General Chat

Soon to be off on driving lesson number 4 and still having a bit of trouble knowing which gear is which without occasionally checking down. Instructor say that is the most difficult bit for newbies. Did you pick it up fast or like me, struggled with it?

think it took a couple of lessons. It's like typing, when you first start, you look to see where the keys are, over time, you look more at the screen than the keyboard (in theory)

It'll come with practice. Are you only driving in your lesson time or is there someone who can take you out to practise every day? Janice

Daniel don't worry too much,you will get there in the end. you will get used to the sound of the engine,and know when to change gear,or what gear your in. Nicky.x

Daniel, get an automatic,lol,lot less hassle-got a mate who teaches automatic for auto school,he does liverpool,southport etc.!!!

my daughter gave up learning in a manual after about 20 lessons, learnt in automatic and passed test first go, she tried to learn in a manual again last year but gave up again.

At the moment just in lesson time as dad does shifts so it'd difficult to get time, but he did say once he gets some L stickers I can use the car with him.

I was always looking down at the gears when I first started. Takes a while to get used to where it is in relation to the steering wheel. You will get there though :)

This is my personal experience only, Daniel, but if you can't practise you'd be better off waiting for lessons till you can. You'll end up paying out far more money the way you are doing it. Janice

Daniel Believe me you will be fine in a few weeks.... I only do automatic because I have hearing and co-ordination probs . Stick to a manual and I am sure you will be o.k. Lyndax

My daughter tells me her instructor tells her to do allsorts of weird gear changes - sixth to third; fith to third; third to first, etc. Seems very weird to me. I was always taught to slow down through the gears 4th to 3rd to 2nd. You will get there in the end though - your learner car might need a new gear box afterwards though! Anna

Daniel You'll soon get the hang of it, you just need to build up your confidence, recomend you don't stick it in reverse when your traveling forward though!!! it makes expensive noises if you do. Practice makes perfect you'll be fine. David