Changing Gears: When and How to Shift Smoothly
One of the key skills in learning to drive a manual car is knowing when and how to change gears. Doing it smoothly helps your car run better, saves fuel, and keeps you in control. In this post, we’ll break down when to change up and down gears — and how to do it without fuss!
When to Change Up Gears
Changing up means moving to a higher gear (e.g. from 2nd to 3rd). You usually change up:
- As your speed increases
- When the engine sounds high-pitched or starts to “rev”
- On open roads or after pulling away
Every car is different, so you’ll get a feel for what works best in the vehicle you’re learning in. Here’s a rough guide to when to change up, based on speed:
- 1st gear: Used for moving off only (up to ~10 mph)
- 2nd gear: Around 10–20 mph
- 3rd gear: Around 20–30 mph
- 4th gear: Around 30–40 mph
- 5th/6th gear: For higher speeds, such as dual carriageways or motorways
Top tip: Listen to your engine — if it sounds like it’s working hard, it’s probably time to change up!
When to Change Down Gears
Changing down means selecting a lower gear. You do this when:
- You’re slowing down approaching a junction or roundabout
- Going uphill and the car is struggling
- You need more engine control (e.g. sharp turns or steep descents)
Downshifting helps give you more pulling power and engine braking — especially useful when you want to slow down without using the brakes too much.
Tip: Match your gear to your speed. For example, if you’re turning a corner at 10 mph, 2nd gear is usually right.
How to Change Gears Smoothly
Follow these steps for smooth, confident gear changes:
- Come off the gas, press the clutch pedal all the way down
- Move the gear lever to the new gear
- Lift the clutch up smoothly — especially in lower gears
- Add gas if needed
Don’t rush it — smooth gear changes are all about timing and control.
Extra Gear Change Tips
- Don’t hold the gearstick while driving — once the gear is selected, hand back on the wheel
- Skip gears when needed — it’s OK to go from 4th to 2nd, or 3rd to 1st, if conditions require it (known as “block changing”)
- Practise! The more you drive, the more natural it becomes to “feel” when a gear change is needed
Final Thoughts
Gear changes can feel tricky at first, but with practice you’ll get used to matching the right gear to the situation. Trust your instructor, listen to your engine, and take your time. It’ll soon become second nature.
Not sure which gear to use at a junction or on a hill? Just ask — we’re here to help.