Or “Manual”, as they call it here in South Africa (and most other parts of the world)…
After being in Cape Town for a week, I quickly realized how much a car would be beneficial. I found that an automatic car costs twice as much money to rent than a manual car and it has always been something I’ve wanted to learn. I looked into driving lessons and said “Sign me up!”
Prior to my first lesson, I understood the concept of driving stick. I got that the clutch needs to be pressed down when changing gears. I’ve heard the phrase, “If you can’t find it, grind it”. I knew there was a chance I could “kill the car”. I understood the car would roll backwards if the parking break wasn’t on. I had actually tried to drive stick a few times many years ago, but my “teacher” was easily frustrated and gave up on me…
Just a few minor differences when driving stick shift in Cape Town…
They drive on the left side of the road and sit on the right side of the car, which means the stick is on the left. Completely opposite to everything we do in Chicago! The roads aren’t exactly flat here. I live on one side of a pretty decent size mountain and have to go up and over the mountain to get anywhere, which equals lots of hills! Not to mention, the people here tend to drive a little crazy and there aren’t many “rules of the road”.
Now I have driven an automatic on the left side of the road on the right side of the car when I was in Australia and New Zealand, which was a challenge in and of itself; so as you can imagine, I was terrified for my first lesson. I kept trying to tell myself that so many people learn to do it, but for some reason, I didn’t have any confidence in myself. I had this feeling I would never pick it up.
Thankfully my instructor, Riyone, took me out of Camps Bay into town, where there is much less traffic and the roads are a bit more flat. During my first 2 hour session, I was sweating bullets. I didn’t take long for me to realize that I probably shouldn’t have worn flip flops for my first lesson because the bottom of the flop kept getting caught on the mat… And it took me a few times to realize what Riyone was referring to when he would tell me to turn at the Robot (the traffic light). Who knows where they came up with that term because the things don’t have arms and legs…But, this is Africa!
I felt like I was 15 again. Not only was I learning manual, but I was getting a refresh on drivers education, as a few of the bad driving habits I picked up over the years kept slipping out. For example, not leaving enough space between me and the car in front of me, not slowing down soon enough before the traffic lights, and taking my turns a bit too fast. Oopsy! But apparently completely stopping at a stop sign is not required in South Africa. My teacher even said so. I didn't ask questions… ;)
It took a few lessons to build up my ankle strength (lots of pedal pushing going on). After 6 hours of lessons and practice over the last couple of weeks, I’m not doing too bad…I’m still killing the car once in awhile and have a little bit of trouble knowing when to down shift…The roundabouts are not my favorite b/c I don’t like slowing down once I have momentum…and my professional Chicago parallel parking skills aren’t so professional in Cape Town…
Needless to say, I can get myself from point A to point B, and it may just take a little bit of time before I can drink my coffee, put my lipstick on in the mirror, and text on my phone, all while driving manual… ;) Kidding!
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