To want DH to learn to drive Manuel?

[Lipsticktraces]

Neither DH or myself drive. We’ve decided this ridiculous state of affairs cannot continue any longer and we are both currently looking to book lessons. I had my last lessons about nine years ago and DH last had lessons last year.

DH is a nervous driver and says that he really struggles with gears. He wants to book automatic lessons instead and I’m not happy about the fact for the following reasons...

It’s my understanding that automatics cost more to buy/drive/insure/repair. We don’t have much money for any of these things.

I’ve been told it’s hard to learn to drive an automatic after learning in Manuel (I intend to learn to drive Manuel)

If DH ever gets offered a job with a company car etc he’s going to be buggered.

Automatic lessons cost more and we are on a budget.

Aibu to want us to both learn to drive Manuel? DH point blank refuses at this point!

I have a manual license and drove a lot for about 7 years. I then had a near Miss and didn’t drive for 10 years. When we got a new car last year I told H if we got an automatic I’d drive again as I felt it was one less thing to worry about getting back behind the wheel. I LOVE driving an automatic especially as I’m in town a lot. It was a little more expensive but not much and the pros way outweigh the cons.

Although both me and my DH passed in manual cars, he's driven an auto for a few years now. It's fine and I don't think you need any special skills after passing in a manual to drive the auto. Might need to keep your foot on the brake when stationary but that's it really.

I'd let him learn in an auto if he wants to, you can have the manual lessons.

Poor Manuel 😂😂😂

The newest automatics are called CVT's - continuously variable transmissions. They don't have "gears" they shift through for you and are as fuel efficient as a manual transmission

Wrong on several counts, CVTs have been around for decades, torque converter autos are still very much alive and can even be more economical than manuals and then you’ve got the most modern type of auto which is the dual clutch transmission which uses two clutches and is a type of automated manual.

I drive automatic, they can be more expensive to buy, by hold their value and sell on for s higher price hence more to put towards the next one. They're not more expensive to repair, insure etc. Lots and lots of people with manual licences drive automatic these days it's not hard. They're great for town driving too, I've got a little Suzuki and it's a bit like a nippy little go cart. You'll find if you're buying an older car automatics haven't been thrashed about by a newly qualified ten wanna be Street Racer and I've gotten some excellent deals on ex mobility cars that have had full main dealer service history and maintenance

I got my manual license back when I was 18. Unfortunately, I really struggled with the clutch control on my parents car so have never really driven since I passed my test which is now more than 10 years ago.

The thought of driving does make me rather anxious now and if I do ever summon up the courage to drive again, will be going for an automatic over a manual, or even a manuel.

Thankfully I live in a city so there's good public transport!

Lol at 'Do you mean manual'?

I learned to drive and passed manual test - eventually - but my first solo car was an automatic. Utterly shit in most situations, but very good in slow traffic queues. When it died of exploding head gasket (between junctions on the M4, which wasn't much fun...) I replaced with a manual and have stuck with manual ever since. Acceleration is just so much better, which means you can bop out of junctions really fast and that's quite important to me.

Haven’t RTFT because 6 pages but came to say actually chuckling here at the Manuel jokes 😂😂
Also...
The facts you stated are all bollcocks! They don’t cost any more to buy/drive and insure and run.
My DH has an Audi A6 SLine Ultra company car...which is automatic
It’s very easy to learn to drive in an automatic whether you have ever driven any other car or not

DH passed his driving test in a manual , however he refuses to drive one , so it’s automatic for him

I have my own car , which is manual , I like changing gear , it’s not a problem for me , when we shared a car , it was auto .

It’s much easier to drive an auto

As he’s going to be the driver , let him make the decision

I learned many years ago in a manual but my first car was my father's old car - a 1970 automatic. Big engine but the auto was horribly sluggish. Put me off automatics.

A few years ago, I was having severe problems driving manual because of arthritis so I bought a secondhand two litre auto. What a difference! Like chalk and cheese with my previous one. I have driven manual work pool cars and hire cars but I wouldn't buy a manual again. I easily overtake people moving up through the gears. 😁

The most important thing he learns is roadsense and safety. He can learn that and confident driving in an automatic. If you don't drive, why do you think automatics are crap? I bought mine secondhand at a very good price, and the insurance, petrol etc is much the same as my old manual, taking into account the more powerful engine. As you're stuck, as I was, with an 80s view of automatics, have a look at 21st century automatics.

i bet i have better acceleration than you at the lights alpaca-got nothing to do with auto/v manual

I passed my test in a manual several decades ago. I hated every minute of driving one and the last time I drove one was for the test.

I’m 50 and have managed just fine with automatics ever since. DH who used to far prefer manuals has now been a convert to the dark side of driving for over 15 years.

YABU.

Couldn't get the hang of manual did about 40 lessons

Did 5 in an auto and passed first time

I think manuals are dangerous anyway! Don't like people not being able to hold the wheel with two hands when they go around corners etc

My husband has a manual licensee but we have had automatic cars since I passed 6 years ago

Never had an accident

An automatic is easy and a good choice for a nervous driver

Don't stop him from doing things he wants

And also if this was a man saying a nervous woman couldn't learn an automatic they would be classed as a bully.

i bet i have better acceleration than you at the lights alpaca-got nothing to do with auto/v manual

+1

Although modern torque converter autos are catching up in terms of acceleration and DCTs are obviously quicker. Autos are just zero fun IMHO and in absence of a medical issue everyone should learn to drive in a manual. If you haven’t got what it takes to learn the simplicity of a clutch and a manual gearbox then you shouldn’t be in charge of a 1+ ton box capable of 100mph.

I passed my test in a manual (eek) 35 plus years ago, I've alway driven a manual until we changed cars in 2012. I'm now the proud owner of an automatic and I'm never going back, it's like driving a dodgem . Hiring a left hand drive manual on holiday is hellish! DS is 17 next year so I slightly dread having to go back to manual to teach him to drive. Having said that we may all be driving electric shortly so why bother with a manual?

Aibu to want us to both learn to drive Manuel? DH point blank refuses at this point!

Too bloody right he does, what does Manuel think??

YAB a little U. Let your dh decide what he wants to drive and you decide what you want to drive. When are you planning on learning?

Something to consider when making his choice: An automatic licence allows the holder to drive a car with automatic transmission, or an automatic gearbox. If you hold a full UK driving licence then you can also drive an automatic car, but it doesn't work the other way around. An automatic licence doesn't permit you to drive a car with a manual gearbox.

I don't understand the UK's fixation on manual cars. Many cars aren't even made with a manual option here in Australia now. The majority which do are either base models or 4WDs.

I wouldn't own another manual for the life of me. Unnecessary pain in the arse.

My car - a Kia - only came in automatic. The UK needs to get with the times.

I’ve been told it’s hard to learn to drive an automatic after learning in Manuel (I intend to learn to drive Manuel)

I can assure you it’s not, I learned to drive in a manual car, had a manual one for a year and then swapped overnight to an automatic and have driven auto ever since. I think whoever is telling you these things has quite out of date knowledge about autos.

If Dh ever gets offered a job with a company car etc he’s going to be buggered

Why? Many company car schemes aren’t limited to just manual cars, in fact the split is about 60/40 in favour of automatics apparently. They’re also an option in many companies, I get a car allowance for the company scheme but I take the cash value and fund my own car instead.

So yes YABU, as a learner driver, to dictate what another learner should be comfortable with. Plus, once he has more confidence, there’s nothing stopping him from having some manual lessons and taking the manual test to upgrade his licence.

Sadly for Manuel, the future of cars is definitely Automatic. They are much better and much more prevalent than they used to be. So YABU, let your DH choose.

I'm also loving this thread. My DH and I are massive fans of Manuel (as well as of Sybil and Basil lol). I might just put the DVD on, I could use a good laugh!! 😂

I hear you, Red. Sometimes it's like the 1950s here.

Just don’t mention the war when you discuss it.

And how about some prawn Goebels?? 

I'm not sure Manuel would like that

Dammit, came on to say that and should have known I'd be beaten to it lol!

Just make sure he doesn't beat the car with a branch Fawlty Towers stylee if he can't start it.
Anyway. You should be fine. Manuel's from Barcelona. He know nothink.