Using a Manual Transmission

NV Driver Education Curriculum

Unit 3: The Driving TaskPresentation 4 of 7

Before we begin...Let’s Talk About It

Take 60 seconds to discuss:

Would you prefer a manual or automatic transmission? Why?

Share your thoughts with a partner.

Share your thoughts with a partner.

Vehicle Transmission

• A transmission converts engine speed into power to turn the wheels of a vehicle.

• Shifting gears changes how the speed of the engine is transferred to the wheels.

• Low gears provide greatest power.

• Higher gears allow for highest speeds.

Manual Transmissions

• Manual-shift vehicles (manual transmissions)• Driver shifts gears and uses the clutch

while driving. • When the clutch pedal is pressed down, the

engine separates from the transmission, which allows the driver to change gears.

2

1

1

2

Shift Patterns

Position may vary, especially for reverse (R)• N = NEUTRAL position where no gears engaged• R = REVERSE for moving backward• Pattern printed on gear knob

4-Speed 5-Speed patterns

R

How to Use Stick Shift Video

Click on web address to access video clips

*Suggest full screen viewing

NOTE: May have advertisement when viewing.

See How Cast videoHow To Drive a Stick Shift

http://www.howcast.com/videos/6570-How-To-Drive-a-Stick-Shift

(2:57)

See eHow videoHow To Drive Stick

(Willie Driving School-UT)

http://www.ehow.com/video_4997850_drive-stick.html

(1:28)

See eHow videoLearning to Drive a Stick

Shift (“H” Patterns)(Tony’s Driving School-AZ)

http://www.ehow.com/video_2327197_sequence-gears-manual-transmission-learn.html?cp=1&pid=1

(1:01)

Advantages

• Better fuel economy• Less expensive vehicles• May have less maintenance• Driver control

Disadvantages

• Forces one hand off steering wheelon a continual basis

• Inexperienced drivers may focus on shifting gears, rather than traffic

• May inadvertently shift into wrong gear, cause engine and transmission damage

• Greater workload on driver in stop-and-go traffic

Did You Know?

Up until General Motors offered an

automatic transmission in 1938,

all cars were shift-it-yourself,

with manual transmissions. 1938 Oldsmobile

Series L“Automatic Safety

Transmission”

Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts

Test Your Knowledge

A flashing red light means:

A.Stop and wait for the light to turn green

B.Stop and proceed when it is safe to do so

C.Slow down to check for oncoming traffic and proceed when it is safe

D.The flashing red light simply indicates an uncontrolled intersection

Test Your Knowledge

A two-way left turn lane in the center of the road means:

A.You can turn left or right from this lane

B.You can pass other cars in this lane

C.You can park in this lane

D.Car traveling in both directions can turn left from this lane

Test Your Knowledge

Highways are most slippery:

A. In high winds

B. In a heavy rain

C. When it starts to rain

D. At night