Manual Transmission

[aabby757]

I need help! This is the first year I've ever owned a car with a manual transmission.

Mind you, I learned how to drive using a stick and have driven other peoples cars so I know what I'm doing.

However, since I am no expert I'm confused and need the "Driving a Stick Shift Car for Dummies" book!

Question #1 -- If you're in first and just shifted to second because you're in an incline, but a moment later you see a stop sign, should you shift into third and then stop? Or should you be in second for just a moment longer than you normally would because a stop sign is just ahead?

Question #2 -- At a light. Flat surface. Start off in first obviously, and since there are no cars infront of you you see all the other cars around you passing by. Since I don't want to up shift too fast and be jerked around in my car, I do it slowly -- much to the chagrin of the people behind me. How can one excelerate on a flat surface quickly?? Should I have my foot on the gas AT THE SAME TIME as I am shifting?

I'm a moron I know.

Thanks to those experts who can help me!