Can you drive a stick shift vehicle?

[NMAmy]

Just curious. I was pretty surprised yesterday to discover I'm about the only person in my office that can actually drive a stick shift.

We have a faculty member who had surgery a few weeks ago and couldn't find a handicapped parking spot. She called from her cell and asked if I'd park her car for her. I told her sure but I was a bit busy and asked around to see if anyone else could run downstairs but everyone kept asking, "Are you sure it's not a stick?"

I worked at a car dealership for several years--I knew how to drive a stick then but I became comfortable driving vehicles ranging from tiny sports cars to huge flatbed trucks. Only thing I can't drive is a semi.

DD has her learner's permit now and that's one reason my present car is an automatic. DH's is a stick and I wanted her to learn the basics of driving on the automatic, then when she has that down, we'll teach her to drive a standard transmission car.

So, how about you?

 

[helenabear]

Yep, and I began learning when I was 16. In fact that is all I like to drive at the moment I couldn't imagine buying an automatic for a car

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

Yep, I can drive a stick.

 

[JimboInLimbo]

Count me in. I learned to drive with a stick. My wife had no clue but I've taught her and now both kids can drive a stick too. I've always driven one and feel odd being behind the wheel of an automatic.

 

[Nancy]

I can drive a stick shift. My first 3 cars were standard transmission. The last car was bought when I was married and my DH could not drive the thing for nothing. So now, no more sticks cause he can't figure out how to drive it. I loved my stick shift though, especially my little MG Midget I had back in my bar hopping days!

 

[Maleficent13]

I cannot, but my goal is to learn this summer, so I can do the Richard Petty Experience at WDW this fall!

 

[GoofyDad869]

Yep. Learned to drive with one when I was 16 (a four speed 1980 baby blue Ford Fiesta - was that a chick magnet or what?!)

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

yes..I had an idiot of a step-father who taught me when I was 12. Now while I appreciate teh requirement that I learn a stick shift before getting licensed--that was a wee bit early.

I even took my test with a stick shift. The tester was worried (for no reason). Almost panicked b/c she wouldn't be able to get us back if I got stuck. LOL!

The last part was parking and we pulled into the parking lot and straight into a spot with no turning. Well at least she made my test very easy.

 

[Dizzy for Dsny]

I know how. I chose a stick for car of choice in drivers ed. I figured anyone could drive an automatic, why not learn a stick. I personally feel like you have more control over the car too! Although, once I started having kids, I enjoy an automatic so I don't have to shift the car and try to look back at a child in the back seat. Also, I think its important for everyone to know in case your in a car with someone who may have an emergency and you could drive their car.

I have all intention of teaching my son when he is of age, so that he will have under his belt regardless of the type of car he chooses.

One funny note: I once had a girlfriend of mine buy a car (a stick) and call me to come drive it home for her because she didn't know how. Needless to say I made her learn down her street once we got home and after quite a few jerky moves she was up and at it!!! She loved driving stick after that!!!

 

[DJR]

At the risk of exposing my true age, I confess that one of the first cars I learned to drive was a 1962 VW Beetle. Yikes!

 

[TEENEE]

Sure can. As a matter of fact my ds got his learners permit last weekend. You guessed it, when I took him driving for the first time last weekend we used my car so he would learn to drive a stick. I think it's important that he knows how to drive all types of vehicles in case of an emergency.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Yes, I can. I also learned when I was a teen on a Boss 351 Mustang!

I've had two Jeeps that were standard, one I bought used, the other brand new. That was before kids. Now, it's a lot easier to have an automatic, but nice to know that if I need to drive one in a pinch, I can.

 

[mom2rb]

Both our cars are sticks. DH has a Miata and I have a Honda Accord. Love the gas mileage.

 

[lewdyan1]

Yep! Mine awas a Datsun B 210! My mom made us all learn that first. It's been more than 20 years since I've tried, but I am sure I could pick it up quickly if I needed to.

 

[diznygirl]

Yup. My first car was a stick - it was all I could afford so the salesman taught me. However, my next dream car was an automatic - only because driving a stick in stop and go traffic in L.A. was a nightmare - and hard on my knees!

 

[Blondy876]

Yes, not well and I always stall on hills but if I had to I could do it.

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

The first car I bought myself was a stick. A cute little red Chrysler Laser. Now I know that's about 20 years ago. I'm hoping it's like riding a bike. Once you learn how it will just come back to you.

 

[lissawynn]

Yep. I can drive a standard shift and will be getting one in the next car I buy. I'm not a fan of automatics.

 

[wdw4life]

Yes. In fact, all my cars had been manual.

 

[MiniMe]

All the cars I've driven save one are stick shifts. I think I learned that way because my parents always drove stick shifts.