As an admirer of classic driving, it’s disheartening to see manual gearboxes becoming increasingly rare. Recent statistics reveal that only 20% of new cars sold in the UK are equipped with manual transmissions, while a new generation is choosing automatic vehicles for their driving tests. This shift could lead us to a future where driving skills reminiscent of traditional manual control are lost, much like the trend seen in America where many drivers are unfamiliar with shifting gears.

The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) likely plays a significant role in this decline, as the convenience of automated driving appeals to those who find operating a gearstick stressful. However, this trend feels detrimental to the essence of driving.

Although I’ve chosen to stop referring to my husband’s car as a ‘dodgem’, my affinity for manual driving remains strong. The act of changing gears oneself creates a connection with the vehicle, reminding the driver that they are in control of a powerful machine. This act fosters alertness, emphasizing that driving is not about gaming but about genuine engagement with the road.

Driving a manual car has long been one of the few physical skills individuals acquired beyond traditional educational settings, especially for those without practical training. With advancements in AI and the rapid decline in attention spans, such changes take away the need for coordination and risk leaving our motor skills undeveloped.

The current educational system focuses less on physical abilities outside a handful of sports; medical educators have noted that high-achieving students are often unprepared for hands-on tasks, leaving them ill-equipped for practical skills required in their professions. The rise of robotic surgery hasn’t diminished the need for fundamental skills, and some educators express concern over students lacking even basic abilities with tools like scissors. Skills like knitting or woodworking are gaining attention, suggesting that practical training is becoming increasingly necessary.

As for apprenticeships in trades, there seems to be a growing number of high-achieving 18-year-olds who are unaccustomed to practical work, struggling even with simple tasks like shifting a gear lever.

As beings inhabiting the physical world, it’s crucial to maintain a daily connection to our environment. Manual driving provides this grounding. Although the trend towards automatic vehicles may be irreversible, an interesting cultural artifact has emerged: online marketplaces feature “gearstick hoodies,” quirky jackets designed to keep gear knobs cozy. Perhaps there are others out there who share my nostalgia for a more hands-on driving experience.