How to Shift to First Gear
Learning how to drive a vehicle with a manual transmission can be intimidating. According to The Unofficial DMV Guide, knowing how to drive a stick shift is a good skill to have. Once you learn how to do it, and with enough practice, you will be able to drive any vehicle that is not an automatic. Before you can learn how to drive, you'll need to know how to shift to first gear.
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Instructions
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How to Shift to First Gear
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1
Turn the vehicle off. Make sure it is in park and on a flat surface.
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2
Find the gear shift on the vehicle or motorcycle and locate first gear. The Unofficial DMV Guide says most stick shifts have have a guide sticker on them labeling the different gears. If it's worn off, it's recommended you consult the vehicle's manual or ask a mechanic.
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3
Press in the clutch pedal which is located on the far left hand side of the floor panel on a car or truck. On a motorcycle, pull the clutch, located on the left hand side, toward you.
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4
Shift the vehicle or motorcycle into first gear using your guide while the clutch is still engaged. Once the vehicle is in first gear, release the clutch.
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5
Press and hold the clutch in again. Return vehicle to neutral and repeat until you are comfortable shifting the vehicle into first gear.
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Tips & Warnings
Most cars have four or five speeds, including reverse.
According to The Unofficial DMV Guide, you cannot change gears unless pressure is being applied to the clutch.
