Stick Shift

Driving Lessons

Des Moines, IA


 

Holiday Hours

Lessons will be available on December 24, 25, 31, and January 1.

Please note that our sales and support teams will be offline on December 24, 25, 31, and January 1.

We will return your calls on December 26 and January 2nd

 

Stick Shift Specialists

​We specialize in stick shift and nothing else!

-

Why Choose Us?

Specialists - Only teach stick shift.

Car Included - Instructors provide the car for practice.

Open Practice Area - Learn in an empty parking lot.

Complete Curriculum - Learn everything, from getting into gear, upshifting, downshifting, parallel parking, and more.

 
 
 

Gift Certificates

Can be used for any instructor in any location

​Call us if you have questions

 

Lessons & Packages

Whether you're starting from scratch, need additional time, or just need a quick refresher, we have the right lesson plan tailored to fit your needs.


Level 1

  • Perfect for: UPS, Valet parking, mechanics moving cars on the lot, automobile detailers.
  • The basic package is ideal for anyone who needs to drive a stick shift at low speeds. You’ll learn how to engage first and second gear, engage the reverse, and feather the clutch to move the car into and out of parking spots, engine bays, and show rooms. 
  • This lesson plan typically takes about one to two hours to complete, though some students finish sooner. 

For pricing information, see "Purchase a Lesson" at bottom of page

-

Level 2

  • Perfect for: Vehicles under 250 Horsepower, renting cars while traveling
  • Most popular training package.
  • Level 2 gives you a blend of value and experience, teaching you how to go up through the gears, downshift, parallel parking, and parking in parking lots. This is what we’d recommend if you’re going to drive on the open road. 
  • This lesson plan typically takes about one and a half to three hours to complete, though some students finish sooner. 

For pricing information, see "Purchase a Lesson" at bottom of page

-

​Level 3

Advanced Techniques Focus

  • Perfect for: New Stick Shift Drivers who will drive vehicles over 300 Horsepower after taking the lesson
  • Caution: This is not an advanced racing or track skills class. This is designed for people who are brand new to driving stick shift vehicles.
  • Level 3 is where you get prepared for the power and sensitivity of sports cars and heavy duty trucks. The basic mechanics of a 250+ vehicle are the same, but the big difference is in pedal control. You’re going to need precise shifting, RPM management, and power management so that you protect your clutch when getting the lead out. But even more important is managing all of that power at low speeds. Feathering into a parking spot can be tricky when you have a massively powerful engine under the hood. Your instructor will pay extra attention to pedal control, focusing fine foot control and feathering the clutch so that you maintain smooth and steady control at low speeds. The last thing you want to do is accidentally lurch forward and scratch your bumper. 
  • NOTE: This lesson is usually taught with a vehicle that has LESS than 250 horsepower. The core focus of this course is repetition and practice of the maneuvers that are difficult for new stick shift drivers if they drive a powerful sports car AFTER the lesson. Learning these skills does NOT require use of a powerful car. 
  • This lesson plan typically takes about two to four hours to complete, though some students finish sooner. 


For pricing information, see "Purchase a Lesson" at bottom of page

-


 

Want to Schedule a Call First?

Schedule a call with one of our salespeople using the form below.

We'll call you at a time that is convenient for you.

 

Stick Shift Driving Academy

Des Moines, IA, 50317

(515) 304-3668

Charles Tamay

Central Standard Time (CST)

Charles Tamay

Your cart