What are the techniques for driving straight in a manual transmission car?
2 Answers
Straight driving is closely related to gear shifting, clutch, speed, and steering wheel. However, before driving straight, it is important to prepare—aligning the car's front is crucial. When choosing a reference point, pay attention to two things: look far ahead, and the wider your field of view, the straighter your path will be. Often, the slower the speed, the more likely the car is to deviate. After the test begins, maintain a speed of around 35 km/h, and avoid gripping the steering wheel too tightly. Hands should have clear roles; gear shifting and clutch operation should be done quickly and smoothly in one go.
When I first started learning to drive, my instructor always scolded me for not driving straight. Later, I figured out the tricks. First, keep your gaze far ahead—don’t just stare at the road 10 meters in front of the car. Look at least 100 meters ahead, and you’ll immediately notice if the car drifts off course. Second, relax your grip on the steering wheel—don’t clutch it like a lifeline. If you notice the car veering, make slight adjustments (no more than 5 degrees), then return the wheel to center. Overcorrecting will instantly fail you on the test. Third, shift gears decisively but not aggressively. Ease off the clutch slowly, especially during the exam—keeping a steady speed around 30 km/h is safest. Practice coordinating the clutch and accelerator pedal until it feels natural, and let the steering wheel adjust subtly with the car’s movement. That’s how you drive straight smoothly.
