Manual Shift Transmission

Jenn · Member

Manual Shift Transmission

Keany · Veteran Member

Hi Jenn,

I drove a manual transmission in Ireland three years ago. The shift pattern was the same. Although, as in the US, you always need to check where reverse is.

I might be in the minority, but I had no trouble with the stick shift in Ireland. The harder part for me was the actual driving on the opposite side - that took a little getting used to. However, shifting with my left hand posed no additional problem. I should preface that with the disclosure that I drive a manual transmission here. I guess I'm in the minority that way too.

Good luck to you.

Erin

Michele Erdvig · Host

Jenn,

The shifting pattern is the same. As Erin mentioned some of the European cars can have reverse in a different place. But your husband will be shifting with his left hand instead of right.

Michele

Green Dragon · Guru

Yes, since you, the driver, are on the right side of the car rather than your left, you will be shifting with your left hand. The first gear is still in the upper left, though. I kept hitting the window with my right hand reaching for the gear shift :)

And yes, European cars have interesting and unusual ways to get into reverse. One time we were stuck in a parking lot for a good 20 minutes trying to figure out how to reverse - the trick in that case was to lift a ring on the gear shift while pushing it into reverse - it wouldn't go into gear otherwise. Who knew?

Jenn · Member

Thank you for the quick responses. He drove a manual transmission car for many years and is not really worried about using his left hand. He was just worried about shifting the wrong way if the pattern was reversed. I will sit beside him and keep him on the opposite side of the road and all will be well.

Jenn