Tips On Driving A Stick Shift

The first thing you will notice when learning to drive a stick shift is that there are 3 pedals instead of 2. These 3 pedals are from left to right the clutch, the brake, and the gas pedal.

The other big difference with a manual transmission vehicle is the gear shift. An automatic transmission vehicle shifts for you automatically, but with a stick shift car, you are responsible for shifting the gears. Most stick shift cars are 5 speed, but there are some older 4 gear vehicles as well as newer 6 gear sports cars.

One important thing you must learn before you start to learn how to drive a stick shift is the use of the parking brake. You must either leave the car in gear when not in use and you must always engage the parking brake or your vehicle will roll, especially if you are parked on a hill.

Now let's get ready to drive....

Before starting a manual transmission car, make sure you press down on the clutch, then you can start the vehicle.

While pressing down on the clutch, put the car in first gear. You will see a diagram on the top of the gear shift.

With your foot still press down on the clutch, apply the foot brake and release the parking brake.

when you are ready to start moving forward, you should then release your foot off the brakes.

Gently begin to release your foot off the clutch, when you sense the car is starting to move forward, you can then apply a little gas to accelerate. This process is the most important in learning to drive a stick shift. You must be able to feel the point where the car is needing for you to give it a little gas.

Once the car starts moving forward, approximately 3000 rpm, you can then press the clutch again and switch to second gear. In each gear you will have to release the clutch gently while pressing down on the accelerator.

Shift the vehicle every 3000 rpm or every 15 mph hour. After a few times you will have a natural sense of when to shift gears. The key is to make sure that you are not pressing the accelerator and clutch at the same time. This may cause damage to your clutch.

The same process you use when shifting upwards is the same used to downshift your vehicle. When you are slowing down, you will need to depress the clutch and shift into a lower gear. Always shift to second gear to stop and make turns. Do not use first gear for either of these processes because it will cause your manual transmission vehicle to jerk.

To drive your vehicle in reverse, you will have to follow the same directions. Remember that the main component of learning to drive a stick shift is the take off. I hope that these tips on driving a stick shift was helpful. I have also a provide a video on driving a manual transmission in this lens.