Should I learn to drive a standard shift?

[mardukblood2009]

I wished I would have learned to drive shift. You never know when you might need to use it.

[2redbags]

I have been wanting to learn how to drive ever since I was a young lady, but things got in the way.
By me getting married and working a full- time job.  Since I am semi- Retired I thought maybe I
could learn to drive now, but my husband  says I don't need to learn because he will drive me
around. I know how to use public transporation, but it so hot in Houston I don't feel like standing
at the bus stop for 15 minutes waiting on the bus, so I wait until my husband comes home.

[braggin]

Most cars sold today are automatic but you can order standard shift specially. I think it is a good idea for kids to learn to use standard shift and to take their driver's test on one to get a license giving the right to operate one. You never know when in life the only vehicle available in an emergency might be a standard shift one. I had my kids learn standard shift and take their driver's test in one and was furious when the inspector made them go through a much more difficult course than the other kids driving automatics but they passed anyways so I didn't complain.

[monnee]

It doesn't hurt to learn.  Knowledge is power.   

[vickysue]

I learned to drive a stick shift when I was 14, I drove my Uncles grain truck then , our stick shift car and a tractor.  I had never driven a manual until I went to take my drivers test and it had power brakes. When the sheriff told me to stop when he said stop I should stop. I did and he darn near went trough the window. (before we had the seat belts we have now and we did not have to use them). When he said stop I push hard on the brake and we stopped hard.  Oh by the way it was his mother's car. But I got my license just before I turned 15. Farm kids  got them earlier then they do now.

[oldbuddy]

If you want some real incentive to learn to drive (and buy) a stick, check the prices to replace or repair the transmission for each type.

[sak4kat]

If you have the opportunity to learn.. go for it.  Ya just never now when you could end up needing that knowledge someday.  And it's fun.   It's one of those things that once you learn you'll never forget.  Like riding a a bike. 

[btajpb3]

I'll echo what others have said, you probably don't need to learn how to drive a stick but it's not a bad thing to know.

[Skyisbluetoday]

Shifting a car isn't that difficult!

[appy9104]

It sure wouldn't hurt to know how even if you end up with an automatic car.

[linderlizzie]

I have been wanting to learn how to drive ever since I was a young lady, but things got in the way.
By me getting married and working a full- time job.  Since I am semi- Retired I thought maybe I
could learn to drive now, but my husband  says I don't need to learn because he will drive me
around. I know how to use public transporation, but it so hot in Houston I don't feel like standing
at the bus stop for 15 minutes waiting on the bus, so I wait until my husband comes home.

Take a driving course from a local driving school. You should not be required to rely on someone else to get around. That kind of control borders on abuse.

As for the question about stick shifts, I think they are totally fun to drive, especially four and five speeds on the floor.

[timvolley]

i never learned how o drive a stick shift and i thought most cars are automatic but i havent shopped recently

[alina6]

I took my drivers test on a standard shift many years ago. The advantage of learning how to drive a stick is that you can drive any car. You never know when you may need to in an emergency.

[fjaz1]

I ride a motorcycle so I really don't care

[oldbuddy]

I ride a motorcycle so I really don't care

Even motorcycles offer manual and automatic transmissions.