To cop out of manual lessons and go automatic? Any experiences or advice greatly needed

[WaynettaSlobsLover]

So I've had about 16 hours of driving manually...and I absolutely hate it. Can't enjoy lessons at all because I'm constantly panicking about approaching junctions and making sure car is prepared to pull off and if I'm in the right gear..that my handbrakes up etc etc etc. then when I drive I'm a complete klutz at changing gear..think putting it into first instead of third on a busy main road.

I've just had enough of it. I just want to drive an effing car without thinking about clutch control and the biting point and all the other things that I clearly am unable to multitask. I have co-ordination problems as it is although thankfully spacial awareness and reaction timing is always good.

Anyway, can I have someone's permission to switch to automatic lessons? Already heard all the 'bad' stuff about automatics and how it's better to drive manual etc. anyone got experience in doing this? Or advice ? Anything?!

[cherrycarpet]

YANBU and I feel your pain!! I passed my test in a manual but I much prefer automatics. Unfortunately, after driving an automatic for 11 years, we've now got a manual (long story) and I'm in the process of trying to get used to it. I absolutely hate it and I just can't get to grips with the clutch control at all. It's causing me so much anxiety that I'm avoiding all hills at the moment. Ridiculous I know, especially as we live in a very hilly part of the world!

In a nutshell - I actually enjoy driving an automatic and we're on the verge of trading current car in for one. I would much rather be concentrating on the road rather than worrying about clutch control and gear changing.

My advice - switch to automatic lessons and get rid of that bit of stress in your life! Good luck.

[Longdistance]

If you take a test in an automatic, you'll only be able to drive an automatic.

However, I have a manual licence, but omg why oh why am I driving a manual.
I borrowed my fil car in the summer for a few weeks, but it was the best ever.

Go for it. It's less stressful to drive.

[curryeater]

I think it's just hard to learn to drive and you have to decide whether you have the mental energy to deal with it right now. If you do, do it, and nail it - ie get your licence for a manual car - because it's just done then. But it is not something you learn overnight. But don't beat yourself up about it if you hate it and dread lessons (I did too but I forced myself through it, I had no other responsibilities really, feckless 20-something, so it was ok to have one thing on my plate - up to you to decide whether you want this on your plate if it is like the 20th thing)

[DonDrapersAltrEgoBigglesDraper]

Automatic cars are ok if you live in America with huge freeways and everyone travelling at the same speed for miles and miles, but they really aren't great for any driving where you accelerate and decelerate a lot, and if you have to accelerate quickly they are shite.

This makes no sense whatsoever...!

Surely if you're driving on a freeway at the same speed for miles and miles - in the same gear - you might as well be in a manual as an automatic...? You can get into gear, and then just leave it there.

Why is a manual easier, if you're in a situation where you have to change gear all the time.

If you have to spend your entire time accelerating and decelerating, then surely you're better off in an automatic, so that you're not getting RSI from changing the gear up and down every 5 seconds.

I live in a very hilly city with loads of narrow, twisty, turny roads (the exact opposite of an open road freeway) and everyone drives an automatic. Of course they do - otherwise you'd be changing gear every other second and doing tricky hill starts all the time.

We imported our manual with us from the UK, and have bought an automatic as a second run-around, and the automatic is so, so much more practical and easier. I drive both comfortably but totally prefer the automatic here.

[thenightsky]

Go for it OP. I passed in an auto in 1985 and have NEVER had any issue hiring cars, finding cars to buy, or feeling restricted in any way. I've driven big 4x4s and small sports cars. Most models now come in with an auto option and there are loads of semi-autos, which you are also allowed to drive... you can drive anything without a clutch.

DD has tried and failed in a manual and lost all confidence. She is starting learning again next week in an auto.

[Jossysgiants]

I drive an automatic even though I ( just about) passed a test in a manual car. I started driving automatic when living in the us after having not driven for years since passing my test. I love it! I do drive my husband's manual sometimes, but I find I don't drive as well in it. With the automatic I can just concentrate on the road. I found the whole gear change thing more than I could handle as well as handling what is going on around me. I would go for it- you could take a manual test further down the line if you want.

[MidniteScribbler]

I originally got only an automatic drivers licence. My parents only ever drove manuals, didn't know anyone with a manual, and saw no reason I would ever voluntarily drive a manual. Got my licence on my 17th birthday after six months of learner driver (mandated by law here) and only three driving tests. To this date (nearly twenty years of driving) I still have never had any reason to (although I do have a manual licence now as you automatically get given one after ten years of holding an automatic licence in this state). I've only ever owned an automatic, and can guarantee that I will never buy a manual. I've rented cars in at least ten different countries, and never once not been given an automatic car.

I don't think it's really such a bad thing for people to get an automatic licence first then apply to a manual later. It gives them the chance to learn confidence and road awareness with one less thing to worry about changing gears.

[BlingLoving]

I feel I should bow out here because clearly you are looking for people to tell you it's okay. I think YABU for the reasons I've stated - my heart sinks when I hear women talk about not being able to drive manuals, or saying they won't drive on the motorway or using phrases like, "really ditzy about understanding how roads and traffic works" because you just don't hear men saying that, or at least, very very seldom. Driving is a skill like walking or swimming, everyone can learn. It just takes a little time and patience and practice.

But, you're right, it's your right to do what you like. Although maybe next time don't put the question in IABU?

[smupcakes]

I have an automatic license and have done for 10 years, I've never had a single issue

[UniS]

Mum went for an automatic licence after trying and failing to learn in a manual car. They owned an auto, and have continued to own Autos. Mum was in her late 40s when she learnt to drive. She doesn?t miss driving manual, But her being able to drive has been very useful. I think she is actually a better driver than Dad.

[sashh]

People will tell you you don't have much choice when buying a car but shhh

Exmotability cars are sold either at auction or fairly cheaply. And a lot are automatic.

If I'd had the money I could have paid £1500 to buy my car, a 3 year old Chevrolet lacetti.

Because the motability contract includes annual service/mot/everything they are well looked after cars.

[MidniteScribbler]

BlingLoving, I don't think that you can necessarily correlate not driving a manual with being a nervy or ditzy driver. I've never driven a manual, but I also now drive a big 4WD, which I can park better than many fartbox drivers, do a lot of long distance driving without even thinking about it, have driven in at least ten different countries, including a year tooling around on the LA motorways in the US (which I did the same day I arrived in the country, despite having to drive on the other side of the road!), tow a caravan, which I can reverse first time, every time. Only ever been involved in one accident which was someone running up the back of me when I was stationary at the lights. I consider myself an excellent driver, despite not driving a manual. They are two completely different issues.

Nervy and ditzy drivers will always be nervy and ditzy drivers, regardless of what they are driving.

[StanleyLambchop]

Stanley point taken, but as I stated earlier, it would never be an actual problem if I couldn't drive or hire a car for however long

You say that now, but it is surprising how you come to rely on a car without even realising it, and then when you suddenly don't have access to one it hits you just how useful they are!

[tillytrotter11]

Thenightsky - just out of interest, what is a semi automatic? I've been driving an automatic for the past 20 years and I'm just intrigued to know!

[ProbablyJustGas]

YANBU at all. I am about to do this myself and am attempting to save for an automatic vehicle. Grew up driving an automatic in the USA, stopped driving when I moved to Scottish cities, desperate to be driving again and not feel reliant on my husband for rides to places, the late-night grocery runs, and pretty much flipping everything.

Manual lessons have so far been a semi-disaster. My issue is getting going again after I've stopped. Lots of stalling at busy city roundabouts. Lots of driving instructor trying to psychoanalyze me when I got worked up about my mistakes - never mind that a bad mistake in a car can be fatal (I don't work with him now). DH has managed to take me out in his manual car a few times successfully, but not without one very, very frustrating session (and as we are still married following that session, it seems he is indeed The One).

You can always do an automatic lesson and switch back if you prefer manual. But I think you'll find that you really don't need a manual car for typical city driving. I've found manuals are handiest for pulling onto the highway - you get more oomph from the engine - but they're a pain in the butt for the typical "stop-decision-go" that you'd do on a typical school or grocery run through town.

Honestly, no one will hand you a medal for learning manual instead of automatic. I don't understand why so many people in this country put a premium on it. Better to drive an automatic than not drive at all. You will gain a lot of independence being able to drive in your own car, and that independence is gold.

[WaynettaSlobsLover]

Thanks everyone for all the advice and experiences :) I will def be switching to auto. Just want to concentrate on the road and enjoy driving basically :)

[hodgiebreeder]

I was exactly the same! So ridiculously panicked all the time when learning on a manual that I gave up multiple times. Well, the good news is I have since conquered my fears and just passed my test... On an automatic!

I'd say for me it was definitely the way forward. I found I could relax FAR more and actually concentrate on not killing anyone else on the road (!!) rather than being absorbed with what was going on inside the car. With that taken care of I could slowly build my confidence and now actually (almost) enjoy driving. You can always go back and learn on a manual at a later date once you're more confident with the other aspects of driving.

Good luck!!

[WilsonFrickett]

You are right bling you don't often hear men talking about difficulties in learning to drive, feeling nervous, feeling 'ditzy'. However, the single biggest fatal accident group in drivers is young men, so maybe they should talk about it a bit more and find strategies to deal with any problems they have as the OP is doing rather than women shutting up about it.

[wundawoman]

If you only intend to drive an automatic car, then just go for Auto license, it's much easier . I supported my dd in this decision because she did not like driving manual. Some people said this would be an issue if she needs to hire a car, but you can always request an auto hire car.

[MyDarlingClementine]

I passed in manual and now drive automatic, its wondrous! I do not understand peoples problem with it unless formula one driver.

I control speed with lifting my foot on and off the accelerator, I can concentrate much more on whats around me, and I am usually able to pull away really quickly.