MINI Offers to Teach US Drivers How to Drive Stick Shifts

Ahead of the gradual extinction of fully-combustible sportscars, it also marks the untimely demise of yet another piece of motoring tech – the manual transmission (MT). For years, manual car sales have plummeted globally, with drivers now preferring the hassle-free experience offered by automatic transmission (AT) cars.

The easier-to-handle appeal of AT cars has attracted drivers, especially the younger generation living in urban areas who deal with traffic congestions on a daily basis. Yet, some manufacturers still insist in offering manual gearbox options, and one specific brand even went overboard by offering lessons to drive one.

MINI, part of the BMW Group, is planning to launch a stick shift driving school in America. Part of the marque’s plan to reinstate manual transmission options back to its models in the US market, MINI now offers an opportunity for drivers to learn how to handle the stick and three pedals – as how ‘real drivers’ do.

Selected new MINI models in the US will have MT options, and production for which is set to begin this month. The MINI Manual Driving School then opened its doors at the BMW Performance Centre in Thermal, California.

The MINI Manual Driving School offers a comprehensive curriculum that aims to build a strong manual driving foundation. Prospective students will learn about manual vehicle controls, finding the friction point, practising smooth starts and more, with a test on timed course will be held at the end of their lessons.

Additionally, older – or ‘seasoned’ – drivers who’ve gotten accustomed to driving automatic cars for years can re-hone their manual driving skills here, while the newbies can add a new skill in their personal repertoire which will come handy at times.

Back in Malaysia, the local auto market also experienced a decrease in manual car sales despite being cheaper than its automatic twin. The Road Transport Department’s (JPJ) introduction of AT vehicle driving licence years back also further drove said sales figures down, prompting car brands to stop offering manual options for their models.

Should this driving school initiative by MINI garnered favourable reviews, perhaps it is only right for the brand to consider introducing such an initiative in other markets such as ours? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below…