I learned how to drive on an automatic, because that's what Mom's car had. Dad's car didn't have that, but didn't have a manual either. It had Citromatic!
No clutch, but you had to shift yourself. That stalk sticking out the top of the steering column.
When you're accelerating, you lift off the gas when you want to change gears, just like a manual, and simultaneously move the lever to the gear you want - see shift pattern below. It also incorporates the starter - from Neutral, you push the lever to the left to actuate the starter.
I learned how to drive stick by borrowing my sister's Pinto.