Starting the Car
- Put the key in the ignition
- Push the clutch pedal all the way in
- Turn the key to start the engine
Getting Familiar with the Gears
- Practice finding the gears on the shift knob (e.g. reverse, first, second, third, fourth)
- Get comfortable with the location of each gear
Starting to Move
- Lift your left foot off the clutch pedal slowly
- Press the gas pedal with your right foot to start moving forward
Shifting Gears
- Listen for the sound of the engine revving too high to know when to shift
- Press the clutch pedal down, shift into the next gear, and then ease off the clutch pedal while pressing the gas pedal
Additional Tips
- Practice starting and stopping in first gear before shifting
- Use a parking lot to practice without worrying about traffic signs or other cars
- Remember to use the parking brake when stopping
- Some cars have automatic parking brakes, while others require manual engagement
Video