Should I Bother Teaching My Teenager How to Drive a Standard Stick Shift Transmission?

YES!!!

Driving a manual transmission car or truck seems to be a concept that has nearly disappeared, especially for today's kids. It was the first thing I learned to drive, and to this day, I still enjoy driving a 2006 GTO with a 6-speed transmission. Manuals are so much fun to drive, and the coordination required is a great skill to have.

It's also a practical lesson that could save someone's life if they find themselves in a situation where only a manual vehicle is available. Driving a manual transmission is like a rhythmic dance, and my kids are always amazed at the skill required to operate one. My two older children learned to drive a manual, and my youngest will also, as it's a vital skill I want to teach them.

Learning to drive a manual car improves your overall driving skills and enhances your ability to drive any vehicle. If you can drive a manual, you can drive anything!

Is It Necessary to Teach Manual Driving in the Modern World?

Being older when I grew up, this was the norm. If you couldn't learn to drive stick, my parents wouldn't allow me to get a license. Today, most vehicles, including vans, SUVs, and trucks, come with an automatic transmission. However, it depends on how patient you are when trying to teach them.

According to statistics, only about 10% of newer vehicles are made with manual transmissions, as stated in the recent data I read. But teaching them the skill is invaluable, as it may come in handy in various situations. I have several manual shift cars and trucks because I enjoy the challenge of shifting, and my kids might find it enjoyable as well. It enhances the overall driving experience.

How to Teach a Teenager to Drive a Manual Transmission?

The process of teaching a teenager to drive a manual transmission isn't overly complicated. I took my ten-year-old son to an abandoned WWII airfield for an isolated and safe environment. I first explained what each part does, then let him practice driving. In no time, he figured it out by himself. Naturally, this is different in a location like Spain, where most vehicles are manual, but it would still be a good idea to teach your child if you live in the U.S., where many find it challenging.

It's always beneficial to have a skill and not need it than not having a skill and being anxious about potentially needing it in the future. Manual driving is a useful skill, and if they are willing to learn, teach them. If they are reluctant, don't force them, as it is no longer a necessity for every driver.

Teaching your teenager to drive a standard stick shift transmission is a worthwhile investment in their future. By imparting this skill, you are equipping them with a valuable lifelong ability that can enhance their driving proficiency and provide them with a sense of independence and confidence on the roads.

In conclusion, despite the decline in the popularity of manual transmissions, teaching your teenager to drive one is still a wise choice. It not only enhances their driving skills but also provides them with a unique and enjoyable experience that can last a lifetime. So, consider taking the time to teach your teenager to drive a manual car or truck, as it is a lesson that can benefit them in many ways.