i learned at 12 , granted i had my dad with me, but if i can do it at 12 anyone can do it

Where I live, 99% of people learn it. Even the dumbest/clumsiest people I know 😁. You can do it.

Someone showing you the ropes makes it worse, as you have to keep your foot on the clutch half the time and know when to shift up or down

It's easy. All you gotta do Is find the sweet spot on the clutch meaning? Put the car in 1st year and start releasing the clutch little-by-little and when you start to feel the car to shut off. That's when you give it gas very softly and if you can get the car going You're good you just learned how to drive stick shift because throwing 2nd gear is easy once you're rolling you're going push the clutch in and shift to 2nd gear start letting go of the clutch slowly give it more gas. You in 2nd gear now now you're going?

Boom!!!!! Try and follow this and you will learn... the trick is finding g the clutch sweat spot 👌

#[2]​ learned during a road test

I boughta brand new 2007 ford focus 5spd. Didn’t know how to drive stick. I needed to get home so I learned on the way home from the dealer. I had the basics down in a few min after talking to the salesman. Start on flat ground and keep the revs low. Feather the gas while lifting up on the clutch. Cable driven clutches are heavy by easy, next is hydraulic driven clutches lighter with less feel. One car I’ve always had an issue with is a WRX. I’ve driven everything from fords to jeeps to f350 diesel’s to a 1930 model A with no sycncros. I find it easier to stay awake on longer drives with a manual vs an automatic as well. Clutches can be replaced good luck!

You can learn it. Go to an empty parking lot and get a feel for releasing the clutch slowly while slowly pushing down the accelerator.

Pretty easy, find the friction zone on your clutch. give it a little gas then let the clutch out slower (a little gas, not a lot) shifting is also easy. Probably could watch a youtube video or something. I was driving tractors at age10 also motorcycles at 12 I understood all of it before I got my first car which as a 3 speed F100 1965