Learning to drive
Automatic vs Manual Driving Lessons: Which Should You Choose?
It is the first decision every new learner makes, and it affects what you can drive for years afterwards. Here is what actually changes between the two, and how to decide.
What it means for your licence
If you pass your test in a manual car, your licence covers both manual and automatic cars. If you pass in an automatic, your licence only covers automatic cars. To drive a manual later, you would need to pass another practical test in a manual car.
Why automatic is growing
Every fully electric car is automatic, and the UK is phasing out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars. More learners now choose automatic because the cars they will actually drive are automatic. If you expect to drive an electric or hybrid car, the manual licence may never matter to you.
How long each takes
Without a clutch and gears to manage, many learners find automatic quicker to pick up, and can concentrate earlier on observation, planning and road positioning. Manual takes longer to master at first, especially clutch control on hills and in slow traffic. Everyone is different, so treat this as a tendency rather than a rule.
Which is right for you?
- Choose manual if you want the widest choice of cars, or may need to drive a manual at work or abroad.
- Choose automatic if you want to focus on the road rather than the gears, feel nervous about clutch control, or will mainly drive electric or hybrid cars.
Instructor tip
If you are torn, book one lesson in each. Most people know which suits them within an hour.
Our lessons
We teach both, in modern dual-controlled cars, and our prices are the same for automatic and manual, in Tolworth and Morden.
Ready to get started?
Tell us your postcode and whether you want automatic or manual, and we will come back with an instructor, a time and an honest estimate of the hours you need.
