Should I learn to drive a standard shift?

[thoughtparticles]

My dad got rid of his last stick shift just before I turned 16, so I didn't learn to drive with one, I learned in an automatic. I would like to learn to drive stick, it would come in handy when traveling abroad.

[killers2]

I think everyone should know it just in case.  I still have yet to learn it though! hahah

[mgint]

wouldnt hurt to try to learn

[ccandpam]

I would love to drive a stick shift. I have driven automatics my whole life. 

[snuggleycutejc]

Nice skill to have under your belt. Learning is easy to do and very scary to teach someone! 

[squirrelgirl44]

I have driven a manual for the last 15 years. It's crazy to me that so many people don't know how to drive one. My car gets really good gas mileage and people always want to take it when we go on road trips, but then I'm the only one that can drive it... maybe that's the plan.

[squirrelgirl44]

Also, I was just in Italy and almost ALL the rental cars were standard. It cost over $100 more a day if you had to rent an automatic. Of course, that's Europe, not here.

[countrygirl12]

Do most car makers have standard shift now? And is it worth learning?

What is a "standard shift"?  Are you referring to a straight shift?  I would say every manufacturer has at least one car they make that is a straight shift.  Yes - it is worth learning to drive one.  You never know when you may be some where and there could be an emergency and a straight shift is the only thing available.

[sherryinutah]

I see it as a skill that might be worth having.  It's also a personal choice.  I learned to drive a 5 speed when I was 16 and driving an automatic it easy.....

if you've had experience driving with shifting. 

[hkckk5]

I know how to drive standard shift. I do believe it does not hurt for anyone to learn to drive these. You just never know when you may have to know how to drive one.

[dreamyxo]

I love sticks.  The first car I bought was a stick I didn't even know how to drive it I had to drive my mother's car until I learned.  My next car was a stick I just got rid off that last year.  I wanted a stick for my current car but I got an automatic because sometimes I drive in heavy traffic and driving stick in traffic can be tiring.  Actually I can drive my car as a stick as well I just haven't done it yet.  They are fun to drive.

[plennis]

 It is good to know, you never know when you may have no choice but to drive a stick.  Also, any knd of driving job requires you know.  If you learn it first then standard is no problem.  Once you learn it comes back to you whenever you need it easily.

[shirley829]

I have only ever drove an automatic.  I never felt the need to learn how to drive manually.  I was taught with an automatic and that was good for me. 

[nmbrown863]

I don't know how to drive a stick shift but it never hurts to learn. Might come in handy to know how one day.

[bshee58]

Someone tried to learn me how to drive a standard shift, to me it was kinda hard, but I broke up with him, so that was the end of that.