If you practice the proper technique, driving a manual transmission truck will get easier.There are differences between an automatic and stick shift truck.It is a matter of pressing the right pedals and driving in the proper gear.If you take your time and practice, you can drive a stick shift truck in no time at all.
Step 1: The clutch, gas, and brake pedals are located here.
The skinny pedal on the right is the gas pedal.The middle of the 2 other pedals is the brake pedal.The leftmost pedal in your truck is the clutch.You have to press down on the clutch pedal to change the gear.The most difficult part of driving stick shift is using the clutch.The gas and brake pedals should be pressed with your right foot.Press down on the clutch with your left foot.
Step 2: Look at the image on the top of the stick shift.
For trucks with left side steering wheels, the stick shift should be to the right of your seat.The gear numbers are printed on the top of most stick shifts.First, second, third, fourth, and fifth gear are usually left and up, while the reverse is usually right and down.The truck will be neutral if the stick shift is pushed into the center.
Step 3: To see around you, adjust your seat and mirror.
If you want to see around your truck, position your mirrors.Eliminate as many blind spots as possible.You can still see out of the front windshield if you move your seat so that you feel comfortable reaching the pedals.Buckle up before you start the truck.
Step 4: Practice driving on the ground.
If you don't have the brakes on, the trucks will roll whenever you put them in neutral.It's difficult to practice on a hilly road.Try to find flat ground to practice on.
Step 5: The brake pedals should be pressed all the way down.
To move the stick shift into neutral, the clutch needs to be pressed down.The emergency brake should be engaged if you put your truck in neutral.To press down on the clutch, use your left foot and your right foot.You don't have to push your brake pedal as hard if the emergency brake is on.
Step 6: To put the truck into neutral, push the shift into the center.
You will stall out if you don't put the truck in neutral.Move the stick shift to the center of the axis if the brake and clutch are depressed.It shouldn't feel locked into place if you can wiggle the stick around.
Step 7: If you want to start the truck, turn the key or push the button.
The stick shift is neutral and the pedals are depressed.Simply turn the key in the ignition.You may have to press a button on newer trucks.
Step 8: The stick shift needs to be pushed into first gear.
Move the stick shift to the left when the brake and clutch are pressed.Make sure the stick is locked into place with a bit of wiggle.After starting the truck, you are ready to drive.The brake should be loosened.Lift your foot off the brake pedal if the emergency brake is on.Your truck is able to move forward.
Step 9: Lift off on the clutch with your left foot if you press down slowly.
Lift off the clutch and press down slowly on the gas with your right foot in one fluid motion to make your truck move forward.You may stall out the truck if you slam down on the gas too hard.Simply turn off the truck and repeat the process over and over again if you stall out.
Step 10: Continue to press down on the gas until the truck reaches 3,000rpm.
There are different meters behind your steering wheel.The RPMs are usually on the right side.You need to switch to the next highest gear when the needle on the RPM meter reaches 3,000.As you drive the truck, you will hear the engine work hard.You may damage your transmission if you stay in a gear that is too low.
Step 11: Put the truck into second gear by pushing the clutch down with your left foot.
While you are still in motion, slowly lift off the gas while pushing down the clutch and putting the stick shift down or in the second gear position.The method used to switch to the higher gears is the same as this one.Pressing down on the clutch will allow you to move the stick shift.The move should happen in a single motion.
Step 12: Press down on the gas as you lift off the clutch.
Lift your foot off of the clutch when your truck is in second gear.It's time to drive in second gear.
Step 13: Go to higher gears by repeating the process.
When you get used to driving a stick shift, you'll be able to listen to the engine and hear when you need to upshift or downshift.It's important to keep an eye on your RPMs if you're just starting.When your RPMs reach 3,000, you should switch to the next highest gear.Your truck will be more fuel efficient if you are in the right gear.
Step 14: Downshift when you need to slow down.
If traffic slows down, downshifting is useful because it helps regulate the truck's speed.Put your truck in the next lowest gear if you want to downshift.Press down on the gas to maintain your speed once it is in gear.You don't have to downshift into first gear because second gear is not very demanding.
Step 15: When you stop, shift the stick to neutral.
If you want to come to a complete stop, you need to put the truck into neutral.Press down on the clutch and push the stick into the center.After the truck has been put in neutral, you can stop and start it.
Step 16: When reversing, use the brake rather than the gas.
Pressing on the gas pedal in reverse can be hard.If you want to control your truck, use the disengaged clutch and brake instead of pressing down on the gas.Lift off the clutch with your left foot and then use your right foot to control the truck.If you are on a steep hill, you may need to apply the gas pedal.