Mini Is Launching a Program to Teach People How to Drive Stick

Mini USA announced Friday it will launch a driving course specifically to teach people how to drive using a manual transmission. The news comes hot on the heels of certain Mini models regaining their manual transmission options for the 2023 model year.

The Mini Manual Driving School is designed to—you guessed it—give people unfamiliar with stick shift a basic understanding of how to operate a car with three pedals. The curriculum "focuses on vehicle controls, finding the friction point, practicing smooth starts, stops, acceleration, and more," according to a statement from Mini. At the end of the course, drivers will be tested on a timed course to assess what they've learned. Sounds like a fun time to us.

’’For over a decade, consumers have ranked Mini as the most fun to drive brand in America, which is exactly why we brought back the manual transmission,’’ brand communications manager Rah Mahtani said in a statement. ‘’The course is not only informative but also a fun and challenging learning experience for a new generation of Mini drivers that they will remember forever. ’’

The course will be held at BMW Performance Center West, located at the Thermal Club, a private race track in Palm Springs, California. A spokesperson confirmed to Road & Track the class will become available starting in Q1 of 2023, with classes run based on bookings as they come in. Pricing will be announced at a later date.

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