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In reply to the discussion: Cursive writing is not being taught in much of America. [View all]PoindexterOglethorpe
(25,927 posts)he had a hard time because both of his parents drove stick shifts, and he was simply not able to master the stick. Okay, he's on the spectrum (what used to be called Asperger's) which accounts for a lot. So I helped him acquire an automatic transmission car. He was able to learn to drive and become independent.
For what it's worth, I pushed him into getting a car because he was living at home, attending the local community college, and I didn't think I should be driving him forever.
So anyway, he learned to drive, bought the car, and started his life.
A couple of months later he came to me and said, "Can I try driving your car now?" Sure, I said.
He nailed it. He was no longer terrified of all the many things that go into driving a car, the number one thing in my opinion is being able to pay attention to everything all around you. He could now do the basics: start, stop, slow down, read traffic signs and street lights, everything. So I gave him the basics of shifting and he was perfect. Afterwards, every time he was over at the house, he asked if he could drive my car. Then, perhaps a year after he acquired his first car, the automatic, he came to me and said, "Mom, will you help me buy a stick shift car?" I was flattered, happy, and impressed. And of course helped him buy the new car.
Here's the thing that I never would have expected: he is a far better driver in a stick shift car than he was in the automatic. Honestly, while I am a huge proponent of standard transmissions, I would never predict that driving a stick makes a better driver. I do understand that my sample is exactly one person, and most people are just as good in either kind of transmission. Although I'll point this out: Drivers will complain (understandably and rightly) about road conditions ins crappy weather, especially if it's somewhat icy. I'll ask: Did you shift to a lower gear?" Invariably they stare at me as if I'm speaking Martian. "No." Oh, well then, you are not bothering to use the tools your transmission gives you. Meanwhile, if road conditions are not good, I simply stay in a lower gear. And have a whole lot more control of the car.
In all the many years I've ridden as a passenger in a car, I've only once, and once only, had a driver of an automatic go to a lower gear. Wow.