To learn to drive automatic?

[ScarlettSunshine]

Failed my driving test three times. I'm a good driver but just fall apart in my tests. I desperately need to pass by the end of September for various reasons.

Some people have told me to do some automatic lessons, and take an automatic test. I don't specifically struggle with changing gears and things, but I guess it's one less thing to think about? Other people have said this is a terrible idea, and will confuse me more. I've been having lessons on and off for 7 years, but haven't had a lesson since my last failed test about a year ago.

What's everyone's thoughts? Do I stand a better chance in an automatic? I'm really not fussed about being limited to an automatic forever, or if manuals are funner to drive. It's just imperative that I pass in the next couple of months.

[19lottie82]

Automatics are easier to drive.
But if you're not struggling with gears specifically then I wouldn't necessarily say it's the best solution.

If you have to pass in a few months after not driving for a year I think your best realistic option is an intensive course.
It can often take 6 weeks just to book a test.

[KoalaDownUnder]

I wouldn't, honestly.

I have a couple of friends in their 40s who only passed automatic. It can be a real pain if they even need to swap cars temporarily for any reason. They both regret it but now find it too late to pick up.

[crazyhorses3]

An intensive course sounds a good idea, plus can I suggest hypnotherapy to help you relax and visualise a great result?

[Mulledwine1]

My mum passed her test on an automatic and a friend of mine did too. They are easier to drive. Even though you are not struggling with the gears, it does take a big thing away that you have to think about and leaves you more time to concentrate on the rest.

It does restrict you to automatics which are more expensive, but we have them because my husband got an automatic from his dad shortly after passing his test and has not driven anything else although he does have a manual licence. They are so much easier to drive, I don't really understand why we have manual gears in an age where everything is techie and easier!

I would do it.

[DeadGood]

I would absolutely go for an automatic. Get that test passed - remove the chances of stupid, nervous mistakes with the gears.

I know a few people who learned on an automatic. After a few years they picked up how to drive manual. It really is no problem.

Driving is incredibly complex, especially if you live in a busy city, there's so many things to deal with other than driving the car. Navigating, dealing with other drivers etc.

In your shoes I'd switch to automatic like a shot. Good luck x

[Groupie123]

If you panic then an automatic will definitely help. I used to have panic attacks when learning manual, not sure why as I was good at it (could change gears etc) and failed 3 times (over nearly 20 years!). The fourth attempt, my instructer told me to go for an automatic and the improvement was immediate - I passed my test after 1 auto lesson.

[Mulledwine1]

It can be a real pain if they even need to swap cars temporarily for any reason

I'm in my 40s and haven't driven a manual in years. Not sure where the issue is? Admittedly I did get given a manual courtesy car about 5 years ago but that was one day in more than a decade.

[JustKeepDancing]

I deliberated that too, hated learning to drive but needed to for work. I think it depends what you failed on. For example, I failed twice on the same roundabout (it's a horrendous one just off a motorway) - I passed third time because I took my test first thing on a Saturday morning and there was hardly anyone around, so I felt more confident. I'm not sure that learning on an automatic would help that sort of thing, to be honest - I suspect it'd make manoeuvres more difficult too. I'd be inclined to agree it'd confused you more especially if you have to switch instructors.
The thing which helped most for me was repeatedly driving the test routes. I knew, for example, when I needed to be in the non-standard lane for going ahead, which junctions had short light changes for turning right etc.

[missiondecision]

Driving an automatic does mean you have less to think about but you've had a lot of lessons to have taken theee tests.
I'd say don't give up if you have no issues with gears and clutch control.
What exactly did you fail on??

[InvisableLobstee]

If you don't struggle with gears then go for an intensive course and explain your issue to the instructor.
My Dh had problems with nerves on his test and this is what he ended up doing. Driving a lot every day of the week helped a lot, by the time he got to the test.

[DeadGood]

"They are so much easier to drive, I don't really understand why we have manual gears in an age where everything is techie and easier!"

mulledwine my friend just had to drive an automatic hire car. She really struggled, said she felt she wasn't in control of the car.

So it goes both ways. Manual drivers are not omnipotent gods of the road who can turn their hand to any car! (Despite what Koala says)

[LadyAsherton]

I swapped to an automatic as my dad had a stroke. Someone in the family needed to drive and I wasn't getting anywhere fast learning on a manual... nearly thirty years on I don't regret it in the slightest.

[EnormousDormouse]

I passed in a manual but have driven autos pretty much since. They are great - and DP nicks mine rather than driving his manual whenever he can. I work in the ME now and the majority of cars there are autos - there's no snottiness about whether you are 'able' to drive a manual - I think here in the UK people often like to look down on auto drivers.
Anyway, why not try an auto? I can't see it would do any harm to your existing skills and you might love it.

[KoalaDownUnder]

Not sure where the issue is?

When it would be easier to drive someone else's car, but it's a manual?

Not sure what's not obvious, tbh!

[HeyRoly]

Switching to an automatic was the best thing I ever did. I passed in a manual but hated it and didn't drive for ten years. Took some refresher lessons in an automatic and I've been driving for nearly two years now.

[missiondecision]

Learning to pass a driving test is practise. Can you practise between tests?
Ask the instructor (they should do this anyway) the likely test routes and repeat repeat repeat.
I passed fourth time. I just went to pieces. Auto wouldn't have helped.

[DeadGood]

Sorry if that sounded unkind Koala, I just think that something has to change for the OP and that switching to auto could really help her.
I learned manual and passed, but in hindsight I wish I'd just learned auto to start with, got my license and then built up my skills manual in my own time.

[KoalaDownUnder]

Manual drivers are not omnipotent gods of the road

It's nothing to do with being a god. It's illegal to drive a manual with only an automatic licence, whereas the opposite is not true.

[Clandestino]

Falling apart at tests could be a serious indicator for potential problems in future. It could mean you will have serious problems resolving potential problematic situations you may encounter on the road, especially those requiring fast reaction and cool head.
If changing gears isn't your main problem, you should probably concentrate on working on your state of mind when driving instead of changing the gearbox.

[DeadGood]

"Not sure where the issue is?

When it would be easier to drive someone else's car, but it's a manual?

Not sure what's not obvious, tbh!"

I think this is a lifestyle thing. I have never needed to drive someone else's car except once, on holiday. (Guess what, it was an automatic.)

The OP won't be driving any cars at all if she doesn't pass that test. The slim chance of having to use someone else's car that might be manual, at some vague point in the future? Not really a compelling reason to stick with manual lessons.

[WineAndTiramisu]

I'd consider an intensive course, they usually have pretty good pass rates

[Postagestamppat]

Go for an automatic. I am another one who is baffled by people clinging on to manuals when automatics are so easy to drive. You can't really get confused going from a manual to an automatic. The only issue is that it will be more expensive to buy a new automatic, but second hand ones can be picked up reasonably and you will save fortune in future lessons and tests if you pass in one. Nearly all of Australia and America drive automatics and are perfectly happy.

I do love driving a manual when one holiday and whizzing round the countryside, but give me my automatic for the daily commute everytime. (Also most car hire places offer automatics if you want.)

[NotTheMrMenAgain]

I passed in a manual years ago but didn't drive for quite a long time after being involved in a collision - because I was scared of other cars crashing into me! When I had to start driving again I went for a large automatic. I felt safer being higher up in a larger car and not having gears to bother with gives me a lot more time to be mindful of other vehicles, make extra observations etc which gives me more confidence.
I wouldn't go back to a manual now. Autos are so much easier, it's like driving a bumper car. I'm another one who can't see the need for manual cars these days.
Have a try in an auto and see how it feels?

[CaptainHarville]

Had automatic for past 9 years, just bought another that should last at least 10 years. No intention of ever driving a manual again. Not sure about all the swapping and having to drive another car. I can't remember ever driving someone else's car.

[DeadGood]

" It's illegal to drive a manual with only an automatic licence, whereas the opposite is not true."

Er don't you live in Australia? In most states you can drive a manual after about a year on an auto, in SA you can drive one straight away.

In the U.K. yes you have to pass a test in a manual car, which presumably the OP would pass as she would be used to driving in all conditions by then. She says she needs the license by spetember, so presumably needs to be driving regularly.