The gear shift lever (or shifter) is located between the front seats or on the steering column. In manual cars, it connects directly to the shift forks via rods or cables. In automatic cars, it sends electrical signals or pulls a cable to position the transmission selector valve.
Worn shift bushings make the lever feel loose and sloppy. You might struggle to find the gear gates on a manual transmission. In automatic cars, a broken safety interlock will lock the lever in park.