Stick Shift Specialists
We specialize in stick shift and nothing else!
Why Choose Us?
Specialists - Only teach stick shift.
Car Included - Instructors provide the car for practice.
Open Practice Area - Learn in an empty parking lot.
Complete curriculum - Learn hill starts, parking, up and down shifting, and more.
Car Included - Instructors provide the car for practice.
Open Practice Area - Learn in an empty parking lot.
Complete curriculum - Learn hill starts, parking, up and down shifting, and more.
Lessons & Packages
Whether you're starting from scratch, need additional time, or just need a quick refresher, we have the right lesson plan tailored to fit your needs.
Level 1
- Perfect for: UPS, Valet parking, mechanics moving cars on the lot, automobile detailers.
- The basic package is ideal for anyone who needs to drive a stick shift at low speeds. You’ll learn how to engage first and second gear, engage the reverse, and feather the clutch to move the car into and out of parking spots, engine bays, and show rooms.
For pricing information, see "Purchase a Lesson" at bottom of page
Level 2
Most Popular Package
- Perfect for: Vehicles under 250 Horsepower, renting cars while traveling
- Most popular training package.
- Level 2 gives you a blend of value and experience, teaching you how to go up through the gears, downshift, parallel parking, and parking in parking lots. This is what we’d recommend if you’re going to drive on the open road.
For pricing information, see "Purchase a Lesson" at bottom of page
Level 3
High-Power Vehicle Training
- Perfect for: Vehicles over 250 Horsepower
- Level 3 is where you get prepared for the power and sensitivity of sports cars and heavy duty trucks. The basic mechanics of a 250+ vehicle are the same, but the big difference is in pedal control. You’re going to need precise shifting, rev matching, and power management so that you protect your clutch when getting the lead out. But even more important is managing all of that power at low speeds. Feathering into a parking spot can be tricky when you have a massively powerful engine under the hood. Your instructor will pay extra attention to pedal control, focusing on toe heel and feathering the clutch so that you maintain smooth and steady control at low speeds. The last thing you want to do is accidentally lurch forward and scratch your bumper.
- NOTE: This lesson is usually taught with a vehicle that has LESS than 250 horsepower. The core focus of this course is repetition and practice of the maneuvers that are difficult for new stick shift drivers if they drive a powerful sports car AFTER the lesson. Learning these skills does NOT require use of a powerful car.
For pricing information, see "Purchase a Lesson" at bottom of page
About Me |
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Hi, I'm Joseph.
You definitely feel way more in touch with the car and the engine when you are driving stick. You get used to listening for the RPM of the car and start to intuitively feel what gear the car needs to be in. This is something that you don't think about when driving automatic. I have almost always had a stick shift car. It's more fun to drive, especially the BMW stick shift that I have, and it's a novelty for passengers when they ride with me. I have mostly taught family members and friends to drive stick. I find that when people relax and take it slow that the process becomes easier and that learning comes faster. I enjoy all types of teacher/student environments so teaching how to drive is no exception. I have been a camp counselor, soccer coach, film instructor for a non-profit, and a business owner where I had to teach new employees. I have always enjoyed being a student and a teacher and find that I get as much out of both roles. I come from a family of educators so I am naturally drawn to teaching. I find that being a good listener is one of the most important skills you can have as a teacher. If you can't hear what your student is saying, then the learning environment quickly stagnates. |
Locations:
1. Mayfield Junior School 2. Throop Unitarian Church 3. Cal Tech |
Stick Shift Driving Academy
Pasadena, CA 91101
(650) 374-0523
(650) 374-0523