I have a Turbo Action but I'm guessing it's the same deal, drive it like you normally would, shift when you want. And yes you can start in 2nd, but I never do, except the burn-out box because YOU HAVE TO. I don't down shift unless I'm going real slow and then I go all the way to 1st because mine will "free wheel" in 1st. I have a reverse pattern, I'd guess standard would be better for all out street use.