UCB Parents Recommendations for Places to Go

Where to Practice Driving

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December 2002

We're looking for wide open spaces to practice driving (general maneuvers and stick shift). We've been down to Golden Gate Fields parking lot (south end), but security was on to us in a minute and though they let us stay, we don't want to overstay our welcome. It's kind of a bad time of year to find empty BART or mall parking lots - any suggestions? Thanks. Cathy

Try the north side of Golden Gate Fields. To get there, drive up over the hill past the main entrance and main parking of the track and down the hill on the other side; stay on the left side of the main parking while driving through. This is where my son practiced driving. There is a large parking lot that belongs to the track on that side which is usually not accessible but there is also a park right next to the water with a large parking lot. This is the lot that we used. If I remember correctly you have to go past a parking booth; just tell them you're passing through to go to the other side. Joan
The Alameda Naval Air Station is practically deserted on weekends, especially now that soccer season is over. It has empty parking lots, and streets for practicing straight driving, turns, etc. Also, we drove in the industrial area of Oakland, near Mandela Parkway and West Grand. Industrial parts of Berkeley are probably quite empty on weekends, too. Have fun. Cynthia
The former Alameda Naval Air Station has acres upon acres of unused parking lots. Some are large enough to let a learner get up to 2nd or 3rd gear. Traffic on the roads through the station is sparce. Getting there is a short ride through the Broadway Tube and then right a couple of miles at the first major intersection just past the Alameda College campus (I don't remember the name of the street). When practicing there with my daughter a couple of years ago, security patrols looked at us in curiosity, but didn't interfere. Adam
in response to where to practice driving.... you can try the old naval air station in alameda Liana
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