Dollar Driving School

Dollar Driving School was founded in 1980 and incorporated in February 2008. It began at 6th and Western in Los Angeles, moved to Van Nuys in 1982, then to Panorama City by the end of that decade. In 1990, continued growth brought the school to its Northridge location on Reseda Boulevard. Before the 1994 earthquake, Dollar had become the largest driving school in the San Fernando Valley, operating 16 cars across the LA basin and running three classroom branches—including locations in Malibu and Westwood. Throughout the 1990s, Dollar Driving School sharpened its focus on quality and safety, winning numerous awards and building a reputation as one of California’s most professional and respected driving schools. It has consistently set the standard for driver education with a long record of firsts—innovations that others later followed. - The first driving school to use a Toyota Supra (1980s) - The first to adopt a grading system for daily driving reports - The first to provide a grading card for parents - The first to open a driving school in Malibu, California - The first to teach with Ford Mustangs (1995) - In 1996, Robert Stahl became the first driving school instructor in state history licensed as a DMV examiner - The first to feature Mustang convertibles (2000) - In 2000, established Club 100 to honor students who earn a perfect score on their drive test—with prizes - The first to teach with a BMW 325CI convertible (2003) - The first to use a BMW hardtop convertible 328i (2012) - The first school in California, and possibly the United States, to put students behind the wheel of the new Dodge Dart (2013) President and sole owner Robert J. Stahl has been the driving force behind this leadership. He became involved with the Driving School Association in the late 1980s, dedicating himself to improving driver safety statewide. He held nearly every board position and served as Association President in 1996–97. Today, he is the President of the Driving School Association of California and the longest-serving president in its history. For more than four decades—as an instructor, administrator, and advocate—Robert has worked continuously to make California roads safer and better for everyone.