Can you drive a standard?

[jag01]

I saw a meme on FB asking how many can drive a standard. I guess most vehicles are now automatics. When I learned to drive it was a standard, and now one of our trucks is a standard. Can you drive a standard? 

[lala]

Nope. I sort of learned in high school but never did it enough to get good at it. I like to say if it was an emergency, I'd figure it out but I hope I don't have to.

[arnegard]

I had a stick in high school, but haven't drove one in 15 years.

[cjcouple]

Yup. My first car was a stick. And again a few cars later

[auroraloo]

I have never heard it called a standard.

Yes, I can drive one. I miss driving one.

[cna]

I know the basics but I would probably be screwed if I was asked to drive one.

[jensriot]

Yes. My second car was and when I got my very first brand new car, I requested a standard. I love driving them.

[Deleted]

I'm driving a standard now, in the mountains, no less! I had learned in my early 20's, and when we needed a new car this year the standard was way cheaper. I love it.

[nicolewi]

I learned one summer when I was doing a summer service project out of state with some nuns! Sr. Rosemary tried to teach me and I would practice in a community college parking lot. I made it through the summer but I never really got the hang of it 100%. Haven't done it since.

[gastro]

Yes, it's what I learned on. When we lived in europe we rented a car a few times a month and they almost always were standards so I'm glad I know how. I would not want to have one as my everyday car - especially since we live near San Francsico...trying to get going after a red light on some of those hills is so nerve wracking!

[abs]

I used to. My mom always had standard cars so I learned to drive in one. It's been 12ish years since I've needed to drive a standard though so I don't know how I'd do in an emergency!

[ashb62]

Nope. When I learned to drive both of our cars were automatic and I've never really had a reason to learn. I don't think I even know anyone who drives a stick.

[lexus]

Yep! The first car I bought myself was a stick. I also miss driving stick. It was so fun!

[momin2013]

Nope. I will definitely learn if I ever get on The Amazing Race, though. Seems like it's a thing you need to know in that situation.

[Kcthepouchh8r]

Dhs car is a standard. He tried to teach me and it didn't go well. I stalled it like a million times. In an emergency I could but I'm not great at it.

[NandaB]

In theory? But its been many years

[CrazyLucky]

I can and I miss it. I had to give up my stick shift Mustang when we had DS. Now we're looking to replace the Prius and the Mazda 6 is high on my list simply because I can get a stick!

[chatterbox]

Yes. My first two cars were stick shift and then I moved to NYC and didn't have a car for years. Now we have an automatic but I only drive like once per month, maybe.

[serendipity]

No, but I really need to learn! My husband's car is manual.

[thecheshirekat]

Nope. I've wanted to learn ever since I went to a party years ago with a guy who drove a stick and then was stuck because he was too drunk to drive home, but the opportunity hasn't come up.

[RandZB]

Yes, I prefer it actually. If I didn't live in Atlanta and have to deal with stop and go up and down 85 every day, I'd have me a zippy little stick shift commuter car.

[nowa]

I've never heard it called "standard." I always say stick or manual. But yes, I can drive one. I learned on a stick and drove that car for 6 years. Then I gave it to my bro and have been driving automatic for the past decade. I miss manual though... maybe my next car...

[vettymama]

I've never it called a standard. But yes, I can.

[melew]

Not well. In an emergency yes, but if you value your transmission or clutch, I wouldn't let me drive your car. When I was in high school my dad drove a stick and tried teaching me. I did okay, but we live in a hilly and wet climate and I was so nervous. So I just drove my mom's automatic. It might be fun to learn one day, but I am good with an automatic for now.

[mamaalysson]

Yes! I loved my standards. Though now I'm pretty spoiled with our automatic. DH's crappy truck is a stick, and I occasionally have to drive it. Definitely a useful skill. My dad taught me before I went to college because he said he wanted me to "have all the skills necessary to get away from a bad situation."

[penguingrrl]

Yes. I actually hate driving automatic and am really annoyed that I couldn't find a 7-8 seat vehicle offered in stick when I bought new last year. I've owned 8 cars in my life and only my two "mom" cars have been automatic. I vastly prefer driving a stick and the first manufacturer to offer a minivan or 3 row SUV in stick will get my business.

[Deleted]

Not really. DH taught me in college...but that's been like 8 years now? So...yeah probably not

[Deleted]

Never heard it called that but nope. Only ever automatic and have no desire to learn stick.

[cabbagecabbage]

Yes. I learned on a stick shift and most of my cars have been manuals. Only in the last 3 years have I driven an automatic.

[jnksmom]

Yes. My dad made us learn how to drive in a manual/standard car. It was not an option. i haven't driven one in a few years but I'm sure I could still do it.