Cannot Use Manual Transmission

I cannot figure out how to use manual transmission.

I understand that you can press Q to change the mode. I understand that I need a manual car to drive a manual. However, even with a manual car and trying to select with Q, only Realistic and Arcade cycle.

I have keybindings for manual; when I use the buttons I have to shift a manual transmission, a message appears that I'm in (whichever mode I'm in that's not manual) implying that I switch to manual with Q, yet will not let me choose anything but Realistic or Arcade.

Does anyone know how to remedy this issue?

 

Realistic is manual. If you're in realistic mode you should be able to manually shift.

 

I was under the impression by other discussions I found online that it would switch between manual with and without clutch assist, is this no longer a feature? I haven't used manual since a few game versions ago.

 

clutch/throttle assist are in the settings menu, i think under the gameplay tab, which looks like a puzzle piece (IIRC) if u uncheck clutch assist, then changing gears without applying the clutch will grind gears, resulting in gear damage, and enough bad shifts will kill that gear completely.
--- Post updated ---
pressing q just changes from "automated" manual (you do nothing but accelerate) and realistic, which is where the clutch/throttle assist comes in to play.

 

Wonderful, thanks guys.

 

it's also worth noting that with a DCT vehicle, or a shiftable automatic (like the ETK 8-speed), you still need to use realistic gearbox mode to shift it yourself. even though it isn't a "manual" transmission, every transmission is automated with arcade mode. you drive by steering, and using the throttle for forwards and the brake for stopping and reverse, like grand theft auto. stick it into realistic gearbox mode however, and you'll unlock new options (sport mode drastically changes shift points/aggression, manual mode for paddles or a sequential shifter, etc.). you'll have to shift it into D yourself though, and the brake pedal won't do you any good for selecting reverse.