To learn to drive automatic

[TopangaD]

My family will laugh at me but I want to learn quickly is automatic so bad? Worried about driving in snow etc need to do motorway driving for work should I just do full course or auto?

I’m dyspraxic. Passed auto after a handful of lessons. Bought my first auto car for 3k. And have never had a problem hiring an auto car in Europe.

In fact I’ve managed to hire an auto car in almost every country I’ve been to, including South Africa and India, at most 10-20 pounds more than the manual.

An auto is no quicker than a manual licence. Why do you think a gear stick and a clutch take additional time to master?

Do it to get yourself on the move short term but I do urge you to pass your test in a manual later. If you don't and apply for a job that requires a full uk driving licence you won't get it as you won't have one!

My friend only has an auto licence. Though she's had it 5 years and I only found out a short time ago. I just thought she bought auto cars! Just don't tell anyone if you don't want to. Just say you prefer an auto or you wanted that car and it was auto

We live in ME and 99% of cars here are auto - I absolutely love them. The standard of driving here is pretty poor so I find it much easier to not have to worry about changing gears and clutch and just concentrate on not being hit!

Although both our cars have a manual gear change option too so if we're desert driving or off roading we can use that

A car is just a means of transport, there's no shame in having an automatic licence so do whatever is easier for you

We used to have a Tiptronic car which was the best of both worlds and I liked driving that but I'm not sure if you'd be allowed to with only an automatic licence.

Yes it’s fine. Two pedals = automatic

So funny, that in the UK people would laugh at automatic cars

I learned to drive in the US (automatic), and have rented cars all over the world (automatic)

I really don't get the macho pride ( ) some people feel about driving a manual.

OP, do what suits you. After driving my car a few times, DH bought an automatic for himself ...

Go for it.

Auto lessons do tend to be quicker. I have my test coming up after 5 months of lessons (failed one a few weeks ago, not for anything auto related!) according to my instructor it's mostly older people who are nervous/have disabilities or just want to learn quickly.

It's becoming much more common, and the second hand auto market much bigger and therefore cheaper.

I only drive automatic. I tried manual but after driving am auto, I would not drive a manual again.

Autos are great! How else can you drive and eat a burger?!

beyseyan

Haha I dunno about that

I’d go for an automatic - they’re a much smoother ride too.

Don’t know why your family would laugh at you - Formula 1
cars are automatic and the most accomplished racing drivers
in the world use them.

I learned and passed in auto within 3 months. Nobody has ever laughed at me.

I drive manual and love it, DH drives a manual too, but much prefers auto. You may find it a little restrictive only being able to drive an auto. Have you tried driving a manual car? DS1 will be learning to drive next year, he said to me I might just do auto, as he is keen to drive ASAP, fed up of taking the bus to college. Until I said you won’t be able to borrow my car then, quick change of heart, LOL! Good luck OP I have a couple of friends who only have auto passes, they seem happy enough.

Why not try manual and see how you get on? I’ve driven both but actually didn’t enjoy driving automatic that much - I didn’t really feel as though I was in control.

Thanks everyone really appreciate your replies. My brother loves cars and I know would think it hilarious I couldn’t get a full licence.. going to call some instructors today and might do a lesson in both to see how I fair

I only have an automatic licence. Been driving for 12 years not been a problem.

Don’t know why your brother would find it hilarious though? Nothing wrong with automatics doesn’t make me a silly driver that needs laughing at....

In the days of my yoof automatic cars were clunky things with about 3, inefficient gears.

5 speed manuals were more economical, and you had more control.

Fast forward a few years and the technology has caught up. Automatic cars these days (late noughties onwards) aren't like the automatics of old, they're actually better described as "computer controlled manuals".

I'm a recent convert. My car has the VW DSG automatic gearbox, it has 6 gears, it's as economical as the equivalent manual car, and lovely smooth to drive. Also gives my bad left knee a rest 😂

Cannot imagine why anyone would find driving an automatic car 'hilarious'. Both our cars are automatic. Would not swap for manual! Much easier and more relaxing to drive.

There's nothing to feel superior about being able to drive a manual car. It's driving ffs! Most people can do it, automatic, manual - who cares.

So your brother is a little macho car man. So what?

Says more about him, really

they're actually better described as "computer controlled manuals".

No, that’s a specific subset of gearboxes. Traditional torque converter automatics are very much alive and have come so far that certain manufacturers are ditching dual clutch/DSG type boxes in favour of them.

3 lessons in an auto and passed first time
Could never work out how to get from 1st to 3rd gear and after 40 lessons or more I was still going round the local roads learning how to turn corners.
Go for auto! Much safer

Just make sure you don't want to hire a car in Europe. Automatics tend to be high end models so if you want a Fiat 500 to drive around in, you're stuck and will have to pay far more for a deluxe car. Last time I looked it was three times as much to hire an automatic than a manual.