How can I (re)learn driving stick?, It's been ~10 years since I last tried... Options

[CAMAricer]

Okay, so with all the crap that's been going on with my car, I've decided to purchase a second car (as a backup). But my options are rather limited b/c I can only drive an auto (I learned 10 years ago all in one afternoon at an empty parking lot but never touched it since). So...what is the best way to re-learn it? Keep in mind I have no one to teach me (don't know anyone in San Francisco who knows how to).

So any advice for me? Or any NorCal 6GC-ers willing to spare me an afternoon (or two) and their car to teach me? I'll compensate you for your time.

BTW, my next purchase is going to be an AE86. I figure if I'm going to learn how to drive stick, might as well learn how to drift too

[Razgriz]

have confidince, you should be good. some of the afore mentioned tips are great. like letting it into gear with no accelerator, just slowly, SLOWLY let of the clutch until you can familurize(spelling?) yourself with the clutches engagement range. then work up from there by balancing a little throttle while releasing clutch. you'll be doing it before you know it!

i hear san fran is full of wonderful hills
so i'll tell you a tip i used when learning to start off while on an incline. ( this helps especially when you have people pulling up too close behind you.)

while stopped on an incline:
1. car in neutral foot on brake,
2. pull up ebrake
3. press down on clutch pedal and put into 1st gear.
4. release (foot) brake (you should be held in place by ebrake.)
5. now try taking off like normal, and when you feel the front wheels trying to pull the car forward (I DO NOT MEAN DRAGGING THE REST OF THE CAR WITH IT!! haha) but to the point where the ebrake is keeping you from going forwards rather than rolling backwards, you can then release it with your free right hand.

tada!

and if you end up needing help it sounds like there are plenty of willing teachers here ready to help you in person!


i had the 'pushed into the deep end' style of learning
purchased 5speed celica, previous owner was getting paperwork finished. he dropped car off with me while I was at work when he was done. I finished my shift and had to drive it home in rush hour traffic. well i made it home, end of story haha!