Shifters Ca Manual Shift Training

Fantastic experience: I didn't expect to be fully capable of driving in downtown Toronto by the end of Lesson 5. I would highly recommend these lessons to anyone willing to acquire the skill! Carlos is a really good driving instructor and provided me really helpful information to make stick shifting easy to learn.

Fantastic experience: I just finished a 5-class, 90 minutes each session course with Carlos Tomas at Shifters in Etobicoke, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. Carlos is an incredibly patient and knowledgeable instructor, which made learning to drive stick way less intimidating. From the first lesson, he had a way of explaining things that just made sense, especially with the clutch and shifting gears. What really stood out was how calm and encouraging he was throughout the lessons. Even when I made mistakes, he’d guide me through it without making me feel pressured. By the end of the course, I felt confident and comfortable driving a manual, which I never thought would happen! If you’re looking to learn or brush up on your manual driving skills, I highly recommend Carlos—he’s amazing at what he does.

Fantastic experience: Carlos provides an excellent service for learning and developing your manual driving skills. I found Carlos to be patient, clear, and helpful in his direction. I had some experience with driving manual but really needed a refresher before a bit of manual driving I have coming up, and Carlos's lesson was exactly what I needed. I'm sure he would be fantastic for anyone just starting out as well. Thank you!

Fantastic experience: I had 5 lessons with Carlos, and by the 4th lesson I was driving standard confidently in traffic on main roads. He was an excellent teacher who brought me from having zero experience with manual transmission to enjoying the experience and technicalities of driving these types of cars. Would strongly recommend Carlos for anyone looking to purchase a manual car or to rent a car in Europe. Thanks again Carlos! 10/10

Fantastic experience: Carlos is an excellent instructor! Very approachable and patient and especially knowledgeable. He taught me not only the fundamentals of the manual transmission but the fundamentals of driving. I don't regret my time at Shifters, and would recommend them to anyone not only wanting to learn to drive a manual transmission, but driving in general.

Fantastic experience: Carlos was an excellent teacher. He thoroughly explained the theory and manual transmission mechanism that helped me understand what is happening under the hood. He was a very patient and knowledgeable instructor. Would recommend going to him if you are looking to learn to drive a manual transmission!

Fantastic experience: During our recent vacation, I rented three cars; a manual 6 speed Citroen C3, a manual 6 speed Ford Fiesta and an automatic Citroen C5.  I had few problems driving the manual cars and I want to thank Carlos for the valuable lessons he gave me before leaving. Carlos gave me the skills and confidence to drive those cars. Thanks again.

Fantastic experience: If you do not know how to drive a manual car, and you take some lessons with Carlos, you will then be able to drive a manual car. It really is as simple as that.

Fantastic experience: Just got back from Europe and drove a manual 9-seater van with no issues! Carlos is an amazing instructor and if you follow and trust his learning process, you will have the necessary skills and knowledge that you will need to drive manual. I went in with zero experience with manual driving and after 5 sessions, I found myself very comfortable driving in Europe. I highly recommend learning from Carlos! Very smart, friendly and accommodating.

Fantastic experience: Carlos is really amazing at what he does! I knew nothing about driving manual and in a couple of months he taught me how to drive like a pro. Great guy, 10/10 recommend!

Fantastic experience: I had the pleasure of learning stick shift with Carlos! What an incredible driving instructor! He not only explains the theory with absolute clarity but also brings a warm and likeable personality to each lesson. Understanding the theory laid a strong foundation for the practical lessons, making the entire learning experience enjoyable and stress-free. I highly recommend him to anyone eager to master stick shift driving. A truly fantastic instructor!

Fantastic experience: Carlos is a great teacher; he was very patient and was able to explain how to drive a stick really well. I highly recommend anyone wanting to drive stick to learn from him!

Fantastic experience: I took the city driving course with Carlos a few months back before I got my own car and he was a great teacher. I felt myself improving significantly after each lesson and, once I complete the course, I was left confident in my ability to drive manual.

Fantastic experience: I don't usually post reviews, but Carlos is an amazing instructor! He explained the mechanics of what is going on underneath and was very clear and calm in his instruction. I never drove manual before, but I had some theory in my head (always wanted to learn growing up). After these lessons I feel confident that I can drive manual in a variety of situations and actually enjoy driving and being more connected with the car. Highly recommend for anyone looking to learn manual!

Fantastic experience: Had a great learning experience with Carlos learning how to drive stick in 5 sessions. Carlos has these amazing models for teaching the mechanics behind the car. Also learnt a number of skills that are useful in everyday driving in different scenarios. Would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to learn stick with no experience!

Fantastic experience: Carlos is an excellent instructor. I feel confident driving manual transmission now thanks to him. Highly recommend

Fantastic experience: I don't leave many testimonials but this is one I HAVE to leave based on my great sessions, to share with anyone seeking others' experiences. To the point - Carlos is an amazing instructor. He's so friendly, his instructions were clear and informative, there was no such thing as a silly question - he answered all of my questions and made me feel comfortable discussing them. I had a few sessions and feel confident in my manual stick shift driving now, more than I did when I first started. If you're reading this and considering some lessons, I will tell you now - you will not be disappointed. I highly recommend Carlos at Shifters.ca

Fantastic experience: Carlos is a supreme teacher. The communication was excellent , and he is a real professional. Whether you learn by feel or by knowing technically what is going on under the hood and on the dash, I think he is able to translate his knowledge, skill and passion for driving stick to anybody. Highly recommend. It was a pleasure to ride and learn with him. He made me safe and competent for driving (and parking!) along the windy mountains and tiny narrows in Europe.

Fantastic experience: Had a fantastic experience with Shifters. I had a little bit of experience driving standard previously, but not much. I wanted to take some lessons before going to Europe and potentially renting or borrowing a car there. Carlos managed to fit me into his schedule on short notice. He explained manual transmission in the clearest way I've ever heard, and showed me a lot of helpful little tricks. I ended up renting a manual transmission fiat in Sardinia for two weeks, and had a great time driving it along coastal and mountain roads, through lots of roundabouts, etc. I used the techniques that Carlos taught me daily. If you're looking to get very comfortable in a standard vehicle this is, in my opinion, the best lesson that you can take!

Fantastic experience: Learned to drive stick shift with Carlos back in 2007 after 14 years driving automatic. 15 years later I own a stick shift and hate renting auto cars. Thanks Carlos !

Fantastic experience: I had always wanted to learn how to "drive stick" but never got around to doing it. I'm so glad that I found shifters.ca. Let me tell you right now, if you're on the fence about learning to drive a car with a manual transmission, this is the place to go. Carlos is an excellent instructor who guides you every step of the way. In just a few sessions, I went from a complete "manual newbie" who didn't know his clutch from his gas pedal to driving on busy city streets with lots of traffic. Carlos is knowledgable, patient, and has a great sense of humor, setting any anxious driver at ease. I live far from Toronto (a couple of hours), but the travel time and hotel stays were well worth the extra time and money. Still on the fence? I was so well-trained and so confident after this course that within days, I traded my 2011 automatic Honda Civic for a 2017 6-speed Civic. One doesn't do that if they don't feel they can drive it. Thanks, Carlos! :)

Fantastic experience: Just finished a 5-lesson package. In short, I have high confidence in my ability, I don't have anxiety about stalling or not knowing what to do, and most importantly I am developing manual driving intuition. Carlos has a great outline that starts with understanding whats going on in the car and how that is different between manual and automatic transmissions. His lessons involve progressive technique-building and focusing on getting individual skills right before putting them all together. I would recommend Carlos to anybody. Many thanks!

Fantastic experience: Carlos was an amazing instructor. He takes the time to educate you on the car and how it drives and his attention to detail is great. He is patient and is able to pinpoint areas of concern immediately and focus on them. His lessons are very thorough and engaging. He takes all of the anxiety away and is the only instructor I would recommend!

Fantastic experience: Carlos takes any anxiety away in the process of learning to drive a manual transmission. He knows his product and how to teach it! Shifters is easily worth the cost. I can't recommend these lessons enough!

Fantastic experience: Carlos is an excellent instructor. He takes the time to explain and help visualize what is actually happening inside of the car, which I found extremely helpful in understanding the techniques, not just memorizing actions. He is patient, relaxed, observant, and very professional, and he made learning a fun experience, highly recommended.

Fantastic experience: I had a fantastic experience with Shifters. Carlos is an exceptional instructor. I had never driven manual before and I was extremely nervous. Despite my nervousness, Carlos was completely relaxed and professional the entire time, and was very supportive and positive. He never rushed me through anything, he was always encouraging, answered every question I had, and was very clear in his explanations (he even brought a visual aid to help connect the theory to the practice!). Despite being initially terrified, with Carlos' help, I was driving at night, in Toronto rush hour in only a few lessons. Nothing short of a miracle. I highly recommend Shifters to anyone wanting to learn.

Fantastic experience: Carlos is a professional and personable manual driving instructor whom really knows his stuff. Having not driven for almost 10 years, and no experience with manual transmission whatsoever, I was nervous about getting back behind the wheel. Even from the very beginning, Carlos has put me at ease with his calm and patient demeanour, provided me with constructive feedback and answered all of my questions. I highly recommend Shifters - well worth the money!

Fantastic experience: Contacted Carlos as I needed a refresher course before my trip to Italy. I hadn't been in a manual since in 15 years and completely lost it. Carlos walked me through everything step-by-step and showed me the right way to be doing things. By the end of our 3rd lesson I was driving effectively in traffic and gained enough confidence to drive safely and effectively in Europe.

Fantastic experience: Carlos is an excellent teacher with decades of experience. I did the 3 lesson package and feel comfortable with a stick now, however I might purchase the next 2 lessons. Highly recommended.

Fantastic experience: Finished my lessons with Shifters in June 2018 after having lessons with Carlos. I was able to be fit in throughout the month, just before I had to leave for a trip in Europe. The lessons were fantastic, with Carlos taking the time to explain the intricacies of the car and then helping me get up to speed at my own pace. I would highly recommend Shifters for anyone looking to learn manual driving!

Fantastic experience: Just finished a 5 lesson package with Carlos and it was wonderful. Having absolutely no experience driving standard, I was a little worried, but Carlos is an excellent teacher. Patient, calm, and extremely knowledgeable. We covered the basics, hill starts, steep hill starts, down shifting, city driving and a bit of highway driving. Overall a great experience, and I'd highly recommend Shifters if you're looking to learn. Thanks Carlos!

Fantastic experience: I came to Carlos at Shifters to prepare for a trip to Europe - I’d never driven stick before, but he’s managed to take me from learning how to get my car in gear in a secluded neighbourhood to navigating Toronto traffic during rush hour and dealing with starting from a dead stop on a steep hill. I now have the confidence to rent a standard car on my vacation and enjoy Europe!

Fantastic experience: I bought the five lesson package and was very happy with the knowledge of the instructors and the quality of the lessons. I went from never having driven a manual transmission vehicle in my life to confident that I could get where I needed to go in a manual vehicle should the need ever arise. Warren and Carlos are great and I would highly recommend Shifters to anyone looking to learn to drive manual.

Fantastic experience: I felt very nervous and not confident going into Standard lessons, but Carlos instantly put me at ease and continued to do so throughout my entire experience. He is very calm, knowledgeable, and humorous. He clearly outlines each step involved in each skill, and encourages practice until it becomes almost effortless. He demonstrates and talks about how the clutch and engine work, so it is easier to understand the reasoning behind the skills. I went from having no ability to drive standard, to having the ability to manage traffic and hills by the end of the 4th hour. I highly recommend lessons from Carlos!

Fantastic experience: I had a pleasure of taking manual driving course with Carlos. I had very little exposure and experience with manual transmission before the lessons and after the course i was confident enough to rent a manual minivan for my 8 day trip to France ( with wife and 4 kids as passengers:). With the price difference between the manual and automatic rental vehicles in Europe the course paid for itself. Carlos is very knowledgeable and patient instructor and i will recommend him to anybody interested in stick shift lessons. His mazda 6 is professionally equipped with second cluth and brake pedals on the instructor/passenger side. When you drive on the busy road the first time it will give a bit of extra confidence and safety. His prices are reasonable and Shifters is a registered and insured driving school( unlike a lot of people with ads on kijiji).

Fantastic experience: In just a couple weeks I went from thinking that I would really struggle driving standard to driving the 8 hours to my cottage without any problems, even on steep hills. Carlos really helped me understand not only how to drive standard, but all of the mechanisms behind how it works. I would definitely recommend Shifters to anyone wanting to learn.

Fantastic experience: Knowledgeable, patient, professional. Carlos is an excellent instructor.

Fantastic experience: I took three lessons with Carlos and can now drive standard, and can even start our truck from stop on busy hills without panicking. Carlos explained the mechanics so that I understood, and then got me practicing in his car in a quiet neighbourhood. After the lessons, I needed to practice for maybe 20 minutes in my own truck just to get the feel of the different clutch pedal, but I knew exactly what I was doing. Shifters is Carlos' business and he's been doing it a long time, so he actually cares and is professional. A previous reviewer called his business "scammy" and that is certainly not true. He's an excellent teacher and I highly recommend him.

Negative experience: I registered for a 90 minute lesson with these guys. Came to just under $150 after taxes. What a waste! I have been driving for 10 years, and all I really wanted to do was practice driving manual under the eye of an instructor. Instead, the guy insisted on talking for the first 30 minutes, droning about how the clutch works. $2/minute to explain the first couple of paragraphs of an article on Wikipedia. The rest of the lesson wasn't much better. Every 2 minutes, he would insist I pull over to explain some more theory. Before long, it was obvious what he was trying to do. This was just an "introductory" lesson. If I really wanted to learn, I would have to sign up for the $500 package. I estimate that I got to practice actual driving for a total of about 15 minutes of that 90. The guy even had the gall to say, "If you are committed to learning properly, you should probably sign up for our 5-lesson package." Carlos is running a scammy business. Stay away. A few days later, I went out with a different company for a $55/hr, got some solid practice, and happily drove rented cars in Europe a week later.