One of the benefits of growing up in the country is that you have plenty of room to learn how to drive. I remember learning how to drive as being easy and fun, but my teens aren’t finding it as “easy” or “fun” as I did. For them it has been really stressful to learn how to drive in a populated area. With all the traffic, buses and pedestrians you really have to learn quick – sink or swim! I wouldn’t dare put them through driving with a manual transmission in town, although I believe learning to drive a stick shift is very important. Where I was raised we were all taught how to drive using an manual transmission first. Our parents’ famous quotes on the matter were “if you can drive a stick shift, you can drive anything” and “what if there is an emergency and that was the only vehicle available?”
Reluctantly, we all grabbed those keys and went out to give it a try, because it was the only way we were ever getting out of the house! I still remember the first time I tried it. I didn’t know a car could rock front to back so violently just because it didn’t want to go! After the shock wore off, my father laughed and told me to try it again. After about seven more violent shakes he decided that day wasn’t the day I was going to take that car anywhere!
I finally did it a few weeks later though and was rewarded with the keys to that old truck. It wasn’t my top choice for my first vehicle, but it was mine and I was thrilled! Suffering through my parents’ request was worth those first moments of freedom!
Driver’s Education Tip
Are you thinking of making your teen learn how to drive a manual vehicle? Before you run out and grab their first manual transmission car or truck, make sure you have somewhere safe for them to learn.
