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  • When I heard from Jay that he was finally opening his own driving school, I could not have been happier for him. Our community—especially those immigrants applying for licenses for the very first time—is better served with Jay and his teaching methods. I was very nervous upon learning how to drive, but Jay’s enthusiasm and professionalism immediately put me at ease behind the wheel. His strategy was to teach me to be a defensive driver—someone who is always on the lookout for any potential hazards.

    This post is also available in: Spanish

    by Enrique L.

    Terms and Conditions

    Frequently Asked Questions


    Driving Lessons

    Our Licensed instructors offer personal lessons in fully insured cars with flexible scheduling.

    Navigating the DMV Process: Learner’s Permit

    Study Guide for the Permit Test

    We offer a study guide for the permit test drawing directly from the materials offered by the DMV in addition to samples quiz’s and helpful road signs. The Booklet is offered to all students for a $10 fee.

    Going to the DMV of CT

    You must be prepared with all necessary documents before the learners permit testing will be given. Upon reaching the DMV visit the self service kiosk and check-in. You will be called and directed to a testing area.

    DMV locations

    • Cheshire – Written test ONLY
    • Middletown – Written test ONLY
    • Waterbury – Road and Written test
    • Hamden – Road and Written test
    • Wethersfield – Road and Written test
    • Bridgrport – Road and Written test

     

    What you will need

    • $59 dollars total. ($40 for the license testing fee and $19 for the learners permit).
    • A Completed application for a Non-Commercial Drivers License (R229) application form.

    Road Training

    Many students use a Shield Driving School, LLC. vehicle for the driving test. You must take a total of 2, 1 hour lessons in the vehicle prior to the test (this is required by State Law) We will pick you up, take you to the DMV, and then drive you home after the test. Costs can be found on the #Pricelistofcourses

    If you are 19 years old, or older, your options are:
    You can use your car, a friend’s car or a driving school vehicle for your on-road test. If you are using your car (or a friend’s car) make sure the vehicle is:
    Mechanically sound; Properly registered; Does not have illegally tinted windows; Insured properly and you are in possession of an insurance card with the following coverage: $40,000 bodily Injury per accident; $20,000 bodily injury per person; $10,000 property damage per accident.

    The Road Test

    During the test you will evaluate the safe condition of the vehicle and your ability to secure the vehicle for travel. Awareness of Traffic control signage, basic driving skills, and ability with added maneuvers at the discretion of the inspector with the goal of preparedness. The Road test evaluates the following criteria.

    • Safe condition of the test vehicle
    • Ability to properly secure the vehicle, adjust seat, seat belts, and mirror [“preparing to drive”]
    • Response to traffic control signs and signals, signaling, interaction with other motorists (yielding the right of way, response to emergency vehicles).
    • Backing, Parking, and Parallel parking.
    • Proficiency in basic driving skills such as turns.
    • Other driver maneuvers at the discretion of the inspector/license agent.

    The Car You’re Going To Test With – Use a shield driving school vehicle

    It’s easy! With a safe vehicle, fully insured, and licensed instructor you are left to focus on learning.

    The Car You’re Going To Test With – Use your car

    • Vehicle must be mechanically sound
    • Vehicle must be properly registered and insured
    • $40,000 bodily injury per accident
    • $20,000 bodily injury per person
    • $10,000 Property damage per accident
    • Does NOT have illegally tinted windows


    Testing at Shield Driving School

    The following forms need to be returned 2 weeks prior to the test date. Please check your class records and make sure you qualify to test on your desired testing date. See our calendar for a class schedule. The CT DMV requires either a 72 or 84 dollar licensing fee dependent on the length of the license period(5 1/2 or 7 years).

    • Completed DMV Form R-229
    • A Photocopy of the students learners permit
    • Payment : $50 for full program students or $150 for Drug and Alcohol classes
    • Certificate of parental consent

    Failing the Drivers Test:

    • If you fail the vision test you can not proceed to other portions of the test.
    • If you fail the knowledge test you must wait one week (7 days) before testing again, and must pay another $40.00 testing fee.
    • If you fail the road test you must wait two weeks (14 days) before testing again, and must pay another $40.00 testing fee.
    • Test results are valid for 2 years.

     


    Private in-car lessons

    Private in-car lessons

    Learn in a safe dual control vehicle with a certified driving instructor. Shield Driving School will assign a specific instructor to each student, who will provide an assessment to help you understand what driving skills should be practiced before you test.

    Great Experience

    Great Experience

    Shield driving school is a place where a man who has policed drivers all his life will share his educational and first hand experiences with his students. Jay Alvarez is an intelligent man and his years as a police officer I believe makes him ten times more insightful than the average driving instructor. - Daniel O.

    Personal instruction

    Personal instruction

    We assign a specific instructor to each student, that instructor does all of your lessons with you. We think that level of continuity helps our students pass the driving test the first time!