I learned on a stick, and still drive one. My biggest problem has always been trying to stomp the clutch in, while driving an automatic with a wide brake pedal...

Most people I know drive cars with manual transmission. Almost everyone I know passed their test in one - I can think of only one friend who took his test in an automatic. His mum also drives an automatic, but I don't know if she's driven a manual in the past or not.

Over there, is your choice restricted by what you use for the test?
Here (in the UK), if you take your test in a manual, you're allowed to drive both. If you take your test in an automatic, you're not allowed to drive a manual.

I want a split rear end in my Subaru...

Anyways, I can drive a basic standard. I consider is James Bond skill, thus had to learn it.

We (Parent's company) have one truck that has two ranges and a split rear end, but I had to figure that out. Bought it used for 3k for onsite moving of materials. It hasn't seen a state or town road since we've owned it so we keep it in low range all the time.

Considering almost 80% of vehicles have automatic transmissions that may not be an unreasonable first answer. I learned on a automatic, switched to a standard cause I love Mustangs and a muscles car and stick go together like peanut butter and jelly! I would still be driving a manual transmission today if it wasn't for the fact the manufacturer's are making very few of them! And Ford's new 6-speed autos are about as energy efficient as a 5-speed manual to boot...

But the real reason people love automatics so much is that it frees their hands to do other much important things like apply makeup, texting, holding the phone, eating food and holding up that glorious cancer stick!

Sure, you can manage a synchromesh transmission, but can you drive a 1937 ford-ferguson tractor-the real ideal survival vehicle?

Of all the skills that might prove essential to survival, why choose managing a manual transmission? Negotiating skills, sewing ability, playing the harmonica or performing simple surgical procedures all seem as likely to be useful.

As my kids got old enough to need their own cars I made sure they were manual trans. My daughter cried the first time she tried it and was convinced she would never be able to drive. I was suprised how she learned within 48 hrs to be an expert as she would go to bed one night unable to prevent the car from stalling -but would get up the next day and be 100% improved. I figured her brain was reliving the experience in her sleep and learning. I told her that she should never be forced to turn down driving the best sports cars due to lack of stick experience. She is very grateful now. As a bonus cars with stick are an absolutly cheap as used cars. Make sure the first car they ever drive is a stick! They are more attentive driving a stick and are safer as well.

My wife is going to learn next summer... good`ol truck NP435

Of course, I teach every one I get the chance to. In fact, I've taught quite a few people to run heavy equipment as well.

I've always been heavily into vehicles and engines [thanks to my father, the shop mechanic], so I've always loved driving new things. I don't even own a boat or a motorcycle, but I got the endorsements just so I could if I ever wanted to.

Yeah me too. I have never drove a automatic, only stick shift...

Three-on-the-tree '56 Chevy is what I learned on. My first car! The wife learned on an old Buick Skyhawk manual trans. We taught our kids on a Mustang 5 speed. That was a bit nerve racking the first time out in traffic. Either they'd lurch out into the intersection and stall it, or they'd fly across with wheels spinning at 100 mph. Neither was terribly good for us parent's nerves. But they got it finally. The first time you're stuck in a bumper-to-bumper stop-and-go mess for an hour you'll appreciate an automatic. But out on the road away from heavy traffic a manual is a heck of a lot more fun to drive.