Automatic driving licence

BINGO2163

Why is it we can land on the moon, cure many forms of cancer, explore the solar system beyond our galaxy, complete heart transplants even clone sheep but still in this country use the age old Victorian method of changing gears in cars, have been looking for a new job but i only have an automatic licence i have categories that let me drive up to 7.5 ton but to get a job these days you need a full driving licence not a valid driving licence there are many fleets these days that have fuel efficient automatic vehicles but you still need a manual licence to drive automatic vehicles it makes you think what is the point of an automatic test/licence......frustrated

thegirlintheattic

The automatic license is fine if you personally want to drive your own vehicle and are willing to pay more for it. The only point of an automatic license IMHO is if you have someone who is either disabled or cannot pass a manual test.

Companies don't want the hassle of making sure there is always a automatic car available when they want you to drive somewhere.

Either apply for jobs that don't require a driving license or pass your manual test.

However I would also check that the company does not just mean a full (as in not provisional) license.

thelawnet

There is no point in an automatic licence unless you are incapable of learning manual. Otherwise, the extra few lessons to learn manual is money well spent.

RDG

I thought it was as thegirl says for disabled (those unable to use a clutch)/those that cannot pass a manual test. Im suprised anyone who learns to drive in this country who does not fall into one of those categories has an automatic licence. Unless the OP's licence is originally from another country and it has converted to a UK auto licence?

wealdroam

Why is it we can land on the moon, cure many forms of cancer, explore the solar system beyond our galaxy, complete heart transplants even clone sheep but still in this country we have people who choose to restrict themselves to driving a small subset of available cars?

Please note I am only talking about those people who choose that option... not those who have no choice.

TrickyWicky

No offence but how do the answers to the question on your poll relate to the question itself?

IF you'd asked "Where do you apply for a licence?" oit might have made a bit more sense but you're asking "What is the point" and then supplying answers that don't make any sense at all. If it were me, I would have used a different choice that people could understand:

• Medical contition
• Personal preference
• Ease of use
• Other

As for the rest of your rant, automatic gearboxes are expensive, VERY expensive. Not just when buying one but also getting them serviced, fixed, repaired, swapped out etc. Manual gearboxes are a fraction of the cost all the way round. We live in the forever-skint UK which is always trying to ppenny pinch so what do you think the logical choice is for the motorist? Even in the USA they still have manual cars (ok they're fading out but they do have them). In the UK you often find many top end cars are automatic - why do you think that is?

Seriously, if it means that much to you, why not take a manual test? Unless you have medical problems (in which case most employers don't want you as a driver) then its really pretty straight forward.

I have a manual licence but drive an automatic (I had some medical problems temporarily that restricted me) and while I do now have a preference for an automatic I am still more than happy to use a manual and do so frequently when using my partners car. The reason I have grown to like automatics is because its less work and concentration - eg at junctions, hills, traffic lights, slow moving queues etc. Even then I had to do a lot of research before setting on a reliable 'bangermatic'.

Autos tend to be a bit more reliable too. For instance you can't stall an automatic (unless it has a fault) and there is no clutch so you don't need to replace that or worry about it. Because the transmission is driven by a torque convertor (which is basically fluid) it's a bit softer on the transmission when it changes through the gears than a clutch would be.

In all I prefer them but i wouldn't be without a manual licence in this country.

Joe_Horner

Auto licence is useful for disabled (my partner - ankle problems so can't operate a clutch reliably) or for incompetence / laziness (my step-daughter - thought she'd breeze learning to drive, found it took a little more effort than she expected, so took the easier option).

Other than that, it's really not worth it unless you REALLY know you'll never ever ever want or need to drive anything but autos.

System

My SiL has an automatic licence. She is not disabled but is totally incapable of managing a gear lever and clutch so gave up and went automatic

fivetide

thelawnet wrote: »

There is no point in an automatic licence unless you are incapable of learning manual. Otherwise, the extra few lessons to learn manual is money well spent.

What a terrible choice of words.

Disabled people drive automatic cars, not because they are 'incapable of learning' implying they are stupid but simply because they are physically unable to manage three pedals.

Someone calling themselves thelawnet should realise the implications of what they are saying before they hit submit.

5t.

thelawnet

fivetide wrote: »

What a terrible choice of words.

Disabled people drive automatic cars, not because they are 'incapable of learning' implying they are stupid but simply because they are physically unable to manage three pedals.

Someone calling themselves thelawnet should realise the implications of what they are saying before they hit submit.

5t.

Oh dear Lord.

If you cannot reach the pedals, you are clearly incapable of learning to drive a manual.

Just as someone with say no legs, is incapable of learning to ride a bicycle.

Gloomendoom

BINGO2163 wrote: »

Why is it we can land on the moon... bla, bla, bla.

Stop moaning. Unless you are disabled in some way, I assume it was your choice to take the test in an automatic car.

You can always retake the test in a manual car.

Look on the bright side, at least you can spell licence properly.