Any tips on driving a Manual car?

[florezitta10]

I know how to drive an Automatic and have been for over 5 years and now i own a stick shift and i am so scared to do something wrong. I will mostly be driving it to run errands take the girls to school and such so i stop a lot and have to be very careful i don't drive very fast too any advice is welcome. Thanks in advance.

[Sohcahtoa]

I recommend reading this article on how manual transmissions work followed by this one explaining how a clutch works.  They're a bit technical, but I found that learning exactly what's going on under the hood, what the clutch does exactly, and why you have one made it easier to learn how to drive a stick.

My biggest advice for learning though is that if you're noticing the car is stalling, push in the clutch a little more.

[drew4464]

The first time I drove one was on the highway so I did not have to shift. My buddy just had me push the clutch when he said so and he shifted. It is hard to learn in a big city with stop and go traffic. Once you are comfortable getting into first gear without stalling you will be okay. Practice in a parking lot

[florezitta10]

Thanks guys. I will take your advise into consideration. I hope i don't damage the car.

[Stealth3si]

It's best to practice alone.

[florezitta10]

It's best to practice alone.

I hear ya on that. I taught my self to drive cuz i hate people telling me wat to do or yelling in my ear lol.

[rogery]

Practice practice practice. Avoid hills in the beginning if possible. Everyone stalls a few times at first. Keep at it and before long, you'll be able to drive with your eyes closed....ok, not that. Keep your eyes open.

[mc1962]

Well, I will tell you this much...........untill you get real good, stay out of San Francisco (LOL) the hills there will rock your world.

[sh33ma]

learning should only take about 3-4 times in the car. I just learned a couple months ago, i roasted the tires a few times on accident and stalled twice but after like 4 times out in the car i was shifting like great.

[oldbuddy]

If you're just running short errands, start out in second gear and leave it there.

[cece12]

The first time I was ever in a manual it was snowing out and I don't even think I had my license, just my permit! Needless to say-years later when my husband brought one home from basic training, I was terrified to try it again, but...practice makes almost perfect. Just hang in there...stay out of rush hour traffic until you are more confident and good luck!

[Kymberli0529]

I never did catch on so I'll just go with everyone else's advice...Practice.

Good luck 

[Wren28]

I used to own a car with a manual transmission, but after I started driving truck I gave up the car. I had enough of shifting gears driving truck for 18 years.

[thanhkle2003]

Hi there,

My first thought is you have to be sure that the car is somewhat a newer model. This will ensure that the clutch and everything else has more life and can accomodate to your experience. If you can get it in first gear and shift to the next gear then the only thing left is controlling the vehicle to stop on time. These I believe were my 3 major concern when I first learned to drive a manual car at the age of 17. BTW, the car was old so the braking process was not my favorite thing.
Practice and have fun

[ancmetro]

  I do not mean to scare you!...'Do not drive if you do not know how to drive it!"...you could get involved in serious accident.