Operating a Manual Transmission

A vehicle with an automatic transmission is recommended because it is easier to operate. If operating a manual transmission and your teen has problems shifting, practice the steps below without releasing the parking brake. With the ignition off, have your teen:

1. Depress the clutch pedal to the Hold it there.
2. Practice shifting through all the gears.
3. Practice until shifting is automatic.
4. Practice pressing down the clutch and shifting to a gear you have chosen. After shifting becomes easy, have your teen practice shifting in and out of first gear when stopping and starting.

Shifting into First Gear

1. Place the gearshift into neutral.
2. With the clutch firmly depressed and a foot on the brake pedal, start the engine.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Move the gearshift lever from neutral to first gear.
5. Let the clutch comeupvery slowly until it reaches the point at which the engine takes hold and begins to pull the vehicle
6. Move your foot from the brake to the gas pedal and press down gently.
7. Slowly let the clutch pedal come up all the way.

Note: Do not allow your teen to push in the clutch and coast to a stop. The vehicle must remain in gear at all times.