How to go Uphill in Reverse with a Stick Shift

Going uphill in reverse with a stick shift is something every manual transmission vehicle owner will need to do at some point and although it may sound like a difficult maneuver, it is actually pretty straight forward.

Learning to drive a manual car can be a long, laborious process. Add to this the difficulty of going up a hill and you have a complicated enough task, but to make things even worse: What if you need to go uphill in reverse with a stick shift? If you keep calm and collected there is nothing too taxing in this process as the most difficult thing about driving uphill in reverse with a stick shift is the fear of getting it wrong.

Prepping the car

First, relax and control your breathing. Set your mind at ease and empty it of any distractions. Sit down and fasten your belt adjusting the seat until you are comfortable, it's important to be relaxed when driving uphill in reverse with a stick shift for the first time.
Locate the clutch pedal on the far left with your left foot, the other two pedals you will see are the brake and the gas pedal respectively and are operated with your right leg. Press the brake first and then the clutch and release the handbrake keeping your right foot on the brake to prevent rolling.
Turn on the ignition and start the car shifting the transmission into reverse, usually the position on the inwards facing part of the gear box located on the far right hand side. If you cannot locate reverse check your gearbox for the 'R' symbol and slide the gear into position.

Diving uphill in reverse with a stick shift

Check you mirrors to make sure nothing is behind you and aim the car using the steering wheel, when you reverse it is probably best to look through the rear window to steer and check for oncoming vehicles.
To reverse uphill ease your foot off the clutch pedal while holding the brake pedal. You should be able to tell when the engine engages the transmission. As soon as the transmission is engaged lift your foot from the brake and place it on the gas pedal. If the clutch is also engaged then the car should not roll down hill.
It is important to get the feel of the transmission when driving uphill in reverse with a stick shift to prevent stalling so it is best to practice the correct technique in an empty parking lot or park side road a few times first till you get the hang of it.