Anyone here first learn how to drive on a stick shift, not an auto?

[IGemini]

I drove automatic first for several years and almost a hundred thousand miles and can all but do it in my sleep. But learning stick as part of a job for GM dealer swaps has been, in a euphemism, uneasy. Got five minutes for the basics and every trip was solo. As I understand, the friction points for the new Chevrolet clutches (at least the budget cars) are harder to find than many others--even among experienced stick drivers. After 6-7 manual swaps I've done so far, I'll be thrilled when I can make a trip without stalling once.

 

[NutBucket]

I learned to drive in my dad's 89 Toyota truck. Like most others said, empty lot to figure out the engagement point and the rest is jelly pretty much.

In fact, I'm so used to driving a stick that one more than on occasion while driving an auto my left foot slammed on the brakes while slowing down. Talk about muscle memory!

But, that hasn't happened in many years due to time spent in rentals. I finally bought my first slush box last fall. Its our 3rd car and the deal was great so I was ok with it being an automatic.

 

[bunnyfubbles]

I did. But actually I was flying planes first and then starting learning to drive stick.

I was operating teleportation vestibules before I learned how to captain a star ship, both were ones where you actually had to press buttons with your hands to get them to work.

 

[Fenixgoon]

personally, i'd teach her the operation of a manual trans. then have her get the car rolling in 1st gear using only the clutch pedal. that way you get a good feel for clutch engagement. then work your way up to shifting into 2nd and whatnot.

 

[NutBucket]

Besides, OP has a Honda. Very easy to learn on IMHO.

 

[Drako]

Learned to "drive" on a 1950 IH Farmall, when I was 8 or 9 .

 

[JulesMaximus]

My first car was a stick. Technically, I had driven an automatic first but the bulk of my first few years of driving were behind the wheel of a manual transmission car.

 

[Sa7aN]

i knew how to drive stick waaaaay before i ever sat behind the wheel of a car... years of dirt bikes will do that for ya. actually i really pissed my older sister off because she was VERY upset she couldn't get the hang of the clutch in her first car, i asked if i could try in the abandoned parking lot she was practicing in. i drove right off hehe

 

[OVerLoRDI]

Yep. 1989 Isuzu trooper.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Took my drivers test in a '81 Ford F350 4X4 with 33" tires and 4spd stick.

1st gear was useless.

Learned how to use a clutch on off road cycles/quads

 

[HamburgerBoy]

Yep. Manual Mazda Miata >>> automatic Nissan Armada.