1) Forget about the clutch pedal. Automatics do have gears, but the car handles most gear changes itself. That's why there's no clutch pedal - just the brake and the accelerator. Any car, manual or automatic, will be upset if you hit those two pedals at the same time. So a lot of 'manual' drivers actually tuck their left foot behind Method 1Using the Clutch. 1. Keep your left foot resting on the clutch at all times. The clutch is the pedal all the way on the left and is what allows you to transition between gears. Knowing how to use the clutch when you change gears is key to driving smoothly when you're operating a manual transmission. Just focus on getting in and out of first gear using the following sequence of movements: clutch in, select first gear, slowly let out clutch while adding gas, roll for a few feet, then let off the All the initial procedures to drive a manual car can be remembered quite easily. You will be surprised how fast your mind will get used to handling multiple tasks simultaneously. There are 3 stages driving student will go through when learning to drive a manual car: 1) Consciously Incompetent - At this stage, the driver is consciously noticing The most compelling reason to learn to drive a manual is preparedness. That's right. Upon learning to drive a stick shift, you'll be ready for any situation. Whether it be driving an intoxicated friend home in their car, driving a racecar, or renting a car overseas, you'll be ready. Where to learn to drive a manual car How to drive a manual car in nine steps Get in the car and put on your seatbelt Put the key in the ignition and turn all the way until the engine starts Put the clutch pedal down (this the pedal on the left) Move the gear stick into first gear Use your right foot to press down on the accelerator gently to increase the engine's revs very slightly Driving a Manual is More Fun. The last - and very best - reason to drive a stick: It's a heck of a lot more fun. Nearly every person who has owned manual cars and automatics will tell you that driving a stick shift is by far more pleasurable. It's a tactile, engaging experience. It's a connection between driver and machine. To prepare to drive the manual vehicle, press the clutch with your left foot and the brake, or the center pedal, with your right foot. 5 Put the Car into First Gear Next, position the gear shifter so that the transmission is in the first gear. Again, this should be the position furthest to the left and at the top half of the gear box. 6