"I just want to be proficient enough to drive my new car home from the dealership"

Reminds me of my first shifting experience. I had bought a new Camry years ago and refused to spend the extra money for an automatic. I was confident I could figure it out easily enough! So when the Camry arrived and I picked it up I said to the sales guy "How do I know when to shift this manual." You should have seen the look I got!!!!!!! He and all his sales buddies lined up at the showroom windows to watch me lurch and jerk that car off the lot! I got it out onto the highway and into 5th and figured I'd just keep on driving but of course knew I'd have to eventually stop. I managed to get all the way home without any major damage and learned the skill within a few days or so. The clutch lasted 140,000 miles so I guess I didn't wreck it! Now it just brings a smile and chuckle to remember that experience.

 

oh jeeze, your last post is both encouraging me and scaring me at the same time

I know somehow I'll manage. Perhaps I'll wait till it's late and there aren't too many cars on the road when I pick it up