[Pray4theCPA]

Hello all,

So I recently (today) purchased a stick shift. I have never before drove a stick shift but I though might as well learn now. I thought how hArd could it be.. Right? Anyway an hour of driving in the parking lot with my dad, I felt comfortable and went to the streets myself. A first I was fine but then I got stopped at a stop sign where I needed to make a left hand turn onto a busy street. Cars were behind me and my nerves kicked in. I had to have stalled the car about 10 times with cars honking behind me and oncoming traffic coming my way as well. I could not stop shaking and keep my cool. It got to a point when a kind man came and helped me drive back to a nearby parking lot. I feel once I get it passed first gear I am fine but it terrifies me when I need to get started from a dead start. Anyway, my problem is that I start working a new job on Monday and I will be driving from the city to the burbs. Will I be okay by Monday if I practice driving for one more day (Sunday) seeing how today was my first time ever driving stick. Or should I use my fathers automatic car for a while? I have no idea what to do and I feel really dumb. I am always up for challenges and I thought I would be able to do this but I’m not sure if Sunday will be enough seeing how today went.

FAR - 83
BEC - 81
AUD - 74,93
REG - 75

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[Anonymous]

It will become second nature soon. Then you will become like me where when you are driving an automatic it shifts when you don't want to it (or does not shift when you do want it). If you live in an area with snow this is a better option to keep control of the vehicle.

When I first learned, my friend explained to me the concepts that are going on inside of the car when I depress the clutch, shift gears, etc. Having that knowledge and visualizing what my engine is doing in my mind was helpful for my learning. A quick Google search could provide that information for you, I still picture the same things in my mind when shifting gears sometimes (when i actually think about it, and don't so it out of muscle memory that is).

Good Luck, you can do this!

[Author]

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