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!
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.
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.
Please remember that automatic and semi-automatic transmission cars don’t have a clutch.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
To avoid damaging your car 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.
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.
A car is a complex assembly of more than 30,000 parts. It is basically a maze of components, each with its own unique function. So, covering all car anatomy in a single blog post is impossible. What we’ll do today is try to understand the primary parts of a car you must recognise as a […]
Despite the increasing number of average speed cameras, many people still misunderstand how they operate. This has led to confusion and frustration among motorists who believe they’ve been unfairly fined. Let’s dispel these 8 myths about how do average speed cameras work. 1. Single Average Speed Camera Can Catch You Many believe that […]
Selling your car in the UK can involve some confusion, especially when it comes to the change of ownership. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process in 8 simple steps, whether you’re selling privately, to a dealer through Exchange My Car, or even scrapping your car. We’ll also cover the details of online […]
If you’re planning on driving in London’s Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) or Clean Air Zones (CAZ) in Bath, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Portsmouth, Sheffield, or Tyneside, you might need a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) to avoid fees and fines. But what is a Certificate of Conformity? What does it show? How do you obtain a duplicate […]
Whether you’re upgrading to a newer model or simply looking to declutter your driveway, the process of car selling requires careful planning. Unfortunately, many sellers make the same old common mistakes when selling a car. This can lead to lost time and diminished profits. In this blog post, we’ll highlight 8 mistakes that car sellers […]
The national speed limit on a single-carriageway road, also known as a rural or country road, is between 50 and 60 mph for different types of vehicles. However, 60 mph is the highest you can go on a single road in any type of vehicle. Despite a lower speed limit than dual carriageway roads and […]
25% of all engine failures are attributed to negligence in changing engine coolant. Similarly, 95% of radiators fail due to old or contaminated coolant. This simple yet effective mixture of glycol and water is an integral fluid used to cool any internal combustion engine. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the reasons why your engine […]
According to a recent survey, one-third of all road deaths in the UK are caused by overspeeding. That’s where a speed limiter can play the role of a lifesaver. As per the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), the speed limiters would reduce accidents by 30%, saving around 25,000 lives in the next 15 years. But […]
A faulty alternator can damage other electrical components of your car. Plus, it’s a safety hazard as a failing alternator can dim the headlights of your car, leading to compromised visibility. Let’s discover the common signs of a faulty alternator and alternator replacement cost in this blog post. Along with that, we’ll also discuss why […]
The cost to replace a head gasket in the UK is between £284 and £2,946 with an average of £585. It’s one of the most expensive replacements and the most interesting one as well. The seal for the head gasket costs less than £100 in most cases. However, it is a labour-intensive replacement. So, the […]
A recent survey by Kwik Fit found that battery failure is the most common cause of car breakdown in the UK. More than 17% of all issues faced by car owners were battery-related. However, only 4% of them were worried about battery failure. So, by understanding how long do car batteries last, you can avoid […]
The ULEZ fine for all kinds of cars (petrol & diesel cars), vans, motorcycles, motor tricycles, mopeds, motor caravans, ambulances, and minibuses is £180 and comes with a 28-day payment deadline. If you pay the ULEZ fine within the first 14 days, it comes down to £90. But if you don’t pay it even until […]
Euro NCAP testing has saved more than 78,000 lives since its inception in 1997. Plus, its ratings have a huge impact on the sales and popularity of cars sold in the UK. But what do these ratings mean? And do they really carry weight? Plus, how these rating are going to shape a future with […]
AWD vs RWD vs FWD vs 4WD: the choice of transmission in your car can influence everything from fuel efficiency, driving experience, and handling to overall safety. It can be difficult to choose between these types of transmissions because most differences are so subtle that they are very hard to notice. In this guide, we’ll […]
With nearly 31% of British vehicles now equipped with dash cams, it’s clear these devices are becoming essential for many drivers. But how do dash cams work exactly? This comprehensive guide will delve into the world of dash cams, covering everything from their functionality to legal considerations and purchasing advice. Let’s get started! What […]
The UK is experiencing a surge in electric vehicle adoption, with over 1.1 million electric cars on the road as of March 2024, according to DVSA. More people now drive an automatic car. While manual transmissions have historically been favoured in the UK, the shift towards EVs has introduced a new norm: automatic transmissions, as […]
People have some big misconceptions when it comes to a Motability car! One is that Motability cars have specific markings; the other is that all adapted cars are potentially leased through the Motability scheme. While these things might be true, they are not foolproof methods to suggest that a car is part of the Motability […]
Suzuki has long boasted a stellar reputation for reliability, consistently topping reliability indices and surveys. But are Suzuki cars reliable enough? How often do Suzuki cars actually break down? And which Suzuki models are the most dependable? You’ve come to the right place if these questions have crossed your mind. This blog post will answer […]
Cars in the UK need to pay an annual Vehicle Exercise Duty (VED), more commonly known as road tax, in order to legally circulate on the public road. The value of the fee depends on the car’s age, fuel type, tailpipe CO2 emissions, and engine capacity, with older or more polluting models typically being more […]
With a growing car-sharing trend in the UK, it’s no surprise that many people find themselves behind the wheel of a vehicle they don’t own. But what if you need insurance to protect yourself while driving someone else’s car? Can you insure a car you don’t own? Don’t worry. You’re not alone with this question! […]