>>I went to the dark side. I learned in a manual car but have drive automatics for years now. When I last drove a manual I couldn't believe the amount I was supposed to do. Had to remember how to do a hill start in Wales. I didn't know car engines could rev up to 10000rpm :-)
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>Keeps you awake, to say the least. And gives you something to do.
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>I don't know how many times I'd doze off on an automatic.

I much preferred the gear change on a motorbike. Clutch on the handlebars and shift on the foot. Also you had to pay more attention as you couldn't skip gears.

I find the traffic is plenty to keep me awake. Plus the dvd/tv on the dashboard so I can watch films,game shows (and those sorts of programs where people expose their darkest secrets) while driving :-)