Driving a Manual Is Fun

I’ve started to really enjoy driving a manual transmission (MT) car. At first, it felt like I had to force myself to drive every day for practice, but lately, I’ve found myself driving for no particular reason at all.

I used to say, “There’s no way I can drive a manual,” but now, why do I find driving an MT car so enjoyable? I think it’s because

I can feel myself improving.

I believe that once I get better at driving a manual, I’ll truly experience the full joy of it, but I haven’t reached that level yet.

Still, the process of “gradually becoming able to drive a manual when I couldn’t at all before” is incredibly fun.

At first, I was so cautious with the clutch that I started off painfully slow, and I even got overtaken by an old man driving a Lexus LS. But recently, I’ve learned “where the clutch engages,” so I can start smoothly now.

Also, I used to feel quite a jolt when shifting gears and thought, “I’m so bad at this, the ride is rough,” but by consciously engaging the clutch gently, I’ve been able to shift without any shock lately.

Moreover, even my husband says, “This is a tough spot” about the hill near our home. At first, I often stalled when turning right there, but now I can sense how much to release the clutch and how much to press the accelerator to get through smoothly.

Each day, I improve a little more than the day before, and this process of overcoming what I couldn’t do yesterday feels like real personal growth, which makes me happy.

Learning Manual Is Like Playing Dragon Quest

Thinking about it, I suddenly realized this feeling is a lot like playing Dragon Quest. (I sure like to compare things to Dragon Quest, huh? lol)

In Dragon Quest III, at first, I’d get beaten even by slimes and had to restart at the church over and over. With low max HP and MP, I’d fight a little, then immediately stay at the inn.

In that situation, I kept grinding levels in Alefgard until I could cross the bridge to the next village.

Before I knew it, I could easily defeat the “One-Horned Rabbit,” so I thought, “Maybe I can beat the boss too!?” Nervously, I challenged the cave boss (Porsche), but ran out of MP and healing herbs, got wiped out, and had to start over at the church.

It’s like saying, “I’ll level up more and next time I’ll take on the boss (Porsche) fully prepared!”

As you get stronger, you can explore new continents, meet various companions, and equip better weapons—the world keeps expanding.

Yes, the path to mastering manual driving is just like Dragon Quest.

The only difference is that no matter how much experience you gain practicing MT, you never earn any money… in fact, you probably spend more (lol).

On the other hand, automatic transmission (AT) cars feel like you start with a flying carpet, easily crossing mountains and seas to expand your world.

…For those who’ve never played Dragon Quest, I’m sorry if this makes no sense at all (-_-)

Both Manual and Automatic Have Their Merits

My husband often says, “For me, driving is a sport itself,” and I guess manual cars especially give that kind of feeling.

The other day, I told him, “It might be a bit early to say, but if I ever buy another car, I think I’ll only buy a manual.”

He looked at me wide-eyed and said,

What?! What’s gotten into you?! (；ﾟДﾟ))

Honestly, I’m the one most surprised by what I just said lol.

That said, it’s not that I dislike automatics—both AT and MT cars have their own advantages.

On Japanese roads, where you often drive on highways or get stuck in traffic jams, automatics are easier and less tiring.

Especially with cruise control, driving feels almost like autonomous driving. So even if you’re not confident, you can drive safely and enjoyably, exploring many places.

If only manual cars existed, I probably would have given up driving early on and become a complete non-driver by now.

On the other hand, manuals can be a hassle in traffic jams with all the stop-and-go, and their fuel efficiency might be worse than automatics, but the feeling of controlling the car yourself is incredibly fun.

Also, with manuals, the same car can feel completely different depending on the driver, which is part of the appeal.

Both automatics and manuals have their own unique charms.

Wow, cars really are deep. I’m reminded again how much I want to learn more, feel more, and deepen my connection with cars.