Starting from a Stop in 1st Gear - Need tips, My fifth day driving stick Options

[Celicav]

Well, I just got a Manual GT Hatchback, and yesterday was essentially my fifth day of driving stick. I drove it in "real" bumper-to-bumper traffic for the first time, and that was an enlightening experience. My start from a stop is only smooth about half the time, if that, so it was pretty stressful. Any tips or instructions on how to get a smooth start every time? I need very specific info on the clutch and gas pedal position (or RPMs) at the point the car should start moving. I try to remember exactly how I managed a smooth start when I do it, but that is difficult at this time. Thanks!

P.S. Any other tips on making driving stick a more enjoyable experience would be great too!

[Rjb23]

You don't need to but its bad for the clutch if you don't push it in all the way, its like driving down the road with your foot on the brakes a little. Its wears them out faster.

Basically you just need to go to a parking lot for an hour or so and just stop and start. I learned how to drive a clutch, at least in first or second gear moving cars around my dad's car lot, when I was 15. After I did that for awhile after I turned 16 my Mom showed me how to showed me how to shift into other gears which is cake.