Learn to Drive with a Manual Transmission

While it takes more time and practice to learn to drive a stick shift, there are many advantages to learning the skill. First of all, manual transmissions last longer than automatics, so your car will last longer before needing a major repair. Most importantly, stick shifts are much more fun to drive. Here are some tips to help you learn to drive a manual transmission.

Be Safe

If you are just learning to drive a stick, stay off the roads. An empty parking lot is a perfect place to practice without the risk of an accident. You will have plenty of time to hit the road when you have mastered the basics.

Starting

Unlike an automatic, your manual transmission will be in gear when you start it. Be prepared. Hold down the clutch and put the gear shift into neutral before starting the vehicle. Turn the key and put the vehicle into first gear, keeping the clutch pedal pressed and lightly stepping on the brake. Release the parking brake and you are ready to start driving.

It's OK to Stall

You are going to stall when learning to drive a manual transmission. Accept it and do not freak out when it happens. It is not a big deal and will not damage your car. Eventually you will get the hang of it, and it happens to even experienced stick drivers, so take it easy.

Park Brake on Hills

When you have to stop on a hill, put the parking brake on while the car is in neutral, keeping your feet pressed on the clutch and brake pedals. Go again by following the procedure for starting your car. Place the vehicle in first gear, let up on the clutch while gently switching from the brake to the gas pedal. Then release the parking brake. This trick will keep you from rolling back and hitting the car behind you.

You Have Two Feet

Driving an automatic only requires one foot, but not so with a stick shift. Use your left foot for the clutch and your right foot for the brake and gas pedals.

Shifting

Lower gears are for lower speeds, and higher gears for high speeds. For in-town driving, you will probably stay exclusively in third or below. Fourth and higher are for driving on the freeway. Always put the clutch all the way to the floor before shifting.

Parking

When stopping your car, put it into second gear after coming to a complete stop. Keep your foot on the brake and clutch pedals and turn off the ignition. Then let up on the clutch and pull the parking brake.

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