The basics of driving a stick shift
To drive a manual transmission car, you need to learn some basic concepts and acquire some concrete skills from the get-go. It can be challenging at first, but with practice it becomes second nature – like walking and chewing gum at the same time. Whether it’s your first time behind the wheel of a standard car or you have some experience but could use a refresher, follow the steps below. They’ll help you build confidence and avoid frustration.
Step 1 - Study the controls and learn how they work
The first step is to get acquainted with your standard car. The more familiar you are with the configuration, the easier it will be when it comes time to drive it, since you’ll have to perform many small manoeuvres at the same time. Sit in the driver’s seat and take note of the various components. You’ll see that there are three pedals: the clutch on the left, the brake in the middle and the accelerator on the right. Use your left foot to operate the clutch and your right foot to operate the brake and the accelerator.
Now examine the gear shift or “stick,” taking note where each gear is located in relation to the others. Normally, first gear is in the top left position, alternating with the others.
When driving standard, you need to put the car into the right gear for the speed you’re travelling at. Depressing the clutch prepares the motor to switch gears; it’s essential to the smooth functioning of the engine!
Step 2 – Practice changing gears while your car is stationary
Before starting the car, practice shifting gears. Get a feel for the clutch. Familiarize yourself with its resistance and when you can feel it grip. Every clutch has a friction point and this is the point where you should ideally be changing gears. Practice switching from one gear to the other, pressing the clutch pedal down each time. The goal is to coordinate the movements of your hand and foot, keeping in mind that when you’re driving you will need to pay full attention to the road.
When your car is in neutral, the gear shift moves freely: this means that the car is not in gear. Neutral should be used when the motor is running but the car is stationary – for example, in winter when you’re warming up your car. With practice, knowing when to shift gears will become instinctive. But as you’re learning, you should aim to change gears when the tachometer approaches 3 (3000 RPM). Take a moment to locate the exact position of the tachometer on your dash, so you can easily look at it whenever you need. You can also rely on your ears: if you hear an unpleasant noise (the sound of the motor turning or a coughing sound), it’s probably time to change gears.
Step 3 – Start the car
There are two ways to start a standard car: from the neutral position without touching anything, or in first gear while applying the clutch pedal. Try out both of these techniques. But remember, never start in first gear without pressing on the clutch: your car is guaranteed to stall or jerk forward slightly, which you want to avoid.
Step 4 – Upshifting
Now you know how to use the clutch pedal, when and how to change gears, and how to start the car. It’s time to begin practicing your new skills in a moving vehicle. Be sure to do this on a level surface where there aren’t many people around. Start the car, move into first gear and gently press down on the accelerator, always keeping your eyes focused ahead! When you see the tachometer approaching 3, release the accelerator while simultaneously pushing down on the clutch pedal (your left foot falls as your right foot rises), and use the gear shift to move into second gear. As soon as you've done this, release the clutch pedal while pressing on the accelerator (your left foot rises as your right foot falls), trying to maintain a steady speed. Be patient with yourself and don't get discouraged. It's a set of movements that demands a high degree of coordination at first. Some people pick it up more easily, while others have to memorize the steps:
- Motor at 3000 RPM
- Release the accelerator while engaging the clutch
- Move from first gear into second gear
- Gently release the clutch pedal while pushing on the accelerator
That’s it. And the process is the same any time you need to upshift – from first gear into second, second into third and so on.
Step 5 - Downshifting
Downshifting lets you control your car in difficult situations – for instance, when you’re driving on a slope or slippery surface. If you're traveling in third gear and want to slow down, release the accelerator and use the clutch and brake pedal to move into second gear. If you're coming only to a brief stop, there's no need to shift all the way down to first gear. But if you choose to go into first, the process is the same.
Step 6 – Backing up
When you put your car into reverse, you'll notice that it doesn't feel like any other gear. It's more powerful than first gear, but doesn't react like second gear either. The bottom line: in a standard car, knowing how to drive forward doesn't mean you know how to back up! In some situations, you don’t need to use the accelerator to back up, so play around with the clutch and brake pedal to get a feel for how the car responds and be economical in your movements.
If you feel comfortable with the first steps, you're ready to take on the challenge of starting your car on a slope!
Step 7 – Starting on a slope
It will help to master the principle of the friction point. There is friction (the rubbing together of the gears) at the precise moment when the motor is on the verge of making the wheels turn.
- Before the friction point, the motor spins but it’s not connected to the wheels.
- At the friction point, the motor is just about to turn the wheels.
- Beyond the friction point, the motor is completely connected to the wheels.
The right technique to start on a slope
- Keep your right foot on the brake
- Slowly release the clutch pedal until the motor slows down. This is the friction point. Hold this position.
- When you’re ready to go forward: simultaneously release your right foot from the brake while pushing on the accelerator (your left foot rises while your right foot falls) so that the motor turns faster and faster as you gently and completely release the clutch. These two actions must be timed perfectly. Then, proceed with changing gears as you normally would.
Most of today’s cars are equipped with an anti roll back device for when you're on a hill. This system keeps your brakes working for approximately a half a second as you move your right foot from the brake to the accelerator.
Step 8 – Park the car
If you already drive an automatic car, you know how to park: put the car in P! With a manual transmission it’s absolutely essential to apply the emergency brake to prevent your car from rolling on a slope – even the slightest one. Some people even recommend leaving the car in first gear so that it can’t move on its own. Either way, the emergency brake is a must!
Those are all the basics of driving a standard vehicle. You just have to practice, and in no time you’ll be navigating the roads with confidence regardless of hills, traffic, or inclement weather. In fact, most drivers of manual transmission cars feel a greater sense of security because they can use the gears strategically to negotiate difficult situations. You may wind up feeling the same way!
This article is part of our car information hub
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