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Original poster

Driving instructor thinks I shouuld try automatic

20 replies

pookey · 02/03/2010 16:03

I Feel like a failure, I'm not even going to make it to test!

I had a bad lesson today with my instructor, poor gear changes (a couple of times I was in 4th instead of 2nd or similar mistakes); poor observation at junctions, hesitancy at roundabout etc. At the end she said she doesnt want me to waste my money. She thinks that maybe I would do better in automatic.

Felt very tearful afterwards. I should appreciate her honesty and try automatic but that feels like giving up and part of me thinks maybe I should try another instructor before giving up on manual?

I have two more prepaid sessions to see how things go.

What would you do automatic or new instructor? Has anyone had this experience?

Thanks for any advice x

OP posts:

GoddessInTheKitchen · 02/03/2010 16:06

how long have you been learning? because that makles a big difference

JollyPirate · 02/03/2010 16:10

It's up to you honestly. My sister struggled with driving a manual car and with three children just needed to be able to drive. She took an automatic out for lessons and passed in that. That was 10 years ago and she hasn't looked back.

However, not sure how many lessons you've had but if it's just a few then it seems a bt premature to say "you'd do better in an automatic".

Once you are driving around nobody is gping to know if your car s a manual or automatic though so don't feel a failure f you take this route. My sister only went down the automatic route after failing two tests on a manual car ... but then she just needed to be able to drive.

JollyPirate · 02/03/2010 16:10

However, not sure how many lessons you've had but if it's just a few then it seems a bt premature to say "you'd do better in an automatic".

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Driving & parking

Original poster

pookey · 02/03/2010 16:20

Goddessinthekitchen, I have had lessons about 4 years ago when pregnant for first time. I had 3 instructors then the one I am with now, I went for test but failed then gave up as 7mo pg.

This time I have had manybe 24 over 2 months? I guess she thinks because I have 2 children (and she doesnt know but there is another on the way) I shouldnt waste time and money and should get on with driving - like your sister did jollypirate. I am concerned about the fact it can be difficult to hire cars with a manual license? Guess I should put pride to the side and get on with the manual option?

A friend has reccomended her old instructor with bsm so thats part of the temptation to try another instructor?

OP posts:

GoddessInTheKitchen · 03/03/2010 01:02

i definitely think you should try another instructer first (if you have one that is reccomended) i have a number for the best driving instructor in bristol (its a long shot but do you live in bristol? )

i know its hard to find a good instructor and i do believe that is the key to passing

juneybean · 03/03/2010 01:27

I still make gear change mistakes and its been 2 years since I passed lol!

It depends on your motivation for passing, do you just want to get from A to B?

PureAsTheColdDrivenSnow · 03/03/2010 02:14

bollocks - change instructors. Yours sounds like she squashes you confidence and doesn't do much to encourage ability.

anybody can learn gears, it's just about patience and control.

Best thing my Dad told me was to count it through.

Foot on clutch
hand on stick, foot down on clutch
Slow movement between (eg) 3-4)
foot up,
accelerate.

PureAsTheColdDrivenSnow · 03/03/2010 02:16

sorry if that sounded patronising... but if you do it like a timed movement. ... it helps.

ArcticFox · 03/03/2010 04:16

Is there a particular reason that you need to drive a manual - i.e is your current family car a manual and your H refuses to trade it in for automatic or something?

Agree with PATDS that anyone can learn to drive a manual, but it's clear that driving an automatic is a lot easier and may well halve the number of lessons you have to take, epscially if your instructor feels that you're not a natural (don't worry- I wasnt either- took me 28 lessons and hours of practice with my parents)

I wouldn't worry about the hire car thing- you just need to ensure that the hire car copany know that you cant drive a manual whe you book.

Also, once you're more confident and have everythign else down pat, you can always take a couple more lessons and convert to manual later on.

ben5 · 03/03/2010 04:34

we live in oz and most cars are automatic. it's great and so much easier than manual. i had been driving a manual for 17 years and changed 9 months ago. my left leg sometimes wants something to do but found it easy to change. there are lots of hire companies that hire automatics aswell. do what you feel best and good luck

Lasvegas · 03/03/2010 14:17

I passed my test (4th attempt) in a manual. Didn't drive for years as no cash and lived C London. Moved to sticks when DD was 3 and got a manual, in my view, the stairs are like a manual car and escalater like an automatic. Why make life more complicated than it has to be?

MrsMorgan · 03/03/2010 14:22

I passed in a manual car about 7mths ago, and I now drive a manual, but I wish i'd gone for an auto instead. I hate changing gear and even having to think about changing gear lol.

As soon as I am able, I will be swapping to an auto.

deaddei · 03/03/2010 14:27

I passed in a manual, but for the last 4 years have only driven auto- and it's great.
So easy.

MoominmammasHandbag · 05/03/2010 18:46

I have an automatic licence, my instructor suggested the switch very early on as I'm a pretty unco-ordinated person. I found learning much, much easier in an automatic.
My DP has now changed his car to an auto as well, he says it is less tiring on long journeys. There are also loads more automatics around than even a few years ago.
Definitely switch to auto.

Original poster

pookey · 06/03/2010 22:53

Thanks for all the responsed dd been a little poorly so not been on.

Def seems automatic is the way to go from these responses. My bro told me nearly everyone in americey drives auto I guess it is the escalator comparison why make life difficult. Annoyingly my instructor was a bit put out that I had decided to go straight for automatic and not wait and see for a couple more lessons said my gear changing was not that bad!

Pureasthedrivensnow and Goddess - my instructor has transferred my credit to another driver who does both auto and manual he might be able to judge if I should stick with the stick? Also if I dont get on with this instructor by the end of those 3 lessons I could try a recommended instructor, but brisol is a little far

Thanks again everyone, I feel really positive about giving automatic a go now and a new instructor may be no bad thing

OP posts:

dleifdlo · 26/03/2010 08:13

GoddessintheKitchen, I happen to live in Bristol and am looking for a good driving (and recommended) instructor. Could you pass on the details of yours to me?

Thanks in advance!

Rosedee · 05/09/2010 17:05

DoEifdlo sorry if I've hot that wrong trying to write on my iPod my driving instructor rocked and was patient and a top guy. Do you want his number?

Quenbioz · 06/09/2010 19:27

I think you probably just need more lessons and more experience. I'd try a new instructor and learn the gears, so that you have this option for the rest of your life.

ValiumSingleton · 08/09/2010 20:19

My instructor used to say that to me, but my problem wasn't changing gears. It was reversing around corners and observation... even though I FELT like my eyes were out on stalks. POintless waste of money I thought.

conkie · 10/09/2010 12:53

When I eventually learn to drive it will definetly be automatic. Gears scare the hell out of me!

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