does driving school cost in San Antonio?
Driver education in San Antonio requires budgeting, though options exist for different financial situations. Parents looking for a full program for their teen should expect to spend between $300 and $500.
This fee usually covers classroom hours and time behind the wheel. Adults have a different pricing structure.
You might pay per hour, generally around $85 to $90, or purchase a six-hour course package between $100 and $200. Online-only courses or parent-taught guides can drop that price significantly, sometimes under $100.
1. Ayala & Associates Driving School
Website: https://www.ayaladriving.com/
Address: 5015 De Zavala Rd
Contact: +1 210-690-6276
Schedule:
- Mon – Thu: 10 AM – 7 PM
- Fri: 10 AM – 6 PM
Ayala & Associates administers the official Department of Public Safety (DPS) Road Test on-site. This saves students the frustration of waiting months for an appointment at the public safety office.
A neighbor confirmed this benefit, mentioning that handling the test in-house significantly reduced stress for her son during the licensing process.
Beyond testing, their instruction is solid. They offer a state-approved, self-paced online teen package that includes driving lessons, allowing younger students to start learning early.
However, you must be mindful of their strict policies. For instance, showing up without closed-toe shoes will incur a non-compliance fee.
While this approach can feel rigid, it enforces the compliance and attention to detail expected of new drivers.
Mr. Richard Castillo at Ayala Driving School is an excellent instructor.
Mr. Richard Castillo at Ayala Driving School is an excellent instructor. He was patient, clear, and very thorough in his teaching. He helped me improve my right turns significantly and made sure I understood the rules and techniques properly.
Thanks to his guidance, I gained confidence behind the wheel and successfully obtained my license. I truly appreciate his support and teaching style, and I highly recommend him to anyone looking to learn driving the right way.
– Saroja Kondamudi, Google Review
I definitely recommend going to Ayala and i 1000% RECOMMEND RICHARD!
I had the opportunity to go to Ayala Driving School and I could not be happier!!! My main instructor was Mr Richard and he was so so amazing! He was so patient, kind, and very understanding, he also makes sure his customers are very comfortable and he uses GREAT techniques that really help too!!! I passed my drivers test with a 92 and i couldn’t not thank Mr Richard enough! I definitely recommend going to Ayala and i 1000% RECOMMEND RICHARD!!!!!
– natalya williams, Google Review
2. A+ Driving Academy
Website: https://www.aplusdrivingacademytx.com/
Address: 6909 N Loop 1604 E Suite 1124 A
Contact: +1 210-998-8410
Schedule:
- Mon – Sat: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Sun: 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Operating as a veteran-owned business within Rolling Oaks Mall, A+ Driving Academy offers a safe and recognizable environment that reassures parents.
During a recent visit, I noted that their setup feels open and accessible, avoiding the clinical vibe typical of many driving schools.
Their instruction matches this welcoming atmosphere. They apply a “patience-first” philosophy designed to put anxious students at ease, and they are notably inclusive of all backgrounds.
They also offer specialized support for parent-taught driver education, a service that many competitors overlook.
The only significant downside is their footprint. Since they operate solely out of this one physical location at the mall, the commute for driving lessons might be difficult if you live on the opposite side of San Antonio.
We have been so happy with their services!
Both of my teens attended A+ Driving Academy and we have been so happy with their services! They are clear with their expectations, are so patient with teenagers and gave ours a great education in driving! I enjoyed working with them and appreciate their level of respectful conduct. I highly recommend!
– Mercy, Google Review
As a Mom I highly recommend A+ Driving Academy!
Working with A+ Driving Academy was a wonderful experience! My Daughter obtained both her Driving Permit and Driver’s Liscence through A+. The staff are professional with the parents and patient with the teens. My daughter received Driving Instruction that made her feel comfortable and prepared to be a licensed driver. As a Mom I highly recommend A+ Driving Academy!
– Rachel Garza, Google Review
3. Get Drivers Ed
Website: https://getdriversed.com/san-antonio
Address: 15909 San Pedro Ave
Contact: +1 210-880-9418
Schedule: Open 24 Hours
Get Drivers Ed focuses on speed and digital access. Their standout feature is the unlimited retakes on written tests for their Texas Online Adult and Teen courses.
This prevents stress about failing once and paying extra. You can also take the learner’s permit exam online instead of visiting the DPS.
They support modern learners with an app that works across phones and tablets. The app allows you to squeeze in study time during lunch breaks.
The best part? They also offer courses in Spanish, Arabic, and Hindi.
However, while their online offerings are strong, their physical presence can be confusing. Physical driving lessons are listed, but availability appears limited compared to their online courses.
You must double-check that in-car instructors are available in your specific zip code.
Get Drivers Ed is a very thorough learning online course
Get Drivers Ed is a very thorough learning online course, which helps understanding and learning not only about the Skills of driving but also explain most crucial part of learning driving as a responsible citizen in a very easy and understandable way. You can do it in your own pace. The best part are the visual videos that help to understand difficult situations and how to handle them. I personally wish the Get Drivers Ed team my best wishes for their future endeavors.
– Manju Titus, Google Review
I would recommend it without thinking about it.
It really has everything you need to know, fast and effective and with good results because now being informed of all the driving laws I would recommend it without thinking about it.
– Thalia Davila, Google Review
4. Central Park Driving School
Website: https://www.centralparkdrivingschool.net/
Address: 1011 Jackson Keller Rd
Contact: +1 210-344-4351
Schedule:
- Mon – Thu: 10 AM – 1 PM, 2 PM – 7 PM
- Fri: 10 AM – 1 PM, 2 PM – 6 PM
Central Park Driving School distinguishes itself through deep community ties, offering programs tailored specifically for local high schools like Alamo Heights and Antonian Prep.
This focus creates a trusted, familiar environment for local families.
Instructionally, they prioritize real-world experience. Instead of sticking to empty parking lots, instructors expose students to varied driving environments to build genuine confidence while maintaining a safe atmosphere.
Logistically, they offer significant conveniences. First, they are authorized to administer the DPS Road Test on-site, streamlining the licensing process. Another thing is that they provide flexible payment plans that allow you to start with just a down payment.
The only significant downside is their schedule. The office is closed on both Saturdays and Sundays, meaning for those with standard 9-to-5 workweeks, handling administrative issues on the weekend isn’t an option.
Overall great experience.
Overall great experience. They were an excellent resource and guide throughout the whole process: from in person classes to the driving classes, and the final driving test. The online scheduling was easy and straight forward but did have to be on top of when new classes were posted because they were grabbed very quickly. Appreciate all you did to help my son obtain his license. Would definitely recommend this establishment!
– Alyssa Arredondo, Google Review
The staff is friendly and super helpful.
We have had a wonderful experience with all three of our kiddos. Our two oldest went through the driving program with ease and actually enjoyed the lessons. Our youngest is about to finish and has also had a great experience. The staff is friendly and super helpful. An extra shout out to Ari who is so sweet and has been phenomenal in making sure that our son had what he needed to complete the program on time.
– Lizette Feld, Google Review
5. Texas Driving School
Website: https://www.texasdrivingschool.net/
Address: 4139 Naco Perrin Blvd
Contact: +1 210-646-0771
Schedule:
- Mon – Fri: 12 PM – 6 PM
- Sat: 10 AM – 2 PM
Texas Driving School distinguishes itself by catering specifically to adults and Spanish speakers, offering full bilingual instruction across all courses.
Their effectiveness is backed by an impressive 98.5% passing rate for their adult education program, a statistic that speaks clearly to their teaching quality.
Beyond the classroom, their practical setup prioritizes student success and safety. They utilize modern vehicles equipped with dual controls and offer a “safety net” policy: if you don’t pass the written knowledge test on the first try, they provide free retesting to reduce pressure.
They are also authorized for third-party testing, ensuring your road test results are officially recorded on your certificate.
However, be aware of their rigid administrative policies, one of which is how they enforce a strict 90-day completion window. Failing to finish in time may require you to repurchase the course.
Additionally, while the instructors are praised, students often report frustration with scheduling delays when trying to book behind-the-wheel lessons.
Ms.Reyna was incredibly supportive and patient
Ms.Reyna was super helpful and understanding and i could not have asked for better instructor. She was incredibly supportive and patient, I was able to understand the basics rules and became comfortable with road and being behind a wheel.
– Raven Adams, Google Review
I passed my driving test the first try!!
Ms Reyna was really patient and attentive. She made me felt comfortable learning how to drive and less anxious. I passed my driving test the first try!! Definitely recommend checking them out.
– Lupita Garza, Google Review
