How To Drive a Manual Transmission - Part 1.5: Hill Starts, Reversing, And Rev Matching

Watch Part 1: The Very Basics Here!

This video is brought to you by Driving Gear! Use code TSTFAN to get 10% off your entire order from Driving Gear!

Before we move on to more advanced techniques, I wanted to go a little more in depth with the basics, for things we didn't cover in Part 1. In this video, we cover proper reversing technique, how to get started on a hill, and the theory behind why matching revs on downshifts is a good habit to start early.

[Justin-wfnr]

This Man literally taught me how to drive clutch. No joke. This is the best set of videos I have found on Youtube, and is explained for a person who is a first time Manual Driver! Thanks a ton sir!

[projectcars]

Next video: How to cook and season the perfect chicken

[garrettjohnsen]

The best reason to rev match and heel toe, for me at least, is one simple reason; it's fun. The rest is just a bonus.

[zacharygarcia]

I've been driving manual for years and watched your first how to video and tried releasing the clutch with no gas. Blew my mind, I'd never tried that before, haha.

[ashfordlarynx]

I cant believe someone is into cars enough to follow this channel but yet they can be against rev matching.

[tokyothekidd]

just letting you know, i watched so many videos on how to drive a manual car after purchasing my 90 mazda miata a few months ago. i was struggling really hard until i watched your series and it instantly CLICKED. thank you!

[MTreddevil]

"do things my way" is a nice way to say the CORRECT way!

[kiefershanks]

Former driving instructor here. I still think the handbrake method for hillstarts is the best and THE way. Without it, you can and often will roll backwards and even a little bit is a problem. Some hills are just too steep to do it practically without the handbrake. Not only only does this potentially mean more clutch wear but if you drive around the types of drivers that I do, they'll be right up your behind with no space waiting to go at lights. Hell, they might even close that gap further while you are rolling back slightly after you release the brake because they are aggressive/impatient. It doesn't take much for a minor collision and if they have a dash cam you might be put at fault even though they are the ones riding you and not providing the correct spacing of one car length minimum. There's nothing wrong with using the hand brake for holding to ensure absolutely no roll-back and I actually encourage you to do so even when you becoming "good" enough to skip that step. It isn't really worth skipping.

I've never heard about clutch braking. Probably because it is less of a technique and more a form of abuse.

These are some of the best tutorial videos on YouTube for manual BTW.

[mornadu]

On hillstarts I teach my students to use the clutch a bit more. By quickly moving the clutch to the very beginning of the friction zone before releasing the brake, you get zero roll before you move forward.
It doesnt work in some cars, but in modern diesels and most modern petrol engines I find that it works well.
You do lose a minor amount of time before moving off compared to your method, but you also rolled back a bit which makes you lose a tiny amount of time. I just find it safer and more reliable for especially learners.
Excuse my poor english ^^

[ryanmogensen]

I very much commend your professionalism! You do a great job of addressing how people disagree with you without being disrespectful and we need more people with attitudes like that!

[sterlingsilver]

Honestly, I fluently drive standard, all the techniques you've covered are awesome and correct. This is how I learned to drive and has served me well over the years, thanks for the refresh!

[emilmadsen]

if you don't rev match your downshifts in a rwd car before a corner you could experience snap oversteer and spin out

[Kevvedajsel]

I actually started rev matching since the first video came out, not because I didn't know about it and how to do it, but because it just hasn't sprung to mind until now. So, thanks for making driving even more fun Matt!

Also, instead of using the handbrake, a good way to start on an incline is to use the foot brake instead of the handbrake, same exact procedure but you just find the friction zone while on the brake, then you move over to the gas and voíla, no handbrake needed.

[goonsflofy]

So this is like dating, get to the friction zone quickly. Lol.

[donmunoz]

I've never driven a manual car in my life. I learned to shift when I went to truck driving school to get my Class A. Looking forward to get a manual car, and definitely this videos help because I can see that it's totally different from driving an 8 or 10 speed semi.

[llObliviousll]

Matt's technique is exactly how I've always driven a manual. So far never had to replace the clutch or even brake pads on my '01 bmw, even after owning it for 6 years and running a few autocross sessions with it. Thank you TST for confirming that I'm doing it right.

[bizkillall]

Matt, I do hill starts a little different then you and feel that my method is better.
When I start from a hill, I find the friction zone before taking my right foot off the brake. This prevents my vehicle from rolling backwards as I switch my right foot to the gas pedal. I was able to do this with my previous car, an RX8, on an extremely steep hill without rolling back an inch even though the car has the same amount of torque as a push mower.

[MrHeisenbrg]

The Smoking Tire - How to Roast a Chicken in the Microwave

[ooobabyitsrenan]

As a driver new to a manual gear box. I think the hardest part about driving one is trying to have your left leg adapt to fully going up and down as to moving your feet.

[sabzor]

Don't argue with Matt Farah, the man knows what he is doing and talking about! you are a inspiration to us all !