Shield Driving School

Fantastic experience: So Happy today. I earned the US Permit today. Your driving sessions really helped me. your teaching method boosted my confidence and now I made it. I would really recommend your classes to my friends Thanks a lot. God bless you. You are awesome!

Fantastic experience: Es la Mejor escuela que he podido encontrar, para todo y el personal excelente, te tratan con respeto, el mejor servicio que he podido tener con esta escuela la recomiendo 100%

Fantastic experience: This is THE BEST Driving School in CT, I promise! After failing 3 times with another driving school I then realized that it wasn’t me, it was them. I went online to research other driving schools and I found Shield. After reading all positive reviews I made contact. I explained my previous fails to Jay and he responded “come to me and you will pass!” I did only 2 hours on the road with Jay and tested immediately afterwards and PASSED!!! If you want to pass, look no further, this is the school. Jay is THE MAN! He wants you to pass the first time you test!

Fantastic experience: Definitivamente el MEJOR lugar . Jay una gran persona al Igual Benjamin Estoy súper feliz logre tener mi licencia con la ayuda de ellos Que Dios Los bendiga siempre Gracias por todo

Fantastic experience: Great driving school. Great instructors, especially Ben. He helped me get past some of my anxiety I had on the road and towards taking the test and gave me clear instructions on everything. Probably Wouldn’t have past my test without him

Fantastic experience: Jay is amazing down to earth I’m so glad I was able to find a driving school that works with my schedule and is willing to help to help teach and get you to pass I couldn’t have done it without him ! He is a blessing .. coming from Newyork to the suburbs in Connecticut not knowing how to drive and passing my road test on my first try made me feel so good anyone can do it ! I’m so thankful

Fantastic experience: Great instructors thanks to Ben and Jay I passed my drivers test way sooner than I ever expected the price is more than fair especially for the service you get

Fantastic experience: Los mejores instructores de Connecticut, Mr. Jay and Ben thank you guys

Fantastic experience: The owner is very kind a good teacher and helped me get my paperwork for my road test definitely recommend going to the school for driving and your 8 hour drug and alcohol class.

Fantastic experience: Gracias a jay por tu paciencia estoy muy feliz de haber elegido está escuela de manejo lo recomiendo al

Fantastic experience: Just a simple opinion: Jay's driving school is the best value, most affordable, and best experience you'll find near Meriden. Jay was super nice to me, we had a great time working together from the beginning, and the test went very well. I highly recommend.

Negative experience: Drove nearly 2 hours to get here. He never showed, no call, no text, no email!!!! He said he text and emailed me but I never received anything.

Fantastic experience: Great school, Jays got a great personality, you feel very welcomed and comfortable, thanks again for helping me get my license

Fantastic experience: Sheild Driving School Rocks!! They have great and well experienced trainers. Specially Ben! They will train you for driving with great details and help you across the finish line with their training expertise and professionalism. >>Do not go to other driving school in the area<< they dont have professional trainers like Sheild with years of experience under their belt. Great people to go to for your driving training.

Fantastic experience: El mejor lugar en need ídem y sus alrededores Ecxelente staff Jay muy profesional excelentes reseñas y siempre créame van adelante de la gente de dmv excelente experiencia conocerlos CONGRQTULATIONS GUYS!!

Fantastic experience: Great driving school with convenient hours and affordable rates. My son passed his learner's permit and driving test on his first try.

Fantastic experience: I have been trying to learn how to drive from my family so i would be able to get my license, but I wasn’t very good nor confident. After 3 years, one of my college roommates told me about Shield and how they were so good when teaching her how to drive. It was cheaper than most driving schools, they picked me up at my house each week and they drove me to the DMV. I had Ben in the car with me, and he talked to me to make me feel comfortable, didn’t overreact, and made me feel confident in my driving. He did a very good job and I would recommend him to anyone! I am now a licensed driver and have never felt more proud of myself. I am very thankful of Ben and the driving school!

Fantastic experience: Thanks to jay, and shield driving school I successfully acquired my license today!! I called around after obtaining my permit looking for best bank for buck here in Meriden. all other schools were talking upwards of $700!! jay simply asked me what do I think I needed and how much practice do I need. Jay offered a single 2 hour class, and a hour and a half before my test, (and that’s all I needed) gave me a awesome price at $475, that included the 8 hour class, 2 hour course, 1 and a half hour course, practice with his car, and take the test with his car! Jay also took care of all the paperwork for the dmv. Jay is really a great guy and never made me uncomfortable, he made me feel very confident on the road! I am very happy I went with jay and his driving school thanx again for all the tweaks brother

Fantastic experience: Excelente servicio como profesor de manejos y un excelente servicio y la confianza que brinda y la seguridad a poner a uno a manejar.

Negative experience: Doesn't follow the rules of the road while driving. Go figure.

Fantastic experience: Best in the business! Jay is very smart, experienced, and friendly. He knows everything you will deal with and he walks you through the whole process step-by-step with great detail. Trust me don't go anywhere else!

Negative experience: I prepaid for $1,500 for 16 hours of lessons and a test. It has been over 1 year. And I still have an hour lesson and a driving test. He repeatedly canceled lessons. Always with an excuse. Being sick. Car trouble. Stuck in traffic. Jay is personable. I am very disappointed!

Fantastic experience: Shield driving school is the best choice to get your driving license, Jay is a wonderful instructor who give you more than a simple car lesson, I highly recommend him.

Fantastic experience: Just passed my road test with Jay today, He calmed my nerves, had lots of patience, and knew exactly how to teach me safe driving. Great place to get your license and latino friendly, deserves 5 stars

Fantastic experience: dennis is the goat!!!!

Fantastic experience: Jay was really helpful and gave good advice and told me what I needed to work on in order to get my license

Fantastic experience: Lleve a mi hijo con Jay y al otro dia ya tenía licencia de conducir. Como dice él: "Ya es libre". Excelente servicio, un ser humano con mucha humanidad y deseos de ayudar. Recomendado 100%.

Fantastic experience: Nunca es tarde! A mis 50 años obtuve mi licencia de conducir en el primer intento. Realmente no lo puedo creer. Gracias Dios!, Gracias Jay por tu valiosa ayuda y support. Si se pudo!

Fantastic experience: Excelente escuela! Pase mi examen de una vez

Fantastic experience: Jay Is The Best For Connecticut Is Was A Pleasure Meeting you Bro got My Certificate Right At The End Of The Class God Bless You Bro !!! Top 5 For Connecticut !!!!(

Fantastic experience: 100% recommend. This school provides you with important knowledge about the rules of the road in a fun and energetic way.

Fantastic experience: Jay was an absolutely amazing teacher, I would recommend him any day.; he's a great teacher who can get the point across very well. Shield is an excellent school for anyone looking to learn how to drive.

Fantastic experience: Great guy! and great course material 10/10

Fantastic experience: On Zoom due to Covid now. But. I got my license within 2 months.

Fantastic experience: Very good! Just got my license today, quick easy & informative, very good driving instruction, worth it. Got it on the first try. Good communication, gets back to you quickly, very worth it.

Fantastic experience: Very good, made me feel comfortable driving on the road. Highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: If you want an amazing drivers ed school where the teacher is dedicated to you and make sure you give your all, this is the school for you. Jay is the best instructor you can have. This is the best driving school hands down. Absolutely the best place to learn how to drive and get your license test. Got my license with an ease and a breeze. Highly recommended. 5 stars for sure !

Fantastic experience: Shield driving school is one of the most professional business , I've ever encountered.The owner Jay is an absolute amazing professional and passionate person he is honest and he shows his passion in what he does with every class he teaches. I honestly wish that I would've meet Jay sooner. I will recommend Shield driving school to everyone I know who's trying to get their license

Fantastic experience: Good communication skills ... Good car's for Driving test ... Excilent Enviorment in class room ...

Negative experience: This is the worst run small business I’ve ever encountered. Zero communication. About 80% of the classes were cancelled at the last moment (when most of the students were not aware and therefore showed up anyway). And the classes he did have had almost no reflection on a driving test (never covered important information like what to do at an intersection). Instead spends most classes bragging about his time as a cop and acting as an infomercial for AAA.

Fantastic experience: Jay is easily the best at what he does. He's one of the nicest people you'll ever meet, which helps nervousness and anxiety around driving. I took my classes online with covid but it doesn't compare to the knowledge you'll get from in-person classes. His energy and enthusiasm make this unique and a great experience. Jay cares a LOT about his students. Ask anyone, Jay is a selfless teacher who wants what's best for his students. Just this year alone I got my permit and driver's license. I couldn't have done it without Jay.

Fantastic experience: I’ve been driving for years but could never pass my test. I took some on the road lessons from here, and I swear it gave me back my confidence. Every instructor I met here was insightful and motivating and I don’t think I would’ve ever been confident enough to pass without having that kind of support. They really push you but in ways that are beneficial and have taught me little tricks I used to pass my driving test. It took seven times to pass this test and after my lessons I passed it with no mistakes my seventh one. So take my 6 prior attempts with a different school to showcase how well this place really helped me. Thanks guys, honestly I can’t thank you enough for helping me feel confident and have the pleasure to tell people I passed!

Fantastic experience: Soooo Glad I came to this driving school Jay and his team are amazing!!!! their main focus is to get your license and Iam sooooo happy I came to Jay & Kurt they helped me achieve my goal I passed first try yay!!!!! I will definitely refer all who need their license. They are simply the best I can’t stress that enough!!!!

Fantastic experience: Before I went to Shield I thought I might never get my license! Jay knows exactly how to make people comfortable behind the wheel and make sure you are ready for your test! So grateful I was referred to Shield!

Fantastic experience: Comunidad hispana y no hispana, tenemos cerca a los amigables Irving (professional instructor), y Jay (carismatica persona), a nuestro servicio.Excelente resultado en mi prueba... Cada día podemos hacer mejor las cosas y ellos me ayudaron . A pesar de q he manejado mas de 20 años, en adelante lo haré mejor.

Fantastic experience: Jay and all of his instructors are incredibly kind, patient, and informative. They are thorough in the way they teach and they care tremendously about their students. Money is secondary to their concerns— they care first and foremost about students passing the test and becoming safe, independent drivers.

Fantastic experience: Jay, Kurt and Irving are very patient and great teachers who genuinely care.

Fantastic experience: If you want the best place to get your driver's license Shield is the pace. Jay is the man, takes his job seriously makes sure you feel comfortable when your there he makes the class flow quick, in other words it's not boring, Jay makes sure you get the best from the best and cares for his students, I went for my 8hr alcohol class and passed it, awesome!!! Thanks Jay, Shield driving school is the best.

Fantastic experience: Jay is the BEST driving instructor in CT, I guarantee that you will get your liscense with him. And he made the Drug And Alcohol Class really enjoyable. Overall a great experience and an awesome dude.

Fantastic experience: Irving and Jay are both amazing instructors. I highly recommend Shield Driving School. I trained with irving and he helped me with things i needed to work on, such as backing in and made it easy for me to understand by sharing helpful tips to succeed.

Fantastic experience: Jay is definitely the best driver instructor a person can find in CT. He gives you the confidence you need from lesson #1 to the end. If you want to learn to drive and get your license S.H.E.I.L.D is the place to sign up at. I had a positive experience.

Fantastic experience: Jay was the absolute best, class flew by and I actually enjoyed it. It turned out to be a great experience and Jay will be a friend forever, u want people like him in your life!!!

Fantastic experience: 10/10 would drive again.

Fantastic experience: Irving and Jay are the best! Got my license the first try no problem. Very fulfilling experience and I am grateful to the both of them.

Fantastic experience: Jay is the best driving instructor in the state. If you want to learn how to drive safely and feel comfortable behind the wheel you can look no further than Shield Driving School. Jay is a personal guy who you can tell cares about every single one of his students and puts his heart and soul into the school. Jay will stop at nothing to make sure that you feel safe and comfortable behind the wheel and you will undoubtedly get your license and pass on the first time and feel ready to drive everyday after learning from Jay.

Fantastic experience: I highly recommend Shield Driving School. Both of my sons went through and the owner/instructor was fantastic. He is great with the kids and really knows what he is doing. His knowledge and skills stand above the rest. You get personalized service with a smile everytime.

Fantastic experience: HIGHLY RECOMMEND! From a parent's perspective I was extremely pleased with doing business with Jay. It was easy to register, easy to make payment, the communication was excellent and Jay was very courteous. I was amazed that the fees included Jay and his staff scheduling the road test and taking the kids to the driving test (including a dry run of the roads by the DMV just before the test) in the Shield vehicles. So stress free for the parent and I think my daughter was more comfortable going to the road test with her instructor. I highly recommend Shield Driving School and I look forward to my son taking his lessons there next year.

Fantastic experience: Jay and his team were amazing. He answered all our questions and returned phone calls/texts right away. I HIGHLY recommend Shield Driving School!

Fantastic experience: Jay and Irving were both awesome instructors, got my license no problem 10/10.

Fantastic experience: Jay was a great instructor high energy .He never let me loose focused of my goal he also gave me great tips..he believed in me even when I doubted myself.It was along journey for me But with his help I achieved my goal.Thank you Jay!!! I recommend anyone to go to this school I had an amazing experience..and I'm a legal driver!!!! Thanks to Sheild driving school...

Fantastic experience: I was 27 when I went here. Jay was patient and taught me so much about driving. I still remember things he taught me 2 years ago. I could not have asked for a better driving instructor! I highly recommend Shield Driving to anyone at any age.

Fantastic experience: Great instructor. Jay

Fantastic experience: I just got my license today and I can say I really wouldn’t have done it without the help of Shields wonderful teachers they are extremely helpful and explain everything thoroughly. I definitely recommend this driving school to people interested in attending

Fantastic experience: Just got my license today with Shield Driving school, spent over $500 with Ezlern Driving School & Failed. Save money and introduce yourself to Irving and Jay they are awesome instructors!!

Fantastic experience: Great instructor! Thanks to Jay & Irving for the classes they are great . I just got my license today thanks to them . Full of good sense of humor . I will definitely recommend them !

Fantastic experience: The best place, and the best person I never met. I recommend him and his staff for their dedication with the people and also they are bilingual. Thanks Jay!

Fantastic experience: I was reluctant at first to go to driving school but after just one class I realized that Shield isn't like any other driving school that has you sitting and buried in some book. Being in class is actually really fun and you will never have a problem getting the help you need to learn anything about driving. Can't say enough about how glad I was to go here to get my license.

Fantastic experience: Beeeeest thing that Meriden, Connecticut has. Totally worth it. The best of the best. I cannot stop thanking God for people like Jay and Irving. Y’all deserve infinite stars not just 5. There is nothing better than having people that will support/help you with you driving. They prepared you mentally too. Im the best because they made me the best. Thanks Jay and Irving.

Fantastic experience: This driving school is the only school, that teens need to go to, owned by a men by the name of JAY ALVAREZ an EX police officer that will make sure your teen know every single concept when it comes for driving, he has a love for his job and his students, and he will make sure that your teen will be ready to be able to drive, and will make sure that you teen will pass, high energy environment/ healthy/ educative.

Fantastic experience: I had an excellent experience driving with Shield Driving School They stay on top of things with scheduling driving lessons...The 8 hour class really opened my eyes to a lot of driving errors people make on the road everyday and how important it is to always abide by the rules. My driving instructor was jay and he knew how to keep a professional relationship with me. He knew how to be completely honest with me on terms of driving technique and habits I shouldn't have. I personally wanted to thank jay and irvin after procrastinating for so long i earned my licence today 11/14/2017... Thank u and team

Fantastic experience: Jay and Irving are both amazing instructors. I would highly recommend this driving school for anyone trying to get their license. :)

Fantastic experience: I would like to start this review by saying "Thank You" to Jay and Irving! Due to the amazing training and education I received through Shield Driving School, I was able to pass my road test on the first attempt. With the knowledge and expertise of Jay and Irving learning to drive was painless and pleasant. Five stars doesn't justify the astonishing service I experienced. I would recommend Shield Driving School to those of any age and from any walk of life.

Fantastic experience: Jay and Irving really did help me a lot to come far into finally getting my license. I really want to say thank you to both and yes I'd highly recommend Sheild driving school for first time and vet learners. Thank you

Fantastic experience: Jay and Irving are great people. Both full of character, energetic and passionate for helping all of their students succeed. Not only do they help you pass your test, they make sure you are a safe driver. They will not let you down. These guys are amazing and I couldnt imagine going to any other driving school.

Fantastic experience: The best driving school around. Great energy and communication. Jay is a great instructor. The experience was wonderful. The company is professional, courteous and flexible. Jay went above and beyond for my teenage son. I truly felt like we were a family through this process. Would recommend this school to anyone, especially for a teenage driver. Jay is very committed to helping others succeed. I walked away from this experience with peace of mind and gratitude. Thank you Jay and team!!

Fantastic experience: A truly great experience. So much fun and excitement in the program.

Fantastic experience: Shield Driving School is amazing. In class lessons are super engaging with Jay. He not only teaches about driving, but life lessons too. Irving is probably the best thing that could have happened to me while attending Shield. Although I started off not really knowing how to drive, he had enough patience to continue helping me grow as a driver. Every once in a while he would scold me because of a stupid mistake, but in the end, I was able to get a clean sheet and get my license. Without Shield, I wouldn't have my license today. Everyone should go to Shield and get their driving lessons done there. No one does it better.

Fantastic experience: Loved the experience, I took the alcohol and drug classes with Jay and he gives a lot of information while motivating you to be safe. Took my road practices with Irving, and at first I was so nervous, but he made me feel confident, answered all my questions and went with me to my road test and I passed!! Thank you guys for helping me

Fantastic experience: Jay and Irving will get you your license

Fantastic experience: Jay and Irving are amazing teachers. I actually got my license today 2-10-17. I had to reschedule my driving test because I wasn't metal prepared and Jay was so cool about and happily changed my date. I got extra driving hours with Irving and practiced on my own. I am really great full that I got recommend this driving school. Jay is such a cool guy and does his best to make his students feel comfortable. I have nothing bit good things to say about them and I wish the best for them in the future. - Ana Olvera

Fantastic experience: Great experience Jay Is an awesome instructor. Very respectful takes his time with you. I definitely recommend this school.

Fantastic experience: This school is best.... i took 2 hrs with Irving and he is the best the way he give instruction and the way he teach is the best and obviously how can I forget Jay his energy and motivation motivates you alot.. i highly recommend this school...

Fantastic experience: Best experience ever! I just got my license today thanks to Jay. I recommend him to anyone. He has an excellent program.

Fantastic experience: It was awesome working with Jay! Very friendly but extremely respectful and professional.. I did the road test twice and they failed me so I decided to go online to look for driving school and found shield. I spoke with Jay and told him the 3 things I failed on, he said no problem we will fix it all ! And he did! I took ONE lesson with him which is 2hrs and his way of teaching you to grasp n understanding it all was super clear and easy.... 4 days later I took the road test again 09/29/16 and I aced it with freaking flying colors!!! One day before my birthday ... I was so eager and determine to pass which made it very easy for me to hang onto Jay's every word and it worked!! The guy has skills. Thank you Jay! Sincerely, Kerrie

Fantastic experience: If it was possible I would give more than 5 stars. I am so happy that I chose to go to Shield Driving School. I had done my research on other local driving schools and none of them felt like they were going to help me. I knew that Jay the instructor at Shield was going to be the best fit to help me obtain my Learners Permit and Drivers License. He made me feel welcome and comfortable and knew what he was talking about with his instruction in the classroom and while doing the road practice and made it easy to understand and be excited about driving. I was nervous when I was behind the wheel but once we started I was more motivated and excited to learn more. I would recommend Shield Driving School to everyone. Thanks Jay, Shield Driving School your the best!!!!!

Fantastic experience: My experience at shield driving school was a stellar! The founder and instructor Jay is a very engaging and well rounded in his teaching approach . Over two decades in law enforcement equips him with the means of applying class room material to real life circumstances. Working with jay from desk to behind the wheel was seamless and made me significantly confident and comfortable driving. I participated in the mandated eight hour drug and alcohol course as well as a handful of driving sessions. Receiving my license has been one of the most easiest trials of adulthood I have faced so far. He remained animated and uplifting through every step of the process. I highly recommend attending shield driving school and working with Jay. His energy and motivation is quickly making him a staple in our town!

Fantastic experience: I couldn't be happier with my time, and investment with Shield Driving School. I was enrolled in the Full Program, which included 8 hours of behind the wheel training, 30 hours of in classroom training, and the mandated 8 hour drug and alcohol course, and also purchased the Off-Site DMV testing. Just three months after receiving my learners permit I was walking out of the DMV with Jay and my Drivers License! Getting started was really easy! I gave Shield Driving School a call and left a message; I quickly got a call back and was ready to get started! Being a young adult living out of home, it was important that lessons were: a) scheduled easily around work and school b) affordable and accessible c) actually could help me become a confident (and safe) driver. Jay was able to exceed my expectations with Shield Driving School. I knew from the beginning that I needed to learn how to drive from a professional; I'm not going to lie, I was very anxious about driving. Jay was able to help lift this anxiety with his wonderfully sociable and animated demeanor. During our Behind-the-Wheel lessons, he helped keep the mood light through conversation while also being fully diligent of everything on and around the road. Jay is a retired police officer and is fluent with all the laws and bylaws of the road: you will not find expertise like this anywhere else. If there was anything that needed to be brought to my attention I was confident Jay would let me know. These lessons gave me tons of information that may have been overlooked if I learned how to drive any other way. It was difficult to get around when I didn't have a license. When looking into driving schools, I feared that would not be able to get to the classes or lessons. Luckily, this was not the case for Shield Driving School. The School is centrally located in Downtown Meriden, a comfortable walking distance for me; I was so happy. For the Behind-the-Wheel driving lessons Jay was able to pick me up when I needed to be. It was just a bonus that the School that was easiest to get to was also, the most affordable in the area. Scheduling could not have been more convenient. Shield Driving Schools is powered through Google, sending alerts to my phone and E-mail. I was able to have Behind-the-Wheel driving lesson right after my classes and the ground courses were held in the evenings. I was enrolled in the program during the Winter, so weather was an issue on one of my scheduled days; we simply rescheduled for the following week when the weather was clear. Jay even helped me get a better date for my road test, helping me get my license a whole month earlier! It is obvious to anyone who has truly worked with Jay that he is passionate and dedicated to this job; his love for his students, driving, and teaching will never be in question. His company car is immaculate, modern, and well maintained, just like his classroom. Jay goes above and beyond to give his students the best experience possible, and it shows! Thanks to Shield Driving School I was able to do what I thought was impossible: I got my driver's license. However, becoming a skilled, defensive, driver was not all that I gained from this experience; Jay treats his customers more like a friend or family member than clients. I recommend his business to anyone, and everyone.