What are the techniques for driving straight in a manual transmission car?

[Harris]

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.

[MacKyle]

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.

[Cunha]

Driving a manual transmission car in a straight line isn't actually difficult—the key lies in anticipation. Keep your eyes focused on the center of the road ahead, sensing whether the car's body is aligned with that direction. Rest your hands lightly on the steering wheel at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions without gripping too tightly. If the car starts to drift slightly, gently guide it back with minimal arm movement—avoid exaggerated, Tai Chi-like twists. When shifting gears, move your right hand quickly, and return your left hand to the wheel immediately after shifting. The most effective time to stabilize direction is while the clutch is still partially engaged. Remember to shift gears in advance; don't wait until right before a turn to scramble with the controls. Maintaining a speed of 30-40 km/h provides the most stability.

[MaggieFitz]

New drivers of manual transmission cars often fear straight-line driving due to shaky hands and trembling feet. In fact, just remember three things: keep your gaze elevated and look towards the distant horizon, using peripheral vision to check if the lane lines are parallel; don't grip the steering wheel too tightly, make minor adjustments if slightly off course and immediately return to center after correcting; when shifting gears, don't lift the clutch pedal too quickly with your left foot, maintain steady throttle with your right foot, and promptly return your right hand to the steering wheel after shifting. If you notice the car body swaying left and right, ease off the throttle slightly - this works much better than sudden steering corrections. Practice more to find the clutch's friction point, letting the car carry you forward actually requires less effort.