Palming method for changing the Gear

Palming method

To operate the gear lever we use a method known as ‘palming’. You can practice this when the car is stationary and the engine is switched off, but make sure that you keep the clutch pedal pressed down to the floor. 

 Neutral

The gear lever will automatically spring to the central neutral position when not in a gear. This is very useful when trying to find and select third or fourth gear.

First gear

To select first gear place your left hand onto the gear lever, palm away from you. Cup your hand around the gear lever and move it across to the left and forward.

Second gear

To move from first to second gear keep your hand on the gear lever, palm away from you, apply slight pressure to the left to stop the gear lever springing back to the central neutral position, and move the gear lever straight back.

Third gear

Now move your hand so that your palm is facing you, cupping the gear lever. Move the gear lever forward, allow it to spring into the central neutral position then move it forward to select third gear.

Fourth gear

Keeping your hand in the same position, move the gear lever straight back to select fourth gear.

Fifth gear

To select fifth gear keep your hand in the same position and move the gear lever forwards, across to the right against the neutral spring and forwards.