Do you think teeagers should drive cars with manual transmission?

Im 17 and I've had my license a year. I learned on a stick and that's what I drive. I live in a heavily populated city off one of the craziest roads. People have told me it's not safe to drive a stick in an area like this but my argument is that since I have to use both hands and both feet, I can't multi-task so it makes me more aware of the road and the people around me. So do you think teens driving stick is for the better or worse? (Keep in mind I have never been in a car wreck)

Mr. Versatile

You are wise for your age! I also felt the same way when I learned to drive, and I STILL feel that way. Because the driver of a manual is forced to pay attention to what they are doing it makes them safer drivers because there are so many important things to pay attention to. I still drive a manual transmission and I live south of Chicago, so trust me, I am glad I learned the way I did.
I do not understand how a person can argue that a car is unsafe because it is a manual, it is the driver that operates the car, not the other way around.

Ted M P

i agree with you- we have a 5 speed SUV and it makes you much more aware of what your doing-- much harder to eat, drink, use the cell phone etc. plus I think it gives you much more driving control on *crazy* roads

logicalgal

YES
I think when a new driver learns on a manual shift vehicle, he/she learns more observation skills and manual dexterity.
They are on task while behind the wheel, and it's also more difficult to talk on the phone, text, etc.
It builds good hand/eye/foot co-ordination.
It also takes longer to learn to drive a manual shift vehicle, thus building better skills and confidence.
(I hope you don't hold your clutch in around corners......GRIN)
Once you master driving a manual shift, it becomes Automatic response.......

Pedro S

better and worse....better...learn a stick and you can drive any car in a pinch, worse...some cant do it well...steer,shift etc...i learned on a stick and never regretted it

ItAliaNcHiCk

When I go back to italy during summer i see a lot of people using manual transmission without any problem... but i don't have a driving license myself so i'm not sure whether it's easy or not.

George A

If they know how to handle a manual transmission since it can get a bit touchy starting when you're stopped on a hill, then there's no problem. If they are completely clueless as to how to operate a manual, then they need to stick to automatics.
You do bring up a good point, their hands would be preoccupied with the shifting to be able to gab on a cellphone, eat, drink, etc.

Ken E

If it was unsafe to drive a manual transmission car it would probably have been illegalised by now.

nissan

usually they recomend stick for new drivers but it really is up to them
dunno its easier to drive stick if you learn at your age harder to learn later
besides stick gts slighty better MPG too

UCANTCME

In your situation I would say that an automatic would be better and safer, it will give you more time to concentrate on driving...

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