To start, Mike was excellent as an instructor, and was able to provide additional training and another voice in terms of instruction--which can prove quite helpful. On this basis, I would give a 5 star review. But, the contact/communication has been very bad. Emails flow through someone named "Jessie" who is quite slow to respond, sets short arbitrary deadlines, and since Mike unexpectedly cancelled a lesson on Dec 16, has not responded to numerous emails, a phone message, and even an question that I posted here two days ago about anyone having any recent contact with Shiftabove2. We offered to reschedule or take a refund and have not heard anything back in a month. This side, I would rate a 1 star. Again, Mike was excellent and if they would straighten out the communication issue it would be 5 star rating. read more

This review is for anyone like me, who recognized that learning to drive was going to be challenging and a lengthy process. After extensive research into programs accommodating adults with unique needs, I confidently chose Shift Above 2 Driving School. They stood out with positive reviews, innovative program approach, and the dedication of the instructor Mike, who seemed incredibly educated and experienced in working with people facing different types of challenges. When I initially started at Shift Above 2, my confidence level was basically zero due to frustrating and unsuccessful attempts at learning prior. After giving Mike background on my previous experiences and how i was now feeling about learning, he immediately established a comfortable learning environment by ensuring that the pace of the lessons were entirely dictated by my comfort level. In those first few sessions, I really appreciated that he was highly perceptive. ​Whenever I struggled with a maneuver or began to show signs of distress, he didn't push me. Instead, he would alter the current technique or introduce a different approach that was much better suited to my skill and confidence level. This adaptive teaching style was fundamental in preventing old feelings of frustration from resurfacing. Soon after, I found myself driving confidently in moderate traffic on main roads and performing K-turns and backing up with very little nervousness. My goal in the coming months is to prepare to pass my state road test with Mike's continued training. read more

​As a 16-year-old high schooler, I am 1 of several siblings who have gone through the 6-hour program provided by Shift Above 2. The training was more knowledgeable than I anticipated. ​I initially felt anxious, but my instructor Mike presented the material in a way that it was more comfortable and engaging that the time flew by. The training was structured to address when I had some anxiety. I learned strategies to recognize my anxiety kicking in and prevent it from interfering with necessary maneuvers. This was genuinely helpful, preparing me significantly better than I anticipated. Highly recommend it. read more

Was very informative and good for the road test requirements, road test standards, and real life. With the information provided I will be able to meet the standards. By the last class my ability to turn and control and drive was less nerve racking. read more

I failed my road test twice with another driving school, even after taking five lessons (10 hours) of road test prep. They barely covered 10% of what Mike taught me in just two lessons (three hours). Going into my third attempt, I feared failing again--but thanks to Mike's exceptionally clear guidance, I passed. I managed to complete everything without fear or mistakes, all because of Mike's precise prep. He covered each step of the road test in the exact sequence, making sure I was fully prepared. Mike also observed where my fear might kick in due to my previous failed attempts and helped me consciously overcome those triggers. His ability to teach not just driving skills but also test-taking confidence makes him an outstanding instructor and a master of road test preparation. Thank you, Mike! I highly recommend him to anyone looking for the best road test training. read more

I had such a wonderful experience at this driving school! The last time I drove on the highway was during my drivers test about 7 years ago. I used a different driving company then and was not taught how to drive comfortably on the highway, so I have been scared of it ever since. I felt I needed to drive with a driving school because I wanted to learn how to change lanes, merge, and drive on the highway with confidence. My older brother had a similar struggle with the highway, and he found the training here to be very helpful. He is now a confident driver and recommended I take lessons as well. I am so happy that I did. Mike at ShiftAbove2 was an amazing instructor. He explained everything to me in detail, ensuring that I would understand the way to safely and correctly drive. He was incredibly understanding, patient, and non-judgmental about my nerves and questions. I would 100% recommend to anyone who feels anxious about driving! read more

Shift above 2 I want to say thank you for helping my son Kamar it has been his dream to drive and with him being on the spectrum I thought it was impossible until I found you guys Mike his instructor has gone above and beyond to give my son the courage and confidence he needs to pass his road test his way of teaching is incredible Thank you shift above 2 but most importantly thank you Mike for going the extra mile we need more people and more driving schools like this read more

I am a 22 year old beginner driver. Put off getting my permit till I felt ready to start learning. Back in 2022 I did searches to find driving schools that specialized with special needs individuals. Out of my searches this driving school I felt had the best program I would better learn from and had more reviews from similar people with special needs. I had a few phone calls with Mike to inquire about what his driving school program entails and from that I had more confidence that I wanted to start with him. After my 1st lesson with Mike I felt very excited & eager to keep learning further on! On my 5th lesson was my 1st time driving in rain and at steadier higher speeds and still felt that I made progress in all areas! Mike really understood my learning level on what I needed to improve on as I gone on through the steps! read more

My daughter learned to drive with Mike in high school. From the first time I spoke to Mike I was put at ease that he "understood." He validated her anxiety yet at the same time gave her concrete ways that she could work around the anxiety. He knows how to explain a concept in multiple ways. He teaches meticulous safety and critical thinking. He is encouraging and positive. As a direct result of his patience and teaching style my daughter learned to drive and became a confident driver. He is a very student-centered instructor - focusing on building on skills at the student's comfort level, so as not to overload or overwhelm a student. He also takes the time to create custom-made sessions depending on the exact needs at that particular time. For example, she had additional lessons just for local driving or just for highway driving. He also will offer concrete advice and recommendations for practice between sessions. As a young adult my daughter has had some setbacks due to her anxiety after a minor traffic incident. We reached out to Mike, and he has helped her get back to driving with confidence and less anxiety. Mike empowers my daughter with knowledge, and self-confidence. As a parent I highly recommend Mike. Mike is also easy to reach and will always get back to you. I recommend Mike for your high school student learning to drive for the first time, as well as your young adult driver who could benefit from some additional sessions to bolster confidence, ease anxiety or practice or review a particular driving skill. If your son or daughter has anxiety, any special learning needs, or you want an instructor that will work as a team and is able to think out of the box to help your son or daughter when challenges arise, then I would choose Mike. My daughter and I both find Mike easy to talk to. He truly wants his student to become a comfortable, successful, safe, confident driver. My daughter and I trust Mike. read more

I started driving with Mike my instructor for almost 2 years. We worked on learning how to do road test drills and learn the rules of the road. I recently took the road test and passed it for the very first time. Thank you Mike for all that you do. read more

I previously did training with Michael back in 2020. At that time, my need was to get back too driving after a serious car accident and bad experiences with other instructors trying to help me accomplish that. Due to Michael's experience, knowledge, patience and a natural gift, I not only was back driving a car, but had the confidence and comfort driving to places I wouldn't have imaged I could. Now to my current need to seek his help out once again. My fiancé had purchased a 2024 6 speed Jeep Wrangler at the first of the year and for the most part, solely drove it since I had no ability to drive a manual vehicle. Coming into late spring, he decided it was time for me to learn how to drive the Jeep. Throughout the summer he tried here and there to teach me and by Julys end he gave-up. I know it meant a lot to him for me to be capable of driving the Jeep and I felt bad that I was not the easiest to teach. Once again my parents came to the rescue and suggested I contact Michael to see if he can help and he was able to as long as I provided a manual equipped car to use. Fortunately, my uncle in Pennsylvania had a 5 speed car and arranged to be in New Jersey on most of the days I would be there. I arranged to visit my parents after setting my lesson schedule with Michael, but didn't tell my fiancé that I was also going to try and learn how to drive a manual car. This was to possibly be my surprise to him if Michael could pull this off since he would be picking me up in New Jersey to go back home. My first day was a bit rough in working out the differences between Michael's instructions and technique and the way my fiancé tried teaching me. I struggled with starting in first gear, down shiffting and reverse. I almost got frustrated enough and wanted to give up, but Michael's patience helped me to overcome the feeling. On the second lesson I was able to shift up and down between first and fourth gears and drove to a speed of 47mph. During that lesson, I only stalled three times. For the third lesson, it was hills, moderate traffic and sharp curves where my friendly frustration started to creep back, but I got through it because of Michaels ability to fix what I was doing wrong. On the fourth lesson I finally reached fifth gear and drove on Rt46 and interstate 80. For my last lesson and jokingly my finale exam was parallel parking. Being a skilled parker, it was a bit more challenging to doing with a clutch then I thought it would be. After a few attempts and bumping into the cones, it became less of a tense feat until Michael had me do it between actual cars. At first that was a nail bitter experience, but he walked me through it once again and I was able to park, but with some tense moments. The outcome. I didn't stall or ride the clutch while parking at this stage. And for those that are uncertain about learning manual transmission. I would definitely give Michael a call and he will surprise you with what he can help you achieve. As for the outcome with my Fiancé, he was in disbelief and thought I was pranking him until I drove us to have breakfast and drove a good amount of miles on the trip back to North Carolina. read more

I had some issues that would make driving a bit of a challenge and needed to find a program that would fit that. This driving school was the best fitting of all that I researched. Mike was very accommodating at times showing me 1 step at a time how to do things. He was very patient and when needed taught me a lower version of a test requirement and then gradually bring me to road test level. When I was ready for traffic driving at speeds above 30mph, he took me onto more main roads and into Hackensack for the experience. read more