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Need to get on the road! Would an auto licence be ridiculous?

8 replies

missg00se · 07/09/2017 10:54

I've posted on here before about my issues getting my (now 13 month old) daughter around in the outer suburbs with limited public transport and terrible weather.

I've been having driving lessons since last November and I'm still nowhere near passing my test. My driving is for the most part ok and I do fine on mock tests except I'm really unreliable in a hill start / busy junction situation. It all just goes to pot and I can't coordinate my feet. The more it happens, the most flustered I get. Last week I had to get my driving instructor to take over, it was so bad. This is the only issue I have with driving.

Would I be ridiculous to try and find an instructor locally with an automatic car and try for an auto only license? I'm back at work now and need to do the nursery run by taxi which is eating up a lot of money, plus with the weather/transport situation we're increasingly stuck in the house as she's just too big now to use the group 0 car seat that attaches to the pram (I use it for the nursery run and leave it there but couldn't go out for the day with it or use it for long journeys as she just wouldn't be comfortable).

I'm fed up, frustrated and increasingly skint due to multiple blocks of driving lessons and lots of expensive taxis. Our family car is an auto anyway and we're unlikely to go back to a manual as my husband much prefers an automatic car.

Is this a realistic option? I don't know anyone that's got an auto only licence. No idea what it might do to insurance costs or how likely I am to find an instructor. Does anyone have any experience of this? I just feel like I need to do something to avoid being stuck in this situation forever!

OP posts:
ScarletBegonia1234 · 07/09/2017 10:58

My friend really struggled with driving and was in Australia where a car was essential. She got a automatic only license and passed first time. Now back in UK and still auto only. If you think it will help go for it!

ineedwine99 · 07/09/2017 10:59

I'll be doing the same OP, drove my husbands manual car, hated it! He now has an auto (partly as i said i will only drive an auto now) and it is so much easier! So i found a couple of auto instructors near me and will be going for that soon

HelloSquirrels · 07/09/2017 11:01

yes do it!!

i can only drive an auto. if your family car is an auto i dont see the issue.

you can always re do lessons for a manual in a few years if you want to when you're a bit more confident..

i would go for it, it sounds like it will benefit you!

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HelloSquirrels · 07/09/2017 11:03

my insurance wasn't any more expensive i dont think! my instructor did both auto and manual lessons..

Orangebird69 · 07/09/2017 11:06

Do it. I passed in a manual over 20 years ago. 5 years ago I discovered the joy of automatic cars and haven't looked back since!

gaggiagirl · 07/09/2017 11:06

Yes, absolutely go for it. Just be aware that auto lessons are slightly more expensive than manual lessons.
Have you passed your theory test?
The driving test changes in December so hopefully driving an automatic will get you passed before then.

Iusedtobecarmen · 07/09/2017 11:16

100%go for it!!I had manual lessons about a year ago after years of not wanting to even drive at all.
I dreaded every lesson. Found clutch control so hard.
Restarted recently with auto and it's about a billion times easier. I wouldn't exactly say I'm a natural but I'm progressing!I can actually see myself doing it
I don't dread my lessons and no stalling ever!
I don't know anyone with an auto license either but I do know a few who have swapped to auto cars as they prefer them

missg00se · 07/09/2017 11:31

Thanks everyone. That's so reassuring! Just feel like I'm struggling away and getting nowhere, and my days with DD are starting to suffer as well as there are a limited number of places we can get to. Last week was the last straw. Stalled on a massive hill at a really busy junction in the city centre (at 5pm!) and couldn't regain control. It was terrifying.

Now to see if I can find an auto instructor who is available for the two hours or so a week where I can get childcare but am not at work!

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