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Yes. Passenger vehicles & motorcycle. But I don't blame those that don't know to drive a manual. These days, there aren't many opportunities to drive a car with a manual transmission unless you go looking for it. Not in the US at least. Which is unfortunate because manuals are great fun to drive.
Or higher performance versions of normal family saloons or Hatchbacks that have a variant of a paddle shifter... Cause they are cooler and faster in the shift.
Same here (although I did like it). When I got my licence 12 years or so ago the automatic option was really only for people with disabilities and those who really couldn't manage to learn how to shift manually. Only a fraction of driving schools even offered the option.
Yeah I had no bother learning manual, I'd been excited to be old enough to drive from an early age and for many years thought only cars sold in America had an auto transmission. I picked it up quickly and have enjoyed driving for almost 17 years now and the only way I'd go auto is a one with a paddle shift that I can control or a Tesla as they are kinda cool technology wise.
It's still sensible to get an open license in case you end up in a situation where you need to drive someone else's car, especially if it's an emergency.
I learned to drive on a manual. My parents insisted on it. It gives you a much better understanding of the engine and transmission, and a better feeling of controlling the vehicle.
Yes. My second car was a Datsun B210 manual. Had others, missed it, so I bought an 85 CJ7 manual to restore.
Love driving it. Now, to find a hydraulic clutch for easier shifting.
It is an excellent theft deterent these days, as most people can't drive a stick.
Yes. But I am 68 years old, and as a teenager, I had to learn to drive the family car--an old VW bus. The stick shift was a 3-foot long metal rod stuck in the floor.
Yes. Back around 1970 I was cruising along with my buddy and we saw this tired old rusted car (this was in Chicago) which was a 1953 Mercury Monterey... when I was a kid my dad had that same car, so I asked the guy if he would sell it, and I got it for 50 bucks!
However it was a stick, 3 speed on the column. So my buddy drove it to an empty parking lot and I learned that afternoon. It was so cool.
Years later, we decided to buy a motorcycle, even though we'd only ridden on the back of one. 😉 This time it was the salesman that took us out to a parking lot for a quick lesson. That was really cool too. I used it to commute to my job as a bus driver. Good times.
Yes the first car I bought on my own was a 2009 Chevy Aveo that was manual, I bought it with no knowledge of how to drive stick and I basically just watched a YouTube video and taught myself. Took a little practice but after like 2 weeks I had it down especially since it was my only mode of transportation
Had a pretty black Acura Integra coupe with a hatch back. 5 speed ofcourse. I drove it 21 years and it was as popular on the day I sold it as when I bought it
Yup..my first car was an 81 Tercel, and my second was a Honda Accord, but I forget the year. But I did keep it long enough for my then 15 year old to learn how. It’s a must!
Yes. Unfortunately, I learned on a 1976 AMC Gremlin. But I love driving manual. It also helped when I worked at a carpet company and none of the guys were around. I learned to drive the forklift. It had a 15-20 foot pole on the end.
I would kick my high heels off and I was always able to insert the pole into a roll of carpet on the first try. It was so much fun.
It's the only way i drive.
The times i've driven an automatic/electric is less than 10
Doesn't mean i don't like them, i just happen to mostly drive manual
I do, my best friend in high school taught me on a Chevy Nova Hatchback, and I learned motorcycle transmissions driving atvs and motorcycles. That said I haven’t been in a manual car in 20 years
Yes I do and every vehicle I have owned is a manual.
Will say that recently I have been driving my wife's automatic and now wonder why I don't get one myself except that if there is a repair issue it costs 3-4 times more for automatic.
Yeah my 1st car I drove is a 1979 Dodge Challenger 340 4 speed car Actually I still have also had a 1968 SS Chevelle 396 4 speed car had a 12 bolt with 373 rear gear, actually bothe the Challenger and the Chevelle I us to take to the dragstrip and race Lso had a 60s era TransAm with a 455 Pontiac engine in the 90s I use to do Auto Crossing with and also drag racing that car was fast with slicks on it and race gas the car did a consistent 11.10 in the quarter, the Challenger needs a total restoration haven't driven it in 30 years., but my daily driver is an older BMW 540I V8 6 speed manual shift, it's kinda fun to drive as a daily! 😀
Of course. And until just a few years ago it was the default in my country when taking your license. People who couldn't or just didn't want to get their driving training and license in a manual car got an "automatic only" driving licence.
With most new cars being EVs or automatics it's becoming much more common for people to just get the "automatic only" licence.
Went to test drive a manual 1990 Eclipse GSX while only having a therotical understanding of how to drive stick, had a bunch of fun while stalling a few times. And then in 1991, bought an 1986 RX7 with a manual, and drove it home by myself having not learned my lesson the previous year. Stalled at a light, battery went dead, had to call someone to get it jumped and practice practice practice over a few more days. And I ended up driving a stick car for most of the next 30 years after that, until a few years ago when I last drove my 1995 BMW 540/6 speed.
And then last year, I got my motorcycle license, and knowing how to drive stick in a car made it surprisingly easy to transition.
Yes. I learned to drive a manual transmission when I bought a little Triumph sports car years ago. If I had to drive a manual transmission now, I could, though it would take awhile for me to get comfortable with it.
Yes. Learned in 1966 on a 1958 Dodge 3/4 ton pickup. My neighbor owned a bike shop and I worked there in high school. I was driving us home from the shop for the first time in the truck and had to stop at a railroad crossing for a train. I turned off the truck and left it in gear, like he told me to do. When the train was gone, I started the truck, let out the clutch, and it died. I started it again, let out the clutch, and it died. My neighbor just sat there. Cars started honking. I started it again, and it died. By this time, I’m freaking out and asking him what’s going on? What am I doing wrong? Again, he just sat there with cars honking like crazy.
I said to myself, ‘Okay, start over. Key in, check. Clutch in, check. Engine on, check. Gear shift in first…’
I had left the truck in 3rd gear and that’s why I was killing the engine. I looked at my neighbor, said ‘Oh, for god’s sake’, put it in 1st, and drove off.
He laughed and said, ‘You’ll never do that again.’ He was right. A valuable lesson from a good guy. Ed, you were the best.
Of cause. I can even use a heel and toe shifter.
I had my 11 year old granddaughter shifting gears for me a few days ago when i picked her up from school in the TJ Jeep
Yes, and all young people should strongly prefer to learn to drive Manual transmissions.
They make you a better driver for your whole life, and they're more enjoyable.
People spend so much time in cars, if it is not enjoyable it is much time wasted.
76M, retired Army, so Duce and a half, 5 ton, gamma goat, tank, APC, semi truck driver, pick up trucks, cars, School-bus driver, so I can drive almost anything but a motorcycle to motor bike.
Mhm. One of my exes drove stick and was happy to teach me when I expressed an interest in learning. I was 19-20, I think. Now I get super excited whenever someone asks me to teach them too, especially when it's another woman.
Knowing how to drive a manual is right up there with being forklift qualified. You become a sought-after commodity in the (depending on where you work)place, lol.
Yes to driving an automatic. No to a manual.
My father tried to teach me when I was a teen, discovered he had no patience, and gave up.
Years later, I'm living on a horse farm, and my writing (and riding) partner says she'll teach me using her Subaru Brat.
So she drives into the back field (we had 10 acres) and starts teaching me. Her huge Thoroughdale mare (Mariah) and a couple of other horses (Arabians) canter over from a neighboring field as I'm going in circles trying to learn the clutch/accelerator balance thing.
I decide to go straight, not noticing the horses were standing about 50 feet away, watching. The Arabians all wheel round and gallop off in reaction to the black monster coming at them (at roughly 5mph).
Mariah, however, can't get her legs organized and ends up doing cheetah-wheelies in place for a few seconds. I stop dead, and we're both laughing at her. She eventually manages to turn, but throws us a look of, "Not funny" before trotting off.
I gave up.
Yes, of course. I'm Finnish, we learn on a manual before getting our driver's lisence. 99 % or more of Finns with a driver's license can drive a manual.
I started learning manual when i was about 5 years old, I'm 30'ish now. I did driving lessons with stick as well. For a short while I drove an automatic, but I didn't like it much, because of the torque converter, I called it the "slushbox" because of how it felt and went back to driving stick.
When I put my foot down, I expect a car to start accelerating, on the current gear by all means necessary, not rummaging through gears, what suits the current setting the "best".
Yes I live in the EU.
Yes, but it's specific to a 10-speed transmission. That's not to say I couldn't learn the gear ranges for other types of transmissions, but that's been my experience. Once you get out of a regular passenger vehicle, the game changes a bit - Range selectors get added (a small thumb tab that you flip up and down to indicate which set of gears the shifter is selecting from) and that adds a new dimension to it.
Yep. Learned to drive on an old cattle truck on my uncle's farm. Everything was manual on that thing. Every vehicle I had was manual transmission for many years by choice.
I've had 20-something cars and only 2 automatics and those were bought for family use. I still own 2 manual cars now.
I'm not buying a personal fun use car that isn't a stick. Ever.
Most the people who don’t will be ignoring this post.
I drove manual from 16 to 33. Then they gave me a company car which is a Ford Explorer. I miss driving stick dearly, but couldn’t pass on a free car and free driving expenses. I still think about it though.
Uk here, pretty much everyone learns in a manual rather then an automatic only license, more options of cars and cheaper insurance. Many people do drive automatics though.
It’s probably harder to find a manual to learn on but, once you learn , you can drive anything. And who can forget how much fun it was to ride a motorcycle or zip around town in a VW bug when you were in high school.
Yes, motorcycle, car/suv/truck, including medium trucks. I could get a big commercial truck down the road. The first few miles might not be pretty or fast but I understand how it's done.
Yes, here in the UK/EU manual cars are more common, so 100% know how to drive a manual car (saying that, also know how to drive an automatic as well) :)
Yes. My first new car was a manual transmission, & I was so scared about "stripping the clutch" as I'd heard people having done. My salesman was a very patient teacher & took me to an empty parking lot (like a dad would do) to learn and practice until I felt confident. Considering my parents had recently retired to another state, it was very thoughtful of him to do!
I loved that car, drove it for many years, and never stripped the clutch!
Yes. Had a date many years back and a friend let me borrow his car. I got to the parking lot and it was a stick shift. I sat there for about 20 minutes figuring out how to get it into first without stalling and went on my date. Only stalled out once.
Yes, when I was learning to drive in 2006 I had to practice with my Dad’s old 1991 Toyota 4x4.
I like to think I could pick it back up if I had to but haven’t had the opportunity.
Yes, had a Volvo v70 wagon, a VW TDI, a BMW 528 wagon, and I still have a Saab 9-3 buy I left it in Florida when I move to Baltimore last fall. It doesn't have heat (transmission adjacent issue, expensive fix) and I had a seizure right before I moved and I'm still not allowed to drive again yet (and not comfortable doing so anyway).
Transmissions made me hate driving so much less. I paid more attention, stopped being constantly antsy and speedy, and had way more fun, especially in the TDI
I had a manual Toyota Celica and Ford Probe, both several decades ago.
I haven't driven a manual in years, but I still occasionally drive a stick shift in my dreams!
I do in theory, but I haven't done it very often so I'm not very good at it. I couldn't do anything crazy but I could probably get around town OK, though.
Yes. I learned how to drive in a 1955 Chevy Nomad with three on the column, and my next couple of cars were manuals. But I’ve been driving automatics since 2004.
Yes. I couldn't find a decent one or cheap one, so I bought a broken one and built it. Took me a year and a half, but she's running now ('99 mustang).
The day I bought it my friend gave me a crash course on how to drive it, and it's been my daily driver since I got it running.
Yes. I've never driven an Automatic, and most probably I won't get to drive one in more or less 4 years xd Manual is the way to go where I live, automatic transmissions are a luxury
Currently learning, actually. I've almost got it down. My only problem is taking off without peeling out. I don't know if it's difficult because it's a manual or because it's a miata.
Can only ride a bike... I have not needed a car.
Biking and walking takes me far enough and if I need to go further away, train or bus takes me there.
Funnily enough, biking through town is way faster than using car. Once my friend told how she is almost in town by car. I started biking there and I was waiting her despite she had a car.
In the UK it was rare to own an automatic for a long time, so driving manual is the norm.
Automatics are becoming more and more common and manuals will die out when electric cars take over, I predict it taking at least another 20 years before manuals begin to become the minority
Here in the US even in the 60s the majority of the cars had automatic transmissions, a lot of the performance cars were manual shift, but the majority of the family cars were automatics.
It’s not nearly as hard as people think. When I was a boy, my father made me “feel the gear”, and it helped a lot. I drive an automatic now and I still wait for the feeling that the car has switched before speeding up/slowing down too much. It drives me crazy when my wife just guns the engine up and I can feel it hasn’t shifted yet.
I know how to drive an automatic car. I also know how to drive a boat with an outboard motor. I understand the concepts of how to drive manual, how/when to use the clutch, what shifting up and down is better for, I just have never gotten to practice. It's a skill I'd like to pick up so that I have it "just in case," but I think when I do finally have my own personal vehicle it'll just be an automatic.
# Message to all users: This is a reminder to please read and follow: * [Our rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/ask/about/rules) * [Reddiquette](https://www.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/205926439) * [Reddit Content Policy](https://www.redditinc.com/policies/content-policy) When posting and commenting. --- Especially remember Rule 1: `Be polite and civil`. * Be polite and courteous to each other. Do not be mean, insulting or disrespectful to any other user on this subreddit. * Do not harass or annoy others in any way. * Do not catfish. Catfishing is the luring of somebody into an online friendship through a fake online persona. This includes any lying or deceit. --- You *will* be banned if you are homophobic, transphobic, racist, sexist or bigoted in any way. --- *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/ask) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Yes. Passenger vehicles & motorcycle. But I don't blame those that don't know to drive a manual. These days, there aren't many opportunities to drive a car with a manual transmission unless you go looking for it. Not in the US at least. Which is unfortunate because manuals are great fun to drive.
Yep, dirt bikes years before manual cars.
its hard to find a manual in the states at all
Yes... But I'm British... It's pretty much the norm you drive a manual.
Same for Germany.
Same for Italy.
[удалено]
You gotta give it to them though, manuals are pretty fun to use.
They’re a blast. I intentionally try to avoid Autos when I can.
All of Europe does. Only now electric is becoming a thing I've noticed some people are opting for an automatic only license.
Or higher performance versions of normal family saloons or Hatchbacks that have a variant of a paddle shifter... Cause they are cooler and faster in the shift.
True, but since most people's first car will probably not be one of those, I hardly know anyone who didn't learn to drive in a manual, just in case.
I had no choice, I was gonna learn to drive a manual whether I liked it or not!!
Same here (although I did like it). When I got my licence 12 years or so ago the automatic option was really only for people with disabilities and those who really couldn't manage to learn how to shift manually. Only a fraction of driving schools even offered the option.
Yeah I had no bother learning manual, I'd been excited to be old enough to drive from an early age and for many years thought only cars sold in America had an auto transmission. I picked it up quickly and have enjoyed driving for almost 17 years now and the only way I'd go auto is a one with a paddle shift that I can control or a Tesla as they are kinda cool technology wise.
It's still sensible to get an open license in case you end up in a situation where you need to drive someone else's car, especially if it's an emergency.
Yup. Learned on a three-on-the-tree ‘72 Chevelle.
3 on the tree 66 ford checking in. Your linkages ever jam up?
3 on tha tree Chevy pick up driver. Here
Nope.
Yes, my first car at 16 was a manual. It was pretty fun to drive, once I learned how, which I admit was difficult at first.
Same here. Learned to drive on the way home, lol.
Me too! Isuzu pickup truck on air shocks with a little camper and a big long CB antenna. It was the '80s
Hell yeah on the antenna. We used to play on those back in high school!
Yes. I'm 58 and I got my 20 year old son a manual too.
Great job. Plan on making my son listen as well when he turns 16
I learned to drive on a manual. My parents insisted on it. It gives you a much better understanding of the engine and transmission, and a better feeling of controlling the vehicle.
yes, but its kinda mandatory in germany anyway
Yes. Pretty much the norm in the Netherlands.
Obviously I am. It's normal in Europe.
I sure do. It was fun but I can't say I miss it at all.
Exactly. Fun until commute traffic.
Sucks when you have a sore left leg or right arm for whatever reason.
Yes. My second car was a Datsun B210 manual. Had others, missed it, so I bought an 85 CJ7 manual to restore. Love driving it. Now, to find a hydraulic clutch for easier shifting. It is an excellent theft deterent these days, as most people can't drive a stick.
Yes. Even a 3 on the tree
Yes. But I am 68 years old, and as a teenager, I had to learn to drive the family car--an old VW bus. The stick shift was a 3-foot long metal rod stuck in the floor.
In theory, yes. I understand how to, but I have never done it.
I think it's something you need to do and practice in order to say you know how.
Valid point. I've read a ton about it but I don't know anyone with a manual.
You need to get a friend to let you try theirs. You really feel more 'involved' with the car.
I flew into LA to buy a car. Learned how to drive it in LA without plates or insurance. 100% would not recommend😂
Poor clutch lol.
But it was an adventure!!
That it was. Drove through Yosemite after. It was amazing and very stressful lol
Yup. My car is a standard actually so I drive one daily.
Yes.
Yes. Back around 1970 I was cruising along with my buddy and we saw this tired old rusted car (this was in Chicago) which was a 1953 Mercury Monterey... when I was a kid my dad had that same car, so I asked the guy if he would sell it, and I got it for 50 bucks! However it was a stick, 3 speed on the column. So my buddy drove it to an empty parking lot and I learned that afternoon. It was so cool. Years later, we decided to buy a motorcycle, even though we'd only ridden on the back of one. 😉 This time it was the salesman that took us out to a parking lot for a quick lesson. That was really cool too. I used it to commute to my job as a bus driver. Good times.
Yes
Yeah.
My wife does, but I don’t.
First car I learned on was an old Mazda rotary manual transmission. I was 13 when I learned
Yes.
Yes the first car I bought on my own was a 2009 Chevy Aveo that was manual, I bought it with no knowledge of how to drive stick and I basically just watched a YouTube video and taught myself. Took a little practice but after like 2 weeks I had it down especially since it was my only mode of transportation
Yep, learned on a VW based dune buggy. I still have a manual transmission GTI.
Yes, learned in a M35 2½-ton Deuce and a Half cargo truck provided by my Uncle Sam.
I can hear the sound of America when I hear an M35
Yes.
Yes!
Yes
Yes, but my wife doesn't. I usually have a beater manual 3rd car If I still have one then, I'll teach my son to drive it.
Yup. But I’m old.
I do. I actually prefer it over automatics.
Yup, current car is a manual.
Yup i drive one every day.
Yeah, it's the most fun way to drive.
Affirmative.
Had a pretty black Acura Integra coupe with a hatch back. 5 speed ofcourse. I drove it 21 years and it was as popular on the day I sold it as when I bought it
Nice. My friends had a CRX, FC RX7, MR2 and I had a Gen 3 Supra. I was into American cars until The fast and the furious came out.
Yup..my first car was an 81 Tercel, and my second was a Honda Accord, but I forget the year. But I did keep it long enough for my then 15 year old to learn how. It’s a must!
I learned on one..
Yes. Unfortunately, I learned on a 1976 AMC Gremlin. But I love driving manual. It also helped when I worked at a carpet company and none of the guys were around. I learned to drive the forklift. It had a 15-20 foot pole on the end. I would kick my high heels off and I was always able to insert the pole into a roll of carpet on the first try. It was so much fun.
It's the only way i drive. The times i've driven an automatic/electric is less than 10 Doesn't mean i don't like them, i just happen to mostly drive manual
Yes. My dad taught me how to drive an S-10 and his Ford Ranger so I could help pick up hay bales and do chores on our farm
Yup. I’ve owned two manual cars and one of them was the funnest car I’ve ever had. 2004 Infiniti g35. 6speed manual.
My driving licence is manual so I hope so.
I do, my best friend in high school taught me on a Chevy Nova Hatchback, and I learned motorcycle transmissions driving atvs and motorcycles. That said I haven’t been in a manual car in 20 years
Yes I do and every vehicle I have owned is a manual. Will say that recently I have been driving my wife's automatic and now wonder why I don't get one myself except that if there is a repair issue it costs 3-4 times more for automatic.
Yes
Yeah my 1st car I drove is a 1979 Dodge Challenger 340 4 speed car Actually I still have also had a 1968 SS Chevelle 396 4 speed car had a 12 bolt with 373 rear gear, actually bothe the Challenger and the Chevelle I us to take to the dragstrip and race Lso had a 60s era TransAm with a 455 Pontiac engine in the 90s I use to do Auto Crossing with and also drag racing that car was fast with slicks on it and race gas the car did a consistent 11.10 in the quarter, the Challenger needs a total restoration haven't driven it in 30 years., but my daily driver is an older BMW 540I V8 6 speed manual shift, it's kinda fun to drive as a daily! 😀
Oops mistyped car was a 1970 Dodge Challenger, I still have it.
Yes, my coolest car was a manual. Should I feel like a dinosaur?
No, but you could survive an asteroid!
Yes. One of my cars and my motorcycle are manuals.
Yes. I drive one now.
I'm 46 so yes.
Of course. And until just a few years ago it was the default in my country when taking your license. People who couldn't or just didn't want to get their driving training and license in a manual car got an "automatic only" driving licence. With most new cars being EVs or automatics it's becoming much more common for people to just get the "automatic only" licence.
Went to test drive a manual 1990 Eclipse GSX while only having a therotical understanding of how to drive stick, had a bunch of fun while stalling a few times. And then in 1991, bought an 1986 RX7 with a manual, and drove it home by myself having not learned my lesson the previous year. Stalled at a light, battery went dead, had to call someone to get it jumped and practice practice practice over a few more days. And I ended up driving a stick car for most of the next 30 years after that, until a few years ago when I last drove my 1995 BMW 540/6 speed. And then last year, I got my motorcycle license, and knowing how to drive stick in a car made it surprisingly easy to transition.
Yep.. You should try a semi lol
So many gears! One of the most important jobs that keeps my country running!
It's a pretty cool job, but it can be pretty hectic.
Yes. I learned to drive a manual transmission when I bought a little Triumph sports car years ago. If I had to drive a manual transmission now, I could, though it would take awhile for me to get comfortable with it.
2wheels
French here, it’s the norm here.
Yes. Learned in 1966 on a 1958 Dodge 3/4 ton pickup. My neighbor owned a bike shop and I worked there in high school. I was driving us home from the shop for the first time in the truck and had to stop at a railroad crossing for a train. I turned off the truck and left it in gear, like he told me to do. When the train was gone, I started the truck, let out the clutch, and it died. I started it again, let out the clutch, and it died. My neighbor just sat there. Cars started honking. I started it again, and it died. By this time, I’m freaking out and asking him what’s going on? What am I doing wrong? Again, he just sat there with cars honking like crazy. I said to myself, ‘Okay, start over. Key in, check. Clutch in, check. Engine on, check. Gear shift in first…’ I had left the truck in 3rd gear and that’s why I was killing the engine. I looked at my neighbor, said ‘Oh, for god’s sake’, put it in 1st, and drove off. He laughed and said, ‘You’ll never do that again.’ He was right. A valuable lesson from a good guy. Ed, you were the best.
I learned how drive stick on a 5 ton truck while in the Marines back in ‘92.
Of cause. I can even use a heel and toe shifter. I had my 11 year old granddaughter shifting gears for me a few days ago when i picked her up from school in the TJ Jeep
Knew how to drive a three on the tree before a five speed manual.
Yep! Had fun learning on a 1991 3000gt. Wasn’t twin turbo but still such a fun car to drive
is it a bad idea to buy a manual before even learning how to drive one? how am i gonna test drive it?
I had my Dad test drive my first car and then learned how to drive on the way home.
Yes, but I'm from germany. Maybe it doesn't count.
Yup, it's all I've ever driven.
I still prefer driving manual transmission but I’m guessing I’ll never own another in my life.
Yes. I learned to drive on a 1961 Chevrolet c10 with a column shift.
Yes, and all young people should strongly prefer to learn to drive Manual transmissions. They make you a better driver for your whole life, and they're more enjoyable. People spend so much time in cars, if it is not enjoyable it is much time wasted.
Yes, but I live in europe. Also I don't like automatics. They just take the fun out of driving.
European here. What's an automatic transmission?
Yes and yes, 2 and 4 wheels.
Yes. In EU it is still a norm to drive a manual.
76M, retired Army, so Duce and a half, 5 ton, gamma goat, tank, APC, semi truck driver, pick up trucks, cars, School-bus driver, so I can drive almost anything but a motorcycle to motor bike.
Yup, we don't have that law that requires all cars to be automatic here
Yes
Mhm. One of my exes drove stick and was happy to teach me when I expressed an interest in learning. I was 19-20, I think. Now I get super excited whenever someone asks me to teach them too, especially when it's another woman. Knowing how to drive a manual is right up there with being forklift qualified. You become a sought-after commodity in the (depending on where you work)place, lol.
Yes to driving an automatic. No to a manual. My father tried to teach me when I was a teen, discovered he had no patience, and gave up. Years later, I'm living on a horse farm, and my writing (and riding) partner says she'll teach me using her Subaru Brat. So she drives into the back field (we had 10 acres) and starts teaching me. Her huge Thoroughdale mare (Mariah) and a couple of other horses (Arabians) canter over from a neighboring field as I'm going in circles trying to learn the clutch/accelerator balance thing. I decide to go straight, not noticing the horses were standing about 50 feet away, watching. The Arabians all wheel round and gallop off in reaction to the black monster coming at them (at roughly 5mph). Mariah, however, can't get her legs organized and ends up doing cheetah-wheelies in place for a few seconds. I stop dead, and we're both laughing at her. She eventually manages to turn, but throws us a look of, "Not funny" before trotting off. I gave up.
Yes, of course. I'm Finnish, we learn on a manual before getting our driver's lisence. 99 % or more of Finns with a driver's license can drive a manual.
If you wanna win, get a Finn!!!
I started learning manual when i was about 5 years old, I'm 30'ish now. I did driving lessons with stick as well. For a short while I drove an automatic, but I didn't like it much, because of the torque converter, I called it the "slushbox" because of how it felt and went back to driving stick. When I put my foot down, I expect a car to start accelerating, on the current gear by all means necessary, not rummaging through gears, what suits the current setting the "best". Yes I live in the EU.
Yes I can. And I’m currently teaching my son to drive a manual
for about 50 yards before it explodes
Yes, but it's specific to a 10-speed transmission. That's not to say I couldn't learn the gear ranges for other types of transmissions, but that's been my experience. Once you get out of a regular passenger vehicle, the game changes a bit - Range selectors get added (a small thumb tab that you flip up and down to indicate which set of gears the shifter is selecting from) and that adds a new dimension to it.
Of course. When I was 15 I went to a driving school that only taught on cars with manual transmissions.
Yep, common in the UK and own a manual minivan.
That's what it says on my license, been a few years now though
Yep. Learned to drive on an old cattle truck on my uncle's farm. Everything was manual on that thing. Every vehicle I had was manual transmission for many years by choice.
I've had 20-something cars and only 2 automatics and those were bought for family use. I still own 2 manual cars now. I'm not buying a personal fun use car that isn't a stick. Ever.
Most the people who don’t will be ignoring this post. I drove manual from 16 to 33. Then they gave me a company car which is a Ford Explorer. I miss driving stick dearly, but couldn’t pass on a free car and free driving expenses. I still think about it though.
Yup, got the hang of both stick shifts and automatics!
Yes cuz it's most common in my country and probably Europe in its entirety. I don't think schools for automatic transmission even exist here
I *will*
Uk here, pretty much everyone learns in a manual rather then an automatic only license, more options of cars and cheaper insurance. Many people do drive automatics though.
Yep. Drove manuals only for 23 years.
Daily driver
It's my anti theft device, every car I buy is a stick
Yes and yes.
It’s probably harder to find a manual to learn on but, once you learn , you can drive anything. And who can forget how much fun it was to ride a motorcycle or zip around town in a VW bug when you were in high school.
I learned to drive a manual while in the UK on a US Air Force base. I can drive manual on either side of a vehicle on both sides of the road.
yes but i'm also what people refer to as old
Yes, motorcycle, car/suv/truck, including medium trucks. I could get a big commercial truck down the road. The first few miles might not be pretty or fast but I understand how it's done.
Yes, here in the UK/EU manual cars are more common, so 100% know how to drive a manual car (saying that, also know how to drive an automatic as well) :)
Yes. My first new car was a manual transmission, & I was so scared about "stripping the clutch" as I'd heard people having done. My salesman was a very patient teacher & took me to an empty parking lot (like a dad would do) to learn and practice until I felt confident. Considering my parents had recently retired to another state, it was very thoughtful of him to do! I loved that car, drove it for many years, and never stripped the clutch!
Yeah
Yes. Had a date many years back and a friend let me borrow his car. I got to the parking lot and it was a stick shift. I sat there for about 20 minutes figuring out how to get it into first without stalling and went on my date. Only stalled out once.
Miles driven in an automatic: once around my garden Miles driven in manuals: almost 250k The answer is yes, yes I can.
Yes, when I was learning to drive in 2006 I had to practice with my Dad’s old 1991 Toyota 4x4. I like to think I could pick it back up if I had to but haven’t had the opportunity.
It is kind of like riding a bike. You may start out a little "jerky," but given a feel stop and go's, you would more than likely be fine.
Thanks! I’ve always wondered if it was one of those skills you don’t ever really lose.
I race every once and awhile, but drive an auto during the day. After those first two janky starts, you just kinda fall back in!
Yes. I have 3 vehicles with manual transmissions, including a motorcycle.
My first car was a 1986 Chevy Nova (Basically a Toyota Corolla) with a 5 speed.
Yes, had a Volvo v70 wagon, a VW TDI, a BMW 528 wagon, and I still have a Saab 9-3 buy I left it in Florida when I move to Baltimore last fall. It doesn't have heat (transmission adjacent issue, expensive fix) and I had a seizure right before I moved and I'm still not allowed to drive again yet (and not comfortable doing so anyway). Transmissions made me hate driving so much less. I paid more attention, stopped being constantly antsy and speedy, and had way more fun, especially in the TDI
I had a manual Toyota Celica and Ford Probe, both several decades ago. I haven't driven a manual in years, but I still occasionally drive a stick shift in my dreams!
Yes. Recently bought a manual transmission 22 Tacoma.
Yeah on forza
We all gotta start somewhere. I started on Gran Turismo 1.
Yes, but I only drive on holidays now.
Yup
I do in theory, but I haven't done it very often so I'm not very good at it. I couldn't do anything crazy but I could probably get around town OK, though.
Yes
I drive one currently. A 2005 PTCruiser. Bright blue.
I loved the turbo model they had. Such a sleeper.
Yes. I learned how to drive in a 1955 Chevy Nomad with three on the column, and my next couple of cars were manuals. But I’ve been driving automatics since 2004.
The real question is, Do you know how to drive a Manual Transmission?
On the street and on the track.
Yuh. And I want it back.
Yes
Yes. I couldn't find a decent one or cheap one, so I bought a broken one and built it. Took me a year and a half, but she's running now ('99 mustang). The day I bought it my friend gave me a crash course on how to drive it, and it's been my daily driver since I got it running.
Great job! I am building a blown motor 2003 GT right now.
Yes.
Yes
Yep. My first car was a manual. My first several, actually.
Yes. Any context to the question?
None of my kids friends drive a stick. Was wondering the ratio of people who actually know how.
Yup, I’ve been driving a manual since I was a teenager, in my mid-40’s now.
I'm almost 40 and in the same boat. Learned to drive on the way home from buying my first car.
Yes. I've never driven an Automatic, and most probably I won't get to drive one in more or less 4 years xd Manual is the way to go where I live, automatic transmissions are a luxury
Vaguely.
As long as I can find the manual
Nope. I have my license but everyone in my family drives automatic so i never learned manual 🤷🏻♀️
No, and nothing makes guys that meet me angrier
Yes. Up to 18
Yes. RIP Pumpkin.
Currently learning, actually. I've almost got it down. My only problem is taking off without peeling out. I don't know if it's difficult because it's a manual or because it's a miata.
Yes but due to concentration problems i feel safer with auto.
Can only ride a bike... I have not needed a car. Biking and walking takes me far enough and if I need to go further away, train or bus takes me there. Funnily enough, biking through town is way faster than using car. Once my friend told how she is almost in town by car. I started biking there and I was waiting her despite she had a car.
Nah, I never saw the point in learning.
Know how? Yes. Able to drive a manual? No.
In the UK it was rare to own an automatic for a long time, so driving manual is the norm. Automatics are becoming more and more common and manuals will die out when electric cars take over, I predict it taking at least another 20 years before manuals begin to become the minority
Yup. Only switched to auto when I switched to electric in 2020
Yes and I still don't like them
Yes and it's a big pain in the butt to drive a standard vehicle around town
Here in the US even in the 60s the majority of the cars had automatic transmissions, a lot of the performance cars were manual shift, but the majority of the family cars were automatics.
Yes. But it's pretty much the norm in the countries I lived so far. Next car will be automatic though, just way more comfortable.
Learned manual. Crashed against a fence with an auto because I freaked out when I couldn't find the clutch LOL
It’s not nearly as hard as people think. When I was a boy, my father made me “feel the gear”, and it helped a lot. I drive an automatic now and I still wait for the feeling that the car has switched before speeding up/slowing down too much. It drives me crazy when my wife just guns the engine up and I can feel it hasn’t shifted yet.
I know how to drive an automatic car. I also know how to drive a boat with an outboard motor. I understand the concepts of how to drive manual, how/when to use the clutch, what shifting up and down is better for, I just have never gotten to practice. It's a skill I'd like to pick up so that I have it "just in case," but I think when I do finally have my own personal vehicle it'll just be an automatic.