Andrew J. Lontok
Prof. Babcock
ENG 111
03/11/2013

How to: Driving a Manual/Stick-shift Vehicle Have you ever wanted to learn how to drive ‘stick’; or maybe, the car you saved up for only comes with a manual transmission? Perhaps you rather look more ‘slick’ and have more experience by driving a manual rather than a plain old automatic? Driving a manual vehicle is not very difficult if you follow these steps: getting used to using the clutch-pedal and the gearbox, beginning to drive, and learning to shift while driving.
When first learning how to drive a standard (Manual) vehicle, you need to become accustomed to using the three foot- pedals, instead of using only two like you normally would when driving an automatic vehicle. …show more content…

Let’s get this show on the road!
It is best to first learn on an empty parking lot. You’re going to stall and lurch the car, so practice in an area where there aren’t many bystanders and other vehicles; and where you have a flat surface. Empty parking lots were ideal place to learn for majority of ‘us’ stick-shift drivers. Also, it may a good idea to have a buddy with you in the passenger seat, whom of which drives a manual so they can better your experience with the frustration. Press in the clutch and brake pedal, and start the car; be sure to check that the gearbox is in neutral and that the hand-brake (e-brake) is engaged. Remember, that in order to ‘fire-up’ a vehicle with a manual transmission, it is required to always need to have the clutch pressed-in while you turn the key to start the car. You do not need to have your right- foot pressed down on the brake to start the car (like with an automatic transmission), although it’s a good habit of doing so. With the clutch-pedal pushed down with your left foot, and your right foot pressed on the brake; fire the car up, release the hand-brake (e-brake), shift into first, then apply a little pressure on the gas-pedal while ‘very-slowly’ releasing clutch. Houston, we have