How to Downshift a Stick Shift

Learning how to downshift is essential to driving a manual transmission vehicle safely.

Motor vehicles come with either manual or automatic transmissions. An automatic transmission changes gears automatically as the vehicle is in motion. A manual transmission requires the driver to change gears at the appropriate time. Learning how to downshift properly is an integral part of learning how to drive a vehicle with a manual transmission. You can learn how to downshift from an experienced driver.

Instructions

1. Take your foot off the vehicle's gas pedal. This should be your right foot. Check the RPM display on your vehicle's dashboard. When the RPM readout display reads 2,000 RPMs, it is safe to downshift.

2. Place your left foot on the clutch and press the clutch down. As the clutch pedal is pressed near the floor, grab the shift stick with your right hand and move it to the gear below the gear you're currently in.

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to continue downshifting. By the time you have the vehicle in first gear, it should be slowing down enough for you to make a complete stop.

References

• The Unofficial DMV Guide: How to Drive a Stick Shift
• Beginner's Guide: What is Downshifting and How Do I Do it?
• Datsuns: When to Shift