What's the learning curve for a manual transmission?

Question

I have only ever driven an automatic, but I'm interested in learning how to drive a manual car. For all you manual transmission gurus out there, how long was it until you felt fully comfortable driving a manual transmission?

Answer 1

On an average you can almost master the skill in an afternoon,
and the comfort zone comes with experience....

Answer 2

Some more than others.........when I learned I was out with someone who was driving a stick and something happened to them that they could not drive us home....so I had to learn on the spot. We went down to a big parking lot and I practiced for about an hour....then I drove us home. I made a few slip-ups, but I got us home, it doesn't really take all that long to learn if you already drive well. Give it a try and see......I prefer to drive a stick these days, you have much more control of things.........

Answer 3

go practice some in an empty parking lot until you get the feel of chaning gears before going on open highway with others cars so as not to panic and maybe wreck. or maybe late at night when traffic not so bad. its really easy dont make it harder than what it is. ive taught several people in driving manual and we did it in a few hours late at night. get the basics and everything else will come with experience. be careful on hills and when you go to stop and start. you will do fine dont be nervous

Answer 4

I think you should be able to get a grip on it in a week or so. There will always be new situations for you to learn. I have a million miles over-the-road and still run into new stuff every day.

Answer 5

It just sorta happens, when you are able to start smoothly and not grind the gears, you're there. After that you will gain more ability using the clutch and transmission.