Getting on Road - Automatic vs Manual

harshitguptaiitr

Hello
I have got my provisional license and I wish to start learning how to drive.
I am debating between manual and automatic.
With manual, I know it will take me a few extra attempts and quite a few extra lessons as compared to automatic.
Also, I am not very hands-on so I am not confident with manual cars.

In terms of availability of driving instructors, test dates, cars to buy - do you think there will be an issue with automatic cars?
In terms of money, do you think the cost of lessons, tests, car, fuel, insurance, MOT, maintenance, tax, others, will be much more with automatic cars?

I am happy to spend an overall of £100/year extra if I can get my driving license sooner than later.

Edit - I am looking to buy a 5 door car for family. An estate car with good boot space and good space for children will be a bonus.

neilmcl

Personally I'd always recommend learning manual, once you have your licence you can always revert to driving an Auto. If you take your test in an Auto your choices in the future become limited.

RichardD1970

It shouldn't take that much longer to get used to a manual. It soon becomes second nature and muscle memory, you don't even have to think about it.

I would personally would always advise going manual as it keeps your options open if you ever need to borrow or rent a car.

Try starting with manual and if, after a few lessons, you really can't get on with it then switch.

IamNotAllowedToUseMyName

I'd second that. Learning a manual is simply about repetition, your mind learns what to do and in a surprisingly short time you will conquer the clutch.

The reality is that the hardest thing about driving is dealing with other road users, the technical side of driving soon disappears.

fatrab

Generally, automatics are slightly less economical than their manual equivalents. As such they can sometimes be in a higher tax bracket so you'd need to look into this for whatever model you intend to buy. But most other running costs will be pretty much the same.

I'd agree that learning in a manual would be the preferred option.

I'm a big fan of automatics though. If you want something sporty then a manual would be the preferred choice, but for comfort and ease of use then it has to be the auto-box.


Edit: As stated below, it has to be a good automatic gearbox, some manufacturers are awful!

n217970

My wife tried for years to drive a manual and after multiple fails her confidence was shot. A change of instructor and driving an auto meant she passed straight away. Prehaps it was the new instructor, prehaps it was the car, I don't know but she refused to even try in a manual (and still does).

Personally I would much prefer if she had passed in a manual but on the otherhand an auto licence is better then no licence.

+ves
She can drive

-ves
She has to buy an auto which limits choice (especially as I also drive the car on occasion and demanded we get one with a good old slushbox rather then a computerised clutch)
When the cars are the wrong way round and she wants to go out I have to move my car. When the opposite occurs I end up shunting both cars about. A minor inconvenience specific to our driveway but it got real boring real quick.

fatrab

My sister failed 6 times in a manual then passed first attempt in an auto!

Annie35

I could not get on with manual, my mind was set I'd stall EVERY TIME & I so I did, mostly! Took me 10 years to try again, auto & it's fabulous!

I found auto cars more expensive but a good deal as it tended to be due to lower miles & higher spec as a lot of autos come out of motability.

I'd suggest try manual first but don't get bogged down if it's not right

SuzieSue

I would take a few lessons in a manual. If you can't get on with it then take your test in an automatic.

I passed in a manual but didn't drive for 20 years as I hated driving until I started driving my husband's automatic and couldn't believe how much easier it was compared to a manual. Changing gears is such a waste of time.

Robisere

Yes it is easier to drive an auto: I have to, from disability and I found it made my driving better. I have more time to look at mirrors and out front, which means more time to calculate distance and assess possible obstacles. However, if you can begin with a manual, it is better training. If you can't handle it, accept the fact that you will always drive an auto.

Just a thought: with the forecasted push towards electric cars, am I correct in saying they are all Autos? (Never driven an electric vehicle)

System

harshitguptaiitr wrote: »

With manual, I know it will take me a few extra attempts and quite a few extra lessons as compared to automatic.
Also, I am not very hands-on so I am not confident with manual cars.

Nobody ever is competent or confident with a manual gearbox and clutch pedal when they first get in a car to drive for the very first time. People don't get in and suddenly instantaneously manage to do it from the very first time, they learn. You can learn. You will find it becomes second nature and I doubt very much you will need "quite a few" extra lessons, maybe 1 or 2 at most.

My daughter took her test in an automatic but recently passed a manual test. She did it because she is finding out that quite a lot of modern automatic gearboxes on small cars have serious and expensive issues. In her case had she not got a warranty when hers packed in she was looking at a £2500 bill. That is what pushed her to do her manual.