[Garfield 2]

Ok, I was just wondering, why don't Americans learn to drive in MANUAL cars?
I had a friend come over from the States and... he didn't know how to use the manual tranny.
It's weird, are you not allowed to use manual or something

[leik oh em jeez!]

Because most people drive cars with automatics, you are not required to learn how to drive a car with a manual transmission. If you go to take your test in an automatic car, how exactly would the DMV employee be able to properly teach you to drive a stick? The basics are gone over in Driver's Ed, but that's about it.

[Piperka]

What if you need to drive manual in an emergency? You'd be screwed.

And why do you's call it Stick shift, when technically an automatic is a stick shift too because that's how you shift between P R N and D.

This post has been edited by Piperka on Friday, Jan 13 2012, 08:26

[Garfield 2]

QUOTE (Piperka @ Friday, Jan 13 2012, 08:24)

What if you need to drive manual in an emergency? You'd be screwed. And why do you's call it Stick shift, when technically an automatic is a stick shift too because that's how you shift between P R N and D.

That's what they call manual - stick shift.

[leik oh em jeez!]

Like I said it is gone over in Driver's Ed, but they can't legally REQUIRE everyone to take the test in cars with manual transmissions as most people don't have them. And if the state bought manual cars to take road tests in that would probably double our already ridiculous state taxes.

Oh and Using a stick to shift vs shifting automatically between standard drive gears.

[Piperka]

That's pretty much the same in Australia. Like 85% of people here drive Automatic cars, but then most of those people have a manual license, so they can drive a manual. I have a manual license but my car is automatic lol

[goin-god]

Lazy Americans, it's not that hard to drive Manual.

[leik oh em jeez!]

@Piperka: Well then I could ask the same question of you. What if someone without a manual license needs to drive a manual in an emergency?

It's basically the same here except we don't have a separate license for manuals. You just just get in and practice for a little bit until you've got the hang of it. My only time driving a stick shift was in my Dad's 01 4x4 2500HD with a 6-speed and a 496 Big Block. Was quite easy after a couple minutes. I certainly wouldn't mind having a Diesel truck with a 5-speed.

[Piperka]

QUOTE (leik oh em jeez! @ Friday, Jan 13 2012, 16:55)

@Piperka: Well then I could ask the same question of you. What if someone without a manual license needs to drive a manual in an emergency?

Exactly why people get a manual licence here, for emergencies lol

QUOTE

It's basically the same here except we don't have a separate license for manuals. You just just get in and practice for a little bit until you've got the hang of it. My only time driving a stick shift was in my Dad's 01 4x4 2500HD with a 6-speed and a 496 Big Block. Was quite easy after a couple minutes. I certainly wouldn't mind having a Diesel truck with a 5-speed.

That's ok I guess. Here your license will show your class. Class C = Manual / Auto < 4.5T up to 12 people. Class C-A = Same but only Auto. If you only get an Auto license here, it's a hassle to get a manual one later on as you would have to do driving lessons/tests again which is why most people just get it over with in the beginning.

[OnePiece]

QUOTE (Piperka @ Friday, Jan 13 2012, 18:43)

That's pretty much the same in Australia. Like 85% of people here drive Automatic cars, but then most of those people have a manual license, so they can drive a manual. I have a manual license but my car is automatic lol

If you do your P's in a manual its fine for you to drive both but if you do your test in an an auto you can't drive a manual. I think after a year or something with an auto licence its fine to drive both.

[The General]

You want to know why American's don't drive Stick Shift?

Is bumper to bumper traffic, and going to work fairly long distances from where they live. Having to keep switching gears every few seconds because of the the traffic picks up or slows down.

But that isn't to say that I don't believe that North Americans shouldn't learn to drive manual, they should. Driving test here in Ontario are a joke.

[Piperka]

That is why me and my sister have auto cars (but still manual licenses), because we have to drive over an hour every day in peak hour traffic on busy roads, on the freeway, past the city to the south side of my city for University.

[silvermanblue]

Not all of us are ignorant. I taught myself a couple of years back to drive manual. I am training as a truck driver and driving a manual is almost required. (Though more and more companies are offering automatic semis )

[Lurch]

QUOTE (The General @ Friday, Jan 13 2012, 10:10)

You want to know why American's don't drive Stick Shift? Is bumper to bumper traffic, and going to work fairly long distances from where they live. Having to keep switching gears every few seconds because of the the traffic picks up or slows down. But that isn't to say that I don't believe that North Americans shouldn't learn to drive manual, they should. Driving test here in Ontario are a joke.

Most of america doesn't even see bumper to bumper traffic like that. Unless you're in a city (which most of this country and continent are not. The majority is rurual countryside), you won't see ever see serious traffic. I mean, the main time I've been in super heavy traffic, was when I was delivering to big cities in the Kenworth. It was a 13 speed and still wasn't that bad. You're not really switching between gears in bumper to bumper stuff. You keep it in low or first and just creep along.


In the end, it's just lazy, stupid people.

This post has been edited by Lurch on Friday, Jan 13 2012, 19:16

[Pagelzilla]

QUOTE (goin-god @ Friday, Jan 13 2012, 02:53)

Lazy Americans, it's not that hard to drive Manual.

I think it's also how a lot of us are raised. I was lucky enough to have parents who love german cars and therefore was always exposed to manual vehicles. My parents made me learn stick before I took my drivers test so I could pick them up if there was ever an emergency.

Now I would never buy an automatic car. Manual transmissions are so much more fun to drive.

[Lurch]

The only times I've ever driven an automatic in the past 2 years is when I've driven drunk friends vehicles home from the bar or taco bell. In the past 2 years I've driven plenty 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 13 speed manuals and surprisingly few autos. Absolutely despise automatics.

[Illousion]

If I could choose I'd totally drive an automatic. Lot more convinient for commuting and I feel it creates a more relaxed style of driving. But then again I'm not a huge fan of "actual driving".

[κενιη]

QUOTE (Garfield 2 @ Friday, Jan 13 2012, 02:47)

It's weird, are you not allowed to use manual or something

I drive a somewhat worn but well running 1996 Legacy Wagon with a 5 speed. Most everyone I know does know how to drive manual but they drive autos out of convenience. Either driving with children or just wanting to not worry about changing gears or for some other reason, they just choose to do so. My wife didn't know how to drive manual but took to it rather easily after a few days of practice (and me saying "Quit the bitching and just drive. The more you do it, the easier it is.).


Quick shot from my computer desk out the window.

[Starion]

QUOTE (Piperka @ Friday, Jan 13 2012, 09:24)

What if you need to drive manual in an emergency? You'd be screwed.

..Why so?

Most people in the UK drive manuals.. Different style of driving + different style of roads is the cause I guess.

[Piperka]

QUOTE (Starion @ Saturday, Jan 14 2012, 03:12)

QUOTE (Piperka @ Friday, Jan 13 2012, 09:24) What if you need to drive manual in an emergency? You'd be screwed. ..Why so?

For a start you won't know how to take off.