[XtraOrdinary]

zeta, thanks for the clarification.
:spin:

Hey man... I got a manual about beginning of this year and I encountered the same problem as you did, not knowing how to drive manual. But I just got someone to take it home for me from the dealership, and from then on, i just take that car out to practice. I tell you, at the time when my friend told me after 2 weeks it will be just fine, I didn't believe them... but actualy... after 2 weeks, it shouldn't be a problem...

As you probably know, main thing is getting the car going on 1st gear... the rest of the upshifting is easy. My recommendation is, if you are not very familiar with the friction point of the clutch, add a little more gas. I think it is more dangerous (and looks bad) to stall, especialy on an uphill, than to slip that clutch a little. And like someone else already said, it won't be damaged that much (trust me... after you get the hang of the clutch, and when you start having fun with it like doing rocket starts ie. reving enging and popping clutch, you won't think about hurting the clutch) So add a little more gas, let go of clutch slowly, and it should be fine.

Even the learning process is fun! Just use your own car... I mean its your new toy right??? I'd say take it out on a back street, and just park it, and just practice start stop start stop... see if you can get the hang of the friction point and not stall it. After that, you can take it out on the road! As long as the car is moving, you shouldn't have any probs.