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Original poster

Should I learn manual or automatic?

122 replies

5050not · 03/10/2020 09:58

I’ve had 8 or 9 lessons in a manual car and just don’t seem to be getting it. Sometimes I do really well but then I make a mistake and my instructors response kind of breaks my confidence a bit. I’m quite an anxious person which increases ten fold behind the wheel of a car Blush

OP posts:
Bearnecessity · 03/10/2020 10:03

Manual, don't be put off what you are experiencing is normal. Maybe swap instructors if they haven't got duel control or their ways are feeding your lack of confidence. You can do it....really....

luckymagnoliatree · 03/10/2020 10:07

It's still early days so keep going with the manual if you can, if you pass with a manual licence then you can drive either manual or automatic cars and also manual rental cars are cheaper to hire than automatic. As the pp suggested changing to a new instructor might be a good idea, someone who is better at boosting your confidence.

SengaMac · 03/10/2020 10:10

Get another instructor and persevere with manual.

Automatic will still be an option if you really can't get it.

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Plussizejumpsuit · 03/10/2020 10:13

Manual. Automatic will be so limiting learning to drive is hard. Many people take a while, I've never believed these people who say they passed 1st time after 10 lessons . Keep going!

Millipedewithherfeetup · 03/10/2020 10:13

Automatic is so much easier...no holding the clutch on hills....all in all a much easier option.i passed on a manual but now drive an automatic and would never go back !

middleager · 03/10/2020 10:14

Manual. I view it as a life skill and will make sure my DC learn in a manual.

I now drive an automatic BTW Shock but happy I can drive any car if need be.

Purplecatshopaholic · 03/10/2020 10:15

Another vote for manual. Keep going, you will get there

middleager · 03/10/2020 10:16

By the way OP it took me three years, over 100 lessons and five tests to pass in a manual. Keep going - it will be worth it!

ageingdisgracefully · 03/10/2020 10:17

Manual. It's a knack which can take a while to "get".

Switch to auto once you've passed (you will pass).

Iminaglasscaseofemotion · 03/10/2020 10:17

Manual. Learning automatic will really restrict what car you can buy.
I hated learning manual. Was really nervous. I've oy been driving 4 years and now I'm very confident and love driving a manual. I had an automatic courtesy car for a few weeks there and hated it. Top of the range brand new BMW, and I couldn't wait to give it back and get a manual car again.

TheRIDs · 03/10/2020 10:18

I’d say give it more of a go with manual. You might just need more hours practice.

If you’re really not getting it, no shame in trying automatic. I was useless at learning to drive a bit later on life, so switched to automatic and passed my test quite quickly after that. To be honest, it’s never been an issue. I drive an automatic car and hire automatic cars if needed. Never been a problem.

Ohalrightthen · 03/10/2020 10:18

Manual. You can get an automatic when you pass and never touch a clutch again if you like, but you should absolutely learn how.

Get a new instructor if this one isn't working for you. Maybe try an agency, and see if they have anyone who they'd reccomend for a particularly anxious driver, that's what i did.

HunkyPunk · 03/10/2020 10:20

Keep going with manual, but maybe find a more empathetic instructor!

JustLurkingAway · 03/10/2020 10:23

I'm learning manual atm, I had a lot of lessons that I thought were decent with an instructor, but I was still nervous before going for lessons, nervous in the car etc. A few weeks ago I tried a lesson with a different instructor, and he's made me feel so much more comfortable! He makes sure to tell me when I've done something well, and tells me what to do differently when I get it wrong, without getting annoyed at me. The difference is great, I'm excited for lessons now and can't wait to be driving again.

Even if you feel the instructor isn't so much the problem, give it time and stick with manual, you may well have a lesson where it "clicks" and everything comes into place! I'd had lessons where I'd come home and cried my eyes out after, but stick at it, I promise it gets betterSmile

goingtotown · 03/10/2020 10:25

Manual.
Your choice of buying of hiring a car will be limited with an automatic.

Original poster
5050not · 03/10/2020 10:25

It just feels so hard at the moment! I came home the other day almost in tears and have another lesson in a few hours I’m dreading. I actually thought I was doing ok but any time I make a little mistake he says stuff like I’m his worst student or does the whole “Hmm women drivers!” If it was anyone else I’d tell him to piss off but I paid a lump sum for a huge bulk of lessons and not even halfway through yet. Not sure if he will give me my money back?

OP posts:
Original poster
5050not · 03/10/2020 10:27

How long did it take for it to ‘click’ with you all? I just feel like my mind is racing and I can’t keep up with checking mirrors/changing gear/ speeding up/ clutch down/ break / hand break / gear every two minutes 😫

OP posts:
Original poster
5050not · 03/10/2020 10:28

I also try so hard to concentrate but it just seems like my mind can’t focus! Like I’m so nervous I just can’t do everything efficiently! Is that normal?

OP posts:
FiveShelties · 03/10/2020 10:31

Manual everytime, it will just click and you will not think about changing gear. I am a Brit living in NZ and most cars are Automatic here, but if you pass in an auto it makes your options for hire cars very limited.

I am not a fan of Auto, does not feel like driving but here manual cars are more expensive than auto.

Nquartz · 03/10/2020 10:33

You don't need to change cars you need to change instructors, his attitude is horrendous

Nquartz · 03/10/2020 10:34

We found running costs on an automatic were much higher than a manual too so bear that in mind.

FiveShelties · 03/10/2020 10:34

Having seen your update OP, I think you need a new instructor, telling you that you are his worst student is completely unprofessional. He s adding pressure which you simply do not need - get rid of him.

AlwaysLatte · 03/10/2020 10:35

I would definitely learn manual. I did and now we have both an auto and a manual car and although they're both very different I'm able to hop in and out of both easily. Also took my dads car to the garage for him recently and his is manual. You're stuck if you can't drive both!

AlwaysLatte · 03/10/2020 10:36

Ps your instructor sounds like a knob - he's the problem not you or the car!

BeingATwatItsABingThing · 03/10/2020 10:37

@5050not

It just feels so hard at the moment! I came home the other day almost in tears and have another lesson in a few hours I’m dreading. I actually thought I was doing ok but any time I make a little mistake he says stuff like I’m his worst student or does the whole “Hmm women drivers!” If it was anyone else I’d tell him to piss off but I paid a lump sum for a huge bulk of lessons and not even halfway through yet. Not sure if he will give me my money back?
He sounds like the issue!

My driving instructor was brilliant and I am a better driver for it. He made me feel relaxed and calm when things went wrong instead of feeling like a failure.

Persevere with the manual for all of the reasons others have said but try and get a new instructor if you can.