How to Drive a 5-Speed

Learning to drive a 5-speed transmission can be difficult and frustrating. But with patience and persistence, it can be accomplished.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. To start, push in the clutch (the pedal on the far left) and turn the key in the ignition. The car will not start unless the clutch pedal is pushed all the way to the floor.

2. With the clutch pedal still in, put the car in first gear. To do this, move the stick to the upper left corner. To get the car in motion, apply slight pressure to the acceleration pedal (the pedal on the far right) until the RPM gauge is reading between 2 and 3. At this point, slowly let the clutch out and apply more gas as you do so.

3. Once the car is moving, accelerate until the RPM gauge gets near 3. This will probably be around 25 mph, depending on the car. At this point, push the clutch back in and shift the stick into second gear (the lower left hand corner). Once in gear, slowly let out the clutch and push on the accelerator again.

4. Continue on up as far as you need to. You know when you need to shift up when the RPM gauge gets around 3. You'll know when you need to shift down when the RPM gauge gets below 2.

Tips & Warnings

• When you come to a complete stop, make sure the clutch is pushed all the way in, or the car will stall and you'll have to restart.
• Whenever you shift, make sure you are not pushing on the gas pedal.
• The brake pedal is the middle pedal and you need to use your right foot to press on it. Only use your left foot to push on the clutch pedal.