Manual vs Automatic Driving Lessons: Which Should You Choose?
Manual cars require you to use a clutch and select gears. Automatic cars handle gear changes for you, which can free up attention for observation, positioning and decision-making.
The essentials
Passing a UK practical test in a manual car normally lets you drive manual and automatic cars. Passing in an automatic usually restricts your entitlement to automatic vehicles unless you later pass the relevant manual test.
What to check
Your decision may depend on your preferred future car, available instructors, local lesson prices and how you feel about gear changes. Neither transmission removes the need to learn road awareness and safe driving skills.
Making progress
Before booking, confirm the transmission of the instructor’s teaching vehicle and whether a different car would be used for your test.
Find local driving instructors
Ready to take the next step? Browse instructors by town, compare the details on each profile and ask questions before booking.
Information is for general guidance in Great Britain. Check GOV.UK and DVSA sources for the latest legal requirements, fees and test arrangements.