If you are a brand new driver, or if you have been driving for years and never learned how to use a stick shift, the thought of learning might be a little bit intimidating. However, being able to drive a vehicle that has a manual transition is a very useful skill: it means there are no limits for your driving, and you will be able to drive anything in a pinch. It's really not as hard to learn as you may think: here are some tips.

-- Get comfortable with the clutch

Before you even try to move a running car with a stick shift, you should practice getting used to the clutch. For those who've never driven a manual, having the additional pedal on the left is a bit disconcerting. There is a balancing act that must occur since, when shifting gears, you will be operating the clutch with your left foot and the accelerator with your right. Take some time to practice releasing the clutch pedal at the same rate as you are depressing the accelerator. Over time, achieving this balance between the two pedals will become second nature. But practice it alone first with the engine off before trying to do it under pressure.

-- Practice going from 1st to 2nd gear over and over and over

Going from 1st to 2nd gear is the most frustrating part of learning for most newbies. Yes, you'll stall the car. Yes, you'll grind the gears. Yes, you'll make the car shake, rattle, and roll. So what? Practice going from 1st to 2nd gear over and over and over in a parking lot until you are comfortable and until you can do it smoothly. Do not worry about shifting into other gears until you have mastered this one: it's by far the most important, and the rest will come easily.

-- Get professional help

No matter what your age, taking a few drivers ed courses to help you learn a stick is a great idea. You will not be frustrating your relatives, and you will have the calm and insightful help you need that can only come from a driving instruction professional.

Knowing how to drive a manual transmission may just open up a whole new world of driving options to you: and yes - even you can conquer the Stick.