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The number of new cars with three pedals and a stick in the middle is getting smaller every year. However, there are still good reasons to break with industry trends and learn how to drive a manual transmission in 2024.

Should you learn how to drive a manual transmission, you’ll unlock a lineup of benefits exclusive to a stick shift

It’s 2024. As an American driver, you may have grown up driving automatic vehicles without ever having to touch a manual. However, even without a manual mandate, there are plenty of reasons to learn how to drive one– even in 2024. 

  • Some exciting used cars are exclusively available with a manual transmission
  • Enthusiast communities embrace stick shifts
  • It’s just that fun
  • Driving a manual is a practical deterrent for theft
  • Some cheap rental cars abroad are exclusively manual

Not every exciting, unhinged performance vehicle is available with an automatic transmission. For instance, the C5-generation Chevrolet Corvette Z06 didn’t offer an automatic. And you know what, it doesn’t want one. Even with the organic bit in the middle slowing it down, a C5 Z06 is capable of blistering track times and a sub-4.5-second sprint to 60 mph.

Oh, and it’s not just 20-year-old performance benchmarks, either. The 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350, a one-of-a-kind Mustang milestone, is manual-only. Yep, that means the only way to get into a Voodoo 5.2L V8-powered Mustang is to learn how to drive a manual. 

In addition to manual-only performance cars, enthusiast communities embrace stick shifts. Drop by a Cars & Coffee or evening pop-up show, and you’ll likely see decals brandishing the text “Save the Manuals.”

You’ve likely heard that vocal car enthusiast in your life tout the joys of rowing through the gears. Well, they’re not wrong. Shifting through the gears, downshifting to overtake, and engine braking are all visceral and orchestral events. That, and no set of paddle shifters will replace the human-and-machine connection of a manual-equipped car.

Furthermore, a sizable part of the population can’t drive a manual transmission. Consequently, a thief, even if they can drive a stick, may prioritize another car over yours. After all, many car thieves are opportunists. The less risky and difficult the opportunity, the better.

Finally, should you choose to travel abroad, you could find a situation wherein a three-pedal vehicle is the only option. Granted, more popular tourist destinations are stocking automatic vehicles. However, high-volume months could leave you with few choices. Learn now so you’re not stuck later.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).