Los Angeles is a city where the car culture reigns supreme. Known for its iconic freeways, stunning landscapes, and vibrant neighborhoods, LA is also home to some of the best places to practice manual driving. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced driver looking to sharpen your skills, the greater Los Angeles area offers plenty of spots with open parking lots and minimal traffic—perfect for learning to drive a stick shift. Explore some of these great locations that make the City of Angels an ideal place to master your manual driving skills!
1. Griffith Park
Address: 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Griffith Park is not only a popular destination for hiking and sightseeing but also an excellent spot for manual driving practice. With its open spaces and quieter parking areas, it provides a relaxed atmosphere where you can focus on learning without worrying about too much traffic. Plus, you’ll get a great view of the iconic Hollywood Sign!
2. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Parking Lot C
Address: 8622 Bellanca Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90045
While LAX might be busy, the parking lots in and around the airport tend to be spacious, especially the lot by Bellanca Avenue. It’s less crowded compared to the main terminals and offers plenty of room for practicing gear shifts and parking techniques.
3. Hollywood Bowl Parking Lot
Address: 2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068
This iconic location is often known for concerts, but its parking lot provides ample space for manual driving practice. The lot is spacious and usually not too busy during the day. With plenty of room to maneuver, it’s ideal for both novice and seasoned drivers.
4. Santa Monica Airport Parking
Address: 3223 Donald Douglas Loop S, Santa Monica, CA 90405
For those looking to practice near the coast, the Santa Monica Airport parking lot is an excellent choice. The area is relatively quiet, and it’s large enough to practice both clutch control and parking in a low-traffic environment.
5. California State University, Northridge (CSUN) Parking Lots
Address: 18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge, CA 91330
The parking lots on the CSUN campus are generally spacious and not too crowded, making them a perfect spot for driving lessons. During off-peak hours, you can practice gear shifts and take tight turns in a safe, controlled environment.
6. The Forum Parking Lot
Address: 3900 W Manchester Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90305
The Forum is known for hosting major events, but when it’s not in use, its large parking lot provides an ideal spot for manual driving practice. The area is vast and spacious, allowing drivers to practice parking, shifting gears, and starting from a stop.
7. The Grove Shopping Center
Address: 189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Located in the heart of LA, The Grove’s parking structure offers ample space and minimal traffic. Early morning or late evening visits are ideal for uninterrupted practice. Whether it’s learning to handle the clutch or mastering parking techniques, this lot provides a peaceful setting for manual driving.
8. Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) Parking Garages
Address: 777 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Downtown LA has a number of multi-level parking garages that are relatively quiet during off-peak hours. These garages are a perfect place to practice on inclines and in confined spaces, especially for drivers looking to work on tight parking skills.
Conclusion
Los Angeles provides many great options for practicing manual driving in less hectic environments, from spacious parking lots in Griffith Park to quieter areas around LAX. Each of these spots offers ample space to practice essential driving techniques like shifting gears, parking, and handling inclines without the distraction of heavy traffic.
If you’re looking to take your manual driving skills to the next level, book a lesson with Manual Driving Academy in Los Angeles. We’ll help you learn the skills you need with expert instruction in some of the best locations around the city. Book your lesson here.
