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Driving a car with a manual transmission isn’t a necessity anymore. Even jet-setting travelers with a strong case of wanderlust can find vehicles with automatic gearboxes worldwide. However, if you even sort of find catharsis or joy behind the wheel of your car, you might want to consider gaining some manual transmission literacy. Don’t fret; you can learn to drive a manual without destroying your mom’s beloved Toyota Celica or your friend’s BMW 325i.

Use these tips to learn how to drive a manual without destroying clutches and ruining friendships

I’m likely not the first person to tell you that driving a manual is fun. It just is. Even the snappiest dual-clutch units don’t deliver the same fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants experience of three pedals and stick in the middle. As such, should you want to learn how to drive a manual, you can do so with these tips. 

  • Find an invaluable car with a forgiving manual transmission
  • Locate a wide, open parking lot or similar empty paved surface
  • Allot plenty of time and patience
  • Use the “Click and Clack” technique to learn the clutch engagement point
  • Keep your goal in mind

Once you have a site, a manual car, and plenty of time, it’s time to learn. Now, public radio’s hilarious personalities, Click and Clack of Cartalk, have a rather fool-proof way of learning that third pedal.

“With the car running, put one foot on the brake and the other on a clutch. (In fact, most manual transmission cars require you to put your foot on the clutch in order to start the car.” It’s a good thing, too. Should you attempt to start that car without pressing the clutch pedal, it would likely lurch forward. Perhaps even into a parked car. No bueno. 

The Cartalk-recommended method begins with your foot on the clutch and the vehicle in first. They advise you to slowly let up on the clutch without giving it any gas to find the part where your vehicle just starts to creep forward. That’s the engagement point, the part wherein your clutch makes contact between the engine and transmission. 

“Without giving the vehicle any gas, continue to release the clutch very slowly, and see if you can get the car creeping along. Your goal is to do this without stalling the car.” Then, starting off without stalling is as easy as applying a reasonable dose of throttle while you work off that engagement point. Tragically, many first-timers will stay on the clutch and over-rev the engine. Consequently, doing so can cause premature wear or even burn a clutch. 

However, once you understand the engagement point and understand how much throttle to apply at and beyond that point, you’ll be starting and stopping without trouble. Finally, remember to keep your goal in mind. Namely, once you learn how to drive a stick, you’ll have a fun and rewarding life skill.

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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).