Why Learn to Drive a Vehicle with a Manual Transmission? 

Why Learn to Drive a Vehicle with a Manual Transmission? 

The experience of driving a vehicle like the Fiat 500 Abarth (shown above) with a manual transmission (stick shift) has practical and financial benefits, but it is also a lot of fun! Why? A vehicle with a manual transmission will enhance your driving experience. How? 

Better Vehicle Control

This vehicle will offer more precise control over power and speed, especially on hills, in snow, mud, or off-road conditions. This is due to direct driver control, better engine braking, ability to start in higher gears (like 2nd) to avoid wheelspin. You will have better vehicle control while slowing down if you choose the right gear for engine braking. This will reduce the wear and tear on the brakes and also improve your control of the vehicle when going downhill.

Improved Driving Skills

Driving a manual stick shift will give the driver a deeper understanding of how cars work (engine speed, torque, gears). When driving a manual vehicle, you will learn when to shift just by the sound and feel of the engine. This will give you a better driving experience and driver sympathy.

What is driver sympathy?  Driver sympathy, aka known as mechanical sympathy, is the intuitive understanding of how a vehicle's parts work and interact, allowing a driver to operate it smoothly and efficiently to maximize performance, longevity, and safety, rather than abusing it. Because of this, many drivers find manuals more engaging and rewarding and feel more connected to their vehicle.

Cost Advantages

Getting a rental car with a manual transmission is generally more affordable, especially outside the U.S. (for example, Europe, Asia, South America), where manual transmission vehicles are the standard and often the cheapest option. This is not the standard in the U.S., where manual vehicles can be harder to find when it comes to car rentals. 

Increased Employment Availability & Flexibility Around the World

Depending on the profession that you choose, some employers expect you to know how to drive a manual (stick shift) truck. Emergency services such as ambulance trucks might require you to know how to drive manually. Some fire/rescue trucks and agriculture tractors still use manual transmission vehicles because the combination of manual and diesel models offers better efficiency, control, and motor durability, and they are more useful for towing or carrying loads where control over torque is important.

In many countries, manual transmissions are more common, especially in foreign countries. So knowing how to drive a manual vehicle expands your travel and rental options around the world.

Performance & Special Use

Manual vehicles are still preferred for performance driving and motorsports, where gear choice matters. Manual transmissions remain popular in motorsports for driver engagement and control, found in many sports cars. These vehicles offer pure driving intensity and fun with precise shifting. Even in racing, some series mandate manual transmission vehicles, such as NASCAR, to maintain an element of traditional driver skill and control.

At NHSA, our, our goal is to provide online driver education courses that equip all drivers with what they need to be safe drivers.  Whether you are a teen seeking a learner’s permit, or an adult driver seeking a basic driver safety course, check us out online to see what courses are available in your state!