Driving a Stick- Easier Said then Done. Blarhgg.

lunarsongbird · August 2011

Driving a car with a manual transmission is kinda hard.

It'a also kinda hard learning with a loved one- because it's easier for you to wail,pout and thrash about when you stall the car.

But in all seriousness- I didn't pout that much and I didn't get the car moving at least a dozen or more times in 30 minutes.

But I still think it's awful!!

Anyone have any tips on learning to drive a stick?

lunarsongbird · August 2011

Ollie08 · August 2011

No!!! All I know is that FI has a manual transmission and I tried learning on it, but he would cringe every time the car bucked and I stalled. I keep telling him I shouldn't be trying to learn on a flippin sports car and that it's still relatively new, but I just haven't figured it out yet. I feel so bad that he's finally got a new car and I feel like I'm ruining it lol

cu97tiger · August 2011

The car I have now is the first one I've ever had that ISN'T a stick. The trick to learning is patience. Find a big, empty parking lot. The outer reaches of a mall usually fit, or find a factory that's closed on Sunday's.

The trick is to figure out when your clutch engages. So you're stopped. Keep your foot on the break and SLOWLY lift up on the clutch. You will begin to feel the car try to move forward. At that time, take your foot off the break and very very gently press the gas. Some cars need more gas pedal pressure, others need less, so it will definitely be trial and error, but if you start slow, you should be fine. When the car starts bucking (as it inevitably will), push the clutch down immediately and take your foot off the gas.

Honestly, I'd have someone take you out to the parking lot and then have them get out of the car. I think it's MUCH easier to learn without the pressure of someone staring at you. And as long as you get the concept of the clutch/gas you don't need them anyway! Have them go into the mall to get you a snack

And whatever you do, stay away from hills for at least a month! ha.

msjenna519 · August 2011

elannis · August 2011

I agree with Tiger. You just need to practice and be patient. And release the clutch very slowly! I stalled out trying to turn in front of a car (way down the road) when I was 16 and almost had a heart attack, lol, but I got there and you will too! I have faith!

Jeter1028 · August 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_driving-stick-easier-said-then-done-blarhgg?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:82bb37bf-4f92-4a71-84bc-9ff3958e3640Post:5b2a6bb1-23a6-4690-9303-c4db7928b33a">Re: Driving a Stick- Easier Said then Done. Blarhgg.</a>:
[QUOTE]The car I have now is the first one I've ever had that ISN'T a stick. The trick to learning is patience. Find a big, empty parking lot. The outer reaches of a mall usually fit, or find a factory that's closed on Sunday's. The trick is to figure out when your clutch engages. So you're stopped. Keep your foot on the break and SLOWLY lift up on the clutch. You will begin to feel the car try to move forward. At that time, take your foot off the break and very very gently press the gas. Some cars need more gas pedal pressure, others need less, so it will definitely be trial and error, but if you start slow, you should be fine. When the car starts bucking (as it inevitably will), push the clutch down immediately and take your foot off the gas. Honestly, I'd have someone take you out to the parking lot and then have them get out of the car. I think it's MUCH easier to learn without the pressure of someone staring at you. And as long as you get the concept of the clutch/gas you don't need them anyway! Have them go into the mall to get you a snack :) <strong>And whatever you do, stay away from hills for at least a month! ha.
</strong>Posted by cu97tiger[/QUOTE]

THIS! My first few cars were stick shift. After I got used to it, I really loved it. But yes, I'll never forget when my step-dad was first teaching me to drive one and I got stuck on a hill. I started crying and threw on the e-brake and made him drive.

Elle1036 · August 2011

I drive a manual and I love it.

I agree with Tiger that you have to get to know the car a little. Find a flat surface where the car won't move while in neutral. Put it in first gear, keep your left foot on the clutch, but take the brake off. Don't worry abou the gas pedal at all. Just let off the clutch slowly until it's all the way out. The car will be moving forward, but very slowly, at that point. Then you can accelerate. Work the two petals separately until you're very comfortable with the length of the clutch, then start trying to do both together.

Good luck! Once you learn it, it's like riding a bike!

NurseyK · August 2011

Here is what my cousin had me do to learn (after 4 failed attempts of lessons with my Dad hahah)

Go to a parking lot (as suggested). Take off your shoes, yes, that means driving barefoot. Put your foot on the clutch in 1st year. Slowly let up until you FEEL the engine rattle and is about to stall. Memorize how far down that was... and just past that is where you need to shift. Practice starting and stopping barefoot.

Then drive barefoot for a month. I swear. I was hopeless until I did this.

It just takes practice. You'll get it. I love having power over my car... like I am driving it, instead of it driving me.

I got an automatic car after my 1st car, which was a manual, and I couldn't stand it. I got rid of that POS in 2006, and now car #3 is a manual.

becunning2 · August 2011

I know how to drive a stick! I can come to Colorado and teach you!

Well, probably not. Though I will be in Colorado this November.

I agree with other people about the parking lot. Find a nice, big parking lot without a lot of cars. And spend some time practicing. Also, find the RIGHT person to help you practice. Sometimes a significant other or family member is NOT that person.

And practice. And be patient. And thrash around every now and then if you really need it. Once you feel comfortable in a parking lot, have this other person drive you to a really, really low traffic place with some mild hills so that you can practice starting on a hill. PRACTICE HILLS before you're actually driving and get stuck on one.

My city has some majorly killer hills. Even now, with my automatic, if I get stuck on one, I remember how much it sucked with a stick.

But sticks really can be fun! And it does become "automatic" after awhile; you'll get the hang of it.

swhite2012 · August 2011

The car that I have right now, I bought not knowing how to drive a stick, and now I love it! I agree that you should go to a parking lot and have the other person get out. Also, keep in mind that everyone has their own tips and tricks and does it a little differently. Also remember it's more about feeling than trying to shift at a certain RPM.

I do disagree with staying away from hills as long as possible. You need to go out and practice those just as much to get them over with. You don't want to be driving and come across an unexpected hill and freak out because you're not sure what to do. It really isn't that bad. Just make sure you give yourself a little more room in front of you than normal so you can just keep moving forward a little bit instead of starting from a dead stop on the hill.

Good luck! I think it's tons of fun.

EDIT: Also don't forget, don't be afraid to give it some gas, that's where I was too timid learning.

Blue & White · August 2011

How is she supposed to avoid hills? I imagine Colorado to be absurdly hilly

Good luck, Lunar!

I learned how to drive in a '72 superbeetle (that had an automatic-stick...so no clutch.) But I don't know manual to save my life

sparkles88 · August 2011

I don't know how to drive a manual either. My mom would not teach me on her car when I was younger, because she said i would ruin it. Now my brother has that car, but he also won't teach me to drive it

For those that have manual cars, how do you feel about driving them in rush hour? Is it a pain to constantly keep shifting in stop and go traffic?

kaitlynmichelle · August 2011

Our truck is not a stick, but the car that BF drove at home for a few years is. I tried to learn and it was...interesting. I just had him take me to an empty parking lot, but as it was covered in ice at the time I had some difficulty in getting up to speed as I was too freaked out. I never got past the whole empty lot bit but BF was a pretty good teacher.

I had a hard time with the clutch, moving my foot around that much felt unnatural :P

SopChick · August 2011

This is something I want to learn as well. I don't have anyone who can teach me though, because BF, my dad, and BF's dad are the only ones I know who can drive stick, and none of them were blessed with much patience.

Elle1036 · August 2011

All of you who want to learn - come to Mississippi! I have nothing else to do here in the boondocks.

NurseyK · August 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_driving-stick-easier-said-then-done-blarhgg?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:82bb37bf-4f92-4a71-84bc-9ff3958e3640Post:0abe535d-2b44-4290-8936-3f7a760001e5">Re: Driving a Stick- Easier Said then Done. Blarhgg.</a>:
[QUOTE]I don't know how to drive a manual either. My mom would not teach me on her car when I was younger, because she said i would ruin it. Now my brother has that car, but he also won't teach me to drive it :( For those that have manual cars, how do you feel about driving them in rush hour?<strong> Is it a pain to constantly keep shifting in stop and go traffic?
</strong>Posted by sparkles88[/QUOTE]

YES. That, and driving/getting stuck on hills like those in San Fran. Blargh.

marleylikeair · August 2011

Oh dude. Sooner rather than later, I'll have to learn to drive a stick, and I live in Duluth, Minnesota. This whole town is slapped on the side of a huge hill!

It's beautiful, but not condusive to learning a stick. I'm scurred. Good luck, lunar! You can do eet!

Elle1036 · August 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_driving-stick-easier-said-then-done-blarhgg?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:82bb37bf-4f92-4a71-84bc-9ff3958e3640Post:0abe535d-2b44-4290-8936-3f7a760001e5">Re: Driving a Stick- Easier Said then Done. Blarhgg.</a>:
[QUOTE]I don't know how to drive a manual either. My mom would not teach me on her car when I was younger, because she said i would ruin it. Now my brother has that car, but he also won't teach me to drive it :( For those that have manual cars, how do you feel about driving them in rush hour? <strong>Is it a pain to constantly keep shifting in stop and go traffic?</strong>
Posted by sparkles88[/QUOTE]

<div>I didn't see this question until Nursey replied, but YES. yesyesyes. Most of the time, I truly enjoy driving my car, but in traffic, it s.u.c.k.s. I've actually had soreness in my left quad due to constantly pushing in the clutch before.</div>

lunarsongbird · August 2011

Sooooo much good advice!!

I like hearing all of your advice and stories. Manual transmissions are tricky!!

I can't wait to get into the parking lot. Today we were on our driveway, which is on a bit of an incline. When we were going downhill- I hated when the car would start rolling on it's own. And when we were going uphill- it would take me a bit to figure out it needed more gas.

I also did better after Andrew stopped talking and sat there. However- after the end of the lesson- I did kinda understand the different between taking my foot off the cluch too soon or too fast and giving the car too much gas or not enough.

I think this Satruday we'll head to a parking lot.

My automatic car is having a few issues- and the only spare cars around here are manuals. Boo!

Becunning- How long will you be in CO?

becunning2 · August 2011

I will be in Colorado from November 16th to November 20th. I'm attending the ACFTL conference where basically I get to hang around with a bunch of foreign language teachers and attend sessions on my favorite thing E-V-A-H: Latin!

I'll be in Denver! Yay!

jemmini6 · August 2011

I don't know how to drive stick either. By the time we started learning to drive, both my parents had automatics, so we never had a manual to learn on. FI loves his manual car though. He had one when we first started dating, traded it to one with a DSG transmission, but missed actually shifting, so he traded that in last year for another manual. I'm scared to learn on his car though because I don't want to mess anything up. I guess one day I'll try it... (and lucky we don't have a whole lot of hills here)

motoLyn · August 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_driving-stick-easier-said-then-done-blarhgg?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:82bb37bf-4f92-4a71-84bc-9ff3958e3640Post:19a0ed86-6863-4f88-a4aa-5fc04cf2bb95">Re: Driving a Stick- Easier Said then Done. Blarhgg.</a>:
[QUOTE]Oh I feel your pain...I don't know how to drive a stick either. Early this month I tried learning to ride a motorcycle. NOT good. Actually got kicked out of a beginner class. The guy really didn't want to teach and was super frustrated with me. So I'm having a family member teach me. I was advised learning to drive a stick on a car would greatly help me though.
Posted by msjenna519[/QUOTE]

I tried learning to drive a stick in a community college parking lot and failed miserably I mean I stalled like none other. Then I learned how ride a motorcycle and getting used to feeling where the clutch engages the engine. Trust me learning how to come from a complete stop to moving on an incline was SCARY when I was on my bike. But it got to the point when I could engage the clutch the whole time on an incline and not even touch the brakes and when the light turn green off I went. Which in turn made it easier to learn how to drive a stick the second time around. Hahahaha Danish man taught me the second time around on his '71 corvette. Need to learn because all the "fun" cars are manual transmission.

The posters above said it best to learn on a flat surface in an empty parking lot. Slowly feel it out. Takes lots of practice to get your muscle memory on balancing the clutch, gas and brake. Good luck!!! Sometimes certain cars are easier to learn on than others.

I wanted to add that I hate learning from a loved one I get so much more short tempered learning from my significant other.

AnneR15 · August 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_driving-stick-easier-said-then-done-blarhgg?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:82bb37bf-4f92-4a71-84bc-9ff3958e3640Post:e638b620-af14-4f90-b91f-5e01d0217508">Re: Driving a Stick- Easier Said then Done. Blarhgg.</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Driving a Stick- Easier Said then Done. Blarhgg. : I didn't see this question until Nursey replied, but YES. yesyesyes. Most of the time, I truly enjoy driving my car, but in traffic, it s.u.c.k.s. <strong>I've actually had soreness in my left quad due to constantly pushing in the clutch before.
</strong>Posted by Elle1036[/QUOTE]

Me too! Driving in traffic sucks.

Tiger and Elle both had really good advice. You can do it!

I admire you for learning now - I didn't learn stick until I got a manual car . It was so frustrating to not know how to drive my own car! But I don't think I would have had the patience to learn if it wasn't absolutely necessary. Good luck!

sparkles88 · August 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_driving-stick-easier-said-then-done-blarhgg?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:82bb37bf-4f92-4a71-84bc-9ff3958e3640Post:e638b620-af14-4f90-b91f-5e01d0217508">Re: Driving a Stick- Easier Said then Done. Blarhgg.</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Driving a Stick- Easier Said then Done. Blarhgg. : I didn't see this question until Nursey replied, but YES. yesyesyes. Most of the time, I truly enjoy driving my car, but in traffic, it s.u.c.k.s. I've actually had soreness in my left quad due to constantly pushing in the clutch before.
Posted by Elle1036[/QUOTE]

I have considered buying a car with a manual transmission, because I hear they are cheaper to fix and maintain when it comes to repairs. The only thing I was hesitant about was the traffic situation. I foresee myself living in pretty congested areas for a long time to come, so I guess I'll just stick with that automatic for now. I think a stick would be pretty awesome, though, for out on the open road. I've heard you can accelerate much faster with a manual than automatic.

lennonkdc · August 2011

Lunar- I drive stick and second what the PP have said about learning. Just relax, take it slow and breath! You will get it (sooner rather then later, b/c you are a smart cookie.) Once it clicks it will seem like second nature.

Elle1036 · August 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_driving-stick-easier-said-then-done-blarhgg?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:82bb37bf-4f92-4a71-84bc-9ff3958e3640Post:ca36eea5-8e9f-42c0-944e-befca5a0972b">Re: Driving a Stick- Easier Said then Done. Blarhgg.</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Driving a Stick- Easier Said then Done. Blarhgg. : I have considered buying a car with a manual transmission, because I hear they are cheaper to fix and maintain when it comes to repairs. The only thing I was hesitant about was the traffic situation. I foresee myself living in pretty congested areas for a long time to come, so I guess I'll just stick with that automatic for now. <strong>I think a stick would be pretty awesome, though, for out on the open road. I've heard you can accelerate much faster with a manual than automatic.</strong>
Posted by sparkles88[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>This is true. Manuals are awesome when you're not in traffic. I love taking mine through curvy, back-country type roads. And yeah, you can get up to speed faster because you can stay in a lower gear longer than an automatic will allow.</div><div>
</div><div>I survived with mine in Houston for three years, but I was lucky in that I only spent about one of those years with a job that required me to battle rush hour every day. I can definitely understand being hesitant if you deal with traffic on a daily basis. The constant starting and stopping gets old fast.

</div>

[Deleted User] · August 2011

Tiger gave some great advice...especially the part about staying away from hills for a bit. (they are tougher to get the hang of!)

Like some of the others, my current car is my first automatic. I bought a Geo Tracker convertible as a college Freshmen without even knowing how to drive it yet! haha. Goodness I loved that car! It actually didn't take that long to get the hang of...just be patient with yourself.

Like this, but red & with a black soft top. I miss this car!

SKP82 · August 2011

My last car was a stick and I miss it soooo much!

Lunar - once you learn and become comfortable with it, you'll love it!

CCO2012 · August 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_driving-stick-easier-said-then-done-blarhgg?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:82bb37bf-4f92-4a71-84bc-9ff3958e3640Post:ab6b8ff0-4cb0-4929-bebc-2e62c835ec22">Re: Driving a Stick- Easier Said then Done. Blarhgg.</a>:
[QUOTE]Here is what my cousin had me do to learn (after 4 failed attempts of lessons with my Dad hahah) Go to a parking lot (as suggested). Take off your shoes, yes, that means driving barefoot. Put your foot on the clutch in 1st year. Slowly let up until you FEEL the engine rattle and is about to stall. Memorize how far down that was... and just past that is where you need to shift. Practice starting and stopping barefoot. <strong>Then drive barefoot for a month. I swear. I was hopeless until I did this. It just takes practice. You'll get it</strong>. I love having power over my car... like I am driving it, instead of it driving me. I got an automatic car after my 1st car, which was a manual, and I couldn't stand it. I got rid of that POS in 2006, and now car #3 is a manual.
Posted by NurseyK[/QUOTE]

I love this advice! I am in the process of teaching BF to drive my car (a manual 2010 Mazda 3 <3 ) its all about being able to FEEL how the car works. Good Luck!!!

alanna91 · August 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_driving-stick-easier-said-then-done-blarhgg?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:82bb37bf-4f92-4a71-84bc-9ff3958e3640Post:2e08ab12-3f34-42f3-92c3-6cabfc5fa45a">Driving a Stick- Easier Said then Done. Blarhgg.</a>:
[QUOTE]Driving a car with a manual transmission is kinda hard. It'a also kinda hard learning with a loved one- because it's easier for you to wail,pout and thrash about when you stall the car. But in all seriousness- I didn't pout that much and I didn't get the car moving at least a dozen or more times in 30 minutes. But I still think it's awful!! Anyone have any tips on learning to drive a stick?
Posted by lunarsongbird[/QUOTE]

I'm no pro, but I drive BFs truck every now and then. At first it was a total failure, I even started crying once because I stalled at a stop sign and there were so many cars behind me.
What really helped me is listening to the car and when BF shifts when I'm in the passenger seat. It helps you get a feel for the process I guess. Then when you're the one driving, you can mimick them.
Also, picture your left foot getting off of the clutch and your right going down on the gas at the same time, that might help.

Good luck! It's a great thing to learn, especially since manuals are better on gas mileage and cheaper to buy.

Driving a Stick- Easier Said then Done. Blarhgg.

Re: Driving a Stick- Easier Said then Done. Blarhgg.

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