Getting on Road - Automatic vs Manual

System

Robisere wrote: »

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.

How? You don't change gears with your eyes, you don't even look at the gearstick.

Raxiel

My wife was struggling with the manual when she was learning to drive, and her instructor suggested she switch to an Auto. She had lessons for a while in the auto, but was worried about being too restricted and switched back to the manual.

She actually found it easier the second time round, my theory is the time in the auto meant she could get more confidence at the 'reading the road' part of driving, whereas before her attention had been split between that and gear-shifting.

She passed first time when she finally took her test, although she was having lessons for a long time so she might not be the best example.

EmmyLou30

Unless you have a medical reason (like a dodgy left knee or something) then I would say manual every time. Yes an auto is nice in a city but you limit your second hand car choice, potentially less economical (although modern autos are much better than 20 years ago), if you have a smash the repair place has less autos, you'll have an issue with getting courtesy cars from garages, hiring cars abroad will be extra fuss if they've not got a lot of autos etc etc.

It's the biggest worry for all new drivers - how do I know when to change gear? It becomes second nature within a few lessons. I persoanlly hold the view that if you aren't coordinated enough to handle changing gear (which should be an autopilot thing you aren't really thinking too much about) as well as looking in mirrors, looking out for hazards etc then you probably aren't coordinated enough to be behind the wheel of a car. Driving is something that takes a lot of coordination and attention if you're doing it right....if not you're just driving around not spotting hazards and being a menace on the roads.

JP1978

Wife tried driving lessons when she was younger - her employer even paid for them - at the time, she had no reason to drive and had a lack of co-ordination and understanding on when and how to operate a clutch.

Quick step to about 5 years ago, she decided she wanted to drive and FIL gave us his old car - a manual. She just couldnt get used to it and found she couldnt concentrate on driving (steering) and the clutch.

She went to an instructor in an automatic and although she took a lot more lessons that average, she passed first time.

She now drives a VW group car with a 7-speed DSG box.

Ectophile

Robisere wrote: »

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

Electric cars don't need gearboxes. So far as I know, all the plug-in hybrids are automatic as well, as it would be a nightmare for the driver to adjust the engine speed to the motor speed otherwise.

Some new electrics have one pedal driving. Put your foot down to go faster. Take your foot off to go slower. The brakes are for emergency stops only.

Give it another couple of years, and there will be little need to buy a new petrol or diesel. But it may be another decade before the old ones become uneconomical to keep. Maybe earlier if cities start to ban anything not electric.