It’s 2025. There are self-driving taxis on the streets of several US cities. Even with a science-fiction-esque number on the calendar, it’s the right year for you to learn how to drive a manual car. And there’s a lot more than one reason for you to do so. 

Learning how to drive a car with a manual transmission is a useful skill– even today

1. Depending on where you go, it could be a practical skill

Here in the United States, a manual transmission is something of a novelty. As such, learning how to drive a car with a manual is less practical than it is a horizon-broadening choice. But that’s not the case everywhere. In travel season months, some European, Asian, Australian, and African locations may run low on automatics. Knowing how to make do is good sense. 

Story time. Many years ago, a friend of mine was in desperate need of a loaner car while he figured out his next source of transportation. I offered him my car. But there was a hitch: my car had a five-speed. He was manual-illiterate. So, he drove our other car while my wife and I carried out our errands in my rear-wheel drive, V8 car. If he had learned how to drive a manual, it would’ve been seamless. 

2. Some vehicles are only available as a manual

Granted, the days of manual-only new cars are all but gone. However, some sought-after used cars, like the S550 Shelby GT350, C6 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, and Honda Civic Type R, are manual-only affairs. Want one? You had better learn how to drive a manual.  

3. Bragging rights!

If you want to join a car club or frequent shows, you’ll hear the narrative. Something along the lines of “save the manuals!” Or something admittedly less evolved, like “Real men shift gears!” All joking and sad commentary aside, fewer than 20% of Americans can drive a manual. 

4. Thieves beware– your manual car puts you in the minority

In that same vein, knowing how to drive a manual puts you in the minority. Owning a car with a manual transmission is even rarer. Less than 1% of new cars sold in the United States have a third pedal. Frankly, with fewer thieves physically capable of stealing a stick shift, a manual can be something of a deterrent. And if opportunity makes the thief, they might opt for the automatic. Just saying. 

5. Have fun and be present

Here’s the most important (and admittedly most often touted) reason to learn how to drive a manual car. It’s fun. It’s engaging. Hell, it’s almost meditative. Not entirely dissimilar to riding a motorcycle, working a clutch, grabbing gears, and being mechanically sympathetic requires more concentration than a torque converter automatic or CVT. 

Check out these tips for learning how to get started on a manual without ruining a car.