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Original poster

Driving lessons in an automatic

33 replies

Shergill15 · 18/08/2021 22:12

I don't drive - took and failed 2 tests at 17. For various reasons haven't attempted it again. I'm about to turn 40 and whilst I have generally managed well without a car, some recent changes in circumstances have made me think it would make life easier in various ways if I could drive.

Several people have suggested that if I take lessons now I should do them in an automatic - they cite it being easier but also that manual cars won't be produced by 2030 or whenever it is.

I'm interested to hear if anyone has done lessons in an automatic and passed? Was it easier/would you recommend? Or has only being able to drive automatic been limiting in any way?

OP posts:

JaneyGotAGun · 18/08/2021 22:17

I did as like you I just couldnt get on with a manual. Best thing I ever did and DH also drives an automatic out of choice.

The only downside i think are automatic cars are more expensive

Xyzzzzz · 18/08/2021 22:21

I tried to pass manual and kept failing. So just to pass and get my licence I did automatic and passed. We got an automatic car afterwards. Dh wasn’t fussed.

Original poster

Shergill15 · 18/08/2021 22:23

Thank you - I was a nervous wreck on both tests so anything that might make it easier is a definite plus.

OP posts:

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minipie · 18/08/2021 22:24

I have a manual license but always hated and feared driving so never really drove when we had a manual car. Automatic is so much easier. I never struggled with the gears themselves but it’s just easier having one less thing to remember and check.

Sugarplumfairy65 · 18/08/2021 22:26

I passed my test in an automatic 40 years ago. I've never regretted it and now all my family drive automatics

DarkDarkNight · 18/08/2021 22:27

I’m a couple of years off 40 and have never driven and am sick with anxiety at the thought. It holds me back so much in my life and I hate myself for it. I know of someone recently the same age who passed in an automatic.

The only thing that would put me off is not being able to drive any car, say in an emergency or to share driving on a trip, using a hire car or courtesy car. But I think manuals will be less common with more and more electric cars so it won’t be as much of an issue. I’ll personally probably wait until driverless cars are a thing

Onestep2021 · 18/08/2021 22:29

Got for the automatic! Manuals are becoming less and less popular.
There is no point struggling to equip yourself with a skill that is rapidly becoming redundant.
I passed automatic first time. My boyfriend at the time wasn’t keen on the idea of an automatic until he realised most hybrids were automatic and tried one. We’ve never looked back. Go for it!

Onestep2021 · 18/08/2021 22:30

Hire cars? For most people this isn’t a common occurrence but more and more so, all the fleets are automatic

Original poster

Shergill15 · 18/08/2021 22:46

@DarkDarkNight

I totally understand how you feel, the thought of doing lessons but particularly taking and failing a test makes me really anxious. Also about feeling held back - I didn't for a long time but I think having my daughter is what's pushing me now; it's limited some of the places I can take her over the holidays and I know when she's a teenager she'll want lifts here there and everywhere! Encouraging to hear of someone the same age passing, I do worry about being too old

Driverless cars would be amazing! If you do decide to try lessons, all the very best xx

OP posts:

Aquamarine1029 · 18/08/2021 22:49

I drive both manual and automatic, and automatic is a breeze.

52andblue · 18/08/2021 22:52

I didn't learn to drive until I was 33, had moved to the back of beyond and had a newborn. I'd taken some lessons aged 17 & hated it.
I took my test in an automatic as I have nerve damage in my leg so a manual would be too difficult. Most men comment 'so, you don't have a real driving licence then? Grrr... Yes, I do...
the only issue is that half decent 2nd hand autos are hard to find. They are either farmers cars that have been driven very hard, or little old lady cars which have hardly been driven and hold their value or fleet cars. But if you can afford to buy new then that's not a problem.
More and more cars will be autos now so its a useful skill.
Go for it!

PickleSarnie · 18/08/2021 22:56

I sat my test (and passed) 10 years ago. I did it in a manual but only actually drove a manual for a year and had automatic ever since. I technically think I'd be able to fairly quickly remember how to use gears if I had to but I never want to. Automatics are awesome and are much more common that they used to be. And, as you say, most cars will be electric in the not too distant future and changing gears will be a thing of the past.

Craftycorvid · 18/08/2021 23:13

@52andblue. I believe the correct response to men who say things like that is ‘oh do fuck off!’

Crunched · 18/08/2021 23:21

My DM learnt to drive at 53 and passed first time in automatic car. It makes perfect sense for you to do so.

AlwaysLatte · 18/08/2021 23:22

I took mine in a manual. DH and I both had manuals, but he replaced his for an automatic. I loved driving it and finally decided when mine needed replacing to get an automatic (also electric). It's so great and easy to drive that I can't imagine wanting anything else. I think manual will soon be a thing of the past!

52andblue · 18/08/2021 23:22

ha! @Craftycorvid thank you!
The chief offender was my H (soon to be exH)
And, yes, he can!
Thank you you have made me smile just before bed :)

paddlingon · 19/08/2021 01:16

I drove a manual for years but then had a couple of suvs that only came in auto.

It is so hassle free I'm not sure I could be bothered going back to manual.

Voicefancier · 19/08/2021 01:23

I passed in a manual so I can't help you there, but I promise you, driving an automatic is so easy peasy. You don't gave to think of anything other than steering...and breaking. (Two very important things - so make sure do them on your test! 😉 ) I have driven manuals recently because I've had to, but I'd never go back to driving one full time. And my knees feel better too. Definitely go for an automatic test and car. Good luck, I'm sure you'll pass first time.

Voicefancier · 19/08/2021 01:25

Also, once you've passed the automatic test, you'll get confidence in day to day driving and you can always take the manual test later, if you really feel you're missing out.

Original poster

Shergill15 · 19/08/2021 08:29

Thank you so much everyone for your input and encouragement its really appreciated xx

OP posts:

countrytown · 19/08/2021 08:32

I passed on automatic, we already had an automatic car. In London you spend so much time stopping & starting that auto makes sense.

countrytown · 19/08/2021 08:33

the only issue is a lot of hire cars abroad are manual but DH has a manual license

wednesdayweather · 19/08/2021 08:33

I passed in a manual but was always crap at gears and stalling. I didn't drive for 20 years then we inherited an automatic. I took refresher lessons in that and now love driving an automatic. So much easier!

Parsley1789 · 19/08/2021 08:35

I drive a manual but we had an automatic for a few years. My dh prefers manual but he really enjoys driving, iyswim. For me it’s a means to an end, and automatic was literally a piece of cake.

Parsley1789 · 19/08/2021 08:37

However automatic can be more expensive etc. But that’s not a reason to not go for it.

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