---
title: "What Was Your First Manual Transmission Experience?"
description: "Let's hear your stories: the good, the bad, and the ugly."
date: "2022-01-23"
modified: "2022-01-25"
authors:
  - name: "Kristin V. Shaw"
    job_title: "Contributor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/kristin-shaw"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/43983/what-was-your-first-manual-transmission-experience"
categories:
  - "Culture"
  - "News"
  - "QOTD"
---

# What Was Your First Manual Transmission Experience?

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2022/01/Stickshift-HERO.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

The first time I [successfully drove a manual](<https://www.thedrive.com/cars-101/29010/how-to-drive-a-manual-transmission>) was at the Atlanta Motor Speedway in a [NASCAR race car](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/43591/nascar-isnt-giving-up-on-horsepower-but-it-is-cutting-back>). I was working on the marketing team for Ricoh, and an extra spot opened up on a junket to the [Richard Petty Driving Experience](<https://www.drivepetty.com/atlanta-motor-speedway-2/>) with the sales team. It was sink or swim, and I was determined to master it quickly so I could get into gear and scream around the track with everyone else. I found it to be pretty easy because there were no hills, no stop lights, and the speeds were steady. It was exhilarating.

It was especially sweet, because the first time I tried to drive a car with a stick shift was a dismal experience. So I wondered: how was was your first time with a manual?

![message-editor%2F1642952754574-2.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1642952754574-2.jpg>)
**Kristin Shaw**

In contrast to my NASCAR drive, my first attempt at a manual was not nearly as positive. My parents bought a 1981 Chevrolet Citation (the standard four-door, not the sporty X-11) and when I was 15, my father (bless him) tried to teach me how to drive it. I had been shifting for my parents for a few years and I thought it was fun to throw the stick into gear when they depressed the clutch. But when it came to me putting all of the pieces together myself, I panicked. My patient and saintly father tried his best.

I came back around after the NASCAR experience and got my head together, thankfully. In the last month I've had some test cars with manuals that were a blast: a [Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/41697/2022-cadillac-ct5-v-blackwing-first-drive-review-a-grand-finale-for-explosive-v8-manual-power>), a Mazda Miata, and a [Honda Civic](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/42680/heres-how-my-old-1996-honda-civic-compares-to-a-2022-civic>) Si. Each felt very different under my feet and in my hands, but each is a blast in its own way. Speaking of the Civic, the Type R has one of the best manual transmissions on the market and I'm looking forward to [seeing the new one this year](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/42615/2023-honda-civic-type-r-gets-gt3-style-rear-wing>).

![message-editor%2F1642953747968-3.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1642953747968-3.jpg>)
**Kristin Shaw**

Of the three, my favorite was the Blackwing; not just for the sheer power of the 472-hp 3.6-liter V6 twin turbo, but because [it's built incredibly well](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/43644/how-cadillacs-chief-engineer-found-inspiration-in-pontiacs-scrappy-fighting-spirit>). The manual is forgiving and propels the Cadillac smoothly and quickly. That said, the Miata and the Civic will cost you significantly less and offer a grounded drive some people like even more. And if you've never tried driving a manual, I highly recommend finding a school and going for it.

What was learning how to drive a stick like for you, and what's your favorite manual? Spill it in the comment section!

*Got a tip? Comment here or send a note to kristin.shaw@thedrive.com.*

## Author
Kristin Shaw is the former Weekend Editor for The Drive and a current freelancer in both the automotive and aviation worlds. She’s a big fan of anything car-related and calls on her technology background on the corporate side to explain engineering and high-tech concepts. Now living in her sixth state (New Jersey, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Georgia, and now Texas), she is thrilled that working from home is now mainstream.

### Author social links  
[Facebook](<https://facebook.com/DriveModeShow>)  
[Instagram](<https://instagram.com/KristinVShaw>)  
[Twitter](<https://twitter.com/KristinVShaw>)