How to drive a stick shift
Clutch, gas and gears, the bite point, and a stall when you get it wrong.
How to drive a stick shift
Tachometer0 rpm
Speed0 mph
GearNeutral
The engine is off. Press the clutch to the floor, check it's in neutral, then start it.
- Three pedals: clutch on the left, brake in the middle, gas on the right. The clutch connects the engine to the wheels; pressing it disconnects them.
- To start off: clutch down, first gear, then let the clutch up slowly while adding a little gas. Where the car starts to move is the “bite point”.
- To change gear: off the gas, clutch down, move the stick, clutch up smoothly, back on the gas. Shift up around 2,500 to 3,000 rpm in ordinary driving.
- To stop: brake, and press the clutch in before the engine drops below idle, or it stalls.
A stall is harmless: clutch in, neutral, start again. Every learner stalls.
Safety
- A simulation, not driving instruction.
- Learn in a legal, empty place with a licensed, experienced driver beside you, and follow the learner rules where you live.
General information, not professional advice: your manual and local rules come first. You use this at your own risk; see our Terms.
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