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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:
Karwomannghia · 03/10/2020 10:37

I’ve always had manuals but I disagree with majority on here and say learn automatic if it’s easier for you. They’re more and more widespread here and abroad if you hire a car.
My friend gave up on manual, learned quickly on automatic and has never looked back.

ageingdisgracefully · 03/10/2020 10:37

Agree. Get rid! Shocking attitude.

Theworldisfullofgs · 03/10/2020 10:37

Change your instructor. And keep going with a manual i failed twice with one instructor and then changed and it was like someone flicked a switch.

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BamboozledandBefuddled · 03/10/2020 10:38

@Nquartz

You don't need to change cars you need to change instructors, his attitude is horrendous
This. I really think you need to find out if you can get your money back and go somewhere decent. TBH, his attitude is going to get in the way of you doing well. He's a sexist twat.
Theworldisfullofgs · 03/10/2020 10:39

Is he part of a bigger organisation? Can you make a complaint?

Karwomannghia · 03/10/2020 10:39

But yes your instructor sounds awful.

Original poster
5050not · 03/10/2020 10:44

I could potentially buy a little run around car to practice in, my in-laws have a manual car but it’s a Range Rover and has dodgy breaks and clutch Grin would I be crazy to buy an old second hand mini and would that improve my driving and make me more confident?

Disclaimer: it would be using all of my savings to buy though so not sure if it’s a silly idea. I will need to get one once I pass my test but not sure if I should wait?

OP posts:
Original poster
5050not · 03/10/2020 10:46

He is a part of a bigger organisation but I would feel guilty reporting him especially because the sexist comments are his way of making (shit) jokes. He also complains non stop about his job and how he hates the company he works for. God he is an idiot isn’t he!

OP posts:
AllTheWhoresOfMalta · 03/10/2020 10:46

Going to go against the grain here and say go auto. I had six lessons in a manual and I’m also an anxious person. I wasn’t getting any better and just couldn’t coordinate myself adequately to drive the manual. Changed to auto and I was stunned by how much easier it was! Had ten lessons in an auto, passed first time. Never had an issue sourcing auto cars and the person who said auto rentals are more expensive, they are but only by about a fiver! For me it was worth the “limitations” of driving an auto just to be able to drive a car. At the end of the day it’s all well and good being determined to learn in a manual but passing in an auto at least means that you can drive something rather than being on the bus.

Enchantmentz · 03/10/2020 10:53

I would change instructor first, he is a big part of the issue and it is worth ruling out a bad instructor before deciding manual isn't for you. He is undermining your confidence, never mind that he is sexist and negative.

You can switch to automatic fairly easily if it comes to it, either way you would be learning to drive a vehicle so It doesn't really matter which type it is.

I drive manual and I have never driven an automatic so naturally biased.

ChronicallyCurious · 03/10/2020 10:54

I booked a ten hour block in a manual and couldn’t get my head around it at all. But my instructor was awful so I switched to another instructor on pay as you go and did roughly another ten hours and still couldn’t go a lesson without stalling the car multiple times.

I switched to automatic and after five lessons I was confident enough to book my test! It was amazing honestly. If you think you can cope with manual then persevere. But personally I dreaded my lessons every week and sometimes came home crying. So many cars are automatic now as well I don’t really see why it matters too much unless you wanted a job that required a full licence.

Original poster
5050not · 03/10/2020 10:54

That’s really good to know @AllTheWhoresOfMalta thanks for that! I really do worry I just don’t have the coordination as I am super clumsy in general and just worried I’m a danger trying to focus on too many things at once.

Do you think it’s worth me asking him if I should switch to automatic? I know he will at least be honest plus it means I don’t have to have the awkward convo of firing him as my instructor Grin

OP posts:
Brioches1 · 03/10/2020 10:57

Go for automatic. I had a few lessons on manual, was close to giving up, decided to try automatic instead and passed first time less than three months later. Never had an issue with finding an automatic car to rent or buy. You can always apply for a full driving licence after driving automatic car for a few years, if you’d need it for some reason in the future.

tornadoalley · 03/10/2020 10:59

Change instructors You shouldn't be made to feel bad about making mistakes.

Mistymonday · 03/10/2020 11:05

I’m learning auto only because it wont be long before most cars are electric and they are all auto anyway. Manual ICE cars are a thing of the past.

SengaMac · 03/10/2020 11:06

Wow.
That instructor is a total dick.
As it's a company, you should definitely ask for someone else.
He's basically stealing your money by making it impossible for you to learn.

I'm so furious with him, on your behalf.

Eileithyiaa · 03/10/2020 11:06

Yeah get a new instructor.

The problem shouldn't be the gears, they will become second nature. You won't even realise you're changing gears eventually.

He isn't teaching you in a style that suits you, and remember you're paying the instructor money. He should adapt to you and how best to overcome the things that are freaking you out.

He isn't doing that. I would ask for local recommendations and speak to the potential instructors about the problems you're having and ask how they would support you to overcome that.

I had two instructors before I passed, they were like chalk and cheese! I literally had 4 lessons with the second instructor and passed my test.

SengaMac · 03/10/2020 11:07

Changing the type of car but keeping the same instructor would still be crap.

MoonJelly · 03/10/2020 11:08

I don't think it's correct that automatic restricts you in car-buying terms. Bear in mind also that many if not most hybrid and electric cars are only automatic, and the time is coming when petrol vehicles will be phased out.

DSis is dyspraxic and simply couldn't get manual. She swapped to automatic, passed first time, and has never had a problem with buying cars.

AriettyHomily · 03/10/2020 11:08

I passed in manual but drive auto now and will never go back, we have a strange obsession with manual in this country.

mistermagpie · 03/10/2020 11:09

Stick with the manual if you can. I failed three times and then had serious driving phobia for 15 years, so I know how tough it can be, but I'm still glad I eventually passed in a manual.

My DH has an automatic and loves it, as do most people I know with automatics, but they are generally more expensive to buy/hire and harder to come by. Also if you ever have to drive vehicles for work or whatever they will tend to be manual.

If time isn't on your side (I had a friend who had to learn and pass very quickly for a job) then an automatic can be a better option though.

MoonJelly · 03/10/2020 11:09

Changing instructors doesn't have to be an awkward conversation, just don't book the next batch of lessons. If he asks why, say you're going away for a bit.

gamerchick · 03/10/2020 11:10

@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?
It's definitely your instructor. Don't be worried about changing. Is he a part of a school?

Btw it took me over 1000 hours. Learning to drive did not come easy to me. I think the first year was just learning the controls.

popcorndiva · 03/10/2020 11:10

I say automatic. Let's face it it won't be long before all cars are electric and therefore manual will be a thing of the past.

NW2SW · 03/10/2020 11:11

If you want to pass quickly go auto, but it will likely make car buying more expensive/tricky in the long run. If you want to get your moneys worth then go manual.

Do you have any friends who would take you out or even let you sit in the car? I remember struggling with gears and I'd just sit in my DH car going through gear to gear repeatedly. Also got a little loop around a quiet block where I could practice hill start again and again.

And your instructor is a dick, can you ask to be transferred if he's part of a larger organisation? I'd def ask for money back, just make some excuse. I had an awful instructor, she yammered on the whole time and was super distracting and made jokes about me - failed. Got a diff one, calm and friendly understood my nerves and I passed first time! Makes a big difference.