DaRock Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 Does anyone know where to learn how to drive one? I've thought about checking the rental car companies, I've called the DMV with no luck. I would just like to learn one in case I ever needed to drive one, an emergency, etc. I had an automatic from day one and never had a stick shift car. My friends don't own one and if they do, it's a new car, like a stang or something and they don't want to teach someone on it. I just can't find anywhere to learn and practice, any ideas? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shilsu Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 Go to a used car dealership with a friend who knows how to drive stick and find a cheap manual car. Ask if you can test drive it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Helter_Skelter Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 Dude, don't worry. It's not hard at all, it just takes time to get used to. The only cars Ive ever owned have been stick shift. Clutch, ease off clutch, gas, off gas, on clutch, shift, ease off clutch, gas, etc. Piece of cake. Up and to the left is first gear, second is down and to the left, third is just to the right of first, fourth is straight down from third, fifth is up and to the right of third, and reverse is straight down from fifth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevinklein Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 One of your parents will probably know how. Ask one of them! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kubstix Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 Well if you need one for emergencies you just need to hold the clutch in, put the pedal to the floor and just let your foot off the clutch. No granny shiftin when you should be double clutchin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riggo-toni Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 Every car I've ever owned has been a stick. Wierd thing is noone here in NJ knows how to drive one (except my wife, and that's because she spent a significant portion of her life in Arkansas). Why not rent one for a day. (Look up "Rent a Wreck") Have a friend who knows how to drive one drive it to a vacant parking lot for you, and then coach you up as you practice/struggle through it. How can you live in the South and be driving an automatic? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
da#1skinsfan Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 its not like you can read a book and do it....you are right, you just need to do it. im not sure you can specify a rental car in stick (dont see a reason), i know Ive never had one before. Id find a friend who is nice enough to let you learn on their car...go to a big parking lot, worst that happens is you stall a number of times, MAYBE grind a gear once if youre bad. After 30 minutes max you'll be cruising around the lot in 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosher Ham Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 My parents would not allow me to get a driver's license unless I could drive a manual. My wife told me when we first met, that her parent's told her a man must know how to drive a manual. Lucky me. It's pretty easy, it just takes practice like tying your shoes really. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoony Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 I learned on a stick, glad I did. It's crazy how many cars don't even offer a manual transmission as an option anymore. Which is a shame, because they're incredibly fun to drive. Although if I lived in a place where I sat in traffic everyday I doubt I'd want one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Touchdown Redskins Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 Although if I lived in a place where I sat in traffic everyday I doubt I'd want one. I used to have to drive on the highway everyday to get to school, and I had a manual car. It was perhaps the most aggravating experience of my life whenever there was a traffic jam, and I had to put the car in 1st just to move a couple feet. On an open road, however, there's nothing like being able to have full control of your car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bang Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 Just get behind the wheel and tool around an empty parking lot for a while. If you're even halfway coordinated you'll pick it up within ten or fifteen minutes. It's embarrassing jerking along at first, but it really isn't hard to master at all. The toughest part is starting when facing uphill,, try to find a back street with a small hill to practice starting off on. Once you pick it up, you'll never want to drive another automatic again. It is true they suck in heavy traffic jams, but it's a small price to pay for the power and control you have. ~Bang Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mickalino Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 The other disadvantage to stick shift that no-one has mentioned, is if you injure one of your legs, ankles, or feet - you got problems. It only takes one leg to drive automatic, 2 legs for manual. It also takes 2 hands for manual, so that limits your ability for multi-tasking. And the theory about saving gas is a myth. And as mentioned, heavy traffic, and stopping on inclines, declines sucks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stophovr6 Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 The other disadvantage to stick shift that no-one has mentioned, is if you injure one of your legs, ankles, or feet - you got problems. It only takes one leg to drive automatic, 2 legs for manual. It also takes 2 hands for manual, so that limits your ability for multi-tasking. And the theory about saving gas is a myth. And as mentioned, heavy traffic, and stopping on inclines, declines sucks. Because we all know multi tasking is an excelent thing to be doing while you drive.:laugh: You're supposed to use two hands to drive no matter what!!! Manual drivers pay more attention when they are driving because they have to. I can't sip a latte and check my phone messages while driving my car because I have to focus on my driving. Essentialy making me a better and more alert driver. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mickalino Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 Because we all know multi tasking is an excelent thing to be doing while you drive.:laugh: You're supposed to use two hands to drive no matter what!!!Manual drivers pay more attention when they are driving because they have to. I can't sip a latte and check my phone messages while driving my car because I have to focus on my driving. Essentialy making me a better and more alert driver. So, you're tellin me you never even mess with your car stereo ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Touchdown Redskins Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 The other disadvantage to stick shift that no-one has mentioned, is if you injure one of your legs, ankles, or feet - you got problems. It only takes one leg to drive automatic, 2 legs for manual.It also takes 2 hands for manual, so that limits your ability for multi-tasking. And the theory about saving gas is a myth. And as mentioned, heavy traffic, and stopping on inclines, declines sucks. What kind of "multi-tasking" are you doing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mickalino Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 What kind of "multi-tasking" are you doing? Communicating with other drivers by sign lagnuage :finger: :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stophovr6 Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 So, you're tellin me you never even mess with your car stereo ? Yes I change the stations, but I know where all the presets are and don't have to look down to change that station. My 3 button has a little notch on it so I can change the stations without looking. Also, when my car is in first, third or fifth, I don't even have to move my hand from the shift knob. Point is, all cars come with a radio and while they can be a distraction, I'd argue that picking up a phone and sending a text message is far more dangerous. And I've seen this happen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corcaigh Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 The other disadvantage to stick shift that no-one has mentioned, is if you injure one of your legs, ankles, or feet - you got problems. It only takes one leg to drive automatic, 2 legs for manual.It also takes 2 hands for manual, so that limits your ability for multi-tasking. And the theory about saving gas is a myth. And as mentioned, heavy traffic, and stopping on inclines, declines sucks. Dude. Get a car made this millenium with features such as a Bluetooth handsfree phone and audio controls on your steering wheel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mickalino Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 Dude. Get a car made this millenium with features such as a Bluetooth handsfree phone and audio controls on your steering wheel. I need a job promotion before i get to that income level Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haawhat Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 best practice for me was finding an empty parking lot and on level ground learning to engage the clutch without using the accelerator Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skinfan2k Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 So you dont have one of those cars that you can change radio from the steering wheel. Wow. I think i will stick to automatic. BTW, who drives with 2 hands? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speardog1 Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 best practice for me was finding an empty parking lot and on level ground learning to engage the clutch without using the accelerator You're right. Whenever I teach someone how to drive a manual, the first thing I do is have them release the clutch as slow as possible without pressing the accelerator. This allows you to find the release point of the clutch. Which is important because one of the main problems with noobs and manuals is giving it too much gas before releasing the clutch, allowing for a short clutch life span, as well as a rough ride. Overall you want to make the driver realize that very little pressing of gas is needed and you don't stomp on the gas after you shift and realease the clutch. Going up a steep hill, now that's a different story.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reic Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 my celica is a manual, I am teaching Erin in the church parking lot across the street from our house. Just go to a school or large church parking lot and drive around in circle, going from idle to movement is the most difficult thing to learn, shifting gear is a sinch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skinsfan1311 Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 . It's embarrassing jerking along at first, but it really isn't hard to master at all. :laugh: When my Dad taught me how to drive a manual, (on a VW Beetle), he used to call me "Buck" because the damn car jumped so much. He also wouldn't let me get my license, until I learned to drive a stick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
One Shot Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 One of your parents probably knows, it would be free that way. My dad taught me. Going from neutral to first gear is probably the hardest step, but once you get that right you'll be on your way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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