Learning How to Drive a Stick Shift
From LoveToKnow Cars
If you're one of the many drivers interested in learning how to drive a stick shift, you've come to the right place. Here at LoveToKnow Cars you'll find a full library of information on all aspects of driving a stick shift.
Many Methods for Learning How to Drive a Stick Shift
Learning to drive a car with a manual transmission isn't easy for everyone. You may not feel that you're mechanically inclined, and the process of shifting while pushing in the clutch feels awkward and uncomfortable. Or maybe you simply feel embarrassed when learning how to drive a stick shift because you don't want to make the gears grind or make the car lurch and look silly or amateur. However, if you prepare yourself by using one of the many learning resources below, once you get into the manual car for the first time, you'll feel far more prepared and confident in your abilities.
Read Articles on How to Drive a Stick Shift
Everyone learns differently. Most people learn the best by reading detailed descriptions about a subject and memorizing the steps or procedures involved. When you learn how to drive a stick shift, you'll discover that even though the process can feel fast-paced while you're driving, it's very methodical and there's a strict procedure you can follow to do it properly. Here at LTK Cars, you'll find articles on how to drive cars with an automatic transmission, but even more you'll find a long list of excellent, detailed articles on how to drive a manual transmission car. If you learn best by reading, make sure to browse through these articles and take notes before you start practicing in an actual car. Better yet, print out one of these guides and take them with you so you can refer to it if you forget any steps.
- Learning to Drive a Manual Transmission Car
- Steps on How to Drive a Standard Car
- Teach Me How to Drive Stick
- How to Drive a 5 Speed
- Learn to Drive a Manual Car
By carefully studying how the experts describe the method of using the clutch, the gas pedal and the shifter in a smooth and easy process, you'll realize that it's actually not all that hard to drive a standard car.
Watching Videos to Learn
Other people learn better by watching someone performing a task. This is where actual video of drivers accelerating, braking or otherwise handling a standard car can be very useful. If you aren't quite brave enough to ask a friend or family member to show you how to drive a stick, then browse through the following [[driving video sites and observe expert drivings doing it the right way.
- Monkeysee is always an excellent source for instructional videos like driving a standard car.
- WonderHowTo is another "how-to" site that features how-to videos on driving a stick shift.
- Graspr is an "instructional video network" where you can observe training videos on driving a stick shift.
No matter where you go to watch free instructional videos, there are plenty of free resources if you're the kind of new driver that learns best through visually watching someone performing such a task right in front of you. Watch a few of these helpful videos and you should be ready to give it a try yourself!
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Another method many people use to learn how to drive a manual transmission car, rather than just reading articles, is to look at photo slideshows of the various steps such as how to shift or how to use the gas and clutch at the same time. LoveToKnow Cars is one of the few auto websites that offers a useful slideshow that displays each step in the process. If you prefer viewing photos to learn, review that slideshow before you head out an try it yourself.
Final Words
Whether you're a driver's education teacher or a driving student, all of the resources listed above will help you either supplement your current driving curriculum or if you're a driving student, they will help you learn more about an aspect of driving that a lot of new drivers never learn. Understanding how to drive a car with a manual transmission will give you skills and the confidence to drive any car that you may need to drive.
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This page has been accessed 355 times. This page was last modified 19:53, 19 August 2009.
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