Tigranes Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 So, after like years of procrastination I finally got my learner's license a few months ago. (Nearly failed that because I read the book while playing Witcher.) But my stepdad is a bastard and booked me for manual lessons, even though I have an auto car waiting for me. Problem is, I've never ridden a geared bike. Or paid attention to cars, ever. Or used manual in racing games. I have no idea why you have a clutch (I found out what a clutch IS 10 minutes ago) and what the hell you have to do. I've driven an auto for like 2 hours, so I know the very basics of that and can drive slowly in deserted suburban roads. But that's it. Can anybody explain this stuff for me? (also, is it better to start out with manual now or later? I'd have thought you'd want to be comfortable with auto first if you're clueless like me, but I'm not sure.) Let's Play: Icewind Dale Ironman (Complete) Let's Play: Icewind Dale II Ironman (Complete) Let's Play: Divinity II (Complete) Let's Play: Baldur's Gate Trilogy Ironman - BG1 (Complete) Let's Play: Baldur's Gate Trilogy Ironman - BG2 (In Progress) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calax Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 So, after like years of procrastination I finally got my learner's license a few months ago. (Nearly failed that because I read the book while playing Witcher.) But my stepdad is a bastard and booked me for manual lessons, even though I have an auto car waiting for me. Problem is, I've never ridden a geared bike. Or paid attention to cars, ever. Or used manual in racing games. I have no idea why you have a clutch (I found out what a clutch IS 10 minutes ago) and what the hell you have to do. I've driven an auto for like 2 hours, so I know the very basics of that and can drive slowly in deserted suburban roads. But that's it. Can anybody explain this stuff for me? (also, is it better to start out with manual now or later? I'd have thought you'd want to be comfortable with auto first if you're clueless like me, but I'm not sure.) it's better to learn on a manual as you'll be more apt to be able to keep those skills around as your driving. as for the clutch, as a more mechanically minded person. Victor of the 5 year fan fic competition! Kevin Butler will awesome your face off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gorth Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 Problem is, I've never ridden a geared bike. Or paid attention to cars, ever. Or used manual in racing games. I have no idea why you have a clutch (I found out what a clutch IS 10 minutes ago) and what the hell you have to do. You will know what the clutch is for the first time you try to change gear while driving (and not using the clutch). It sounds like a heavy metal concert http://auto.howstuffworks.com/clutch.htm “He who joyfully marches to music in rank and file has already earned my contempt. He has been given a large brain by mistake, since for him the spinal cord would surely suffice.” - Albert Einstein Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pidesco Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 Here in Portugal, the question doesn't even come up. Everybody drives manual. Everybody. Even my Mum thinks auto is for wusses. "My hovercraft is full of eels!" - Hungarian touristI am Dan Quayle of the Romans.I want to tattoo a map of the Netherlands on my nether lands.Heja Sverige!!Everyone should cuffawkle more.The wrench is your friend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astr0creep Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 First, once you can drive manual you can drive anything. Second, it's about coordination and once you get it it's like riding a bike. Third, once you have the car moving it's easy and fun. Fourth, you have more control over the vehicle, especially in winter and, to a certain point, you can even control how much fuel you spend and how much wear and tear your car receives(brakes and transmission specifically). Fifth, the hard part is getting your feet coordinated to actually get the car to move from first gear. Basically, you gently press down on the accelerator while gently letting go of the clutch. If your hand-brake isn't on and your coordination between your feet is right, the car will eventually start moving on it's own. Then it's just a matter of doing the same thing to change gears but it's MUCH easier when the car is moving. Just remember not to go straight from first to fifth gear in one shot. Go from 1 to 5(or 6 if you're lucky...) in order and change gear when you feel the engine is revving up to fast(if you have a rpm gauge it's easier to know at first when to change gears but eventually you never look at the thing. You just FEEL it). Good luck. http://entertainmentandbeyond.blogspot.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The Architect Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 Here in Portugal, the question doesn't even come up. Everybody drives manual. Everybody. Even my Mum thinks auto is for wusses. Portugal is for wusses! Auto's where it's at. Well, auto, manual, it doesn't matter if you just stick with auto and leave it at that. Unless you had to drive a manual in an emergency or something, which is always a possibility, but you could still do it even if you were unfamiliar with it, being just an auto man.. or woman. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astr0creep Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 (edited) (...) Unless you had to drive a manual in an emergency or something, which is always a possibility, but you could still do it even if you were unfamiliar with it, being just an auto man.. or woman. With time, yes. but there is a learning period involved so, if it's an emergency, you're screwed. Oh and REAL drivers use the stick baby! Edited January 24, 2008 by astr0creep http://entertainmentandbeyond.blogspot.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Istima Loke Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 ... Well, auto, manual, it doesn't matter if you just stick with auto and leave it at that. Unless you had to drive a manual in an emergency or something, which is always a possibility, but you could still do it even if you were unfamiliar with it, being just an auto man.. or woman. I don't know about other countries but here it's illegal to drive a manual car if you have a driving licence for an auto car. I think therefore I am? Could be! Or is it really someone else Who only thinks he's me? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astr0creep Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 ... Well, auto, manual, it doesn't matter if you just stick with auto and leave it at that. Unless you had to drive a manual in an emergency or something, which is always a possibility, but you could still do it even if you were unfamiliar with it, being just an auto man.. or woman. I don't know about other countries but here it's illegal to drive a manual car if you have a driving licence for an auto car. I like this. Is it illegal to drive Auto if you have a Manual license? http://entertainmentandbeyond.blogspot.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dark_Raven Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 Stick shift is the way to go. Any good sports car comes with it. You'll learn, it takes time. Its just a matter of foot and hand coordination. Hades was the life of the party. RIP You'll be missed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Istima Loke Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 (edited) ... Well, auto, manual, it doesn't matter if you just stick with auto and leave it at that. Unless you had to drive a manual in an emergency or something, which is always a possibility, but you could still do it even if you were unfamiliar with it, being just an auto man.. or woman. I don't know about other countries but here it's illegal to drive a manual car if you have a driving licence for an auto car. I like this. Is it illegal to drive Auto if you have a Manual license? No, if you have a manual license you can drive an auto car (or at least that's what the driving tutor said). Though I don't think it matters much, 'cause in Greece most cars are manual. Edited January 24, 2008 by Istima Loke I think therefore I am? Could be! Or is it really someone else Who only thinks he's me? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gfted1 Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 I learned on a stick but my current car is automatic with an optional "sport shift". What that means is it has the standard automatic transmission setup with Drive, Reverse, etc... but then you can slide the hadle over to another section that just has +(plus) and -(minus). There is no clutch at all and if you want to go up in gears you push the lever to + and if you want to downshift you push the level to -. Im far too lazy so I just leave it in automatic mode. "I'm your biggest fan, Ill follow you until you love me, Papa" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pope Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 Driving stick is way fun, especially once you get that feeling for timing. I'd never want an automatic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hurlshort Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 It's hard to even find manual transmissions in newer cars here in the US. I'm sure they are in sports cars, but I avoid people who drive those things. I learned on a stick, and yeah, it's like riding a bike. Still, learning on an automatic is easier and with the way cars are going, it's probably all you'll need. My wife never learned to drive stick and it's never really been an issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enoch Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 Well, if you're the type of person who drives partly for the enjoyment or exhiliration factor, and if you live in a place where driving is enjoyable, you absolutely need a manual. And it does have benefits in efficiency and maintenance. But if you, like me, view driving as a chore rather than a pleasure, automatic is the way to go. Also, if you live in a busy city with a lot of traffic (as I do), driving with a manual while stopping at a light every other block is a complete pain in the a$s. An automatic also leaves you with a free hand most of the time, which can be quite useful for flipping off the passers-by. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kor Qel Droma Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 Every car I've owned has been a stick shift. Except for my new one, it's got an automatic transmission. For the first two months I was still puttting my foot down where the clutch would have been to start it up. Jaguars4ever is still alive. No word of a lie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arkan Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 I want to learn to drive a manual. My former boss actually tried to teach me in his Mercedes something or other. It would have worked better had we both not been drunk. "Of course the people don't want war. But after all, it's the leaders of the country who determine the policy, and it's always a simple matter to drag the people along whether it's a democracy, a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism, and exposing the country to greater danger." - Herman Goering at the Nuremberg trials "I have also been slowly coming to the realisation that knowledge and happiness are not necessarily coincident, and quite often mutually exclusive" - meta Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theslug Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 Every single person that I've known who has driven stick has said "Omg it's so awesome." Then weeks, months, or years later they withdrew their opinion and instead damned it straight to hell. As enoch pointed out, if you are driving in a city then you'll probably get bored of it and the novelty will wear off pretty soon. And as for the whole better gas mileage thing that is somewhat bs, it's not really to the point where you save any real substantial money, I mean over the years yeah, you save a gallon or so here and there so wow, you saved a whole 100 dollars in like 2 years. Great. Of course I've never driven one, I wish I could learn becuase it's a useful skill but It's never come up as of yet so I guess it doesn't matter. There was a time when I questioned the ability for the schizoid to ever experience genuine happiness, at the very least for a prolonged segment of time. I am no closer to finding the answer, however, it has become apparent that contentment is certainly a realizable goal. I find these results to be adequate, if not pleasing. Unfortunately, connection is another subject entirely. When one has sufficiently examined the mind and their emotional constructs, connection can be easily imitated. More data must be gleaned and further collated before a sufficient judgment can be reached. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arkan Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 I especially doubt with newer cars there is ANY greater fuel efficiency between a good auto and a manual. "Of course the people don't want war. But after all, it's the leaders of the country who determine the policy, and it's always a simple matter to drag the people along whether it's a democracy, a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism, and exposing the country to greater danger." - Herman Goering at the Nuremberg trials "I have also been slowly coming to the realisation that knowledge and happiness are not necessarily coincident, and quite often mutually exclusive" - meta Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kor Qel Droma Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 It's hard to even find manual transmissions in newer cars here in the US. I'm sure they are in sports cars, but I avoid people who drive those things. I'm finding this to be true as well. None of the models of vehichles I looked at before settling on the one I bought even had standard transmissions in them. Jaguars4ever is still alive. No word of a lie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tigranes Posted January 24, 2008 Author Share Posted January 24, 2008 See, driving is a big chore for me and I have no interest in cars at all; and there are a huge amount of auto cars around here. I would have thought it'd be better for me to learn auto, get familiar with cars and drive around for a while then do manual. Too late now though, the lessons I understand are already scheduled for manual. Whoever's the instructor's going to have a hell of time with the most clueless guy ever. Well, first lesson in a couple of hours, but thanks for all the info guys, I'll tell you how it goes. Let's Play: Icewind Dale Ironman (Complete) Let's Play: Icewind Dale II Ironman (Complete) Let's Play: Divinity II (Complete) Let's Play: Baldur's Gate Trilogy Ironman - BG1 (Complete) Let's Play: Baldur's Gate Trilogy Ironman - BG2 (In Progress) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shryke Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 well i'm glad i'm at work then no chance of you running me over when your mind works against you - fight back with substance abuse! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arkan Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 See, driving is a big chore for me and I have no interest in cars at all; and there are a huge amount of auto cars around here. I would have thought it'd be better for me to learn auto, get familiar with cars and drive around for a while then do manual. Too late now though, the lessons I understand are already scheduled for manual. Whoever's the instructor's going to have a hell of time with the most clueless guy ever. Well, first lesson in a couple of hours, but thanks for all the info guys, I'll tell you how it goes. I'm sure if you can handle mouse + WASD, you can handle manual transmission "Of course the people don't want war. But after all, it's the leaders of the country who determine the policy, and it's always a simple matter to drag the people along whether it's a democracy, a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism, and exposing the country to greater danger." - Herman Goering at the Nuremberg trials "I have also been slowly coming to the realisation that knowledge and happiness are not necessarily coincident, and quite often mutually exclusive" - meta Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azure79 Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 Its good to learn to drive stick shift. Once you get the timing and rhythm down its actually quite enjoyable. Like others have said, if you find yourself living in a city and/or don't like driving in general down the road, you'll have no trouble transitioning to automatic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tigranes Posted January 25, 2008 Author Share Posted January 25, 2008 well i'm glad i'm at work then no chance of you running me over Yeah, well, it's bloody hot these days, it's unbelievable. Lots of people out too. Anyway, rather anticlimax-y; I didn't even touch the gearstick. The lesson guy seemed to favour a 'push pull' steering method I had hardly seen before, so I spent an hour running 8's and double 8's in a parking lot. Let's Play: Icewind Dale Ironman (Complete) Let's Play: Icewind Dale II Ironman (Complete) Let's Play: Divinity II (Complete) Let's Play: Baldur's Gate Trilogy Ironman - BG1 (Complete) Let's Play: Baldur's Gate Trilogy Ironman - BG2 (In Progress) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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