I’m doing the driving lessons and I dread them every time. I don’t feel like I’m improving much and it’s just stressful. I feel like giving up. I’m only going because I passed the theory exam with that school, and i would had to spend more money (that I don’t have) if I start again with other school, basically I’m too deep into it to stop.
Btw I now understand the hate towards manual cars. Automatic should be the only option, one less BIG distraction on the road, especially when you’re new on these things, being too soft or too rough on the clutch is a matter of millimeters is ridiculous, watching the road, the signs, the traffic lights, the cars around you, the stupid people with their bikes, while fumbling in the car with the pedals is the worst… (unfortunately you must learn manual where I’m living).
I hated learning how to drive, and only really started to tolerate it once I got a new driving teacher. I actually like driving now, mostly because it’s one of the few times where I can turn my brain off while not being unfocused.
With that said…I have no idea why Americans (not assuming OP is American, but know it’s rare over there) have such an issue with manual cars. My family has both manual and automatic, and I prefer manual because it’s much easier to have control. It has never, ever been a distraction for me.
Learning the clutch friction point, especially for a new driver, can be a challenge. Even after being experienced with driving manual for years, two things I still hate about them are stop-and-go traffic and taking off on a hill when someone is right on your ass.
My very first lessons were around just this, getting used to the bite point where the clutch needs to be to roll forward, and where you start to apply the accelerator. We practiced a few times on different levels of road, and within maybe 1-2 lessons it was fine.
With that said, I can see it being much harder if you’re already experienced or have passed a test, as it is a new skill to learn. It’s a bit like riding a bike in that aspect, I guess.