Ok l am used to driving vehicles with conventional manual stick shift 1-3-5 (top) N (mid) 2-3-R (bottom).

But my mom is Hyundai Matrix has this stick shift R-1-3-5 (top) N (mid) 2-4 (bottom).

The problem is that l am beginning to be freaky about hitting the break anytime because l keep on messing up shifting with the top gears (R-1-3-5).

Like from 2nd gear going to 3rd gear l would accidentally shift either 1st or 5th.

Or what l fear the most is to accidentally engage Reverse when downshifting into 1st and may result in accident or bumping car behind me.

Can any of you give me some tips on how to deal with this kind of stick shift? Thank you.

think about what your doing and practice.. really you will get used to it just remember. and l know what you mean but it wil come to you

What l did in a simular situation was to copy down the shifting pattern onto a piece of paper & place it on the dash in a place where l could look right at it. Normally all stick shifts have the shifting pattern on the knob though sometimes the pattern is worn off or just not readible or the knob has been replaced with a aftermarket one that does not show the pattern. Once u have the shifting pattern copied onto the paper practice shifting through the gears while the car is sitting. Then when u feel comfortable start the car & try it out. All u have to look at is the shift pattern that u have copied onto the paper. It will take some getting used to naturally but once u have the shift pattern down then u can remove the paper if u want or u can leave it there for a quick reference if it makes u more comfortable. You r lucky u did not grow up in the 1940 is or the 1950's. Most all cars then did not even have a visable shift pattern. So u had to kinda guess & see which gear was which. l had my share of shifting problems & horror stories indeed. Although some of the big trucks years ago had a metal plate with the shifting patern mounted to the dash. That is where l got my idea from & it worked for me fine. The most important thing to remember is this. Patience will take u a long way.

Hehe, l feel ur pain, whenever l drive someone else is car l often bounce it off of reverse trying to shift into 6th gear when there is none.

As for accidentally shifting into reverse, I've seen a friend do it with his brand new car at the drag strip. Perhaps the most embarrassing place to do it, but at least he did it somewhere safe & learned his lesson without smashing the guy behind him.

The safest thing to do is be worried about it like u are, u will be more aware of what gear you're shifting into until u become used to the location.