Although many cars have automatic gear systems, learning how to drive vehicles with manual gearboxes can still be really useful. For one thing, it opens up a lot more cars you can buy the next time you're looking for a new vehicle. It can also give you finer control over your driving, and might be useful for work if you're a professional driver.

If you've only ever driven automatic vehicles — or if you're totally new to driving — the thought of operating gears can seem pretty daunting. They're much less complicated than they seem, however, and once you understand the basics, you'll get the hang of changing gears in no time.

The clutch

If you're nervous about driving a manual vehicle, a lot of your fears may centre on the gearstick. But it's important not to forget that you'll also be using a third pedal to drive.

To the left of the brake and accelerator pedals is the clutch. When you press it, the connection between the engine and the wheels is effectively cut, which helps you get the car started.

After you turn on the ignition, gently press down the clutch and put the car into first gear. Push down slightly on the accelerator pedal, then lift the clutch slowly until you feel a distinct vibration. Release the handbrake, take your foot off the clutch pedal and accelerate to get moving.

The gearstick

A lot of cars have four gears plus reverse, but some have five or even six. First gear is always accessed by pushing the gear left and up, and they're all labelled on the knob. It's important to get used to where they all are so you can change smoothly and instinctively without having to look. If you can't change gear without looking at the stick, you won't be able to drive safely or pass your test.

What the gears do

The neutral position is when the gearstick is centred and not locked into a gear. This is the position the car should be in when you're not driving.

First gear is the one you start in, and is also useful for when you're stuck in slow traffic. From there, as the gears increase in number, they're suited to increasingly higher driving speeds. With fifth and sixth gear, you'll get better fuel economy when you're cruising on the open road.

With a bit of practice, you'll quickly get used to which gear is most suitable for the type of driving you're doing. The important thing is not to panic if you choose the wrong gear, as this can make it difficult for you to correct the problem and drive safely.