"It Gets Better with Time": Woman Drives Manual Car to Work for the First Time
- A woman’s TikTok of her first day driving a manual car went viral, attracting thousands of likes and comments
- Viewers related to her struggles and offered advice, creating a supportive online community for beginner drivers
- The video inspired discussions about independence, perseverance, and learning new skills in everyday life
South Africans were inspired by a viral TikTok showing a woman’s first day driving a manual car, celebrating persistence, learning, and independence.
Source: TikTok
A TikTok video of a woman driving herself to work in a manual Hyundai Grand i10 quickly went viral, capturing the trials and triumphs of learning to drive. Posted by TikTok user @lelolobi on 2 September 2025, the clip gained over 136,000 likes and 4,000 comments within three days. Viewers were drawn to her candid struggles with starting, stalling, and navigating traffic, offering both humour and relatability for beginner drivers.
The video showed her determination to leave behind reliance on taxis, particularly after reflecting on uncomfortable rides in the past. She documented every hurdle, from getting the car moving to handling the clutch, turning an ordinary commute into an engaging story of perseverance. The honesty and vulnerability in her post encouraged viewers to share advice, tips, and personal stories from their own driving experiences. She wrote:
"I was sitting in a taxi with no door, and I just thought, ba no marn, I don’t need to go through this. I have a car!"
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Learning the manual way
Beyond the laughs, the TikTok sparked conversation about independence, confidence, and the challenges young drivers face. Many followers praised her persistence, noting that learning to drive a manual car requires patience, courage, and practice. Her journey resonated with those learning new skills and seeking independence in their daily lives.
By capturing both the frustrations and small victories of driving a manual car for the first time, the video became more than entertainment; it was motivation. Social media users celebrated her commitment, and the post inspired discussions about overcoming obstacles while embracing personal growth.
Source: TikTok
Mzansi reacted to the video
Corna Boy wrote:
"Cima, I phone and focus on driving, u will take content when u comfortable on the road."
Flower commented:
"Step 1: Put on hazards. Then relax, 2. Don’t rush to remove your foot from the clutch, move it slowly until the car wants to move forward. 3. Give yourself an hour of driving nge weekend you’ll be fine after that, that’s all you need. But relax chommy ungatatazeli. ♥️"
Neoh.Bokako wrote:
"Hey Hun, I drive the same car as yours. Every day after work, I'd take an hour or 45 minutes to practice, and I've been driving myself to work for a week now, and this is my second week. Put your hazards on and relax. You got it, queen. 🥳"
PerfectMark commented:
"I want everyone to be quiet in the car. If you talk, it switches off. 😭😭 I swear. So I drive better alone. 😭"
Jesline Seronique Van Wyk said:
"Now at work, you're gonna be thinking about how you're going back home. 😅"
Amanda Ngcobo wrote:
"All of the negative comments are from people who have never owned a car in their lives. Every single person goes through that, especially with a manual car. You just need to get used to it."
Bonolo commented:
"The way I overthink, I would think people are laughing at me. 😭😂 My day would be ruined, shame."
Gingerrella said:
"This is exactly why a manual car will never see me inside it!"
Check out the TikTok video below:
3 other Briefly News stories about cars
- One young man in South Africa took to social media to vent his frustration with manual cars, prompting reactions online.
- A car salesman shared which vehicles are within the budget range of South Africans earning R8,000 per month.
- A business owner shared a video of her cousin's new Omoda car, revealing they both grew up without cars but are now succeeding.
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Source: Briefly News
