That’s easy. Gently roll backwards until you use their front bumper as a stop. Then proceed as usual. Obviously, they stopped that close to be of assistance.

I thought I was the CLUTCH MASTER until I was on a hill in SF, with a knackered clutch, and a tour bus right behind me

You can probably even find a handful of beater stick shift cars for less than $500 that will do a good enough job. Plus, you’ll have to learn on a finicky clutch and worn synchros - so when you finally do get yourself a newer car with a manual trans you’ll be amazed at just how much smoother it feels!

Ahem, you’re imagining a world where DMVs do not exist. Remember, your $500 beater needs to pay a hundred or so in DMV fees upon purchase, and another fee upon sale.

The best way I know how is to buy a $500 beater with a stick off of craigslist, drive for as long as it takes you to learn it, and then sell it for $500 on craigslist.