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Tyres  /  Tyre NewsHelp & Advice  / How to Drive a Manual Car: Tips on Learning to Drive

How to Drive a Manual Car: Tips on Learning to Drive

How to Drive an Automatic Car

Manual transmission remains the most common driving style in the UK – as of 2022, manual cars accounted for 70% of the UK’s 31.7 million road cars.

Learning to drive a manual car provides the flexibility to operate both manual and automatic vehicles, making it a recommended approach for years.

By mastering manual driving during your lessons, you gain a broader skill set and can transition to automatic driving later, if preferred, once you’ve attained your license.

Despite the growing popularity of automatic cars – 71% of new cars registered in the UK were automatic in 2023 – learning to drive a manual car remains the more versatile and beneficial choice.

So, how do you drive a manual car? This article will serve as your guide to learning the essentials of manual transmission driving.

Basics of Manual Transmission

Before you start driving a manual car, it’s important to understand how it operates and what makes it different from an automatic.

Unlike automatic cars, where the gears change automatically, manual cars require the driver to shift gears using the gear stick and clutch pedal.

A manual car features three pedals – the clutch, brake, and accelerator – compared to just two in an automatic (automatic does not have a clutch pedal).

A manual car's gear stick

The clutch pedal is key to engaging and disengaging the engine from the transmission, allowing you to change gears smoothly. We will cover how to smoothly handle your clutch pedal later in this guide.

The gear stick, located in the middle of the car, is used to select the appropriate gear depending on your speed and driving conditions.

The gear positions in a manual car are straightforward once you’re familiar with them:

Mastering the basics of manual transmission is about understanding how the clutch, gear stick, and accelerator work together to give you control over the car.

It may seem tricky at first, but with practice, it becomes second nature – by learning these fundamentals, you’ll build the confidence needed to tackle driving a manual car with ease.

Starting the Car

Getting the car started is the first step in driving a manual vehicle. Follow these instructions to ensure a smooth and safe start:

Engaging First Gear

Once the car is running, the next step is to get moving by engaging first gear. Here’s how:

Take your time to get a feel for the clutch and accelerator, as smooth transitions with the pedals are key to avoiding any jerking motions or stalling.

Now You’re Driving: Getting Out of First Gear

Once you understand engaging first gear and started moving, the next step is transitioning smoothly through the gears as you build speed.

As you accelerate, you’ll notice the engine revs increasing – this is your cue to shift into second gear.

Typically, you should move out of first gear when your speed reaches around 10-15 mph, or when the engine sounds like it’s working harder than necessary.

A white car driving on a quiet road

To shift gears, press the clutch pedal fully with your left foot while releasing the accelerator.Move the gear stick from first gear to second, ensuring it clicks securely into place.

Then, gently release the clutch while simultaneously pressing the accelerator to maintain smooth motion – avoid abrupt or overly fast movements, as this can cause the car to jerk.

Continue this process as you accelerate further, shifting into higher gears as needed.

Each gear transition becomes smoother with practice, so don’t rush – take your time to find the rhythm between the clutch and accelerator.

Keep an eye on your engine's RPM or listen to its sound as an indicator for when to shift gears.  This combination of control and timing will help you drive smoothly and confidently in a manual car.

Key Manoeuvres

Parking a Manual Car

Parking a manual car requires a few extra steps compared to an automatic to ensure the vehicle is secure.

When you’ve reached your parking spot, bring the car to a complete stop by pressing the brake and clutch pedals simultaneously.

Shift the gear stick into neutral or, for added safety, first gear if you’re parking on a level surface, or reverse if parking downhill – remember and always engage the handbrake to prevent the car from rolling.

If you’re on a slope, it’s a good idea to turn the front wheels toward the curb – this will provide an extra layer of safety should the parking brake fail.

Reversing in a Manual Car

Reversing is simple once you understand the process.

Start by pressing the clutch pedal fully and moving the gear stick into the reverse gear.

Keep the clutch pressed while releasing the handbrake, and gently begin to lift your foot off the clutch while applying a small amount of pressure to the accelerator.

Move slowly and steadily, as reversing requires precise control and always check your surroundings carefully – use your mirrors, look over your shoulder, and ensure the area is clear of obstacles or pedestrians before proceeding.

Hill Starts

Hill starts can be challenging for new drivers but are easy to manage with practice.

If you’re starting on a slope, the key is to prevent the car from rolling backward.

With the car stationary, press the brake pedal firmly and hold the clutch down to shift into first gear.

Release the handbrake while simultaneously pressing the accelerator and slowly lifting the clutch to find the bite point.

At the bite point, the car will begin to move forward. If you’re struggling, keep your foot ready to quickly press the brake and clutch again to regain control.

Conclusion: Becoming an Adequate Driver

Learning to drive a manual car may seem challenging at first, but with practice and patience, it becomes a rewarding skill that opens up a world of driving flexibility

By mastering the basics – from starting the car to smoothly transitioning through gears – you’ll gain confidence in controlling the vehicle and tackling various driving conditions.

While the process may take some time to perfect, each step you practice brings you closer to becoming a skilled and confident manual driver.

A woman in a vehicle with a man who is appearing to teach her to drive

Whether it’s navigating city streets, reversing into tight spots, or managing tricky hill starts, driving a manual car equips you with the skills to handle any scenario on the road.

So, keep practicing, stay patient, and remember that every driver was once a beginner.

Before you know it, driving a manual car will feel as natural as walking.

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