My dad took me out several times in an old white Dodge pickup, which was standard shift. I remember stopping at a Stop sign and driving on again in 2nd gear! Dad said, "you aren't supposed to be able to do that!"

Driver's Ed was good (new nickname for kitty, RICHARD? ) - thorough classroom teaching and lots of road time. I learned to drive an automatic - and in Winnipeg in January! This was back in 1974 or so...I was ready for winter driving! The plough drifts atop the curbs were higher than the car. I am NOT making that up!

Drove a Pinto at home...Dodge Valiant, VW car that looked like a mini Cooper(still can't recall what it was).

These days, I drive standard. Cheaper to fix the tranny and way better on gas!