Guide to Driving a Manual Car

Those learning how to drive should ensure they understand how to drive a car with a manual transmission (stick shift). It is not uncommon for teens to learn how to drive on an automatic and take their driver’s test on an automatic. This can lead to problems later in life where the driver is then limited in the types of vehicles they can successfully drive. Learning how to drive a stick shift early on can prevent difficulties from arising further down the road. Many driving instructors recommend that students learn how to drive a manual transmission as this ensures that they will always have the skills needed to drive both manual and automatic transmissions.

Make certain that when you learn to drive a manual transmission, an experienced driver accompanies you. Have someone whom you trust and know will have the patience needed while you fumble through gears assist you. Take your time to read through materials to familiarize yourself with the different gears, but do not mistake online learning or reading through a manual as real practice. The best way to practice and learn how to drive a manual transmission is by getting in a vehicle and practicing behind the wheel. Choose an area free from pedestrians and traffic to practice in. 

Your position in the car or truck is of the utmost importance. You will need to ensure that you are seated comfortably in the vehicle and can easily reach the clutch with your foot, as well as the manual gearshift. Before you even consider putting the car in motion, adjust your seating to make certain you can easily and comfortably reach the clutch and gearshift. Learn the typical five forward speeds that are often in an “H” pattern. Keep in mind that some Japanese models may have a different setup from European models. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the vehicle pattern before you begin driving.

Only start the vehicle after you are comfortable with your position in the vehicle and are well familiar with the manual transmission and gearshift. After you are certain you know what you are doing, start the car by checking the parking brake and then putting the vehicle into the neutral position. When the car is in neutral, you can familiarize yourself with putting the vehicle gearshift in all of the positions. Once you are ready to move, slowly remove your foot from the parking brake.

In order to make certain your are familiar with the vehicle and gearshift, start the car but do not put your foot on the gas pedal. Put the vehicle in first gear and you will feel how the car begins to go through the necessary gears and begins to move. Beware of letting the clutch go too fast. By keeping your foot off the gas, you will not travel at high speeds and you can safely get accustomed to feeling the vehicle move in gear. Continue practicing starting the car and shifting into first gear without adding pressure to the gas. This will make certain that you become familiar with getting the car in motion.

After you feel comfortable starting the car and putting it in first gear, you can work on adding some pressure to the gas pedal and beginning to accelerate. Make certain to keep your left foot on the clutch and gently apply pressure to the gas while releasing pressure on the clutch. Make certain to slowly remove the clutch while you put pressure on the gas. Meanwhile, switch from first to second or another high gear slowly and smoothly. You may find that your vehicle’s owner’s manual has a recommendation for the speed you should maintain when shifting gears. Determine beforehand if there is a recommendation and make certain to follow all instructions in your owner’s manual. 

One important factor to keep in mind is that you should always put the parking brake on when parking. This is especially important if you are parking on a hill, as there is no locked position in stick shifts or manual transmissions as there is with an automatic. Always put the parking brake on then move the gearshift to reverse of first gear. 

You may find more information regarding learning to drive a manual car in the following links.