Can anyone give me any advice on learning to drive a standard?

I just turned 16 and got my license. Today was my first day ever driving, and I only had 45 minutes with my mom's standard car in an empty parking lot. But any advice for next time? I understand how it all works, but I have to most trouble with moving into first from a stop smoothly, and starting on a hill. I can shift into second and stop no problem.Can anyone give me any advice on learning to drive a standard?
I learned when i was 13 by doing burn outs in a Subaru wagon. Dumping the clutch and smoking the front tires. Then learned to take off easy after learning that. But, that's up to your parents to teach you that method. Plus, they had ';hill brakes'; on them. While holding the clutch and brake on a hill, the brakes would hold until the clutch pedal was released a certain distance.Can anyone give me any advice on learning to drive a standard?
Driving a manual is very easy, but there are some things that need to be taught. Hill starting is an art that has to be practiced often to master. If you have a hand brake, then great, but a normal parking/emergency brake is not recommended, as you need three feet!! I learned to drive a manual in England, and in doing so is second nature to me.





Clutch and throttle control is a learned 'feel': you will soon pick it up


Best of luck, and just remember... LOOK, 'LISTEN' FEEL, and above all, practice makes perfect.


Enjoy learning


Dr Antony
don't stall. give and take with the clutch and brake/gas. feel the shifting motion, listen for when the gear gets to the point and needs shifting. practice a lot!





Stay away from hills! you will slide in neutral! always use the emergency brake.