[old_tv_nut]

My dad went through the American transition from manual to automatic transmissions as a mechanic and service manager, and always said it was harder to learn on manual and change to automatic than the other way around. Not having a mental reset to try it both ways, I can't say for sure. Anyway, he insisted I learn on a manual (the driving school car) and then take the exam on an automatic (our family car).

Yes, the manual took a little practice to get the feel of the clutch, but it wasn't that bad. The first time I approached a red light that turned green before I got there and shifted down into second to accelerate again, the instructor said "Where did you learn that?" I wanted to brag that I was an engineering student and understood the principles, but I just smiled.