Automatic to manual Can it be done

tyrone2014

Hi All

Long story short needed to drive asap so went for auto short course about 1.5 years ago.
but now looking to upgrade car but would have so much more options with a manual as well as save a bit on fuel also I have been asked to drive the work car and haven't been able to, So I want to learn to drive a manual car has anyone on here done this before gone from automatic to manual not the other way around? if so any advice/tips ?

Thanks

p.s anyone considering automatic I strongly recommend against it. take your time learn manual as then you have the option of both for the future and if you haven't got a big budget auto cars are limited and hard to find.(I learnt the hard way)

TrickyWicky

tyrone2014 wrote: »

p.s anyone considering automatic I strongly recommend against it. take your time learn manual as then you have the option of both for the future and if you haven't got a big budget auto cars are limited and hard to find.(I learnt the hard way)

Do you mean car or licence? Licence and I'll agree, car and I'll have you shot

Seriously for some people autos are the only way they can take to the road so don't slate them too much!

AdrianC

tyrone2014 wrote: »

So I want to learn to drive a manual car has anyone on here done this before gone from automatic to manual not the other way around? if so any advice/tips ?

Basically, as per any other "learning to drive" - talk to several local instructors, see who you get on with. Get recommendations from anybody you know who's recently learnt/has kids who've recently learnt. If you're undecided about which to go with, book a first lesson with one or two on your shortlist and see how it goes with each.

At least you already know how to play nicely with other traffic, so it's just the mechanics of clutch control/gear selection that you've got to pick up - and that's not hard.

tyrone2014

TrickyWicky wrote: »

Do you mean car or licence? Licence and I'll agree, car and I'll have you shot

Seriously for some people autos are the only way they can take to the road so don't slate them too much!

I mean licence if you have a manual licence you can drive both cars
and of course if you have a medical condition or you just cant drive a manual then go for an automatic.but don't do it to save time or because its easier. I dont mind driving an automatic maybe boring but i only want to get from A to B but gives me limited options for car buying on my budget and require manual to drive the work van

Iceweasel

Can of worms about to be opened.

Devil's advocate - me.

I couldn't disagree with your post more.

Your ideas are out of date, especially regards fuel saving.

I was a late convert to autos having been put off by rubbish autos on Fords and M-Benzes in the early 70's.

However my current car is faster and more economical than the equivalent manual-box.

I'll probably never buy another manual box car.

There are plenty autos around.

In fact many prospective buyers of 2nd hand BMWs are complaining they can't find manuals. Many new high power car buyers don't want them.

Modern autos are as far removed from the early 70's and 80's ones as can be.

The last time Ferrari offered a manual box less than 3% of buyers opted for it. So no more manuals for most of their models.

These false ideas about autos need to be corrected - same as the false preconceptions about air-conditioning, and winter tyres.

As for your works car - demand an auto - anything less is discrimination.

Pause now while several folks reply to shoot me down in flames for such heresy.

photome

Iceweasel wrote: »

As for your works car - demand an auto - anything less is discrimination.
.

That could be fun especially if the OP wants to keep his job

TrickyWicky

lol @ IceWeasel.. you've really opened the can of worms!

AdrianC

photome wrote: »

That could be fun especially if the OP wants to keep his job

Quite. "No, Mr Employer, you've got to change your pool vehicle just to suit me, because I'm SPECIAL!"

tyrone2014

Iceweasel wrote: »

Can of worms about to be opened.

Devil's advocate - me.

I couldn't disagree with your post more.

Your ideas are out of date, especially regards fuel saving.

I was a late convert to autos having been put off by rubbish autos on Fords and M-Benzes in the early 70's.

However my current car is faster and more economical than the equivalent manual-box.

I'll probably never buy another manual box car.

There are plenty autos around.

In fact many prospective buyers of 2nd hand BMWs are complaining they can't find manuals. Many new high power car buyers don't want them.

Modern autos are as far removed from the early 70's and 80's ones as can be.

The last time Ferrari offered a manual box less than 3% of buyers opted for it. So no more manuals for most of their models.

These false ideas about autos need to be corrected - same as the false preconceptions about air-conditioning, and winter tyres.

As for your works car - demand an auto - anything less is discrimination.

Pause now while several folks reply to shoot me down in flames for such heresy.

Yes if you have the money then you can get an auto with the same or better fuel consumption than a manual car but harder finding a used car with 3k thats will do the same and for the same money have a lot more options with manual cars in the uk there is something like 283 000 manual car and only 97 000 on auto trader

as for demanding a auto when everyone there can drive a manual dont think that would go well lol
and even you have a manual license so if you have to you could drive a manual which is why i said its better to have the option of both and then you can pick what you want not be limited

tyrone2014

AdrianC wrote: »

Quite. "No, Mr Employer, you've got to change your pool vehicle just to suit me, because I'm SPECIAL!"

Boss ''Dont let the door hit your special behind of the way out''

Iceweasel

AdrianC wrote: »

Basically, as per any other "learning to drive" - talk to several local instructors, see who you get on with. Get recommendations from anybody you know who's recently learnt/has kids who've recently learnt. If you're undecided about which to go with, book a first lesson with one or two on your shortlist and see how it goes with each.

At least you already know how to play nicely with other traffic, so it's just the mechanics of clutch control/gear selection that you've got to pick up - and that's not hard.

I agree 100% with this.

I was going to write something similar.

Tyrone 2014 - I completely understand your point and wish you well. I was only 'chewing the fat a little.'

'Up-grading' your licence shouldn't pose a big problem.