How to Drive a Manual Car? In 10 Simple Steps!

More than 70% of people in the UK still drive a manual car. Similarly, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) stats show that more people take their test in manual cars. So, if you’re new to manual transmissions or are usually used to driving an automatic car, don’t worry.

Our guide offers a side-by-side comparison between automatic and manual car driving, covering the entire process of driving a manual car.

Let’s learn how to drive a manual car in 10 easy-to-follow steps!

Understand the Key Components of a Manual Transmission

A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or stick shift, is a type of gearbox that requires the driver to shift gears manually. Unlike an automatic transmission, where the car does the shifting for you, a manual car uses a gear stick and a clutch pedal.

Let’s understand how these two key components of manual transmission work. It’ll help you a lot while learning to drive a manual car.

1. Clutch Pedal:

Typically present to the left of the brake pedal, the third pedal in a manual car is known as the clutch. When you press the clutch pedal, you disconnect the engine from the gearbox.

As you slowly release the clutch pedal, you gradually reconnect the engine’s drive shaft to the transmission. The clutch allows for gear shifting without grinding or resistance.

2. Gear Stick

The gear stick is a lever to select different gear ratios. It’s typically located on the car’s centre console and has an H-shaped pattern. Let’s understand its positions:

• N: The centre is the neutral position where no gear is engaged.
• 1: First gear is usually to the left and up from the centre.
• 2: The second gear is to the left and down, below the first gear.
• 3: The third gear is to the up in the middle.
• 4: The fourth gear is to the down in the middle, below the third gear.
• 5: The fifth gear is to the right and up from the centre.
• R: Reverse gear is to the right and down, below the fifth gear.

Some cars may only have four gears and a different pattern. It is always better to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual to understand the positions of the gear stick in your particular car.

10 Simple Steps to Drive a Manual Transmission Car (+ How is it Different from an Automatic Car?)

Learn the basic operation of a manual car and how it differs from driving an automatic car. Here’s how to drive a manual car in 10 simple steps:

1. Starting a Manual Car

• Before starting the engine, make sure the gear stick is in the neutral position. You can do this by moving the gear stick left and right.
• Ensure the handbrake or parking brake is engaged and that all warning lights are off, indicating the car is ready to drive.
• Next, fully depress the clutch pedal with your foot to ensure the engine disengages from the transmission.
• With the clutch pressed, turn the ignition key or press the start/stop button to turn on the engine.

How it is different from an automatic car:

In an automatic car, you simply turn the ignition after ensuring that the car is in Park (P) mode without pressing a clutch pedal.

2. Moving Off a Manual Car

• Fully depress the clutch pedal, move the gear stick to the first gear, and release the handbrake.
• Gradually lift your left foot off the clutch pedal until you feel the biting point, where the engine begins to engage.
• As you reach the biting point, gently press the accelerator with your right foot to increase engine revs.
• Once you feel the car moving forward, completely release the clutch pedal.

How it is different from an automatic car:

You simply release the brake pedal to start moving in an automatic car. A manual car requires precise coordination of the clutch and accelerator.

3. Upshifting Gears to Increase the Speed

• Once you’ve reached the 10 mph mark, you’ll feel that the car’s sound gets heavier.
• At this point, take your foot off the accelerator and fully depress the clutch pedal.
• Shift from the first to the second gear by bringing the gear stick backwards while keeping it to the left.
• Slowly lift your left foot off the clutch while pressing the accelerator to match the engine speed.
• Once the gear is engaged, fully release the clutch. Keep practising to get better at clutch and accelerator coordination.

How it is different from an automatic car:

In an automatic car, the transmission shifts gears automatically based on speed and throttle input, requiring no manual intervention.

4. Driving a Manual Car on Level Road

• Keep your foot on the accelerator to maintain a steady speed.
• As your speed reaches 20 mph, engage the third gear using the process described above.
• As your speed reaches 35 mph, engage the fourth gear using the process described above.
• As your speed reaches 50 mph, engage the fifth gear using the process described above.
• Always remember to press the clutch when changing gears to avoid stalling
• New drivers can keep their foot over the clutch pedal while driving on a level road but never on it. Keeping the clutch engaged while driving can damage the transmission permanently.

How it is different from an automatic car:

While an automatic car adjusts gears automatically, a manual car requires you to choose the correct gear for each speed level. 

5. Driving a Manual Car Uphill

• As you approach the hill, press the clutch pedal fully and shift into first or second gear. This will give you the power needed to start climbing.
• If you are at a complete stop before the incline, engage the handbrake to prevent rolling back.
• Gradually lift your left foot off the clutch until you feel the biting point, where the engine begins to engage, and the car starts to want to move forward.
• Once you feel the biting point, release the handbrake while simultaneously applying throttle with your right foot. This will help you move forward without rolling back.
• As you release the clutch completely, gently press the accelerator to maintain your speed. Avoid revving the engine too high, as this can lead to loss of traction.
• You may need to shift to a higher gear as you gain speed. Press the clutch, shift to the next gear, and release the clutch smoothly while applying the throttle.
• As you ascend, apply more throttle to maintain engine power. If the engine is struggling, you may need to downshift to a lower gear.

How it is different from an automatic car:

In an automatic car, you simply press the accelerator, and the vehicle automatically adjusts the gear selection and power delivery.

6. Driving a Manual Car Downhill

• Before descending, downshift to a lower gear (e.g., from fourth to third) to use engine braking.
• Gently apply the brakes to slow down, if necessary, but avoid excessive braking to prevent overheating.
• If you need to slow down further, you can press the clutch pedal to disengage the engine while braking, but ensure you’re in a gear that allows for controlled speed.
• Adjust your speed based on the steepness of the hill and road conditions, and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.

How it is different from an automatic car:

In an automatic car, the transmission will automatically select a lower gear when going downhill, allowing the car to use engine braking without any input from you.

7. Downshifting Gears for Slowing Down

• You must take ample time to downshift gears while slowing down the car, especially at speeds over 50 mph.
• Release the accelerator and let the car reduce its speed while in fifth gear.
• Gently use the brake to reduce speed quickly, and then depress the clutch pedal.
• Once the speed is below 50 mph, engage the fourth gear.
• Continue the same process of downshifting gears by following the exact opposite pattern you used while upshifting until the car is in first gear.
• This might seem like a lot of time, but once you get used to it, it happens in less than a few seconds.
• As you get better at manual car driving, you may be able to skip a gear or two while downshifting to make the process faster.
• But that takes a lot of practice; doing it wrongly can damage the transmission.

How it is different from an automatic car:

In an automatic car, downshifting occurs automatically when you apply the brakes, requiring no manual input from you.

8. Stopping a Manual Car

• Ensure you’re in first gear before bringing the car to a full stop.
• Release the accelerator to free your foot and gradually apply the brakes to reduce speed.
• Just 1-2 seconds before the car comes to a full stop, depress the clutch pedal fully to disengage the engine while keeping the brake pedal pressed with one foot.
• Keep the clutch and brake engaged to let the engine idle while stopped.

How it is different from an automatic car:

In an automatic car, you can simply press the brake pedal to stop without pressing a clutch.

9. Reversing a Manual Car

• Depress the clutch fully and move the gear stick to the reverse position.
• Release the clutch to the biting point to start moving backwards.
• Then, fully release the clutch while controlling your speed with the accelerator.

How it is different from an automatic car:

Similar to moving off, reversing a manual car requires coordination between the clutch and accelerator, which isn’t required in automatic cars.

10. Parking and Turning Off a Manual Car

• Make sure that you’ve stopped your car in a suitable parking spot.
• Your brake and clutch pedals must be depressed at this point.
• While keeping both the pedals engaged, move the gear stick to neutral.
• Now, you can release the clutch pedal.
• Pull up the handbrake to secure the vehicle.
• Now you can release the brake as well.
• Continue the engine to idle if you want, or turn the key to the off position or press the start/stop button. Remove the key from the ignition if applicable.

How it is different from an automatic car:

In an automatic car, you can simply shift to Park (P) and turn off the ignition without needing to engage a clutch or worry about rolling backwards.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the benefits of driving a manual car?

Manual cars are generally cheaper to purchase and maintain due to their simpler design. You’ll also find that driving a manual car is a more engaging experience as you’re actively involved in controlling the vehicle’s power. This increased engagement can lead to better driving skills and a deeper understanding of how your car works. So, while automatic cars offer convenience, there are definite perks to mastering the art of manual driving.

2. Can you drive a manual car with an automatic car driving licence in the UK?

No, you cannot drive a manual car with an automatic car driving licence in the UK. Passing your driving test in an automatic car means you’ve been assessed on your ability to drive a vehicle without a manual gearbox. Driving a manual car requires additional skills, such as operating the clutch and changing gears, which you haven’t been tested on. If you want to drive a manual car, you’ll need to take another driving test in a manual vehicle.

3. How to avoid damaging the clutch in a manual car?

To avoid damaging your clutch, treat it with care. One common mistake is riding the clutch, which means resting your foot on the clutch pedal while driving. This puts unnecessary stress on the clutch. So, keep your foot off the clutch unless you’re changing gears or starting the car. You should also avoid revving the engine too high before releasing the clutch, as this can cause excessive wear.

Wrapping Up: How to Drive a Manual Car?

Driving a manual transmission car takes some practice, but once you get the hang of it, it can be a very rewarding experience.

Remember to take it slow, focus on coordination between the clutch and accelerator, and don’t be afraid to practise in a safe environment until you feel comfortable.

With these 10 simple steps to drive a manual car, you now have the knowledge and skills to drive a manual car confidently.