I am from the UK and pretty much everyone here drives a manual so I have no idea 'how hard people are making it out to be.'
There is no question that it adds a level of complexity, but it also gives you greater control and like anything once you have learnt what to do and have lived with it for a while it you will just do it without thinking about it.
I would consider it helpful for you to understand the basics of how your car works, why are you changing gears anyway, what are they for? Just wtf is a clutch and why dont i want to set it on fire?
I think you should learn to drive 'stick' even if you end up driving an auto.
I want to drive a manual cause it enables me to do both, so yeah.
Like everything in life practice makes perfect & as for me my father taught me how to drive manual when I first got my license & after that I had a summer job & one of my coworkers taught me how to drive it as well. As for me I have an automatic & I haven’t driven manual in a long time so I guarantee I’m going to need a refresher.
How did you go on your first time driving one?
Honesty it was a little weird & I was grinding gears & pissing my father off however it took time & I learned by practicing in a parking lot. As for you give it a shot & it’s always a good skill to have or learn.
My father used to drive manual but I have wanted to drive a manual from when I was younger up until this day. At the moment, he drives an automatic. I have to pay for my own lessons and car. He told me to take 2-3 lessons to see if I like it.
I say go for it & you’ll be a manual pro & it’s fun.
Yep! I'm going for it. My father said that it's very difficult at the start.
In life if you never try you will never know & when it comes to learning things take time & think may seem hard at first & later on it will seem easy to you. Learn & make your father proud.
https://youtu.be/0KxxlLnjFG8 In addition to learning watch some videos as well, like this one.
Thanks a lot! I want to learn the manual. I told him that I'm very nervous but I've got this and then he told me that I will be extremely nervous once I try haha.
Yep. I have started watching a lot of videos.
IF YOU CAN’T FIND IT GRIND IT! Remember that & say it if you want to make your father smile
My father is constantly telling me that driving a manual is hard, but I could still give it a go and he also stated that his mechanic said that it is hard to drive too and that makes me question myself on whether or not I should buy a manual even though I want to.
So, I just had my first 1 hour driving lesson with an instructor. I began to drive on a flat road, both wide and narrow and a little bit on a main road and drove around a roundabout and only stalled 5 times within that 1 hour lesson. It was my first ever time driving a manual car. :)
It's extremely hard, stressful and just downright horrific when you drive in a city.
Really? How so?
Do you own a manual car though?
Oh god... Now I'm worried. :/
That's what I want, I guess.
That's what I'm going to do I guess. I'm already feeding myself with knowledge on manual cars anyway, so yeah.
Practice and knowledge both help, I believe.
I see how. Yes, will do.
Thank you so much! 😊
<3 <3 <3
Done. You can follow back, if you want too! :)
Okay 👍🏽
Opinion
20Opinion
Still nervous? No, it's not. It just takes some getting used to. Back in truck driving school, they called me "Dragonslayer", because during the skills test, I stalled out the truck, and that particular truck was known to the school as the one that NOBODY could kill. So I botched the test, was deeply embarrassed, and gained an impressive nickname for a stupid reason.
What happens what you stall a car in real life? You shift it to neutral, roll your eyes, and turn it back on. No big deal.
The people that I have talked to say that a manual is hard to drive. :/
I don't know how hard people make it out to be.
It takes more skill than driving an automatic, but I wouldn't call it hard. It just takes some practice. You will almost certainly stall the car at first. But once you get the hand of it it's not hard.
That's what I think as well. Do you have a manual car? If so, how did you go on your first time driving one?
I don't have a manual car. Very few cars ( in the US ) are manual these days.
The first time I drove a manual car was a LONG time ago. I remember that it was a Volkswagen Beetle, but don't remember much else. Those Beetles were easier to shift than most cars.
I think the first real manual clutch I drove I stalled a lot. I think most people don't give it enough gas and let the clutch out too fast.
That's the entire trick. Push one pedal, while letting the other out. You need to find the right balance. That takes a little practice.
Very true. How much gas do you need to give out?
I can't really describe it. It takes practice. You can go by sound somewhat. I'm totally guessing but I think you probably need at least twice as much RPM as the idle speed.
Idle speed? :/
I just the way that you asked your question I have all the faith in the world that you will build not only do it but do it very well it's basically hand eye coordination and you have to hear the motor that's the most important part you become part of it and it's easier I can tell you right now you're not going to have a problem I can see you will take it on and you will do it perfect
Oh my god! Thanks a lot for the encouragement! So, you think I’ll grasp on just fine? 😁
Yes his hand-eye coordination and listen to the motor once you get the sound down to win you should shift it will be easy push clutch in shift as releasing the clutch you will find a rhythm if you go out too slow with the clutch it will give you a jerking movement so feel that feel it in your foot in your leg if you don't go out fast enough you burn up the clutch I mean it will take a while but there is a happy medium there I mean I mean just with the throttle you don't even need the clutch but let's not go there first get you to use it can understand it
Can you actually tell when to change gears by the sound of the engine as well?
Yes you don't want to over rev the engine look on the brizel your instrument panel in the car and you will have your RPM gauge the RPM gauge you can use as a indicator to shift gears that you can do it by sound too next time you get to drive put it in first gear go into a big parking lot or there's no more cars put it in first gear let the clutch out start driving to give it gas and listen to the motor as you give it throttle you were here the engine speed up and it will start winding out
No, never. Also, it's not helping me when my father keeps telling me that a manual is hard to drive. :/
Well you know why he's doing that do you is because he probably doesn't even want you driving to be honest he loves you and doesn't want you to get hurt it's the wrong way to go about it but I guess it's his way okay so if I have anything to do with it you can learn how to drive it and you're going to be good at it LOL to practice with your voice
Let's Pretend your motor is your voice 1 to 5 is the RPMs of the motor speed okay make a motor sound if you go to 5 with your voice you have gone way to far you want to shift in between 2. 2 1/2 listen to your voice especially when you're in a car or in a car that has a gear shift and you'll see what I mean practice that sound you memorize it because it's almost like the exact same time that you're going to have to shift and hey by the way you got this don't even worry about it don't make it more difficult than it is is hand-eye coordination and listen to the motor it's very very easy once you get that down you got it when you shift be quick you don't have to be racer quick would be gentle smooth with the clutch pedal and you are and you'll be fine just be screwed clutch in clutch out don't drag the clutch she's clutching nice and smooth out
Make it a point to tell your father that you got this and that you can do it go to allow him to intimidate you because it is very easy what you got it down it's very easy don't be scared if anything about it if anything's mess up just to mess up so you understand it more and do yourself a favor prove your dad wrong
Now he’s saying that he would take me to drive a manual. I’m buying the car by the way. One minute he says “My mechanic says it’s hard.” And the next minute he says that we’ll buy a manual.
He can hear in your voice how determined you are he knows the difference between an automatic and a gear shift once you get that sound down in your head on shifting with your voice you haven't made I wouldn't even worry about it the difference between an automatic and a manual is basically your hands-free with an automatic but with a stick shift a manual there's so much more things you can do with it especially if it was a truck and you were four-wheeling but I'm not even to go there I don't want to confuse you don't worry about it you got this I can feel it I can feel you and you got this
Thanks a lot! Do you think he is actually aware about how determined that I am to learn it and that I am actually capable of driving it?
Well he should I mean I don't even know you but I can hear and feel your every word that was when you asked the question till right now . You are determined to succeed that's who you are that he should be proud of that because you're that way in everything you do and that should make him even more proud he should have your back instead of fighting against you because that should hold you back he puts things in your head that don't need to be put in there this is more than just learning how to drive a stick shift this is a part of you this is a part of everyday life that you're going to go through it's about anything you want to do in life you're going to have roadblock of some sort a hold back there's always going to be a problem and he has to believe in you did you are going to take it on and succeed the DSM understand that you are not a quitter did you are a fighter you were determined and he should absolutely love that
He's doing what he's doing because he loves you and did he doesn't want to see you fail but if that's the case he has to believe in you not already make you feel before you even did it you know what I mean I'm sure he has a good reason for what he's doing but you shouldn't tell you before you even try you should support you because like I said I see pure determination I see pure driven I see success and I feel it he doesn't need to be in your head any more than he is your first day you might have problems who knows who even cares that just going to make you even better when you do learn how it's a rhythm it's timing I think you got this 100% + and now no matter what you need to stay in touch with me because I need you know exactly what's going on with you so I can help you I want you to succeed more than anybody
So, I just had my first 1 hour driving lesson with an instructor. I began to drive on a flat road, both wide and narrow and a little bit on a main road and drove around a roundabout and only stalled 5 times within that 1 hour lesson. It was my first ever time driving a manual car. :)
Damn 5 times is good really. I'm sure I did more than that.. so are you listening to the motor and the RPM the sound of the motor will reach you everything . And it's cool you have a driving instructor. That helps well I think you did a good job a really good job and on stalling out listen to the sound and if your not sure the push the clutch back in again and start over when's the next time you take another test drive
My instructor told me the exact same thing as you. We did take breaks as well. I wanted to give you the MHO but unfortunately the bot did it for me because I wasn't quick enough. :/
The Al Bot Choice above.
So you think I did well? :D
My instructor said the same thing and he also said that I seem extremely keen to learn; which I am. :)
Nahhh. I don't like comparing myself to others. Everyone is different. :D
Sorry? :)
I'll follow you. :D
Thanks a lot! I was just really determined to learn. :)
Got back to you!
Sure is. :)
It is not nearly as difficult as people believe. I've been driving for over 45 years and forty of those years were behind the wheel of cars with 5 and 6 speed transmissions. Getting started while stopped on a hill tends to be the biggest challenge with a manual transmission, so you should practice that skill.
No matter how long you drive manual transmissions, expect to stall the car every now and then. Good luck.
The people that I have talked to say that a manual is hard to drive. :/
No, it just takes a little practice. You need to get the feel of the clutch. You have to know how much force it takes to push the pedal down and how to re-engage it after you shift. It just takes a little practice. Find a vacant lot and spend some time practicing this. Also get used to shifting and how the shift pattern is set up.
My father used to drive manual but I have wanted to drive a manual from when I was younger up until this day. At the moment, he drives an automatic. I have to pay for my own lessons and car. He told me to take 2-3 lessons to see if I like it.
How hard do people make it out to be?
I've only driven manual, but i can expect its a huge deal in the beginning when switching.
But you just need maybe an hour to get accustomed.
If so, how did you go on your first time driving one?
I stalled the engine once or twice, and it took some time to find the sweet spot from the clutch
From the clutch and the accelerator?
Just clutch, it was a diesel, you can drive it with just the clutch, You only need the accelerator once the car is going.
And when switching to our car the accelerator was never an issue.
Unless when trying to drive uphill, you have to be quick with your feet or use the handbrake as support.
I am very scared to drive a manual on steep hills. :/
Thats understandable, but take it slow, maybe practice at night with no traffic
I am going to take lessons with a driving instructor though. :/
So, I just had my first 1 hour driving lesson with an instructor. I began to drive on a flat road, both wide and narrow and a little bit on a main road and drove around a roundabout and only stalled 5 times within that 1 hour lesson. It was my first ever time driving a manual car. :)
Thats good, once you get the feeling it isn't really hard, its really the first hour thats complicated, and than it gets more easy.
Thanks a lot! What do you think about how I went for my first go though? :)
I guess once the car was going, you had no problems
It's not difficult, but a pain in the ass if you're doing a lot of driving.
For most people it should make little difference if they're driving only a few miles a day.
Do you drive a manual? If so, how did you go on your first time driving one?
Nah. It took me an hour or so of practice and then it was off to the races. I kind of prefer it now, my gas mileage per gallon went waaaaay up.
An our of practice on your first go?
hour*
Yup! But I did prep a bit with youtube videos for a bit. That probably helped somehow.
That's what I did too, but it's not helping when my father is constantly telling me that driving a manual is hard.
So, I just had my first 1 hour driving lesson with an instructor. I began to drive on a flat road, both wide and narrow and a little bit on a main road and drove around a roundabout and only stalled 5 times within that 1 hour lesson. It was my first ever time driving a manual car. :)
I know this is super late but congrats! It feels really nice mastering a new skill like that.
Like anything, if you have the proper teaching and practice, driving a manual transmission is not hard... it can actually be quite fun.
Do you drive a manual? If so, how did you go on your first time driving one?
The first few cars I owned were manual sticks. I switched to automatic when I got married and my wife couldn't drive a stick. I tried to teach her, but it just didn't work. I pretty much drive all automatics now, though I did drive a rental car with a stick in the UK several years ago. My older sister's boyfriend taught me to drive a stick... my first few times out (I was 17) were not bad... I occasionally slipped the clutch, accelerated a bit jerky, and stalled a few times, but I quickly mastered it.
That's like my father. He used to only own manuals but now he drives an automatic cause his wife can't drive a manual.
If you like to drink coffee, smoke a cigarette, and text your friends while you're driving like I do, I would recommend an automatic.
Nahhh. I’m not going to do any of that once I’m on the road.
Not really. It's just a little tricky to get used to starting from a hill.
Do you drive a manual? If so, how did you go on your first time driving one?
I work at a used car lot so I drive them sometimes but not often. I wouldn't consider myself good at it but its only because of how little experience I have.
You're first time you're gonna want to be very careful to shift into the correct gear. Personally for a first time driver I would skip 1st gear and go straight to 2nd because it's less sensitive and you're still learning.
You're going to stall the engine a few times from not letting off the clutch smoothly enough and not giving the proper amount of gas while you're letting off the clutch.
How much experience do you have driving a manual?
I probably drive a manual for about 100 miles/month
Ehh more like 50, like really not a lot
Ahh okay, I see. Thanks a lot for the tips though! :)
So, I just had my first 1 hour driving lesson with an instructor. I began to drive on a flat road, both wide and narrow and a little bit on a main road and drove around a roundabout and only stalled 5 times within that 1 hour lesson. It was my first ever time driving a manual car. :)
Sounds like you're off to a good start. You'll probably be better than me by the end of that driving school! Haha how did you like it
I definitely enjoyed it thank you very much aha! Had to go slow and be cautious as well. I didn't stall around a roundabout, so that was a huge plus for me haha.
No they are fun to drive. They are hard at first 🥇 stick shifts better on the road, better gas mileage/kilometers
Do you have a manual car? If so, how did you go on your first time driving one?
Here in the United States they have a tendency to get rid of all the stick shifts. I haven't drove a stick shift in years. I am looking for an older car that has a stick shift. We also have a person that is our leader of our country that wants to get rid of all gas vehicles. He's disillusioned.
I agree! That's ridiculous of them.
On a modern car no, its pretty easy. Older cars with crappier mechanical bits are much trickier
Fair enough. How did you go on your first time driving one?
My very first time was out on a frozen lake with a truck set in 4-Low gearing. That made it very easy. Then after that it was in a Mazda 3 and it was terrible. I kept stalling it.
I should also say whoever is teaching you makes a big difference. The owner of the truck knew a lot and the owner of the mazda didn't know anything lol
I'm going to take lessons with a driving instructor soon. :D
Nice! Have fun
Thanks a lot, but it's not helping when my father is constantly telling me that driving a manual is hard. :/
Depending on his car it could be. Or he could just not be good at it lol
So, I just had my first 1 hour driving lesson with an instructor. I began to drive on a flat road, both wide and narrow and a little bit on a main road and drove around a roundabout and only stalled 5 times within that 1 hour lesson. It was my first ever time driving a manual car. :)
I took my test recently in s manual. A few weeks after passing it’s just natural now.
Do you drive a manual? If so, how did you go on your first time driving one?
I do drive a manual. Luckily I picked it up quite quickly.
I hope I do too, but it's not helping when my father is constantly telling me that driving a manual is hard.
The only people that say it’s hard are the ones that have never tried 🤷♂️
Do you drive a manual? If so, how did you go on your first time driving one?
Yeah, and I’m sure it was bad the first few tries like everyone else but that was a long time ago
How long did it take for you to get the hang of it?
I don’t know, not long
Fair enough.
It's not...
Just because it's not popular in western world.
99% manual here..
Do you drive a manual? If so, how did you go on your first time driving one?
I didn't learn from driving school or anything... I just used to watch my friends how they drive and one day I tried and day by day...
follow me on Instagram or here
https://www.instagram.com/ardentbiblio_roy
I don't have Instagram, sorry. :/
So, I just had my first 1 hour driving lesson with an instructor. I began to drive on a flat road, both wide and narrow and a little bit on a main road and drove around a roundabout and only stalled 5 times within that 1 hour lesson. It was my first ever time driving a manual car. :)
Congrats
Thanks a lot! Just an update! What do you think about that for someone that drove a manual for the first time ever? :D
Good. Try not to look at the gear shifter when you shift. Focus on the road. It will come naturally the more you drive
My instructor told me that too :D
It is quite a bit harder than automatic but not impossible.
Do you have a manual car? If so, how did you go on your first time driving one? Also, how much harder is a manual than an automatic?
Can't read your reply cos I've blocked you or you've blocked me :)
Hahaha oppp.
Still can't read it. But yeah. Good day.
Nope
Do you drive a manual? If so, how did you go on your first time driving one?
I’ve only ever driven a manual. 😅 It’s really not that hard. It just takes practise and some time to get used to everything.
LMAO why do people make it out like it's harder than what it really is?
I don't know, but it's really not. Ofcourse, it will be a bit ''complicated'' in the beginning while you get used to gears and clutch, but once you get hold of it, it's easy. I really like manuals. I never drove automatic and don't find them appealing tbh 😅
Same. I've always found manuals interesting and automatics boring tbh lmao.
It is all about timing, just takes practice
Do you have a manual car? If so, how did you go on your first time driving one?
Oh no. I hope your back gets better. Also, how did you rake the car?
Sorry. My bad. How much gas do you need to give out by the way?
That all depends on where my instructor will take me, I guess. :/
I have never driven a manual before. This will be my first time I have ever driven one. :)
It's a bit hard when you have your father telling you that it's a very difficult transmission to drive. :/
Australia.
Left.
I thought it was like that everywhere? :/
You put your right foot on the brake and the accelerator and the left foot on the clutch.
Yes. Thank you.
So, I just had my first 1 hour driving lesson with an instructor. I began to drive on a flat road, both wide and narrow and a little bit on a main road and drove around a roundabout and only stalled 5 times within that 1 hour lesson. It was my first ever time driving a manual car. :)
Its easy
Why do people make it out to be hard?
No..
The people that I have talked to say that a manual is hard to drive. :/
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