Shifters logo with car and CN tower

We are
on the road again!

What's new? We are updating the website for ease of scheduling with added information to help you learn and understand stick shift driving. 


In the meantime, call to inquire about lessons, from beginner to advanced, we can customize what you need, and a time that works best for you.


Professional Trainer: Carlos Tomas

416-921-7845

New Lessons

Covid SafeTY TOP OF MIND

Beginners

for more accurate gear shifting ~

 

[Relax your hand completely.]

 



Lessons

Intermediate

for smoother shifting ~

 

[When upshifting, depress the clutch completely before releasing the throttle.]

 



Supplementary Lessons

Advanced Drivers

Heel-and-Toe Technique ~

 

[Make it easy, keep your heel off the floor whenever you apply the brake.]

 



High Performance Lessons

More Quick Tips

Shifting at a Stop Sign…

Q: When stopped what gear should I shift to?

A: While your transmission is in gear the risk of accidentally engaging power to the wheels exists. Clutch leg fatigue or being rear-ended can trigger you to involuntarily release the clutch pedal to propel forward, unexpectedly.

Shift to neutral and you make it impossible for the transmission to be engaged while you wait.

Keep your left foot on the dead pedal and reduce wear and tear to the clutch release bearing, and driver fatigue.

Remain alert while waiting, especially behind you. Keep an eye out for motorists who may be late slowing. Be prepared to give them more space when traffic begins to move again.

shifters.ca

Shift Gears through an intersection?

Q: Can I shift gears while driving through an intersection?

A: In some jurisdictions It’s illegal to change gears while driving over level railway crossings, but I don’t know of any regulations regarding shifting gears while driving through intersections

Intersections are generally zones of higher activity thus classified as higher risk so whenever possible we keep our task load down to a minimum while driving through them.

That frees up more of your available attention to scan for potential hazards that may develop into problems.

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Downshifting….

Q: Should I downshift when stopping?

If you’re slowing down gradually, as when coming up to a long line of stopped traffic you may change gears as speed dictates.

For example, as the speed drops to the low 20’s (km/h) you may shift to 2nd gear, anticipating that the traffic may begin moving again, before you reach the end of the line.

On the other hand when you approach a stop sign, you normally decelerate faster and simply apply the brake.  When near the desired stop position depress the clutch pedal as the engine speed approaches idle.

There’s absolutely no need to shift down through each gear because ultimately you’ll stop anyway.

Shift back to first before you move off again and you’re set to go.

Using gears instead of the brakes to slow your vehicle may cause severe damage to your powertrain.

Use your brakes. They’re far more effective, and cheaper.




Can I brake without de-clutching?


photo of a foot on the clutch

Each gear has a range of speed that you can drive in. Keep in mind that gear ranges …
Read More →

Why do I need to downshift when turning?


Need to Know

Since most turns are done at low speeds, your vehicle should be driven in the gear that corresponds with …
Read More →

How can I keep my car from rolling backwards when starting on a hill?


emergency brake photo

Even vehicles equipped with hill assist feature may roll slightly if stopped on a gradual incline when you …
Read More →

What does the clutch actually do?


photo of a clutch

The clutch pedal engages and disengages the engine and the gearbox. When depressed, your powertrain is disengaged, causing …
Read More →

Master the Stick.

Learn to drive a manual shift car, introductory lessons, refreshers, and mastery.