12 replies to this topic

[kuity]

Zz just failed my driving practical for manual jeep. (It's a compulsory course for me)

I'm wondering if anyone here has experience driving a manual car? Thing is, I've asked my instructor the same things a few times but the way he explains it, I still don't really get it.

1) When I downshift for making a sharp turn or stopping on red light, I will brake, depress clutch, step a bit of gas, and release clutch slowly. However when I release clutch, the vehicle will slow down with a feeling of weight being thrown forward, and the motion is really jerky especially for passengers. I know I'm supposed to step a bit of the gas before releasing the clutch to raise my engine speed a little to match my gear speed, but how much should I step on the gas? Or is my method wrong entirely?

2) Is there a good way of telling when I have hit the biting point? Normally I move off smoothly with my clutch half-depressed at the biting point because I'm used the vehicle I use for practice. But when it comes to the test vehicle, I totally cannot get the biting point and will overshoot releasing the clutch too much, causing the vehicle to jerk when moving off.

[The Real CZ]

It really depends on the car for how much you should step on the gas while releasing the clutch. I have one of those real light weight Geos, so telling you when I do it wouldn't be very helpful with a Jeep.

When you get ready to turn or stop, STEP ON THE CLUTCH FIRST AND FOREMOST. Then step on the brake. For turning, I simple just keep my foot on the clucth until most of the turn is over then step on the gas.

About the jerky movements, those take time to get rid of. I still had those a couple months after I got my license. More driving and even more driving is really the only way for you to know when to do everything.

If you do have jerky movements, that means you're either releasing the clutch too quickly or stepping on the gas too quickly. As I said, practice will iron it out to get the timing.

As for the test, borrow someone's automatic vehicle. I can't imagine the torture of doing the test barely knowing how to drive a manual. That's what I did (had to to the test in an automatic truck though...)

[kuity]

^Yeah I see what you mean. But sadly the test is really retarded and it has like this dumb retarded checklist which basically is something which allows the tester to fail you if he doesn't like your face. Basically they have this list of mirror checks which lets the tester deduct 2 points every time I don't check my mirror before, during, and after moving off, turning, and changing lanes.

And another is that if I depress the clutch and turn, they can deduct two points for some lame thing called declutched turning.

And I'm obliged to get a Class 3 license too meaning I can't take the test with an automatic vehicle

[Evolution]

All it comes down to is practise. We can tell you how to drive it, but you need to experience and find your way around. As CZ has said, every car is different.

[mlyap7_boa]

Nope I still haven't started drivin so I can't give ya any advice but my friends seem to pass quite easily...
I guess Evolution is right & it all comes down to practise...

[hinachan]

Take a driver's education course.  An instructor can show you how it's supposed to be done properly.

[Netbattler445]

1) How much you should step on the gas depends on the car you're driving. Keep on experimenting on how much to step on the gas. You should get it to stop jerking with practice.

2) Same thing, each car is different. Just keep driving and you'll find the biting point.

So yeah, I agree with the people that commented before me, it just comes down to practice and getting to know your car.

[ichigoXIII]

O.O??
there's still ppl driving in manual cars??
that really rare...i think
all my life i haven seen anyone driving in a manual car...
sorry but im still underage to drive

BoA 4 Lif3

[Netbattler445]

ichigoXIII, on Oct 18 2009, 02:55 PM, said:

O.O??
there's still ppl driving in manual cars??
that really rare...i think
all my life i haven seen anyone driving in a manual car...
sorry but im still underage to drive

BoA 4 Lif3

yeah. people who likes cars and/or enjoy driving usually likes driving manual cars because you have more control over the car and it's fun.

[mlyap7_boa]

^ Yup... You're right...  
You have more control over a manual car & you can SPEED!! Lol

[kuity]

ichigoXIII, on Oct 19 2009, 02:55 AM, said:

O.O??
there's still ppl driving in manual cars??
that really rare...i think
all my life i haven seen anyone driving in a manual car...
sorry but im still underage to drive

BoA 4 Lif3

Meh..where do you live? Manual cars are very common in where I live(Singapore). Just that most civilians drive auto because it's much more convenient. Many cabs still run on manual transmission.

Hm thanks for all the advice guys. Guess I was just frustrated that I couldn't grasp it fast enough...

[The Real CZ]

Manual cars get better gas mileage, which is the only reason I have one (it's a hand-me-down from my dad.)

If it makes it any better, I didn't feel comfortable driving my car about two-three months after I got my license.

[ichigoXIII]

kuity, on Oct 19 2009, 07:33 PM, said:

Meh..where do you live? Manual cars are very common in where I live(Singapore). Just that most civilians drive auto because it's much more convenient. Many cabs still run on manual transmission.

Hm thanks for all the advice guys. Guess I was just frustrated that I couldn't grasp it fast enough...

oooo..pretty close to where i live...compared to the rest of the dudes here on BJJ
im in msia selangor

BoA 4 Lif3