How To Drive With A Standard Transmission

YES, YOU CAN DRIVE A STRAIGHT DRIVE VEHICLE!

My first car was a 1970 something Ford Pinto! Needless to say, I had self esteem problems as a result! lol. It had a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder and a 4 speed transmission. It was a little precarious to drive at first, but I got the hang of it. The same as you will!

Here are my thoughts as to help you drive a Standard Transmission!

Things to remember:

• It is okay to mess up and scrape gears.
• You will let the clutch out and stall the vehicle more than once.
• Your friends will laugh as you give them whiplash!

More important things to remember:

• Know where your emergency brake is at... gas pedal, brake pedal and clutch pedal as well!
• Acquaint yourself with what is the acceptable range of RPMs. Don't "over rev" the engine!
  
• Be careful, and always know what is around you: kids, objects, building, etc.
• Follow all procedures you learned from Driver's Education Class!

REAL IMPORTANT RULES:

Real Rule #1 - Know where the clutch is, and always wear shoes.

Real Rule #2 - If all else fails when just getting the vehicle to move, push clutch and cover the brake pedal.

Real Rule #3 - Know the shift pattern and practice moving the shifter with clutch pushed in, vehicle not moving and engine running or you can do it with the engine off and emergency brake on. Basically you will run through the gears without letting the clutch out. If you do, then you will miss the point of the practice and someone can get hurt!

Real Rule #4 - Have an experienced adult present at all times in the vehicle with you until you get a handle on how to drive a standard tranny! (Practice or while driving)

Real Rule #5 - It is best to practice driving in an empty parking lot... church, shopping center, etc.

Real Rule #6 - Here is the gist of what to do. One a level surface, get the feel of letting the clutch pedal out as you give a little gas. The speed at which you do this is the key. How much gas to apply is especially important when pulling trailers and starting out going up hill!

Real Rule #7 - Each vehicle is a little different, so practice in the vehicle you will be driving in!

Real Rule #8 - As time goes on, you will get the "FEEL" of what you need to do. Do not put too much pressure on yourself. It will come, little by little!

Real Rule #9 - As you speed up in first gear the engine will begin to elevate in its RPMs. In other words, the engine will be running very fast though the speed of travel is not. Usually at about 15 mile per hour, you will need to switch gears.

Real Rule #10 - Whether it is changing from 1st to 2nd, or 2nd to 3rd, the same rules apply. You push the clutch in while letting off the gas. Then you shift to the next gear in the pattern. Let the clutch out as you accelerate. and there you have it!

Real Rule #11 - Downshifting is needed sometimes. Basically you do the same as in rule number 10, but you reverse what is going on and you will be using your brake pedal instead of the gas pedal.

Real Rule #12 - When you park the vehicle, put the transmission in first gear with Emergency brake on if the vehicle is facing uphill. Put the tranny in reverse, with emergency brake on if the vehicle is facing downhill! While the clutch is still in, turn ignition key off. After engine is off let clutch out after you have placed it in the proper gear and put brake on. Self Explainable!

Summary

HAVE FUN! Do not make learning how to drive a standard transmission harder than what it is.

Please comment on this hub. Let me know what you think!