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Call: (973) 879-4107
Manual Transmission
Experience the thrill of driving a stick shift.
Please note:
We apologize, but at this time, we will only be able to book lessons for clients that have access to a manual transmission equipped vehicle.
We hope to resume within a few months offering stick shift training to all clients looking to learn.
If you want to gain the skills to drive manual transmission vehicles, we will teach you, step-by-step. And by the end of the class, you will be switching gears with ease!
Our 90-minute private training session focuses on basic functions of a Manual Transmission Vehicle. We cover managing the clutch, smooth up-shifting, downshifting, and reversing. You will have an understanding of both the vehicle's operation and the skills necessary to "drive a stick".
Unlike driving an automatic shift vehicle, in a manual shift car the driver must operate the gears by using a clutch pedal and a gear stick to select the most appropriate gear at the appropriate engine speed. No matter how much driving experience you have done – or what another person may tell you – you cannot jump behind the wheel of a stick shift vehicle and drive away.
Did you know:
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Most people who currently drive a manual transmission in America do not know how to properly drive one.
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Manual transmission cars can possibly save you money in the long run over an automatic because they are generally cheaper to buy (automatic transmissions cost more to manufacture), get better fuel economy (that isn't always the case) than automatics and cheaper to maintain (last longer because of their simplicity. Fewer moving parts = fewer things can break).
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In snow or icy conditions, a manual car can offer greater control over an automatic and so perform better when roads are slippery or dangerous. To note: proper tires and tread depth also determine handling ability in this condition.
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Having the ability to drive stick shift allows you to drive a wide range of makes and models that only come with manual transmission.
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Go overseas and stick shift cars (both rented and owned) are the norm. An automatic transmission vehicle can be 2-5 times more expensive than a manual transmission one. And most Americans pay because, well, they don’t have any other choice. They don’t know how to drive a manual vehicle. Rental car companies know all of this and they use it to their advantage. HINT: In most parts of the world, if you rent a stick shift car you can save a ton of money.​
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Manual transmission vehicles will keep a new driver more engaged in the driving process while reducing driver distractions. Students looking to learn and understand about driving a manual transmission must already know how to drive or be familiar with driving a vehicle if coming from overseas.
Learning to drive a manual transmission is more difficult than learning to drive an automatic transmission. Simply because a manual car is more difficult to maneuver due to the added complexity of shifting gears with a lever, with simultaneous footwork on the accelerator and clutch pedals to match the engine’s RPM (revolutions per minute) to the speed the wheels are turning.
SUCCESS brings smooth starts and controlled cornering.
FAILURE brings the tortured sound of grinding gears and embarrassment of stalling in traffic.
During the 90-minute lesson, you will not be going on busy streets with a lot of traffic or on steep hills.
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You will learn on residential areas with minimal or no traffic, so you stay relaxed until you can manage
more. Expect a learning curve each time you drive. So, if you are ready to go ahead, contact us to learn
stick shifting and I will have you popping the gears smoothly!