This Man literally taught me how to drive clutch. No joke. This is the best set of videos I have found on KZfaq, and is explained for a person who is a first time Manual Driver! Thanks a ton sir!

Next video: How to cook and season the perfect chicken

The best reason to rev match and heel toe, for me at least, is one simple reason; it's fun. The rest is just a bonus.

I cant believe someone is into cars enough to follow this channel but yet they can be against rev matching.

I've been driving manual for years and watched your first how to video and tried releasing the clutch with no gas. Blew my mind, I'd never tried that before, haha.

The Smoking Tire - How to Roast a Chicken in the Microwave

"do things my way" is a nice way to say the CORRECT way!

So this is like dating, get to the friction zone quickly. Lol.

I very much commend your professionalism! You do a great job of addressing how people disagree with you without being disrespectful and we need more people with attitudes like that!

Honestly, I fluently drive standard, all the techniques you've covered are awesome and correct. This is how I learned to drive and has served me well over the years, thanks for the refresh!

On hillstarts I teach my students to use the clutch a bit more. By quickly moving the clutch to the very beginning of the friction zone before releasing the brake, you get zero roll before you move forward. It doesnt work in some cars, but in modern diesels and most modern petrol engines I find that it works well. You do lose a minor amount of time before moving off compared to your method, but you also rolled back a bit which makes you lose a tiny amount of time. I just find it safer and more reliable for especially learners. Excuse my poor english ^^

I actually started rev matching since the first video came out, not because I didn't know about it and how to do it, but because it just hasn't sprung to mind until now. So, thanks for making driving even more fun Matt! Also, instead of using the handbrake, a good way to start on an incline is to use the foot brake instead of the handbrake, same exact procedure but you just find the friction zone while on the brake, then you move over to the gas and voíla, no handbrake needed.

Hey, Matt, would it be possible for you to add a light or something to your feet area? It's quite dark at times.

It's really cool that you're taking the time to do this. Thanks!

I've never driven a manual car in my life. I learned to shift when I went to truck driving school to get my Class A. Looking forward to get a manual car, and definitely this videos help because I can see that it's totally different from driving an 8 or 10 speed semi.

I just got myself an MX-5 and this series is a great resource! Thanks Matt, love your stuff!

Matt's technique is exactly how I've always driven a manual. So far never had to replace the clutch or even brake pads on my '01 bmw, even after owning it for 6 years and running a few autocross sessions with it. Thank you TST for confirming that I'm doing it right.

Good video Matt, I’ve been driving stick since the early 80s And I agree with everything you demonstrated. Well done sir

These are great, thanks for making them! This series is both useful for learning to drive stick and useful to check you own driving habits against to improve your driving. There are a lot of "how to drive manual" videos on KZfaq but it's nice having a short series from a reliable creator who so far has included everything possible about driving manual. I learned manual from various sources a few months ago when I bought my Z but I wish I had these videos back then to use.

This video series was perfectly timed, I just bought my first MT.

Very clear "how to' videos Matt. Simple & effective technical advises. Been driving my '88 Mini, '88 Lancia Integrale, '95 Porsche 993 and '08 BMW 330i this way for 25 years and more than 20 K miles/year... without ever changing any clutch or gearbox ;-) Thanks for sharing your experience Matt

As a driver new to a manual gear box. I think the hardest part about driving one is trying to have your left leg adapt to fully going up and down as to moving your feet.

These videos are a godsend! I just bought a manual and was having some doubts about some specific parts I though I was doing wrong or could do better. These videos are very helpful.

I was never taught to rev match, and it had never really occurred to me until these videos. Driven stick since like 2002, and just now i'm trying to teach myself to use rev matching thanks to your videos. So even to us who drive stick every day, these have a use, so thank you.

if you don't rev match your downshifts in a rwd car before a corner you could experience snap oversteer and spin out

Matt, I do hill starts a little different then you and feel that my method is better. When I start from a hill, I find the friction zone before taking my right foot off the brake. This prevents my vehicle from rolling backwards as I switch my right foot to the gas pedal. I was able to do this with my previous car, an RX8, on an extremely steep hill without rolling back an inch even though the car has the same amount of torque as a push mower.

Thank you for this video. Great information and much needed since I just picked up a 2006 Acura RSX Type S last week. Still in storage for a few more weeks. I have driven a shift before but never a 6 speed with a k20 z1 engine.

Well done. I completely agree; throttle blipping and heel/toe is the best way to drive a manual no question. Its not absolutely necessary when first learning but they should be a goal to learn the technique and use it in everyday driving. Great vids!

"you have a carburated car." Yep, a 1987 Suzuki Samurai that I'm learning in hah. Makes sense now

It's funny how a small not that sporty Mazda 2 has pretty good pedal postion to do heel and toe shifting.

I've driven a manual transmission for over 15 years. Everything Matt says in this video is sound. Excellent tutorial. Kudos!

just want to say i appreciate this video series. i've been able to drive a manual for year, but there are always some simple things you don't think about.

Outstanding video! I used this video series as an instructional aid to teach my 17 year old son how to drive a manual. Great instruction and explanation...and the split screen letting you watch the hands and the feet at the same time was fantastic. He tackled hill starts this afternoon like a pro! Thanks!

It would be really awesome and helpful if you did a video about driving fast (responsibly) and staying safe!

Mr Farah, you have taught me more how to drive stick in two videos than anybody else has taught me since I started driving. My first car was a 98 Ranger with a manual transmission and I learned how to drive it by myself. I haven't bought a manual since then because I thought I was shitty at driving stick (because I was) and didn't want to hurt the car or spend a fortune on clutches. After watching these videos and practicing with a great friend's turbo Passat, I went on a test drive for a car I've always wanted and came out with so much confidence that I bought it. You are the only reason I was able to buy my 2012 GT500. So, thank you Matt Farah.

Some of the best videos I've seen on this topic! Recently, I drove a 2001 BMW z3. I had no practice and started right on the road. Luckily, it was in the Adirondack state park in NY, so there was little traffic. Still, I was really stressed and made a lot of mistakes! These videos seem to have cleared up a lot of what I was worried about (like feathering the clutch too much). Next time I get an opportunity to drive stick, I'll definitely use these techniques!

You need to learn to rev match period in a MT vehicle. Upsetting the kinetic energy around a corner can easily put you in the ditch, or an on coming car, because you are going to be startled, and you are going to react incorrectly. Matt said "well maybe not at 26 mph", but if you are in an icy situation, or wet roads, you could almost certainly upset the motion of travel and make friends with that ditch. Matt also said", I always heel-toe, no matter what". I concur. After learning it, and using it in day-to-day events, you can feel your car thanking you for not melting the brake pads off, or obliterating your motor mounts and clutch, from not finessing your car like you should have. IF YOU DON"T LIKE IT DRIVE AN AUTO. YOU'LL SAVE YOUR BREATH, OUR EARS, AND MAINTENANCE ON YOUR CARS.

How did people not know that you could get going in 1st gear without gas. I do it all the time in my 1983 Rabbit GTI with 90hp!

I'm glad you are responding to the people who say that kind of stuff but you are teaching the right way, they are talking about things you can technically do but mostly shouldn't.

You've definitely been very helpful my friend. I've watched many videos, I thought I officially knew how to drive manual but I've been missing the heel toe method and now I officially know how to drive a manual, thx

Used to move the car without throttle with my 100hp Nissan Note shitbox. Feels good oniichan.

Didn't expect to see a new video today featuring a Mazda2 that wasn't one of my own!

I just learned to rev match properly and I must say it's definitely helpful if not absolutely necessary. I will continue to rev match going forward and recommend people doing it.

just letting you know, i watched so many videos on how to drive a manual car after purchasing my 90 mazda miata a few months ago. i was struggling really hard until i watched your series and it instantly CLICKED. thank you!

You could use a little more light on your feet.

"You want to get to your fric- oh there's cars SORRY"

thanx matt!!!! i can't wait for part 2 of this series! this is really exciting stuff here man and without sounding too much like a fanboy lol i am on board with these techniques for a manual car! big thumbs up man!

Great video, very informative. I already know how to drive stick but still find these interesting to watch. I think you're doing a great job explaining things, I totally agree with your points on the rev matching.

Matt, you forgot to mention Michellin Pilot Super Sports.

It's called "engine braking" for a reason Blip and match revs to smoothly use the engine "clutch brEAking" is Not smooth and will wear out your clutch faster

you're a legend! I bought a 2021 WRX as a first manual driver and these tips may just be my saving grace. you got a sub and like from me sir.

Former driving instructor here. I still think the handbrake method for hillstarts is the best and THE way. Without it, you can and often will roll backwards and even a little bit is a problem. Some hills are just too steep to do it practically without the handbrake. Not only only does this potentially mean more clutch wear but if you drive around the types of drivers that I do, they'll be right up your behind with no space waiting to go at lights. Hell, they might even close that gap further while you are rolling back slightly after you release the brake because they are aggressive/impatient. It doesn't take much for a minor collision and if they have a dash cam you might be put at fault even though they are the ones riding you and not providing the correct spacing of one car length minimum. There's nothing wrong with using the hand brake for holding to ensure absolutely no roll-back and I actually encourage you to do so even when you becoming "good" enough to skip that step. It isn't really worth skipping. I've never heard about clutch braking. Probably because it is less of a technique and more a form of abuse. These are some of the best tutorial videos on KZfaq for manual BTW.

For all of the people arguing with Matt about how to drive a manual, didn't he say at the beginning of the part one video that it was for people (like me) who have little experience or have never driven a car with a stick before? Of course they're differences on how to do it, but that wasn't the point of the video.

clutch braking is dumb. Don't know why anyone would recommend that. I've been heel toe rev matching for a few years on the street and it was great practice for my first track day recently. My instructor was thankful he could bypass that headache. I've been teaching my girlfriend how to drive stick and you are explaining it just as I did. These videos are a great help.

Thanks for the clearity on how far to engage the clutch. That's what got me today when test driving. Your way of explaining is on point.

Really glad you made this video. I'm glad you explained the whole rev matching & engine braking part. I had an argument in a comment section about the same thing one day lol. I always rev match. Usually I don't heel-toe because it's more work, but I rev match always. I just do the whole braking, then switch foot to gas, boom rev match, foot back on the brake, repeat, etc. I only heel-toe when I'm really in the mood to have fun, and feelin energized. That's besides the point. But someone tried to tell me engine braking is not used when you rev match. When that is clearly 2 different things. -_- When you get into the gear, and you're not on the gas, you are Engine Braking. Sure the car does brake harder, when you don't rev match and you make the car lurch from the bad downshift. But, it's 2 different things. Maybe it's called clutch braking like you said in video, but not engine braking. If you had an emergency situation, had no brakes, maybe that's the only scenario I would lurch my car forward so harshly like that lol.

I've been driving stick for a little over 3 years now but I recently stumble upon rev matching. I suck at it, I sometimes apply too much throttle or too little. How do you know where is the sweet spot? Also, what are your thoughts on double clutching?

The handbrake method; how you pass your test in a manual car anywhere in Europe. Perfectly reasonable technique to use forever, not a crutch. Yours arrogantly, a European.

oldie but a goodie, maybe the best series of videos explaining MT driving that i have seen on youtube. thanks matt!

Thanks for the update Matt. Never thought about using the emergency brake like that. Great tip!

I wanna see a Smoking Tire "How To Cook a Chicken - Part 1: The Basics"

I have been learning to rev match since I got my licence two years ago. I now do it unconciously, automatically, without even thinking about it. Can't stand the bucking when people don't rev match.

These are the best tutorials of driving manual by far.

You sir, are ABSOLUTELY CORRECT; with regards to proper, mechanically sympathetic engine braking and proper car control. 100%

Awesome lesson, you guys might want to add a light to the pedal area so that the camera there doesn't black out when you go through tree shades and stuff.

Been driving since January this year and im still struggling to master rev matching 😥

Very well!! I drive for UBER and my driving has been praised for the smoothness and besides, my fuel economy has improved without "abusing torque" Thanks to the Part 1 of your video only!!! I´m eager to put in practice this lesson and the next ones because we have an important amount of hill driving here in México City. Thank You Very Much TheSmokingTire

ive been teaching my self how to drive stick shift the past few weeks and watching ur vids are helping me drive stick shift the right way.

That tire pressure light lol fill those tires up man

Clutch braking? What the hell are people doing to their cars these days?

Thank you Matt for the best How To videos on driving a manual. I am just "okay" and I'm getting much better by watching these. Love the podcasts too! I think for the next video, you need to be in a gold jump suit. "Gold is best color, bro!"

Dude your doing a great job,balancing the clutch and gas is a problem to many driving manual transmission,but you have eased everything thanks bro good job...

Since most people here learn to drive on manuals to get the full license, almost nobody rev matches, blipping the throttle on downshift is alien to most people, especially if you're also braking so they prefer to slowly let the clutch out to effectively let it do the matching (resulting in clutch braking), which of course means extra wear. Also I don't really think you really need to shift at 1/2 redline if your'e accelerating very gently, I feel like 2k RPM is more than enough in most daily situations (and most of us drive

I don't understand why anyone wouldn't rev match, downshifting without rev matching doesn't even feel good to begin with

thank you so much mat. I was having trouble going in reverse in a manual. you explained everything very clearly.

Thanks for the informative video. I'm looking to upgrade from LT Camaro to an SS or ZL1. However the issue is most ZL1's come manual, and well I've never learned manual but your videos have given me confidence to learn.

Use the handbrake uphill start always!

Lmfao at how "you save more fuel by not rev matching" is actually a reason

Why did I just found this video now.. this was very helpful and informative as a beginner manual driver. thank you for this vid. keep it up dude!

best tutorial video ive seen on driving stick. I came off of dirtbikes so i had the concept down but i had to do some research for cars.

Dat Mazda 2 doe

oh when you guys go on holiday to London, Paris, Prague, Budapest, Berlin, Amsterdam... do you hear a lot of people in the streets bliping the throttle to revmatch? Exactly, no.

i used to no throttle my 2003 Focus all the time. Its definitely doable, and your right on about doing it slowly. In rush hour traffic i would never press in the clutch and let it creep like that to save my foot. You can tell thats what semi trucks are doing after doing it yourself. I heel-toe every time i down shift. Even when braking for a light. It just add another dimension to driving, its fun, saves on mechanical wear, keeps your heel-toe skills current and it impresses those who dont drive stick.

Ok sorry I just noticed a few others already pointed this out so I’m sorry for the redundancy and glad to see others are more aware of this then i first thought. Great work, keep it up...

Can you please make a video on "parking and getting out of a parellel parking "

And 100 yds of traffic builds up behind you as you try to leave a stoplight at 2 mph

You’re videos helped me when I drove my car home today I watched a few videos prior, must say very informative!

Good video for beginners. I've been driving manual transmission cars since I was 15 years old. You've demonstrated a perfect tutorial on how to drive stick. I've been working for UPS for 23 years. Delivered packages in a stick shift truck for 20 years. Now I drive tractor/trailers. My point is with all my experience, downshifting with rev matching is important to maintain proper speed. Driving a tractor trailer you must rev match in order to downshift, otherwise the gears won't engage. It is important that the transmission and engine speeds are equal in order to engage a lower gear. This principle is the same for cars as well as trucks. It saves wear and tear on drivetrain parts and also makes for a smoother and safer drive. Good luck to all learners. Save manual transmission from extinction!!!

I'm skeptical that people actually recommended doing 'clutch braking' as a method to slow down. Tbh, just an easy way to discredit anyone who does not think rev matching is a beginner technique.

Dammit my car has pedals on different levels so I can't heel and toe :/

Ok so I agree with virtually everything you’re saying and I think this is an awesome resource for anyone who wants to be a better driver, which should be everyone. However I just want to add something to the discussion. I submit that you don’t have to get to the “friction zone” quickly. I will explain but I mention this because it is where most novice drivers get nervous and it is not the smoothest way to engage on a hill. So instead of “quickly” or using the hand break (which is fine for a beginner but not as an experienced driver), you can simply release the clutch slowly while still holding the brake pedal, then as soon as you see the RPM drop slightly, hold the clutch at that position. You can then move your right foot off the brake and onto the accelerator pedal. The car will not roll back because you have started to engage the “friction zone” enough to hold the car in position, making it much easier to start applying the accelerator while slowly engaging the clutch so you can achieve a perfectly smooth hill start. Of course a little practice will allow you to master this technique but it works just as consistantly as the “engaging the clutch without any gas pedal” exercise.

Good work Matt, as a long time stick driver too (only ever owned manuals) this was still fun to watch. Glad you showed rev matching in Part 1 too, it's such a fundamental technique that's alarming when people don't do it. Unfortunately heal-toeing has always been tough in my Mustang because of poor pedal placement. Have to bend my foot quite a bit to heal blip so I don't do it often... I'll make sure proper pedal placement is a requirement on my next car :)

To anyone actually firing back at Matt criticizing his technique or decision to rev-match: take the cotton out of your ears and stick it in your mouth long enough to learn something from a good driver. Or get an automatic with paddles so you can tell your friends you drive manual. But please stop torturing your car, yourself, and anyone unlucky enough to end up as a passenger with your sloppy slurry lurchy bucking downshifts. And yes modern technology has lessened the absolute need for heel-toe, but if you don't want to do it, why not just get an automatic? Slushbox or DSG, they are better than ever and often faster and more fuel efficient than an otherwise identical manual car. Get a three-pedal car if you're interested in working on a skill instead of simply pointing your car to its eventual destination. The beauty of driving a manual is that there is no perfect shift. You could always be a little crisper or match revs a little closer. But when you are in a zone and are cracking off smooth and fast shifts up and down on a twisty mountain road, you'll understand. These videos are as good a place to start as any way I've ever seen. Learning to drive a manual properly is not easy, but if you follow Matt's advice and drive one daily this will be muscle memory in no time. Don't be afraid. Just buy one, get to an empty dead end road, and practice when you have an hour or so. The first week or so will be a bit stressful and you'll almost definitely stall a few times with dozens of cars behind you honking and fuming over the two second inconvenience. But by practicing calmly in empty spaces, you'll be able to do it just fine! I was a little bit scared when I saw the first video because it seemed like a lot for a newb to absorb in one sitting, but that one was perfect to watch, practice, park and rewatch, and practice some more because even though it's called "just the basics", it is also very complete for learning on flat roads, which is mighty impressive. Source: Someone who has put about a million miles on seven manual daily drivers (slash weekend autocrossers, canyon carvers, etc) and never burned out a clutch or grenaded a transmission or had really any mechanical issue at all with my stick-shift cars. Really looking forward to the rest of the series! Can't wait to see how deep it goes. We're only on video 1.5 and already I think you've covered enough to really start to have fun.

Good video but I disagree that the handbrake is a "learning crutch", advanced driving courses in Europe still recommend the handbrake as the best way to hill start. On a really steep gradient, I will still use the handbrake, especially if someone has stopped behind me too close. Keep in mind that people like us will always heel toe and rev match but pretty much everyone in the UK who drives manual is never taught these things.

I'm enjoying this series. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

just got a manual car my 1st and this video is helping me alot, thank you

doesn't clutch braking hurt the clutch?

Still waiting for the cooking chicken tutorial.

these are great videos. i'm looking to buy a manual car soon and these are such a big help. i'm looking forward to the next video

My first lesson with manual was also to idle it forward with no gas pedal!! I've always (since) believed that's a great way to learn how the clutch is important to the engine and the movement of the car. And I would be NOWHERE with rev matching without my adulthood-long subscription to Car and Driver magazine. Edit: heel-toeing too! That one and Road & Track were instrumental!