How to Drive a Manual Shift Car

Manually Minded

Getting into the driver's seat of an automobile is exciting, but learning how to maneuver a manual transmission can be challenging. Many drivers are reluctant to drive a manual car due to the challenge it presents; however, this article will guide you through the steps of understanding the gear mechanism, how to differentiate the gears and ultimately how to drive a manual gearshift in no time.

Things You'll Need

• Automobile with manual transmission
• Patience
• A clear area to practice driving

Instructions

1. Place the key into the ignition. To start an automobile with manual transmission, the clutch must be depressed fully. The clutch is the last pedal, to the left of all the other pedals. Though it may seem easier in the beginning to drive with both feet, this is not the normal way and it is not safe. Start getting into the habit of using only a foot at a time to avoid an accident.

2. Place your left foot onto the clutch and depress fully. Put the gear into neutral or the middle gear. Turn the ignition switch. Make sure to only turn the key enough to start the engine. If the key is held too long, it may cause ignition problems later on.

3. Once the car is started, immediately move the right foot to the brake pedal. This will keep the car from rolling forward or backward. If the car is started in any gear other than neutral and the clutch is lifted off prematurely, the car will jerk spontaneously or shut off completely. It's important to only release the clutch when the accelerator or gas pedal is pressed.

4. With the left foot on the clutch, place the stick shift into the first gear. Slowly lift the left foot from the clutch while placing the right foot onto the gas pedal and pushing the pedal down slowly. These two actions should happen at the same time. The car will move forward.

5. Be sure to monitor the mileage acceleration. Once the speedometer has reached twenty miles per hour, depress the clutch again while changing the gear to second. Most times you will be able to determine when to change gears based upon the sound of the engine. Second gear is also used when traveling at a slow pace, such as in traffic conditions or when crossing rail road tracks.

6. When the speedometer reached thirty miles per hour, change the gear to third. At forty miles per hour, the gear should be changed to fourth. Fifth gear is usually reserved for highway traveling or when traveling at speeds more than fifty miles per hour. When needing to back up, simply place the car in the "R" or Reverse gear, depress the clutch and slowly press the gas pedal.

7. You should now be able to drive a manual shift car with no problems. Be sure to review the guide in the resources section for additional assistance.

Tips & Warnings

• Watch for oncoming traffic. Be sure to practice before driving on the highway.

• When sitting on a hill or inclined area, it is important to place your foot on the brake. A manual shift car will roll without using the brake pedal.

References

• How To Drive a Stick Shift

Resources

• Learning How To Drive A Stick Shift Car