Driving a Stick Shift

Getting Started

1. Identify the various pedals and shifter knob after entering the vehicle.

2. Press the clutch pedal all the way to the floorboard with your left foot.
fdNote: Be sure that the gear shifter is
in the middle, neutral position.
(Gear shifter will move freely from
left to right when in neutral.
3. Turn the key in the ignition.

- After ensuring the car is in neutral, remove your foot from the clutch pedal.
Make sure the parking brake is disengaged while keeping your foot on the
brake pedal.

Moving Forward

1. Position the gear shifter so that the transmission is in first gear.

 - Keep the clutch and brake pedals pressed in.

2. Release the brake pedal with your right foot.

- The vehicle should move very little if on a flat surface.

3. Supply less pressure on the clutch with your left foot.

- Do this slowly, you will feel the car begin to roll forward.

4. Begin to press the accelerator very delicately with your right foot.

- As you release more from the clutch, press more on the accelerator.

Note: After releasing the clutch completely, you should now only be
pressing the accelerator with your right foot. Continue accelerating until you
feel that you need to shift into second gear.

(Generally, most small gasoline vehicles should be shifted around 3000rpm.)

Gaining Speed
1. Slightly reduce pressure on the accelerator with your right foot while
pressing in the clutch pedal with your left.

2. Move the gear shifter into the second gear position.

3. Release the clutch slowly as you begin to apply the accelerator again.
(Repeat this process to continue to build speed.)
Slowing Down
When slowing down, ensure that the clutch pedal is pressed in if the car is in
gear. If the clutch is not pressed in, the engine will stall. If the engine stalls,
repeat steps 2-9 to continue driving.