learn to drive standard

I might come back to this later, if I ever meet anyone that has a standard transmission car that I can practice on. Kinda pointless for me right now.

So I’m thinking about bailing on this one. I haven’t even known anyone with a standard transmission car in years, so it makes learning to drive one kind of hard. I already know I will always buy an automatic anyways. I like being able to multi-task and eat or talk while I drive – if I have to.

I first learned to drive standard when I was 17. The incentive for me to learn was from my Dad who said I could have his second-hand truck if I could manage to drive a stick! It was pretty scary in the beginning, especially the hills! But like anything else in life, the more you practice something, the better you’ll get in time. I was glad that he taught me standard because I was able to purchase other vehicles when I was younger that were standard; thus being more cost effective. Now that I am older and have paid my dues, I won’t purchase anything but an automatic :D But I am glad that I can drive standard in case of an emergency situation. I had to drive my SIL’s standard truck the other week because she didn’t feel like driving, and although it had been nearly 4 years since I drove standard, I could still do it :D

I just bought a 2008 Lancer GTS a few weeks ago and it’s a standard transmission. December 15th 2007 was my first day driving a standard transmission. Fortunately one of my friends was kind enough to drive my car home from the dealership and teach me that basics. Before I bought my car I decided to purchase the Logitech G25. The Logitech G25 is a steering wheel, shifter,gas,break and clutch for the computer. I have to admit that playing games with this thing taught me the basics of shifting. The only thing that the Logitech G25 can not teach you is the finesse that is required with the clutch.

As it stands with hills I can do them but If i can avoid it then I try to. Another thing that I find difficult is doing a fast start. As I push down on the gas I release the clutch and the car goes. I just wish I could do it a little faster.

My best friend always said she’d teach me, and that was like 15 years ago.

It’s been two years. Still have the automatic, still haven’t learned the stick.

You will stall the motor…

It is not fatal…

You will get better…

and when you do…

ITS FUN!

I somewhat know how to drive standard, but Im not comfortable with it yet. Especially hills, hills are scarey.

Okay, it’s a year and a half later and I was FORCED to learn to drive standard. My poor car broke down and instead of buying a new one, I’m using my sister’s old car. Hmmm…it’s standard! So I went out with my sis one day for a couple of hours and she taught me and after that I was on my own. It’s been about a week now and I’m driving all over the place!! Ha – I actually like it better than automatic and I’m getting better at the hills – YES!!

So. I thought I wanted to do this.

But I’ve realized now that I have no desire to drive cars of any kind, at least for awhile. I may pick up this goal again eventually, but, for the time being, I’m going to trash it.