How to Shift from 1st to 2nd Gear in a Standard Transmission Car

Reviewed by Charley Helvy

Last Updated: January 7, 2020 References

This guide will explain how to shift from first to second gear in a car with a standard transmission. You'll need to know how to shift into first gear before reading further.

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Higher pitched whirring is one sign. (Notice the RPM reading at that point, and you'll begin to develop a sense of when you need to shift gears in this car. Most cars need to be shifted whenever they hit 3000-3500 RPMs).^{[1]
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Do not be harsh with either pedal - the ride will be jerky and you could put too much strain on the drive train.^{[5]
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Question

If we change 2nd gear as low torque high speed, what will happen?

Community Answer

You will simply lose acceleration, but this situation can also damage your transmission.

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Question

How do I change from second to third gear?

Community Answer

Press the clutch pedal, shift the gear lever to third and slowly release the clutch, maintaining RPMs.

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What happens to the engine when shifting to gear two?

Community Answer

When you press the clutch for shifting gear, the transmission disengages from the engine and engine RPMs will drop slowly. Ultimately the engine will achieve idle RPM over time if you keep the clutch pressed. When you shift the gear to second and release the clutch, the transmission gets engaged with engine again.

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Tips

Practice, practice, practice, until your muscle memory knows what to do and your thinking brain doesn't have to work through it every time.

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Start practicing in a flat parking place, make sure the parking brake is set, without even starting the car, just getting comfortable moving the gear shift lever.

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If the seat and steering wheel are adjustable (most likely not in a classic car, but definitely in a modern car), adjust so pressing the clutch is comfortable. Some small cars have long clutches, making it difficult for taller drivers to clutch easily.

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Warnings

Do NOT dis-engage the clutch "just a little bit" while deciding when to switch gears. This is called "riding the clutch" and it will lead to expensive repairs.

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Do not drive in traffic until you're completely comfortable switching gears in your car--so comfortable you can converse lightly with a passenger while driving. You need to be able to focus on avoiding hazards and obeying traffic laws when you're out on the road, not on how to make your car go.

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Practice where you're not going to hit anything, and avoid the buildings.

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Take a cell phone--and an experienced driver if possible--just in case. Obviously don't drive and talk on it though!

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