The GF wants to learn stick =/

[ShazzNADES]

So I've had my car for about 2 months now and ever since I got it my girlfriend has been begging, or more like nagging, me to teach her how to drive it since it's a manual. I just keep telling her it's not broken in yet, but with almost 6000 miles on it, she's starting not to believe that. I'm very hesitant because I don't think I'll have the patience if she starts stalling and grinding gears (which I know happens when you first learn). Are there any risks of letting someone learn how to drive stick in your new car? Would putting a little bit more miles on it help? Or should I just say no lol.

[UltraViolet]

If anyone has never driven a manual before, they 'may' grind a gear or slip the clutch too much ...... stalling shouldn't cause any harm, but if too hard on the gearbox, will cause extra wear on the clutch and can harm the synchros - but that would only happen if does a lot.
Driving instructor cars go through clutches fast but they have tonnes of learners.

If you are not happy - get her to take a lesson with an instructor in their car first. If she has never driven a manual, does that mean she doesn't have a licence to drive a manual?

Here in the UK, you have to pass test in a manual to be able to drive one. If you pass your test in an auto, you only have a licence to drive autos.

[ShazzNADES]

In the U.S. you don't need separate licenses to drive auto or manual. I just don't want anything to break on my car.

[iJDMTOY]

I know how you feel. My gf nags me all the time too to drive my car, but I don't have the patience to teach her.

I think as long as she's not grinding gears by jamming them into place, you'll be fine.

Just go into a big parking lot and let her practice in 1st gear. Without stepping on the gas, just let her get a feel for the clutch engagement point. A lot of stop and go, stop and go.

After she's comfy with that, let her step on the gas and balance the clutch.

[UltraViolet]

I let my boyfriend drive my CR-Z, he has never even asked to drive my weekend car as he admits that he has no experience of powerful rwd cars.

I've only ever owned 'stick' and can't imagine ever wanting an auto.

[Neutron256]

You should just tell her that you think it's great that she want to learn but you don't think you're the right person to teach her. It takes a very patient even tempered person to teach someone how to drive a manual. When I taught my girlfriend (now wife) she was much harder on herself then I was on her.

As much as we lover our cars, in the end it's just a thing. It can always be fixed or replaced.

[dfried]

It just a car.

[DragonZORD]

Just teach her. You were in her position once.

[Scotty001]

6k in 2 months.. Whew.. Could always go with the time argument - takes 6 months to break it in..



But with that said - Yea - I'd start the process of teaching her in it. If it turns out after several lessons in a empty parking lot and she doesn't seem to be getting the hang of it - then maybe go for the professional lessons in the instructors ride. You'll get a lot of -eh - potential bonus points for trying. A little bit of "grinding" associated with learning is most likely not going to really hurt anything as opposed to long term abuse.



My vote is give it a try..

[ShazzNADES]

Originally Posted by Scotty001

6k in 2 months.. Whew.. Could always go with the time argument - takes 6 months to break it in..

Yeah I have a 120 mile round trip commute for work, the reason I bought this car lol. I suppose I will give her a chance. The CR-Z is probably the easiest to drive manual transmission car I've ever driven. I'll probably just put it in econ mode so it won't let her rev the engine too hard. I'll be sure to tell her that the only reason I'm letting her is because the guys on the forum said so.