In a world where cars practically drive themselves and automatic transmissions dominate the roads, the art of driving a manual transmission is quietly fading away. One might ask, why does it matter?
For many of us who grew up learning to shift gears by hand, driving a manual car wasn't just a skill, it was a rite of passage. It was a connection to the machine and a lesson in patience, coordination, and awareness. Yet passing that knowledge on to the next generation is becoming increasingly difficult. Not because young people lack interest, but because the opportunities to learn simply aren't available anymore.
There was a time when most cars on the road were manual transmissions and learning to drive one was a normal part of growing up. Parents taught their kids in the family sedan, older siblings handed down their well-worn manuals, and driver's education may have included a unit on stick-shift driving. Today, however, only about 2% of new cars sold in the United States have manual transmissions. That means many young drivers have never even sat behind the wheel of one and as a result, they often see manual driving as intimidating, unnecessary, or even irrelevant.
But, driving a manual offers more than just nostalgia. It teaches essential driving skills that automatics simply can't. A manual driver must pay closer attention to the engine's sounds and how it feels, road conditions, and timing. They must anticipate traffic flow and plan each move carefully. That heightened level of awareness leads to safer, more engaged driving and builds a deeper understanding of how cars work. It offers a more thrilling and connected experience for enthusiasts and I would argue for all drivers. You're not just steering a machine; you are part of it!
Recognizing the importance of preserving this skill, The Cobra Experience, a small museum in Northern California, gives young drivers the chance to learn through its hands-on class, "What's That 3rd Pedal For?"" Each year, classes run from early spring through fall with an all-volunteer team of instructors including some well-known names in the automotive world. Many even offer up their own classic or sports cars to help students learn.
High profile instructors have included Carroll Shelby's grandson, Aaron Shelby, Team Shelby International Director Tracey Smith and (insert). The program has become so popular that the museum will expand it in 2026 with a level 2 course focused on reverse driving, hill starts, and parking.
Each session begins with a short video explaining how the clutch works, followed by instructor introductions and stories about how they learned to drive manual transmissions themselves. Students are reminded that the goal is to have fun, not stress, and that stalling is simply part of the process. Even experienced drivers stall sometimes, and once they master the skill, it becomes second nature, just like riding a bike.
The museum has assembled a diverse fleet of manual-transmission vehicles to support the class, ranging from a Shelby 289 Cobra used in the film Ford v Ferrari to a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder (often the crowd favorite), a 2005 Ford F-350 ranch truck (so forgiving you can start in third gear), and, on special occasions, an original 1965 Shelby GT-350.
At The Cobra Experience, demand grew so much that the program expanded beyond its original "under 25" audience and now anyone can participate. If you have the chance, share the art of manual driving. Take family members or a friend to an empty parking lot and show them what that third pedal does or visit the museum and join in preserving a piece of automotive culture that celebrates skill, control, and the pure joy of driving for its own sake. Cheers to wind in the face!