Manual/Automatic? Reassure me!

zippygeorgeandben

Hi everyone, I am hoping you can help me.

I'll keep it brief (well I'll try).

I passed my driving test in 2000 (21). When I passed my test it was the 6th time of asking and I was given three minors (the fact I still remember this says alot about my attitude towards driving) but the examiner put it down to nerves (it was moving safely under control), however I had had only a few lessons in the car (felt lucky to pass!) as I had switched from a Peugeot which I kept failing in. Anyway, I drove off and on for a couple of years. No accidents, but was always on the cautious side i.e. driving only where I knew the route, getting to places early so I could park without pressure and so on.

In 2005 I moved down to London and as I did not have a car anyway, I felt I did not need one. Years have passed and I didn't have the feeling of wanting to drive but that has changed during the recent years. I would shave 40 minutes off my daily commute if I drove and didn't take the bus but I'm anxious about going behind the wheel. I signed up for an AA confidence back into driving session about 4 years back which was ok but I was just relieved when it was over and I am wondering what to do about it now. Is the barrier too far to overcome? I have never driven an automatic and people say to me, it's so easy not having to think about changing gears. I also never drove when sat navs were around so I think that this may take a lot of the anxiety away from me as I can program in my route.
I just want some advice really as to what you would do. I'm in my 40s now and want to try and sort this out. I mean, is it worth going to see someone about this? Renting out an automatic for a week (only for it to probably stay in the parking space!)? When I was looking for car to rent, I was looking for ones which would deliver and pick up from your home so if I didn't use it it wouldn't be so bad.
Thanks for reading I appreciate all comments.

Brilley

..if having an auto would help then I would certainly go for it. It is something less for you to think / worry about. As far as confidence goes, the more driving you can do the more confident you will become. Certainly worth having a few refresher "lessons" with whoever is available, and probably worth hiring an auto to see if it is easier for you. If you are going to be doing a lot of driving in traffic, then an auto makes even more sense!...good luck!

zippygeorgeandben

Thanks Brilley. It seems a shame to renew my license and not actually use it.

Mercdriver

If you have stop/go traffic automatics can be better. You don't have to keep thinking about the biting point.

Goudy

You could try and find a driving instructor that offer auto instruction and book a few lessons.

Another option might be to join a car club, I joined Enterprise car club and they have a few Yaris Hybrids which are auto dotted around.
(the yaris hybrid is a hoot and really easy to drive, I've ignored other, nearer cars from a car club just to rent one)

I also joined Ubeeqo as there have a car on my street and a van on the next, they work out a bit cheaper and have cars in a few other cities around europe, but I've not really looked if they have autos available, though I guess they will.

There are different types of gearbox that are classed as automatic (only two pedals) and not all perform the same.

Some cheaper cars are fitted with an automated manual gearbox (like Fiats Dualogic), these tend not to creep and can be very jerky and rough, reversing one can become a bit of a faff as you really need both feet at the same time as they just don't move until you press the accelerator.

Dual clutch systems, like VW's DSG and Renaults EDC tend to work well, but their early reliability haven't been great, though newer ones seem to be much better, I've an EDC on order.
These creep and usually have a manual over ride, so you can change gears yourself (without a clutch).

CVT gearboxes are pretty popular at the moment and are much better than they were years ago, they are really one constantly variable gear.
Toyotas version in their Hybrids are built in with the electric motor and are very reliable, if a bit noisy when pushed.

Then you have what automatics of old all used to be, Torque converters.
These are making a come back as replacements for automated manuals, Ford recently ditched their automated "Powershift" 'box because it was a liability and moved to Torque Converters for their latest models .
They creep and perform well, but will also cause the car to use more fuel and that pushes emissions up.

It's worth knowing what auto it is in the model you want.
I would steer clear on any Automated Manual, any CVT that's not Toyota and early Dual Clutch models with a good few miles on the clock as it's likely it'll need expensive servicing soon and possible a bit unreliable.

Auto's are a boon in town and are great in stop start traffic, though converts from manuals can have a bit of trouble when performing tight maneuvers, mainly because they are impatient and clog the accelerator rather than let them creep slowly (if they do actually creep).

Work out which auto might suit, try a few at the dealers and best of luck.

AdrianC

Is your confidence issue around the clutch and gearchanging?

It doesn't sound it. That's a basic skill - and you don't once mention it. If you passed in a manual, then you must have got to grips with that basic skill...

Driving an automatic won't change any other element of driving, except "left foot down, wiggle stick, left foot up". If your confidence issues lie in route planning, manouvering, and generally playing nicely with other traffic - then it doesn't make any difference as to what gearbox is in the car. Sure, it gives you one less thing to think about, but from what you say, I think you'd more than fill that mental space with fretting about other things anyway...

Bonniepurple

I’ve had to swop to an automatic and I wouldn’t go back. Much easier. I don’t need to coordinate pedals, gears and indicators at the same time. I passed in a manual years ago, but find the simplicity of the automatic far better.

Saying all that, the best thing for lack of confidence is to drive. Drive everywhere. The more you do, the more confident you will be.

Oh, and I got several minors on my test, including 3 in one box. Up until a few weeks before, 3 minors in one box equalled a major, equalled a fail. I thought for years that I should have failed. I passed my test nearly 29 years ago!

zippygeorgeandben

Apologies for not responding earlier to those who took the time to try and help.  This corona situation would have been a perfect time to get out and drive with the roads being so quiet, but i do plan to start at some stage in an automatic.
Thanks again

tommyedinburgh

Highly recommend the VAG group DSG box. I have a 2019 Leon Cupra and it is fantastic. The wife has a 2016 Ateca and it is a different box but nearly as good.

EssexExile

tommyedinburgh said:

Highly recommend the VAG group DSG box. I have a 2019 Leon Cupra and it is fantastic. The wife has a 2016 Ateca and it is a different box but nearly as good.

I don't think the OP really cares how good the box is. They all work fine for the average driver.

[Deleted User]

Automatics are easy once you get used to them, which doesn't take long.

The main thing to realize is that you can control them at low speed with just the brake. If you lift off the brake they creep forward slowly, so if you are say parking and just want to go forward slowly you put your foot on the brake and just ease off a little bit to move.

By the way a great automatic car is a Nissan Leaf. Fully electric and very reliable. Low running costs, very smooth, little to go wrong.