Anyone NOT know how to drive a manual car?

[Joey Stalin]

I was wondering this on the way to work today. Anyone out there who rides a bike and doesn't know how to drive a manual transmission car? AE owners need not apply.

(actually i don't care if you only ride an automatic motorscoot but it doesn't factor into the question being posed)

[MadMax96]

If it matters - I took the MSF class before I ever drove a manual transmission car.  I knew how to drive one in theory, but never had at that point.

I'll never forget it, when I took the MSF class about 13 yrs ago, the instructor was going down the line and asking people questions to guage their ability.  

When he got to me he asked, "you ever ride a motorcycle?"  

Me-> "no"

"you ever drive a stick shift?"

Me-> "no"

Then he kinda looked down, shook his head a little and moved on to the next person.  Needless to say I passed w/ flying colors, even though it rained all weekend.  But that Nighthawk 250 didn't let me down! (Suzuki 125 the first day - with KICK start..boy that was fun until I got the hang of the clutch)

[bluepoof]

The motorcycle was the first manual vehicle I learned to operate.

While I know how to TECHNICALLY drive a manual car, and have done so on a half-dozen occasions, I would call my ability "questionable" at best.  

[Leanintree]

Learned to clutch on a bike, learned to drive with a manual, learned to split shift through 10 gears, but the first time I drove an automatic, it baffled me (during drivers-ed no less). took some time before I stopped reaching for the shifter, and quit putting my left foot through the floor pan.

Leanintree

[bizarro]

Learned drive on a stick. I know own my first vehicle that is not a manual. It's a big ass van.

[Mr. Whippy]

3 on the tree, 4 on the floor, 5 spd, 6 spd, synchromeshed, non-synchromeshed, with 2 speed transaxle, multirange transfer case, 2 stage clutch/PTO engagement...

 if it's gotta clutch, I can drive/ride it  

[jude]

Learned to drive using my aunt's '61 Bel Air, with '3 on the tree'.  Power nothing.  Loved that car!

[RenegadeVT]

I only own manual transmission cars, if it doesn't come with a stick I don't buy it.

Even my wife's car is a manual.

[desert_rider]

Never owned anything but a manual.  Automatics are boring.

[vitaminC]

My dad taught me to drive stick by starting me out on hills (uphill, of course). Somehow, we all came out of it okay  

[jschmidt]

We ask this question at the beginning of each BRC. There are always one or two (out of 24) that have never driven a stick. So 4-8% is probably a pretty reliable number.

[Fourstring]

The motorcycle was the first manual vehicle I learned to operate.

While I know how to TECHNICALLY drive a manual car, and have done so on a half-dozen occasions, I would call my ability "questionable" at best.  

What she said.  I've had to drive my dad's Integra a couple of times (poorly), and a farm truck once or twice, but that's about it.  Hell, I learned to ride on a Burgman.

[dinolee]

My dad taught me to drive stick by starting me out on hills (uphill, of course). Somehow, we all came out of it okay  

hehe, I learned the same way.  My mother had a 5spd Datsun 280Z that I learned in.  There was an uphill section with a stop sign, and I stupidly tried to coast through it.  My mother grabbed the e-brake, and brought us to a screeching halt.  She said, 'You gotta get this down sooner or later, and we are not going home until you start from a dead stop on this hill'.  Traumatic at the time for 15 year old, but but I laugh my ass off about it now.

[hig4s]

Not only do I know how, I learned to drive in a stick shift 3/4 ton pickup with a full camper on it, I took my drivers test in a stick shift full size delivery van. In high school I worked for the township, one job was garbage pick up. When the boss was busy I was the only kid that knew how to drive a stick so I got to drive the 10 ton dump truck while the other guys picked up trash cans.

My last 5, and 8 of my last 10 cars have been manuals. I really don't like automatics.

[Jeff N]

Who can drive a manual trannied car without using the clutch, well, except for the stops and starts? Even with synchros, if you get it right it can be sublime.

[Leanintree]

Who can drive a manual trannied car without using the clutch, well, except for the stops and starts? Even with synchros, if you get it right it can be sublime.

And if you get it wrong, it can be the horror of a lifetime...    Nothing like being unable to up or downshift because you have your timing off.

Leanintree

[MisterSmooth]

Never owned anything but a manual.  Automatics are boring.

Funny thing, I used to think so.  Basically I only owned stick shifts and enjoyed the extra "work" while driving.

But now my life is full of both mental and physical activity.  I just bought a brand new car with an automatic to simplify my life.  It's just easier.

If I want fun transport, I break out the Tuono and shift all I want.  But to head off to a meeting with a client while figuring out where I'm going and talking on the phone the automatic removes any additional unwanted complexity.

Or maybe I'm just getting old.  

[hig4s]

Who can drive a manual trannied car without using the clutch, well, except for the stops and starts? Even with synchros, if you get it right it can be sublime.

When the clutch blew out on my Chevy truck I drove it for two days with no clutch, including the starts and stops.

[Capirex]

But to head off to a meeting with a client while figuring out where I'm going and talking on the phone the automatic removes any additional unwanted complexity.

Shhh.  Keep it down.
Don't let them hear you drive, talk on the phone, and navigate at the same time.
Good god man they'll crucify you.    

[cultureslayer]

it's more a lack of any car driving experience, but I have only taken a manual around a parking lot.