What speed should you be in first gear?
Sophia Vance
Published Jan 14, 2026
Remember each car will be geared slightly differently, but a good rule of thumb for changing gears is that first gear is for speeds up to 10 mph, second gear is for speeds up to 15 mph, third gear is for speeds up to 35 mph, fourth gear is for speeds up to 55 mph, fifth gear is for speeds up to 65 mph, and sixth gear ...
What RPM should I shift at 1st gear?
When you begin driving a stick shift, the tachometer is a good way to help you determine when you should shift up or down. Generally, you should shift gears up when the tachometer is around “3” or 3,000 RPMs; shift down when the tachometer is around “1” or 1,000 RPMs.What gear is best for what speed?
When to change gear
- First Gear: To get the car moving and up to a speed of around 10 mph.
- Second Gear: Up to a speed of around 20 mph.
- Third Gear: Up to a speed of around 30 mph.
- Fourth Gear: To use if you are staying at 30 mph, or wish to increase the speed to around 40 mph.