Should You Learn Automatic or Manual?

How Long Does it Take to Learn to Drive Automatic Vs Manual?

Everyone learns to drive at a different rate, so there isn’t one hard and fast rule for how long it will take you to learn in an automatic or a manual car. 

There’s no set amount of lessons or practice time you need to have before you take your test. However, it’s widely recommended to have 45 hours of driving lessons combined with 22 hours of driving practice with a supervisor. How much practice you need to feel ready for your test is entirely subjective though, everyone is different. 

If you are looking for a quicker way to learn to drive – automatic can be a good option as it takes away the need to learn clutch control – allowing you to focus more on all the other elements of driving. 

Pros include:

1. No clutch control necessary 

Automatic cars select the gears for you, meaning you don’t need to use a clutch or learn clutch control, which people sometimes struggle with. Not having to learn clutch control might also mean you need fewer lessons, and are able to pass your test quicker.

Plus, stalling in an automatic car is rare – even on tricky hill starts – and the ride feels less jerky all round. Drives on winding countryside roads or inching forwards in heavy traffic are also easier because there’s no need to constantly switch gears, lessening the stopping and starting.

2. Less to worry about for nervous drivers

A nervous learner has far less to focus on driving an automatic car (no clutch pedal or gear stick to contend with), which can lessen the pressure they might feel driving. 

3. Inclusivity 

People with physical disabilities or medical conditions which restrict their movement might prefer to choose an automatic car to learn in, as they require less physical operation. 

4. Quicker reaction times

In an automatic car you can brake without needing to adjust the clutch – which can improve your reaction times in difficult situations on the road.

5. More automatic cars becoming available 

As popularity for automatic cars continues to rise, and demand for manual cars has declined, many car makers have been phasing out manufacturing manual cars entirely, in favour of making more automatic vehicles. Learners today should consider that there’s a good chance they’ll end up driving an automatic car in the future – and could maybe skip the manual lessons altogether.

Cons include:

1. Your licence doesn’t cover manual vehicles

If you know you’re only ever going to drive an automatic car, don’t worry. But if for whatever reason you find yourself wanting or needing to drive a manual car, you’ll need to take another test. 

2. Switching from manual to automatic can be a big change

Learners are unlikely to get bored behind the wheel whatever type you choose – being assessed on everything from checking your mirrors, blind spot and road position constantly doesn’t allow for laziness – but drivers making the switch from manual to automatic (once they’ve passed) might find the driving experience less stimulating overall. Of course, whether you’re driving an automatic or a manual, you should be actively engaged behind the wheel – but bear in mind that there’s definitely a big difference between the two, and adjusting to not using a clutch can be tricky.

3. Higher Costs

Although there isn’t a huge disparity in the cost of automatic and manual cars, the mechanical complexity of automatic transmission systems and technology can sometimes contribute to a higher price. Those learning automatic might have to pay more to buy a car once they’ve passed, and can even face higher insurance premiums, too.

Pros include:

1. Your licence covers automatic vehicles 

If you learn and pass your test in a manual car, you’re legally allowed to drive an automatic vehicle as well, without any further examination or paperwork. You’ll be able to borrow a friend’s car, even an automatic one (with the correct insurance), or hire an automatic car, using your manual licence. 

2. Greater control of the vehicle

If you prefer a more interactive driving experience, driving a manual car entails greater control of the vehicle – you’re not relying on the automatic transmission to make your decisions for you – and necessitates a particularly active role behind the wheel. As operating the gears gives you direct control over the engine, driving a manual can feel reassuring in difficult road conditions or instances where you’d prefer to manage every aspect of the vehicle.

Cons include:

1. Requires more coordination

Getting used to using all of your limbs separately to nail clutch control, steering, and indicating can be really difficult for some learners – and even significantly hinder their progress. 

2. Stopping and starting

Most drivers will agree that they hate sitting in traffic, but tackling traffic in a manual car can be especially frustrating – as there’s typically a lot of stopping and starting, requiring diligent clutch control and hyper-vigilance behind the wheel. For many learners, constantly stopping and starting can feel daunting, and distract them from other important lessons.