i am teaching my 15 year old to drive one now. he hates it. i cannot imagine not knowing how, so he will learn. go rent a car in europe and try to get an auto. not so easy.
it is easy on my 15 year old if i let him use first gear (granny low). first is 5.73:1 i think with ~560 ft-lbs dynoed at the wheels. all he has to do is let off the clutch with no gas and it will go. i make him use second though.