It's just the beginning, you won't feel so comfortable in the
first place. If you do not know how control the car properly with
regards to your footwork, just ask your instructor for the correct
procedures.
Changing gear is when you feel that car's engine is damn noisy
& cannot gain any more speed no more pulling force already,
that's when you change gear.
Once you have more and more practise, everything just comes second
nature. Your friend may fare better than you now, but if your
basics is really good. You will fare even better than them in the
later stages as the basics fundamentals are the most important.
