Automatic vs Manual driving - need some advice.please

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If I learn and pass my driving test in an automatic car does that mean I can never drive a manual car?🤔. If I do (by some miracle) pass my test in an automatic , am I able to then take a test in a manual one later on? Anyone done this?

If you take your test in an automatic, you can only drive an automatic. I’m sure there’s nothing to stop you later learning to drive a manual though, and taking a further test for that!

If you pass in an auto, you cant drive manual. You need to pass in a manual to be able to drive both. I passed a manual test, drove manual for 6 months, then bought an auto and haven’t driven anything else since. Thats 30 years ago.

I can only drives autos,, not sure what advantage I would have by having a manual licence as well

EVs are only automatic so one day thats all there will be (more or less)

Automatics are increasingly common and very soon all new cars will be ev and so automatic.

My dd has just passed her test in an automatic. I don't think there will be any disadvantage for her.

I have a manual license and have only ever driven automatic cars. I have no intention of ever buying a manual.

If you pass your test in a manual, you can drive manual and automatic. If you pass in an automatic, you can’t drive a manual.

An automatic car is so much easier to drive than a manual though.

You’d have to redo your test in a manual to drive one.

Automatics are becoming really common though, over 60% of new cars registered last year were automatic, so if you’re more comfortable learning in one I’d go for it.

My DC is learning in an auto (dyspraxic) and hopes to pass that and then take lessons to get a manual licence so he can drive vans (most of these are still manual). If you fail the manual test you don't lose your auto licence. While we will see the end of manual vehicles as EVs take over they are going to be around for a good while yet.

My dd is learning in an automatic as we've only got automatics. Her instructor says he can just give her a few lessons in a couple of years if she wants to do a manual test.

In ten years time manual cars will be largely on the way out.

Only a few years ago I would have said that the vast majority should take a manual test (there are always some people who just can't do it). But autos are so prevalent now, that the only reason I can really think you might be better off with a manual licence is it gives much more choice/options when hiring a car. I have a manual licence, have been driving an automatic for about ten years now and will never go back to manual.

I also learned and passed in an auto so can only drive automatics, never been an issue. I have a nice car and get from a to b is there a reason you’d need to? I’m dyslexic so couldn’t manage the gears/clutch and the road all together, some people are snobbish about that but it means I can get to work (nurse) and do my job etc

An Automatic car is like driving a go kart compared to a manual.

I do much prefer to drive a manual though; I like the process of driving and being more involved with the process is part of the enjoyment.

I'm going to miss ICE cars when they are banned from the road.

Thank you for all the replies. One reason I feel like I should be getting a manual licence is bc I feel I'd be limiting my options. Also, we currently have a manual car and DH likes manual cars, so I suspect he'll get a manual when we upgrade (whenever that'll be). I need to learn to drive to get myself to and from work , so I am desperate to pass, but that'll mean I'll have to probably get a car on finance or something for myself. It's good to know I could take another test in a manual car and not lose my automatic licence, if I fail the manual test. Everyone I know who has passed recently has passed in an automatic , so this might be the way for me to go too .

I'd never recommend limiting yourself to an automatic if you are capable of driving a manual, I passed in a manual and drive an automatic at the moment but its good to know I can drive my dh car if needed, the jeep we pull the caravan with is manual, my db's car is manual and as mine is bigger we can swop if he needs mine for a family trip, I hire a car when travelling and its not always been possible to get an automatic, there are lots of reasons to keep that option open. Also smile when I remember being in America aged 18 and the guy I was dating being embarrassed because I could drive a 'stick shift' when he couldn't.

I took driving lessons and my test in a manual car, but choose to drive automatic these days. Having said that, at the moment used automatics are still more expensive than manual and also you can't always get an automatic hire car if you need one. Other than that, I see no reason to do a manual test/lessons, but I quite like the fact I have the choice.

https://www.gov.uk/automatic-driving-licence-to-manual

If you hold a full automatic-only licence, you can drive a manual car on a learner driver basis - so L plates, qualified supervising driver, no motorways, and do make sure you have valid insurance. You can pass a driving test to obtain a full manual licence.

Depends on your financial situation too. Second hand manual cars will be around for years to come and there's a lot more variety than autos.