
I haven’t been in a manual transmission car in years. What could possibly make me go back to driving like it’s 1998? Only travel.

When I put together a list of my ten favorite things about the USA, my adopted home since 2002, one of them was cars with automatic transmission. I wrote that “I could not imagine being stuck in Chicago traffic and having to deal with the stick.” The words made me wonder if I’d still know how to do that. And they took me right back to my early driving days.
MANUAL START
Having grown up in Poland, where standard transmission seemed the only available option at the time, I first learned to drive on a stick shift. I spent many hours in vacant parking lots and on obstacle courses, practicing clutch control, changing gears, and using the handbrake on a hill start. The latter was never much fun, but I somehow managed to do it and pass my license exam.
Despite having driver’s credentials, I didn’t get behind the wheel much. I didn’t need to. My school in Krakow was ten minutes away by bus, the city center about the same. If I had to go farther, public transportation was there too. It wasn’t until I moved to Chicago a few years later that I got serious about driving. This time automatic cars, which are so common in the States.
AUTO COMFORT
It didn’t take me long to embrace this type of driving – and never want to switch back. It’s easy, comfortable, works well in traffic jams, and lets me focus on changing radio stations instead of gears. What’s not to love? Fans of driving stick say it allows you to control the car better. Perhaps, but to each their own.
I probably would not give manual transmission another thought if it weren’t for travel. In many places, e.g. Europe and Latin America, renting a stick shift car is often cheaper than automatic. Planning a trip to Argentina’s back country is what made me take another look at driving stick.

BACK TO MANUAL?
Easier said than done. Where do I get a car from? How long would it take to brush up on my skills? Not having operated the clutch in about 15 years, my biggest concern was that I’d cause the car to die in the middle of a street. I can handle screams from angry drivers, but safety is a more serious issue. Is it really worth it then?…
After some consideration, my curiosity took over. The decision was also made easier by my friend Zuzanna of Zuzapix Photography, who owns a manual transmission car. When she said that I could use it – and that her husband would give me a brief refresher course – there was no turning back.
SI SE PUEDE
As anxious as I was about the experience, I also couldn’t wait for it. Stretching my comfort zone is a challenge I often gladly accept.
It turns out there wasn’t much to worry about. My instructor was patient, I quickly began to remember what I had learned so long ago, and after a while I even enjoyed myself! The ride was by no means smooth at all times and controlling the clutch took some getting used to. On the bright side, no neighborhood squirrels or mail boxes were hurt in the experiment.
I was glad to be back in my own car. Driving home, however, I had time to reflect on the manual session and even started planning another one. I don’t anticipate a permanent switch, but feeling comfortable driving stick can come in handy in future travels. And what better reason do I need to keep practicing?
Thanks Zuza, Yimmy, and Argentina!

Have you driven stick? Both? Which do you prefer?
It always makes us Brits laugh when people refer to it as a ‘stick’ – we drive manual by default dontchya know! Well you’re right though it is better to learn manual first, makes it easier to pick up again later.
Jaillan Yehia (@SavoirThere) recently posted..Where To Get a Soya Latte In Berlin – The Michelberger Hotel
Agreed about learning manual first! I didn’t think these skills would come in handy again, but never say never. :)
I am so with you, Pola! Also learned to drive with manual transmission cars but after some nice rentals in the USA I was intrigued. When I moved to England, it was obvious I didn’t want to deal with the gears with my left hand, so I switched. Life is good. Kills me when I go back to continental europe, but after a couple of hours, it is all good!
@mrsoaroundworld recently posted..Introducing The Luxury Travel Blog Network
Oh right, you also have the added entertainment of gears on the left… :) Come to think of it, I have yet to drive in England.
Ahhh Pola! You look great behind the wheel! We can’t wait to follow along on your adventure. You’re going to be great driving manual.
Tawny of Captain and Clark recently posted..A London apartment fit for a king.
Thanks!! It sure puts me a bit out of my comfort zone, but that’s also why it’s exciting. :) I can’t wait for the trip, as you can imagine.
Looks cool! Although I do have a driving license, I cannot drive…
Miret recently posted..UNA Hotel Scandinavia, Milan, Italy
I hear you, Miret! When in Poland, I didn’t drive much despite the license – glad those days are over. :) Then again, I bet it’s nice to live in a place with good public transportation.
No, I’m terrified but have always wanted to try. I feel like it would make me just a little more badass. LOL
Kieu ~ GQ trippin recently posted..My Career Break Ends Today
Haha, that’s a good enough reason to try! ;)
I drove stick shift, first and last, in Chile over 20 yrs ago! It was in hilly Viña del Mar where I committedd myself to never do THAT again (after getting stuck in a traffic light on an uphill with many cars behind me!). Glad it was easy for you to re-pick up stick shift for your trip!! Have fun – and be safe!
Raul (@ilivetotravel in Twitter) recently posted..Kilimanjaro Hike: Day 2 – The Moorlands and Shira Camp
What a story, Rauli!! Well, I didn’t get a refresher on a hill – I live in flatland after all… We’ll see I guess. ;)
I have automatic, but I learned driving stick. It is not easy learning stick, but I am glad I did when I was young. I still feel comfortable when I have to go back. I prefer stick, so I will probably go back to it for my next car.
Traveling Ted recently posted..Sucking wind and a dripping booger at the American Birkebeiner
It’s definitely good to learn stick first. People keep telling me that this is something you don’t really forget. You’re another example that they’re right. :)
neither of us ever learned how to drive stick. definitely one of those things that’s not necessary in the states! maybe one day… with you as our inspiration, of course.
thelazytravelers recently posted..jetsetters: @mytravelaffairs
Happy to be your inspiration, ladies. ;))
I’m another who has never driven anything other than a manual – I guess when you’ve never known anything else, you get so used to it, it’s second nature – I wonder if I ever drive an auto I’ll decide that’s the future instead – I’m intrigued now!
Clare recently posted..Travel Beauty Booty: Make-Up Bags on the Move
I had another test drive since publishing this post and this time it was even easier. Like you said, once you do something enough, you just get used to it. I’d be curious to find out how you like driving automatic, if you ever do.
For me, it was the other way around. Livind in Europe I’d never driven an automatic before going to the States. During my trip to Los Angeles last year a friend and I rented a car, an automatic, of course.
Sooooooo easy!
Like you say, traffic jams because so much more ‘do-able’.
Unfortunately an automatic is still much more expensive in Europe and definitely not the norm
Sofie recently posted..In search of the light: Chasing a shepherd in Umbria
Oh yeah, switching to automatic is fun! I wish automatic rentals were cheaper in Europe…
Jetting Around recently posted..Photo Essay: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Honestly, I never feel quite comfortable with an automatic… I’m not the world’s greatest driver on any car, but with a stick shift I have the feeling of having more control over what’s happening. And when you drive overland it’s not as boring!
Mariella (Bridgekeeping Traveller) recently posted..What’s in a Word?
Hi Mariella. I wonder how comfortable I’d feel with dtick had I not switched to automatic. I’d probably hate it in traffic and like it on the open road. :) I’ve really enjoyed comments here and how everyone has had a different experience!
Only once, while writing my first guidebook for Frommer’s in Spain, and it was terrifying! I seriously broke down in the middle of some random mountain town, then the car rental agency drove me a new car up there and then I had to drive in the Pyrenees not knowing which gear was which! Never. Again.
What a story, Kristin! No wonder you’re not a fan of driving stick…