How Learning to Drive Stick Shift in 1969 Paved My Way:

Growing up in a time before the widespread adoption of automatic transmissions, I began my driving journey with a 1963 Plymouth Valiant. This iconic car had what I affectionately refer to as 'three speeds of stick shift,' and in 1969, I started my training to drive it. The process was not an easy one. It was incredibly challenging, and I didn't obtain my driver's license until I was 17, a year later than the typical age at that time. This experience instilled in me a deep appreciation for the skill of manual driving.

Transitioning to a Modern Era with a Manual Hybrid Car

Although I now own a hybrid car with an automatic transmission (except its sport mode, which offers manual gear shifting), my preference remains with the manual transmission. Driving a manual transmission car provides a level of control and connection with the vehicle that is unmatched. Even in a hybrid, the ability to engage in manual driving is a testament to the enduring appeal of standard transmissions.

An Indian Perspective on Driving a Manual Transmission Without Power Steering

Being from India, I had the unique challenge of learning to drive a 800cc Maruti Suzuki without the luxury of power steering. In cars without power steering, it is crucial to turn the steering wheel while the car is moving. The key skill is to slow down, engage the second gear, and use the clutch and accelerator to control the speed while turning the steering wheel with both hands. Once you master this technique, driving a manual transmission car becomes a breeze, regardless of the vehicle type.

A Recollection of Early 1970s Driving Lessons in England

In the UK, my journey to learn to drive manual transmission started at the age of 17, either 1973 or 74, with just one lesson with a professional instructor. I then spent many hours with my mother, learning to drive in a Hilmon Avenger, and a few more lessons with the professional instructor before taking the test and passing.

The instructor was an ex-police officer, known for his strict and methodical approach. He used a ruler and level to ensure that the hand was correctly placed on the gear lever and the foot on the clutch. The lessons were both challenging and thorough, and I believe they taught me the essentials of safe and efficient manual driving.

The Fun and Lessons of Learning from Old Trucks

In the early 1970s, I learned to drive a stick shift using two pickup trucks: a 1952 Ford and a 1954 GMC. Both vehicles were 4-speed on the floor, and both posed unique challenges and lessons. For example, I learned about the pop clutch start technique, which is useful when rolling down a hill or being pushed. I discovered that a regular bumper jack was not effective for changing a tire on a 1952 Ford pickup with 600 x 16″ tires due to the large size of the tires. A hydraulic jack was necessary to lift the wheel sufficiently to remove it from the hub and replace it with the spare.

I also learned how to use a starter button alongside the accelerator when starting a GMC. Despite their quirks, these old trucks were incredibly fun to drive. Unfortunately, I haven't had the opportunity to drive a vehicle with a standard transmission in over a decade, finding it more manageable to drive an automatic when living in the city.