Mastering a manual transmission can seem intimidating, but it's really very simple. As with so many things in life, the trickiest parts are getting started and coming to a stop. Driving standard shifts requires a little coordination and a basic understanding of how the transmission works. Simply put, the slower the car is going, the lower the gear it wants to be in. Stopping stick shift cars is nerve-wracking for beginners because if you do it wrong, the car stalls. Don't panic. Standard shift stops are a breeze, once you get the hang of it.
Press the brake pedal gently as you approach a yellow or red traffic light, a crosswalk, stop sign or your destination.
Press in the clutch as you use the brake to slow the car.
Downshift--press in the clutch and move the stick shift to a lower gear--as you approach the final stopping point, making sure you are press the clutch all the way in as you change gears.
Press the brake and clutch all the way in, and shift into neutral. Either turn off the engine or prepare to shift back into first gear if you will be going forward again.
Press the brake and the clutch in at the same time, if you have to make a sudden stop. Don't worry about the stick shift at this point, just concentrate on controlling the steering wheel.
Take a breath, keeping the clutch and brake both mashed firmly to the floorboards. Put the gear shift into neutral.
Put the car into first gear, slowly release the clutch and give the car a little gas when you are ready to go again.
