Step-By-Step Guide on How to Drive a Manual Car

GETTING STARTED

• Safely enter the parked car intended for driving.
• Adjust your seat position (forward or backward) in a way your left foot can press the clutch firmly when stretched.

ADJUSTING MIRRORS AND SEATBELTS

• Set your rearview and side mirrors to have a clear view of your surroundings.
• Ensure both the driver and front passenger fasten their seatbelts for safety.
  seat belt should be put on by the driver and the passenger in the front seat(if any).
• You must advise the passenger by your right to put on a seatbelt even though he/she shows reluctance to do so. This is because, If there is an emergency that leads to a collision, the passenger has a greater risk of being injured fatally when a seat belt is not worn.

FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE CONTROLS

• Understand the three main pedals: clutch, brake, and accelerator.
• The clutch is used to engage a gear.
• The clutch is applied simultaneously with the brake in order to stop the car when slowing down
• The brake is used to slow down or stop the car
• The accelerator is used to increase the car's speed.
• Clutch down firmly with the LEFT foot and return the gear to a neutral position.

STARTING THE ENGINE

• Insert the key and turn it on to the first ignition level, indicated by the dashboard lights turning on.
• Proceed by fully turning the key to start the engine, hearing a consistent sound.

MOVING OFF FROM A STOP

• Activate the directional light based on the direction you intend to drive.
  • If you intend to move the car away from the parked position to the RIGHT, the indicator lever should be tapped up (or lifted up).
  • If you intend to move the car away from the parked position to the LEFT, the indicator lever should be pressed or tapped down.
  • The indicator lever is used to activate the turn signals or blinkers to inform other drivers of your intended direction.
• Depress the clutch pedal firmly with your left foot and shift the gear to first (1).
• Apply the right foot (it's always the right foot) on the accelerator (a little press) to a little distance as the thickness of a coin.
• Apply this slight pressure on the accelerator while slowly releasing the clutch to reach the friction point, initiating vehicle movement.
• The left foot on the clutch shouldn't be removed quickly, in order to prevent jerking.  Thus, the foot should be released from the gently as soon as the vehicle has begun to move.

CHANGING GEARS

• As you accelerate, listen for the stressed sound from the engine, indicating the need for a gear change.
• Firmly depress the clutch pedal with your right foot and shift to a higher gear when necessary.
• When slowing down, change to a lower gear (e.g., gear 1) to synchronize with the new speed.

APPROACHING JUNCTIONS AND TURNS

• When in motion, always horn twice and slow down when approaching a junction or preparing for a directional turn.
• Activate the directional lights, and remember to check for incoming vehicles from the left and right before turning.
• When slowing down, change to a lower gear (e.g., gear 1) to synchronize with the new speed.

BRINGING THE CAR TO A STOP

• Prior to stopping, activate the appropriate directional light
• Gradually apply the brakes while fully depressing the clutch pedal to bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
• Shift the gear to neutral once the car has stopped, and then turn off the engine.

Conclusion

Driving a manual car requires practice and patience. By following these step-by-step tips tailored to the Nigerian context, you can confidently navigate manual transmission vehicles. Remember to prioritize safety, always be aware of your surroundings, and continually refine your skills through practice and experience. Happy driving!

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