How to Drive Stick Shift

How to Drive Stick Shift

It was my time and I panicked! This was two years ago. At first I maintained focus by trying not to get nervous, but failed. As the car raced so did my heart with each aching moment. Sweating heavily I moved pass the Clarendon main up Spur tree before demanding a stop. Unconfident and uncomfortable I only wished the nightmare would end so I pulled over and shortened the journey.

You may be new at driving but it is always good to learn this skill that will be important for success in the future.  Contrary to popular belief, driving is not difficult. Imagine having the knowledge to transport yourself anywhere you want without help. Imagine the fun and freedom, the energy and excitement of showing your skill to friends and family.

Additionally, driving stick shift is an art which requires skill, patience and timeliness. In an area free from obstruction you can observe these steps that will prepare you to be a good driver.

1.       Know the parts of the standard vehicle.
It is recommended that before doing anything you are familiar with the car; and this entails knowing the correct position of the gears, various switches, mechanical indicators and other controls. You must know how to hold the steering wheel, the position of the pedals and other technical operations. You will also realize that knowledge of the clutch and its theory, engine, brakes, wheels and fuel systems will be useful in properly operating the vehicle. Therefore the first thing to do is  know and study the parts of the standard vehicle.

2.      Switch on the ignition and select gear.
Secondly, after knowing the parts, ensure that you are comfortable by adjusting your seat. Be completely relaxed and see that all doors are closed with maximum visibility in front, behind and to the sides of the vehicle. Next, remember to wear a seatbelt. For emphasis you don’t want to start the car while in gear so ensure the gear lever is in neutral position. Finally switch on the engine by turning a key. Now, gently but firmly depress the clutch pedal all the way down. Select first gear. Hold it! If you move your left foot, that is it. Relax.  You have just selected gear.

3.      Release the hand brake lever and move off
Thirdly, after gear selection, you have to release the hand brake lever to move the car. This may be safe or dangerous depending on the land elevation. On hilly slopes the car will run back so use your right foot on the break. Remember that your left foot has not moved. Slowly give a little gas by gently pressing the accelerator pedal until you get a steady rev. It is important that you don’t press too hard. Next remove the left foot off clutch pedal slowly. Somewhere between the up and down of clutch the car begins to move. Do not remove your leg of the clutch rapidly when moving. Give the car some time to gain momentum. As the car begins to move you can now remove your foot of the clutch completely. The car has moved off

4.      In traffic
Now, after moving off, you don’t want to remain in first gear. This is dangerous for your car’s engine. Therefore after picking up some speed you must listen to the engine to know it is time for second gear. Of course there are other ways, but, you are a beginner. At about 20 km/h you must change gear. You do this in the same way you moved off only more quickly! Press the clutch pedal down, shift the gear into second and come off the clutch gently giving some gas. The road is clear so repeat the same procedure for third, fourth and fifth gear. However when the road is congested, it is impossible to change to higher gear. According to Cliff Hylton, author of Jamaican Drivers Guide , he says, “Because of congestion, never try to cut pass other vehicles, but give appropriate signals and watch traffic lights carefully”(25).He continues, “Knowing how to drive will depend on mastering road craft in traffic because it’s inevitable”(23).

5.      Ascending and descending hills
Driving in Jamaica, you will encounter many hills and valleys and you must know how to deal with them. You are moving in gear four (speed gear), you see a hill, what now?  Gear down to second or first in the same sequence for gearing up Remember to do this way ahead to avoid stalling the car. According to Cliff Hylton, author and experienced driver ,  “most hill difficulties are nearly always caused by bad driving which involves changing down too late”(22).After the peak of the hill you are now descending you must remain in low gear to have control of the car. The lower gear acts as a brake (because of compression) so will reduce the need to continually press the brake pedal.

6.      Moving on a hill-
Most beginners get frustrated with this procedure. The right balance of clutch and gas will give you the best result.  Therefore the best reaction is a smooth movement without any jerks. On a steep hill after starting the engine, depress the clutch pedal and select first gear. Now give a little gas until you get a steady rev and hold it. Next gently release foot from clutch and listen for the engine to change. You should hear a rattling sound. Once you hear the sound release the handbrake. At this point the car is either perfectly still or slowly moving forward all depending on the level of the clutch. Finally, give little gas for momentum before removing foot form clutch.

7.      Slowing down and stopping.
You cannot keep driving forever as the unnecessary traffic and pedestrians will prevent this from happening. Slowing down the standard vehicle is very simple. Gentle press the brake pedal and the car will slow down! Press it too long and too hard and you will stop the car without best results. To stop the car you have to release the accelerator pedal, depress the footbrake firmly and smoothly, when the speed is reduced considerably, depress the clutch pedal and keep it down, until the car is brought to a standstill. You may then apply the handbrake, move the gear lever into neutral, release the clutch pedal gently and switch of the engine.

Everybody fails the first time. You could hear a pin drop as he looked at me shaking his head in disbelief. Therefore before driving try to know as much and never get into a car without an experienced driver beside you for safety. Ensure the car is properly insured and fit. Finally, practice will make you perfect so good luck with your driving and remember defensive driving.

Martin Semugeshi, Feature Writer
 October 27, 2010
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