Learning to Drive a Manual Paris

Blair,

I agree with the previous post. Find a driving school in your area, and take a few lessons before you go. It's not difficult driving a manual transmission, but takes some co-ordination. It's too bad driving schools here don't teach that first, like "the old days" when I started driving (when I started, "three on the tree" was the common shifting method - "four on the floor" became more common later).

The other option would be to rent a auto transmission model. They're more expensive and not as available, but that would solve the problem.

If you're just renting a car for Normandy for a short period of time, you could also rent in Bayeux or Caen, rather than in Paris. A GPS would be a good idea, in addition to a Michelin Map.

Good luck and happy travels!

• EDIT * Sorry, I missed the "living in Paris" line also. In that case, there are two choices - take a few lessons from a driving school there or rent an automatic (the latter would be the better option IMO).

Rent an automatic. Yes, you absolutely can rent an automatic. It might cost $25 more.

Blair,

there is a bit of confusion as people recommend to take lessons "here". Are you living in Houston or Paris??? If you're living in Europe, my suspicion is that it might be cheaper to pay extra for the rental of an automatic than paying for a lesson.

Please note; The first five words of the OP's post are "I am living in Paris ... ,".

I agree that you should learn here.

Surely you have a friend or relative who would teach you to drive.

It really isn't that complicated if you are an adult.
Give it a try before you go; not there.

Like Norma pointed out...Blair told us he (or is it she--it's one of those "names) is living in paris and want to learn to drive manual--not learn to drive a car.

Blair.....I'm guessing people in Paris have to learn how to drive as well. why not ask around for a decent local driving school or, as stated previously, just rent a car with automatic transmission.

If you do decide to learn to drive a manual, it's pretty easy.

I deleted my post recommending learning "here". I saw Blair's location given as Houston and missed the "I am living in Paris". Sorry.

key phrases here:

"one weekend" and

"need to learn quick"

Am I the only one here who thinks that driving a manual car that you JUST learned how to operate ,, in a foriegn country,, and only for ONE weekend a bit of a risky waste..

Rent an automatic, they will cost a bit more,, but lessons would cost alot more. You need to focus on the roads, the routes, unfamilar signs etc.. not on your newly learned skills(?) in driving a manual.

Blair, instead of spending money on learning how to drive a manual car and the money spent on renting the car and the fuel, why not spend it on a great tour in Normandy. Take the train there, enjoy the countryside and immerse yourself in this great little town packed full of history. Then you don't have to worry about driving a manual or spending extra money on an automatic.

I second the vote on rent the automatic if you want the freedom of driving instead of taking a tour. It will be much less stressful.

Renting an automatic would cost you less than a few lessons. Plus you might need to practice how to drive manual before you get on the crazy European roads.

I would like to offer my 2 cents worth and also ask a question...I rented a "shift" in Paris last spring...I had not driven a shift in 30 years ( I learned how to drive on a shift but since then always had automatics) and let me tell you...it was not fun...having to navigate country roads and the ins and outs of the smaller french towns ( which all have their own speed reductions for instance and therefore not something one can learn and get on with it :)) as well as learn the french rules of the road and signage AND concentrate on what to do when shifting,coming to stops etc and the inevitable quick decision making when encountering a roundabout ( of which there are many) and/ or because "excuse moi,je suis en touriste" is the only way you can reconcile an angry driver behind you when you have not made the right moves or done them fast enough...I say enough...why bother with the headaches ! I would have to say take the trains or rent an automatic...now here comes my question to any knowledgeable RS groupie out there...having explained my last experience renting a car I was not considering it an option for my upcoming trip in March...however...where I want to go in Normandy and North is not serviced easily by public transport ( "easily" being the key word here) it can be done but with too many timetables to deal with for my liking...so I am back to thinking about renting a car again myself...but not a shift...I can handle the roads and all if I do not have to also manage a shift...so...can anyone recommend a reputable rental co. somewhere between Paris and Bayeaux that may have automatics available...I thought of taking the train to Bayeaux and then renting but Rick says that rental co's in Bayeaux are limited and I do not know if they would carry automatics...I know I will have to pay more but that is OK...it is the only way I will rent and drive there at this point...why stress when on vacation ? I thank anyone in advance who can give me some current advice...

I rented a manual (stick, shift, whatever) about three years ago. That's what I drive in the states, so it was not a big issue. If you don't drive a stick regularly, I would strongly recommend the automatic. I rented from an agency in Caen, and it seems to me there were about three car rentals in a one block area from the train station. We took the train from Paris, rented a car for three days, explored D-Day sites, chateaues and had a ball. If you have not driven there, be sure you familiarize yourself with the concept of traffic circles, or rounds. They seem intimidating, but they do make sense. Watch the road and city signs closely.
Also, be sure you know what type of fuel your car uses. Some are diesel, some aren't. Not knowing could be expensive for you. I hope you all enjoy your trips.

Thank you all so much for the great advice...and after hearing it I definitely think I will stick with an automatic!