5 Habits to Break When Driving a Manual Transmission

You might think driving a car with a manual transmission, also known as a stick shift, is difficult. Really, it’s not, despite the nervousness and fear it inspires in learning drivers (and even experienced drivers who have never had to learn).

– Always start the car in neutral. – Downshift while slowing down or in traffic. – Always engage the emergency brake while parking the car. – Use the hand brake while starting on the incline.

Riding the clutch is to always have the clutch pedal pressed, while in gear, and moving at faster speeds. In a bumper to Bumper traffic it is recommended to engage gear 1 roll and come back to Nuetral if needed to stop. Do not ride the clutch.

Not long, just an afternoon really. Now then, how long did it take me to learn to drive it WELL it an entirely different question. That took about 4-6 months to learn all the nuances and really get good at engaging everything perfectly and smoothly.

1. Do not shift gears without pressing in the clutch pedal first.
2. Do not rock back and forth while at a stop.
3. Do not leave it in first gear when at a stop.
4. Do not leave your hand on the shifter.
5. Do not leave the car in neutral when parked.
6. Break the habits.

Not long, just an afternoon really. Now then, how long did it take me to learn to drive it WELL it an entirely different question. That took about 4-6 months to learn all the nuances and really get good at engaging everything perfectly and smoothly. As everyone says, taking off smoothly is the only real hard part.

Keep the car in first gear when the traffic is steadily moving at speeds up to about 10 mph. Keep at least one car length between you and the car in front of you.

The right way to drive in the city in slow traffic, for the health of both the car and the driver!

1. Go easy on the clutch.
2. Get an automatic.
3. Use outside rear-view mirrors.
4. Stick to the correct lane.
5. Stop gently.
6. Use a GPS.
7. Use parking sensors.
8. Avoid distractions.