How to Drive

driving stick is reasonably easy. if you know how to drive stick, driving auto is even easier. i will edit this every time i learn something new. kay, you ready?

step one: adjust your seat so you can reach the pedals. you have to be able to touch the clutch to the floor.  if you cannot see over the dashboard, either get out of the car or get a smaller car. you need to be able to see the road.

step two:  figure out which pedals are which. the one on the far right is the gas. the one in the middle is the brake. the one on the far left is the clutch. if in doubt, sit and think for a second.

step three: actually turning the car on. [keep your foot on the brake.]  hit the clutch and turn the key. shift into neutral. hang on to the clutch while shifting gears. shift into first.

step four: actually getting the car to move. ease off the clutch. let go of the brake and tap the gas. keep a gentle pressure on it. you don’t want to fly off but you don’t want to stall either.  hopefully you have let go of the clutch. you will slowly start to move. i went about two miles before shifting into second my first try.

 step five:  shifting to second.  press the clutch to the floor.  pull the gearshift down to second. let go of the clutch. press the gas just a smidgen harder than before. just a little.

step six: shifting to third.  once you’re comfortable with second gear and are going about 25 mph you get to shift into third gear. press the clutch to the floor again. pull the gearshift right and up once.  release the clutch. hit the gas.

step seven: stopping. press the brake, floor the clutch, shift into neutral, let go of the clutch, and keep braking. this is pretty easy. just don’t start immediatley on stoplights.

this is the extent of my knowledge for today. i will continue next time i get a lesson. have fun and be careful!