Hi everyone!

So I'm taking a buddy out to learn how to drive manual and I want to start with the very basics in a wide open space (large parking lot preferable). Do you guys have any recommendations near or around downtown Sacramento?

I'm sure this will involve driving outside the city since there's not a lot of big spaces on the grid.

Thanks!

Try the parking lot at Discovery Park.

Does he already know how to drive? Try the parking area by the Sutters Landing off B and 28th.

Cal Expo

Sink or swim:  throw them into the parking lot at Trader Joes on Folsom. ;)

Michelangelo:  You are soooo WRONG!! Bahahaha!  Poor kid!!  ;-)

The BEST place ever is the American River College parking lots, but I'm sure Sacramento City College would be just as good and maybe closer. When I lived by ARC I would see at least 4-6 different people learning how to drive in the parking lot EVERY single weekend.

Awesome. writing these all down (except Trader Joes now I know better than that LOL)

San Francisco. Lots of hills. He'll be a pro in no time. Downside is you're probably going to need a new clutch by the time he's done.

Freeway. Into the fire!  Either learn or die!

Let me know where you decide on. I want to be sure not to park my car there.

on the weekend go to 3301 C street. It's a State Agency / Methodist medical center the parking lot should be empty.

Pretty much any Natomas office campus

On the weekend I mean

Costco parking lots early morning or late evening.  Schools are good.  I'd avoid the malls, security will chase you out.  Paul Blart is on the job!

Remember to let that clutch cool in between mistakes!  Just put it in neutral and let the clutch out so the flywheel spins and moves the air...  Once you heat it up slipping it, you really start to wear it down quickly.

Hobby Lobby on Sundays.

Carmax. Test drive their cars with manual transmissions. Don't tell the salesman you're learning.

Hehehe...  And show up with a helmet  :)

Don't forget the flame retardant suit. Make the salesman sign a waiver prior to the roadtest.