Generation Z driving skills decline as manual transmission use drops

A decline in manual transmission driving skills is being observed among Generation Z. According to a survey by Extreme Terrain, only 18% of Americans know how to drive a manual vehicle, with the percentage being even lower among younger drivers. Data shows that 35% of Gen Z drivers have never learned to drive a manual, compared to only 9% of baby boomers.

In the United States, manual vehicles accounted for less than 2% of sales in 2024, a significant drop from 35% in 1980. Driving instructor Andy Nelson notes that manual driving requires higher levels of multitasking, coordination, and cognitive effort, which can offer benefits for drivers with ADHD due to the required concentration. He also suggests that manual vehicles provide better control in adverse weather conditions like rain or snow.

While manual transmissions are becoming rare in the US, they remain more common in other regions. Approximately half of vehicles sold in Europe are manual, with Italy seeing only 28% automatic vehicle sales. In China, manual vehicles represent approximately 75% of the market.