It is easy to start and shift through the gears with the basic concepts.To drive a manual, you'll need to get used to the clutch, gearstick, and driving at various speeds.
Step 1: Start on level ground.
If you're new to driving a car with a manual transmission, start slowly.Once you sit down, put your seat belt on.It is possible to roll down the windows while learning.This helps you shift gears when the engine is revved up.From left to right, the pedal is on the left and the middle one is the brake.The same layout is used for both left- and right-hand drive vehicles.
Step 2: Understand what the clutch does.
Before you start pushing down on this unfamiliar pedal on the left, take a moment to figure out the basics of its function.The clutch disengages the engine.The clutch allows you to switch gears when one or both are spinning.The clutch must be depressed before you change gears.
Step 3: The clutch pedal has a full range of motion.
You can press the clutch pedal with your left foot if you slide forward enough.
Step 4: Hold the pedal to the floor.
The travel of the clutch pedal is different from the brake and gas.It is a good chance to slowly and steadily release the clutch pedal.If you only drive automatic cars, it might be hard to push a pedal on your left foot.You will get used to using both feet in concert with practice.
Step 5: The gearstick should be moved into neutral.
The middle position feels free when moved from side to side.When the gearstick is in the neutral position and the clutch pedal is depressed, the vehicle is out of gear.The gearstick won't work without the clutch pedal being depressed.
Step 6: Make sure the gear stick is in neutral by starting the engine with the key.
If you are a novice, make sure the handbrake is on.Some newer cars won't start in neutral if the clutch is depressed.
Step 7: The car is still in neutral if you remove your foot from the clutch pedal.
If you are on a hill, you will start rolling if you stay stationary.Before you drive off, make sure to release the handbrake.
Step 8: The gearstick should be moved into first gear by pressing the clutch to the floor.
The gear pattern should be on top of the gearstick in the upper left position.Take some time to study your car's gear layout.You might want to practice shifting with the engine off and the clutch engaged.
Step 9: Lift your foot up from the pedal.
Continue until you hear the engine speed drop, then push it back in.You can instantly recognize the sound if you repeat this several times.This is the point of contact.This is the point at which you want to be able to provide power when you shift gears.
Step 10: Let up on the clutch.
Lift your left foot up from the clutch pedal to get moving.Light pressure should be applied to the accelerator with your right foot.Slowly releasing pressure on the clutch pedal will balance the light downward pressure.You will probably have to do this many times to find the right combination.If you want to do it that way, you can release the clutch until the engine goes down a little, and then apply pressure on the pedal.The car will start to move.As the clutch pedal is let up, it is best to have the engine revved just enough to prevent stalling.You are new to the extra pedal in a manual car, so it may be difficult at first.Once you are in first gear, slowly remove your foot from the pedal and release the clutch.
Step 11: When you are first starting out, expect to stall a few times.
The engine will stall if you release the clutch too quickly.Push down a bit further if the engine sounds like it's going to stall.If you stall, depress the clutch, apply the handbrake, put the car in neutral, and switch the engine off.Don't panic.The clutch parts at the transmission will wear out quicker if the engine is revved up while the clutch is depressed.It's called riding the clutch and should be avoided.
Step 12: It is time to shift up to a higher gear.
If you're currently in first gear, it's time to shift to the second gear if you reach 2500 to 3000rpm.By the car you are driving, the actual RPMs at which shifting is required will vary.You must learn to recognize the noise of your engine racing and speeding up.Press the clutch pedal until it disengages and guide the gearstick straight down from the first gear into the second gear position.Some cars have a "Shift Light" that tells you when you need to shift, so you don't accelerate the engine too fast.
Step 13: Slowly release the clutch pedal as you push down on the pedal.
Shifting into first from a stationary position is the same as shifting gears in motion.It is all about listening, looking, and feeling for the engine's cues and getting the up-and-down timing of your feet on the correct pedals.You will get the hang of it if you keep practicing.You should remove your foot from the clutch pedal once you are in gear.It's a bad habit to rest your foot on the clutch pedal, as it will cause it to wear out quicker.
Step 14: As you slow down, shift into a lower gear.
Your car will shudder if you are going too slow for the current gear.To shift down gears while in motion, follow the same process of depressing the clutch and releasing the accelerator, shifting gears from third to second, and letting off the Clutch.
Step 15: Come to a complete stop.
Shift down gradually until you reach first gear, to come to a stop in a fully controlled manner.When it's time to come to a complete stop, move your right foot from the accelerator to the brake pedal and press down as much as is required.The car will be on the verge of shaking and vibrating if you slow to about 10 mph (16 km/h).The gearstick should be moved into neutral to prevent stalling the car.To stop completely, use the brake pedal.You can stop in any gear by depressing the clutch and using the brake.This should only be done when you need to stop quickly, as it puts you in less control of the vehicle.
Step 16: Practice with a manual driver.
If you have an experienced driver with you, you can learn how to drive a manual car faster.Start in a flat, isolated area like a car park and move on to quiet streets.Continue driving around the circuit until you remember the skills involved.
Step 17: Stop and start on the steep hills.
Routes that avoid traffic lights at the top of steep hills are good for beginners.Your timing and coordination in working the gear stick, clutch, brake, and accelerator needs to be sharp in order to avoid drifting backwards when you shift into first gear.You need to be able to move your right foot from releasing the brake to letting out the clutch at the same time.If you need to limit backward drifting, you can use the parking brake, but always disengage it as you move forward.
Step 18: Learn how to park on hills.
Manual transmission cars do not have a park gear.If your car is parked on an incline or decline, it's a good idea to put the car in neutral.Don't rely on the handbrake alone to keep your car in place while parked.Shut the car off in neutral and apply the parking brake if you are parked facing uphill.If facing downhill, shift into reverse.The wheels will not roll in the direction of the slope.If you want to be extra cautious on extreme inclines, you can placeangled blocks behind your wheels.
Step 19: Don't change from forward to reverse until you stop completely.
It is easy to make a complete stop when changing directions.It's a good idea to stop before going from reverse to first gear.It is possible on most manual transmissions to shift into first or second when the car is moving backwards at a slow speed, but it is not recommended as this can cause excessive wear on the clutch.There is a lock out mechanism in reverse gear in some cars.Before using the reverse gear, make sure you know how to disengage the locking mechanism.