What gear should beginners generally drive in?
2 Answers
Beginners usually drive in 4th gear, but in reality, gear shifting should be based on the vehicle's speed. Here is the relevant introduction: Gear changes: Start in 1st gear, shift to 2nd gear once moving, shift to 3rd gear when the speed is between 20 to 25, shift to 4th gear when driving at around 35 to 40 in 3rd gear, and shift to 5th gear when the speed is around 60. Generally, you should shift gears when you hear the engine sound change. Notes: Drivers can save fuel by choosing the appropriate gear. The reason why manual transmission cars are said to be fuel-efficient is that manual transmissions have higher transmission efficiency, which can reduce power loss. Driving a manual transmission car requires higher driving skills, and selecting the right gear at the right time can truly save fuel.
When I first learned to drive, my instructor always reminded me to use second or third gear in the city, keeping the speed around 20 to 40 kilometers per hour to avoid sudden stalling or jerky acceleration. With frequent traffic lights and pedestrians in urban areas, lower gears make the car smoother and easier to handle when turning or moving slowly. I remember my first few times on the road—when I tried fourth gear, the engine groaned, forcing me to quickly downshift. After a few weeks of practice, I learned to shift by listening to the engine: upshift around 2,000 RPM, downshift if it’s too low. Fifth gear is more suitable for highways, but beginners shouldn’t rush onto expressways—practice gear shifts on suburban roads first. Overall, the priority for new drivers is to familiarize themselves with the controls, prioritize safety over speed, and stick to second or third gear for steady driving.
