40+ Years Proven

Lesson Plan & Curriculum

Discover our comprehensive lesson structure, developed over 40+ years of instruction. Each lesson is specifically designed to teach defensive driving, safe vehicle operation, and DMV test preparation.

Our Teaching Philosophy

Bay Cities has structured its lesson plans from 40+ years of instruction. Each lesson is specifically designed to teach students the basics of defensive driving, safe vehicle operation, and passing the CA DMV driving test.

The following are the general topics covered in each lesson. We strive to cover each topic in each 2-hour allotted period, but given that every student is different, some topics may be sacrificed in favor of additional practice of other topics. We take a custom approach to every student, and depending on the student's individualized needs, we tailor our approach.

Our Ultimate Goal: Build our students' confidence and ensure that they can not only pass the driving exam, but also be safe drivers that understand the theory behind driving laws and rules.

Note: Content below is non-exhaustive and samples actual content; actual lesson content will be partially tailored depending on the student's skill level.

Our Teaching Principles

These core principles guide every lesson and interaction with our students

Customized Approach

Every student is different. We tailor our approach to individual needs and skill levels.

Defensive Driving

All lessons emphasize defensive driving techniques to minimize accident risk.

Theory & Practice

Students learn both practical skills and the theory behind driving laws and rules.

Confidence Building

Our goal is to build confidence for both passing the DMV test and safe long-term driving.

Detailed Lesson Breakdown

Each 2-hour lesson builds upon the previous one, progressively developing your driving skills and confidence

1
2 hours
Lesson 1: Vehicle Operation & Basic Turning
2 hours session covering essential driving skills
Adjusting seating, steering wheel and mirrors properly for safe vehicle operation
Staying centered while driving
Making left and right turns (protected and unprotected)
Right curb turns
Practice turning wheel back from left, center and right, right, center and left
Arm placements (push/pull, center, release other arm, turning back the steering wheel)
2 headlight rule and keeping a proper distance
Turns at traffic lights: green and red
3-point turns
Curbside right parking (S.M.O.G – use Signal, check Mirror, look Over-the-shoulder, Go)
Lane changing left & right, using (S.M.O.G)
Right turns in bike lane (S.M.O.G)
Following the speed limit and checking your speed
Diagonal parking
Two styles of reversing: 9&3, arm over the shoulder
Yielding for cross traffic without stop signs
2
2 hours
Lesson 2: Advanced Maneuvers & Traffic Awareness
2 hours session covering essential driving skills
Re-cap the 1st lesson’s practice
Ensure the student’s turns are satisfactory and arm placement is correct
Lane changing left & right, using (S.M.O.G)
U-turns at traffic lights, intersections and dead-end roads
Right turns in bike lane (S.M.O.G)
Turns at traffic lights: green and red
Scanning ahead
Keeping a proper distance
Braking and stopping in front of car (visual recognition cues)
Following the speed limit and checking your speed
Dealing with pedestrian crossings
Scanning which lane is going straight, left, and right
Identifying when to make right turns at traffic lights (yielding, stopping, no turns on red, etc.)
3
2 hours
Lesson 3: DMV Test Preparation & Highway Driving
2 hours session covering essential driving skills
Recap all the essential driving skills, and explore what the student needs to adjust and practice more before the road test
Enter and exit freeway/highway to make sure merging is smooth and safely executed
Perform lane changes on the freeway/highway
Review DMV check list so the student is aware of what to expect
Learn all types/styles of parking (including curb/hill)
Right turn at a traffic light: should be the very right-most lane (only for the DMV road test)
Crosswalk etiquette
Situational decision-making around pedestrians
Situational decision-making when turning and at intersections
Defensive Driving Focus

All lessons teach the importance of defensive driving, a driving technique that's meant to minimize the risk of accidents by being proactively aware and cautious while on the road.

This approach helps create safer drivers who can anticipate and respond to potential hazards before they become dangerous situations.

Personalized Learning

Every student learns differently and at their own pace. Our instructors assess individual needs and adjust the curriculum accordingly to ensure maximum learning effectiveness.

Some students may need extra practice with parking, while others might need more time on highway merging. We adapt to what you need most.

Ready to Start Your Lessons?

Experience our proven curriculum firsthand. Schedule your behind-the-wheel training and begin building the skills and confidence you need to become a safe, skilled driver.