Valet Skills

[Anonymous]

I love my standard transmission car. However, within the past 4-5 years more and more valet parking situations have no one who can drive it! Do you think that’s poor form to have no one on staff who can drive a manual, or is manual really that niche now?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I love my standard transmission car. However, within the past 4-5 years more and more valet parking situations have no one who can drive it! Do you think that’s poor form to have no one on staff who can drive a manual, or is manual really that niche now?

I once stayed at a hotel where valet was included but out of 5 days, only once was there a valet who could drive a standard. So they just had me leave my jeep in one of the "super fancy car" spots between a Bentley and a Ferrari. Yes. It is that niche. #savethemanuals

[Anonymous]

Well (I’m OP), my 15 year old is currently learning on one. (No choice) so we will attempt to carry on!

[Anonymous]

The last two times I’ve tried to valet they haven’t been able to drive it. Which has worked out nicely because it stays parked up front, no waiting.

[Anonymous]

Only 20% of Americans can operate a manual transmission.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The last two times I’ve tried to valet they haven’t been able to drive it. Which has worked out nicely because it stays parked up front, no waiting.

Love it! Good for you!
Sad for them. I learned on a manual. Not sure I would want one now. But it’s a great way to drive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Only 20% of Americans can operate a manual transmission.

Really?

When I was 16, my boyfriend taught me how to drive a manual and it’s definitely come in handy a few times. I’m 40 now.

[Anonymous]

It’s really hard to learn if you don’t actually have to drive one. Like I understand and I’ve had someone show me, but I couldn’t just jump in a manual and drive smoothly around town. Probably after two or three days I’d be fine.

[Anonymous]

i have a classic manual sports car, and another situation i've found myself in is with tow truck drivers. they don't know how to drive it onto a flatbed. So an extra worry when it (inevitably) breaks down away from home

[Anonymous]

And don’t get me started unusual stick shifts. My older car has an old three speed manual tranny where reverse is upper to left. Newer cars 1st gear is up to left.

The H style. R, 1, 2 and 3.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:And don’t get me started unusual stick shifts. My older car has an old three speed manual tranny where reverse is upper to left. Newer cars 1st gear is up to left.

The H style. R, 1, 2 and 3.

I have ‘55 Bel Air hardtop with a 3-speed on the tree.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:is manual really that niche now?

1.7% of cars sold in the US in 2022 had a manual, so I think that qualifies as niche.

I can drive a manual and have one, but I dont' expect others to know how to drive it. Bonus: it's carjack-proofed.

[Anonymous]

My DS 20 works valet when home from college and can drive a manual.