Ah, the noble art of mastering the clutch and gearstick—because who doesn’t want to be that person who stalls at every traffic light? Learning manual driving involves getting comfortable with the clutch pedal, gear shifter, and timing your gear changes to keep the engine purring rather than coughing. It usually starts in a quiet area to avoid the embarrassment of a stall in front of a queue of honking cars. Expect to spend several hours behind the wheel practicing the coordination of clutch release and accelerator.
In Australia, professional instructors and driving schools can guide you through the process with lesson prices typically ranging from $50 to $80 per hour. Alternatively, patient mates and a car with a manual transmission will do the trick, though be prepared for some grumpy looks. For used manuals to practice on, check out Tradingpost or CarShowroom to find affordable options.
Ultimately, learning manual driving builds a skill that’s as satisfying as it is useful—just remember, it’s all about patience and practice, not just horsepower.
12StorageListing your ad only takes a few minutes, and most categories are free.
Post an adA weekly hand-picked round-up of the best bargains, free stuff, and trending listings. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Know someone looking to buy or sell something? Send them to Tradingpost, Australia's original marketplace.