Memphis, famously known as the home of blues music and the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, offers much more than just its vibrant music scene. With its rich history and culture, this city provides various locations perfect for honing your manual driving skills. Whether you’re cruising past the iconic Beale Street or practicing in the quieter suburbs, Memphis has ample space to help you master the art of driving a stick shift. For an interesting fact, Memphis is the second-largest city on the Mississippi River, which can be explored further here.
Here are eight of the best places in and around Memphis where you can practice manual driving, focusing on open parking lots that are generally not too busy.
1. Memphis International Airport Parking Lot
2491 Winchester Rd, Memphis, TN 38116
The parking lots at Memphis International Airport are spacious and usually quiet, especially during off-peak hours. This location allows you to practice shifting gears and maneuvering without much traffic, making it an ideal spot for beginners.
2. Shelby Farms Park
500 N Pine Lake Dr, Memphis, TN 38002
Shelby Farms Park features vast parking areas that are often less busy, especially on weekdays. With over 4,500 acres of green space, this park provides a serene environment for practicing manual driving while enjoying the natural beauty of Memphis.
3. Southland Casino Racing
1550 Ingram Blvd, West Memphis, AR 72301
Located just across the river from Memphis, Southland Casino Racing has an expansive parking lot that is generally quiet. It’s a great location to practice manual driving without distractions, and it’s easily accessible from the city.
4. University of Memphis – Parking Garage
3720 Alumni Ave, Memphis, TN 38152
The parking garage at the University of Memphis is often underutilized, especially on weekends. The multiple levels provide ample space for practicing parking and handling tight turns in a manual vehicle.
5. Memphis Zoo Parking Lot
2000 Prentiss Pl, Memphis, TN 38112
While the Memphis Zoo can be busy during peak hours, the parking lot is spacious enough to accommodate practice sessions during early mornings or late afternoons. It’s an ideal spot to gain confidence in your driving skills while being surrounded by a unique environment.
6. Target Store Parking Lot
6000 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119
The Target parking lot is typically quieter during weekday mornings. With plenty of space to practice starts, stops, and gear shifts, it’s a convenient option for those living in the Memphis area.
7. Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid
1 Bass Pro Dr, Memphis, TN 38105
The parking area of Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid is expansive and often has available spaces during weekdays. This iconic location not only provides a great backdrop but also ample room for practicing manual driving techniques.
8. Germantown Performing Arts Center
1801 Exeter Rd, Germantown, TN 38138
In the nearby suburb of Germantown, the parking lot at the Germantown Performing Arts Center is usually quiet. It’s an excellent spot for practicing driving, particularly during events when the area is less crowded.
Conclusion
Memphis offers numerous locations for aspiring manual drivers to practice in spacious, low-traffic environments. These parking lots provide the ideal conditions to build confidence and improve your skills behind the wheel. If you’re ready to take your manual driving to the next level with professional guidance, book a lesson with Manual Driving Academy here.