How to Drive a Stick Shift

There are two kinds of people in this world. Those who can drive stick, and those who can't. The former are way cooler than the latter. Here is a quick guide to help get you into that exclusive club of the clutch capable.

1.) Keep your heel off the floor when pressing the clutch. This is a big one and it took me some time to figure it out. When you dig in your heel it inhibits your coordination and lowers your ability to focus. When you are just learning to drive stick, focus is of the utmost importance. Later, when you're more experienced you can drive however you want. But until then, don't let that heel down.

2.) Practice by yourself. You don't need some wise-cracking friend or family member there with you while you're trying to learn stick. You don't need your girlfriend/boyfriend to lend support. You don't need your rosary beads, or your prayer rug, or any divine inspiration. You just need yourself, and about two hours of uninterrupted time to practice, practice, practice. If possible, have someone drive you to a vacant lot and then take a bus home. You brain needs quiet time to properly absorb this radically new way to drive.

I've heard of some people who learned how to drive a stick in a matter of minutes. I'd love to say it's that easy for everyone, but it's not. It takes a little bit of time and concentration.

3.) Force yourself to learn. Do whatever it takes. It won't happen until you do it. That person who drove you to the vacant lot, make a deal that if you're not able to drive them home in the time you're done practicing, you owe them dinner at a nice restaurant. Turn this learning experience into an important matter in your own mind.

4.) Remind yourself that driving stick is cool. If you've ever given thought to purchasing a convertible, then you'd better learn how to drive stick. Driving a convertible equipped with an automatic transmission is downright unnatural, and possibly even illegal in some states (at least it should be anyway).

5.) Don't be afraid. When that time comes for you to venture out onto the road--yes, the big, scary road with all the traffic lights, hills, and other cars--just do it. Get out there and drive. So what if you annoy everyone behind you by stalling out at every light? In no time at all you'll be bona fide clutch qualified. Whatever happens, take your time. And above all, don't be afraid.