A survey in the US suggests that the skill of driving manual transmission cars is gradually disappearing, particularly among Gen Z. Experts link the trend to the growing popularity of automatic vehicles.
Highlights
- Only 18% of surveyed US drivers can drive a manual transmission car.
- 35% of Gen Z respondents said they had never learned to drive a manual car.
- Among Baby Boomers, the corresponding figure was just 9%.
California: A driving skill once considered essential is gradually disappearing among younger people, particularly Gen Z. Driving a manual transmission, or stick-shift car, is becoming less common as automatic vehicles increasingly become the preferred choice.
According to a study cited by automobile experts across several countries, the ability to drive a manual car is declining. A survey of drivers in the US by a private organisation found that only 18% of respondents could drive a manual transmission vehicle.
The generational gap is even more striking. Around 35% of Gen Z respondents admitted that they had never learned to drive a manual car. In comparison, the figure among Baby Boomers was only 9%.
One reason behind the shift is that automobile companies are now manufacturing fewer manual transmission cars. The growing dependence on fully automatic systems has also changed driving habits.
Experts say driving a manual car requires coordination between the brain and different parts of the body. The right foot controls the accelerator and brake, while the left foot operates the clutch. At the same time, one hand remains on the steering wheel while the other operates the gear lever.
This requires greater concentration and involvement from the driver. Younger drivers may find automatic cars more comfortable because they require less effort while driving.
Experts also point out that manual cars can help drivers remain more focused on the road. Since both hands and feet remain actively involved in driving, using a mobile phone becomes more difficult. Manual driving may therefore also help drivers who struggle to maintain concentration.
The report also noted that confidence in driving is lower among people under 30. In India, there are around 368 million Gen Z individuals, meaning roughly one in every four people belongs to this generation.
