Should I learn manual or automatic?

[5050not]

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

You've not been learning for very long, so I would absolutely recommend you stick to that if you can.

However, I just thought I'd share my experience of learning in an automatic.

I didn't learn at 17 because I didn't have the money, and this didn't change all the way through uni and for a few years after graduation.

When I was 24, my uncle became unwell and ended up as a double amputee (legs) and needing a lot of care. Of course, he had carers, but my mum and I shopped for him and did bits of cleaning etc.

It became clear to me that I needed to be able to go to him without being limited to when my mum was off work. If he needed me in an emergency, I would either have to pay for a taxi or get two buses, neither of which would get me there quick enough.

So, I took my theory test (which I had luckily been 'revising' for anyway as I was kind of in my mind that it was nearly time), bought a cheap automatic car and booked my test. My dad taught me to drive, and I passed 12 weeks later.

It was in the back of my mind that of course I could always take a manual test later and carry on learning that, but I needed to be able to visit my uncle, and it seemed the fastest way to do it.

Ironically, he died a week before I passed my test. So it didn't fulfil the purpose I thought it would .. but even so, being able to drive changed my life.

I know what people say about it being limiting etc, but I'll admit that now, 6 years on, I still haven't passed in a manual (or even had one single lesson in one!) and it's never been a problem. There are plenty of auto cars, even at hire places now, and it's just never been an issue.

So yes, absolutely persevere with manual because it's good to have the option of driving whatever you need to, but for me, in my personal situation, I was glad I passed in an auto, and have never had a problem since.

@QueenOllie

Definitely change instructor. Mine was so so patient with me. I remember getting worried as I was at a junction and there were cars behind me, and I couldn't move as the traffic was solid and he said "there will always be a gap, don't let others rush you" Even now in my head if it's taking ages to move out I say that to myself. He also did pass plus with me and we went on the motorway etc in my little battered fiat Uno and he looked at the car and went "well it's virtually all glass so great for a new driver"

When people got frustrated behind me whilst I was waiting for the gap, my instructor used to remind me that them being in a rush was their problem and not mine. I remind myself of this when I’m behind a learner at a busy junction.

Most of the anti-automatic sentiment boils down to snobbery, it's not 'really driving'. Like some people consider buying frozen chopped onions means that you're not 'really cooking'.

Not me. I don’t care what other people drive but I prefer manual because I find automatics a bit boring. I also like choosing my gear for what I want my car to do.

I use frozen onion though.

I needed to learn to drive quickly for a job. I wasn’t getting on with a manual as I just couldn’t ‘get’ the gear changing. My instructor suggested switching to an automatic for a few lessons to build my confidence in driving. I had every intention to switch back but I progressed really quickly and decided to keep going, passing my test first time.

I needed to be able to drive and that was the main thing to focus on.

The only thing I would say that if an auto gear box goes it’s VERY expensive to fix or replace.

@5050not

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!

So, you're going to allow a man who is deeply unprofessional and thinks sexist jokes are funny to waste your time and money, because you're too much of a people pleaser to ask to change instructors?

I passed in automatic and regret it. Its limiting. But depends on your situation its harder to get decently priced 2nd hand automatics. They're also more expensive to fix BUT it is easier to drive.

So, you're going to allow a man who is deeply unprofessional and thinks sexist jokes are funny to waste your time and money, because you're too much of a people pleaser to ask to change instructors?

This is actually the point, now that you've explained what he's like.

You're even thinking of spending all your savings on a car so you can cope with getting lessons from this git.

Some very outdated views here. In 10 years time it'll be rare to find a manual car anywhere. Just learn on an automatic and suck up the extra few quid in car hire costs when you go abroad.

Once upon a time people thought it were essential to learn how to use a choke. There are still a few cars around where you need to use one, doesn't mean everyone should learn about them just in case!

This is not a manual/automatic thing!

Please speak to the driving school, tell them what youve experienced - that you won't be having any more lessons with him and you'd like a new instructor.

I persevered for a while with an instructor who just like yours sounds, failed ny test then found another and it was a thousand times better! Passed no problem.

Dont waste any more money on this man.

If you can learn manual you probably should. I only drive automatic though (a long story I won’t bore you with) and it doesn’t cause me any problems. There are PLENTY of automatic cars available to buy and a lot of newer cars are automatic. I think we are going that way. I fully planned to go back and do a manual test but I’ve never needed to.

Automatic. So much less of a faff.

@5050not

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 😫

I’d say it clicked properly after I passed my test. I don’t even realise I’m doing it all now.

Whilst I was learning though, I remember asking for a cheat way to know when to change gear. My instructor said change when you get to about 2500 revs. That really helped me whilst I was learning to understand the sounds the car made.

I’d keep going for a bit yet- I struggled but eventually got there.
But when you pass def get an automatic car. After 20 years driving manuals, it has been life changing for me. But very useful to know I can also drive a manual eg when occasionally renting/borrowing.

I really didn't like my instructor he made me nervous when I screwed up. You could ask the school to give you a new one.

Learning how to drive a car takes a little bit of time and experience. In my country is (was at least) compulsory 30 hours driving lessons.

You should learn manual, even if you might only buy automatic cars. There's always rentals or borrowing from someone. You might end up enjoying it

Think I would go auto and then get an electric car.

Life is too short to faff about learning manual. I can drive manual but haven’t since 2005 and there’s not a hope on this planet I would even considering buying a manual car. You can always learn manual at a later date but just get passed and going

Automatic.
I passed test in manual but I hated manual.
I could not get the bitting point and was stalling on roundbounds etc.
I had automatic since I passed and I can’t even drive manual.
If I sit in a manual, I would not know what to do.
I don’t know where is clutch etc, what to do.
So doing manual was pointless really.

Persevere with manual if you can, but honestly I much prefer driving an auto! I've had quite a few autos and a Nissan Leaf which I'm positive a child could drive, I don't see the point in manuals, unless you drive a performance car and want to be able to screw it through the gears!

Will people please read all the OPs posts? This isn't about manual/automatic.

Automatic...

I have had no problems buying auto cars for decent prices. It has not limited me in any way at all.

I wanted the easier option and have never regretted it.

@palavah errr, it kind of is.

@5050not

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!

The fuck would I put up with that. If you're not comfortable complaining, can you ask for a woman instructor? Or just tell them you'd like to try someone else because his teaching style isn't working for you?

Honestly the best thing you can do for your driving education now is get a different instructor.

If you're buying a car, you're also going to need a driver with 3+ year of experience, learner insurance and the car's running costs so bear that in mind. I'd also look for something taller than a mini because it gives you better visibility which makes life much easier!

@Palavah

Will people please read all the OPs posts? This isn't about manual/automatic.

Yeah I did read them.

Of course OP needs a new instructor.

But OP is still considering whether auto would be easier for her, she said the car she wants to get is auto. So that is what people are responding to.

First of all change your instructor. Second , why not try an automatic and see how you go. If you get on with that then I don’t see why you should waste money otherwise. Most of my family and friends drive automatics and though you do have the option of driving either if you pass on a manual you won’t be limited in choice of cars as automatic are available in every model.

It took me 6 years (on and off) to learn to drive. I had zero confidence and felt terrified every moment behind the wheel. Even had my own little manual car to practise on. Eventually gave it one last go when i was expecting first child. Had a great instructor who acknowledged my fears and told me if i stuck with him he could teach me. After a few months I had passed my test (first time). Once i could go out on my own i loooooved driving! Now 30 years later ive got my first automatic. Love it!
I could have saved myself a lot of grief and anxiety when i was learning if i had learned automatic not manual. And these days you can get small automatic cars, whereas 30 years ago they were pretty rare.