Driving a manual?

[RaidernationBMW2002]

How hard is it to learn? i don't have any car to practice with expect for my e46 which is step-tonic nor any one i know has a manual car is it fast to get the hang of it i know how to start a manual that's it lol.

[John_in_VA]

(nt)

[aerowise]

The only way to learn it is to do it! You have to find someone who can let you drive their stick, and do it somewhere isolated. A large parking lot or somewhere like that. Maybe a big open field!!!

[1969Black2002]

Easy as pie. Start slow.

Step 1: Practice lifting your left foot (clutch) as slowly as you press down with the right foot (accelerator).

Step 2: Learn to listen to your car. It will tell you when you need to change.

[ray_]

Do step 1, but without touching the gas.

GL,

Ray

Easy as pie. Start slow.

Step 1: Practice lifting your left foot (clutch) as slowly as you press down with the right foot (accelerator).

Step 2: Learn to listen to your car. It will tell you when you need to change.

[RaidernationBMW2002]

Ok thanks guys i will follow those steps worst comes to worst i will find a driving school and pay for a couple of lessons.

[Beck180]

Learning to drive stick from friend or family can be rough. You need someone PATIENT and willing to let you learn on their car.

I used to be a flight instructor, and the best instructors were always the most patient, yet demanding. They wanted to see results, but understood that what they were teaching was foreign and took time to absorb.

Whoever is willing to let you learn on their clutch is a very giving person. My dad taught me on his '78 911 SC. It is a great lesson to pass on.

[OriginalOwner]

do NOT try to learn stick shifting on The Hills Of San Francisco !!! well, at least the uphill hills ..... steer around the uphill hills.

even us seasoned stick shift professionals avoid those hills. Only got myself in one uphill traffic light scare in San Francisco. After that, I only did the downhill hills, never made that mistake since.

Cheers,

Carl

[Beck180]

even us seasoned stick shift professionals avoid those hills.

haha i love the hills. I will totally admit they are a total pain in traffic, but it is so satisfying to make a super smooth 40 degree hill start while people with automatics are struggling.

[OriginalOwner]

LOL !! I avoid the uphill hills because too many of those 40-degree starts from a traffic light gives your clutch a 10-traffic-light lifetime. Heck, the clutch will be burned out before you get home !!

yet another reason I like the flat desert wastelands of urban Smell-A.

Cheers,

Carl

[1969Black2002]

even us seasoned stick shift professionals avoid those hills.

haha i love the hills. I will totally admit they are a total pain in traffic, but it is so satisfying to make a super smooth 40 degree hill start while people with automatics are struggling.

Driving in general is more fun. More interactive.

[tim385]

Get a couple of professional lessons, its worth it in the long run.

[tim385]

Get a couple of professional lessons, its worth it in the long run.

[Tommy]

Get the car first and then practice with your own. It can't be that hard since everyone of us in Europe can do it. If you just have some motivation it's not any harder than running a bicycle.

Tommy

[roadhog0]

It's very easy, you'll pick it up in no time. A bit rough at first but shouldn't be too bad. Just do it!