Automatic or Manual: Which Is Best for Driving Lessons? - News

If you're about to start your driving journey, one of the first decisions you'll face is whether to learn in a manual or an automatic car.

While both options can lead to a full driving licence, the type of car you choose to learn to drive in affects not only your learning experience but also your options after passing the test.

There is no right or wrong answer to this question; it all comes down to personal preference and what you feel most comfortable in.

So, what's the difference, and which is best for you as a learner driver? Let's explore.

Manual or Automatic: What Is the Difference?

In the UK, most cars are equipped with either a manual or an automatic transmission.

• Manual Cars: These have a gear stick and a clutch pedal. As the driver, you're responsible for changing gears manually, using your left foot for the clutch and your left hand for the gear stick.
• Automatic Cars: These change gears automatically. There's no clutch pedal, just an accelerator and a brake, and the car decides when to shift gears based on your speed. This simplifies the driving experience, especially in urban traffic, and generally results in a smoother, less stressful drive.

However, the price remains the same. There is a significant cost difference between manual and automatic cars, which is likely a key factor in people's purchasing decisions.

Advantages of Learning in an Automatic:

• Easier to Learn: With no clutch or gear changes to master, many learners find automatics less stressful and quicker to get the hang of. Because of this, you'll need fewer lessons, spend less money and pass your driving test faster. Overall, an automatic car will provide a smoother driving experience, making it more enjoyable to drive.
• Ideal for Busy Areas: In cities and towns where you're constantly stopping and starting, an automatic offers a smoother, less tiring drive.
• Reduces Risk of Stalling: Automatics are far less likely to stall — a common frustration for manual learners, especially during junctions or hill starts.
• Two hands on the wheel: When driving, it's advisable to keep both hands on the wheel, which an automatic transmission allows since you don't need to operate the gearbox.

Disadvantages of Learning in an Automatic:

• Licence Restriction: If you pass your practical test in an automatic car, your driving licence will only permit you to drive automatic vehicles. To drive a manual later, you'd need to take and pass another practical test in a manual car.
• Fewer Automatic Cars Available: While automatics are becoming more popular in the UK — especially with electric vehicles — manuals are still more common, particularly for used cars.
• Higher Costs: Automatic cars are generally more expensive to buy and can cost more to repair or maintain. Automatic lessons also tend to be pricier per hour.
• Limited control: Additionally, driving an automatic car in severe weather, such as snow and rain, is challenging because you cannot shift gears to regulate your speed.

Advantages of Learning in a Manual:

• More Freedom: Passing your test in a manual car gives you a full licence, which allows you to drive both manual and automatic vehicles. Making your choices of first cars that much larger!
• Greater Vehicle Control: Some drivers prefer the feel and control of a manual car, especially when driving on country roads, in poor weather, or on steep hills.
• Wider Range of Vehicles: Manual cars remain widely available on the market, particularly for second-hand buyers.
• Lower Vehicle Costs: The overall costs of owning a manual car are lower, including repairs, insurance, and the vehicle itself. This is particularly useful for younger drivers buying their first car, as they tend to have less money available.

Disadvantages of Learning in a Manual:

• More to Learn: Clutch control, gear changes, and the risk of stalling can be tricky for beginners and take longer to master.
• Tougher in Stop-Start Traffic: Constant gear changing in busy areas or during rush hour can be tiring and stressful.
• Longer Learning Time: Some learners may require more hours of practice to become test-ready in a manual car, which can make driving lessons expensive.

Will My Driving Lessons Be Easier in an Automatic or Manual Car?

For many UK learners, automatic lessons are easier and less overwhelming at first. With fewer mechanics to manage, you can focus more on road positioning, hazard awareness, and traffic rules, all crucial to passing your driving test.