How to Drive a Manual Car: A Guide for Beginners

Everything You Need to Know

Did you know that fewer learner drivers than ever are taking manual driving lessons? Whether it’s the rising number of automatic vehicles or a belief that driving a manual car is too hard, there has been a definite change. However, there are still many benefits to learning how to drive a manual car!

What’s the Difference Between Manual and Automatic?

Before you start Googling ‘how to drive manual gear car’, it’s helpful to understand what sets it apart from an automatic vehicle in the first place. In an automatic car, the gearbox does all the work for you. It automatically shifts gears based on your speed and other factors, and many people feel this allows them to concentrate more fully on other aspects of their driving.

A manual car, on the other hand, requires a lot more input from you, as you’ll use the clutch and gear stick to change gears yourself. You can also:

• Drive both manual and automatic cars once you have your licence.
• Expect to spend less on your first car, as manuals are usually cheaper to buy and maintain.
• Enjoy a greater command over the power and speed of your car, putting you in control.

How Do You Drive a Manual Car?

A manual car has three pedals, going from left to right: the clutch, brake, and accelerator. If you are familiar with the pedals in an automatic, you’ll know the last two. The clutch, however, will be new! This is what you will use to change gears. Then you have the gear stick, which will have five or six forward gears, plus reverse.

To get the car started, you need to press the clutch pedal fully down, move the gear stick into first gear, and then slowly release the clutch while gently pressing the accelerator. As the car begins to move, you can release the clutch completely and continue accelerating. As you pick up speed, you’ll need to change gears.

Changing Gears

To move up a gear, lift off the accelerator slightly and then press the clutch pedal down. You will then need to move the gear stick to the next gear. Don’t worry, getting used to where the different gears are will take practice. Then, once you are in gear, release the clutch slowly while reapplying the accelerator.

The same process applies for shifting down a gear, which you will need to do when slowing down or preparing to stop. To stop the car, you will need to press the clutch and brake together, and then shift the gear stick into neutral once the vehicle has come to a halt. Then you can release both pedals and apply the handbrake!

How to Drive a Manual Gear Car with Confidence

If you want to become a confident driver of a manual car, then you need to start with the right lessons. Our manual driving lessons are designed to build your skills and prepare you for real-world driving, both of which will really boost your confidence behind the wheel. We tailor every lesson to your pace and learning style, and will talk through every aspect of the manual controls with you.

Talk to Us

Whether you are learning for the first time or want to expand your driving expertise after obtaining an automatic licence, we can help. So, get in touch today!