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!

Autos are less efficient because of the design of the gearbox- they use a torque converter (which results in around a 10% loss of power)

That was 25 years ago. Modern torque converter autos have come on leaps and bounds.

Any thoughts, OP? Are you convinced yet?

Slightly off the point, but people who drive hybrids - what sort are they, and do you recommend them?

I'm on my second Toyota Auris. It's the nicest drive of any car I've ever driven, is incredibly frugal with petrol and, until April last year, they were road tax exempt. I love mine so much I'd never have anything else now. I'm looking forward to the day they improve the technology so the range is big enough to make a completely electric car feasible.

If you're tempted, do test drive one. It's not just me either, my husband is on his second Prius.

Why on earth would lessons be more expensive in an auto - can anyone vouch for that?

It must be so much easier to teach someone to drive an auto.

I'd not have a problem if my dh only drove automatics. Surely it's better he drove auto than not at All.

I learned to drive on a manual transmission and my teacher deliberately took me out to all the hilly areas in town forcing me to learn the most difficult part-sink or swim! I was so anxious learning on a manual vs automatic but if I the most uncoordinated woman on this planet can learn you and your partner can!
Sometimes we stress out so much over something getting past the anxiety is harder than learning the task!

I'll admit that I've never driven an auto, the thought terrifies me. I drive a little Fabia and like the ability to be able to drop down a gear to overtake, or boot it as I'm getting on the dual carriageway. I'd worry that an auto wouldn't have the same responsiveness if I jammed my foot on the accelerator- is this the case? Also, in DH's much sportier manual, there have been occasions where one of us is doing somewhat over the limit and had an unmarked police car appear at a distance in our rear view mirror. The ability to shift down the gears to slow down without making it obvious and tapping the brake lights was also useful.

I'm sure I'd have to completely change my style of driving. I rarely brake when driving down winding country lanes and prefer to slow down then change down a gear. Aren't you auto drivers constantly braking?

Perhaps it's the control freak in me!

Moanella - you can do all of that in an auto.

Maybe we're all law abiding and don't speed.

Lessons are more expensive as there are less instructors with access to an auto. Most also do manual so have to go and change cars in between

I'm with you, @Moanella I've only driven an automatic car a couple of times in my life, and I just didn't like it, mainly because there was nothing for my left foot to do. I'm 49 now, and passed my test 25 years ago, and I suppose it's a case of not being able to teach an old dog new tricks. 😀

I drive an automatic, much easier and more and more cars (in the uk) are becoming automatic.

wouldn't bother learning how to drive a manual now, genuinely cannot see the point.

think my lessons were about £2 an hour more expensive than manual.

its not hard to learn to drive an auto after leaning in a manual at all!

volant I have just bought a Toyota yaris hybrid and so far I would def recommend it, cheap to run, no tax, quiet but still goes! its fab. no faffing plugging it in either!

ps everyone who has a company car at my work drives an auto, all by choice!

Autos are less efficient because of the design of the gearbox- they use a torque converter (which results in around a 10% loss of power)

Which is why in countries where fuel costs were an issue, they stuck to manual, while places like the Middle East and America were happy to drive automatic. As MaxTeyon said, technological developments have meant that automatics are now considered to be more efficient than manual. We drive manual out of habit and convention. It's not rational.

Let him learn on an automatic, while you have try Manuel

Let him learn on an automatic, while you try Manuel

This old dog learnt new tricks very quickly. I doubt I could drive a manual now.

Moanella, all of that can be achieved in an automatic. Mine has what the manufacturer calls kickdown. If you sink your foot on the accelerator it automatically goes down a gear and gives you all the power you need.

I love my automatic. I drove manual for almost 30 years. Wouldn't choose to go back to one now though.

I now have the urge to name my car Manuel, even though it is an auto. DH has a manual car, but I would prefer to call his Basil (Fawlty).

My DF’s company car is automatic. He’s the owner but still, he wouldn’t have it if it was more expensive. He’s converted as he drives a lot which can flare up his back pain and the automatic helps this.

They’re a lot better than they used to be. My DGM had an automatic years ago as she had arthritis in her feet and it was awful! My DF said it’s the worst car he ever drove.

I came on to see if someone had posted Que?!!

This thread has inspired me to start taking driving lessons again

I'm a very very nervous driver and gears scramble my brain and I get very panicky going down gears at roundabouts. A few bad experiences were enough to make me panicky every time I got in the car.

I thought perhaps learning automatic would be better than not driving at all but literally EVERYONE I've mentioned the idea to has practically bellowed at me "NAAAAAAAAAW don't learn automatic, you'll be fine".

I can see that some people get on fine in autos so I'm going to get on Google

I agree with @shouldidoitspoilt. If you were a man saying this then you would be deemed controlling and have your arse handed to you on a plate.

Let him drive the car he feels most comfortable in. He will need less lessons so it won't cost you more money at all. It's really not your decision to make. You drive a manual if you want to but let him do what makes him a safer and better driver.

I started to learn manual, but problems with my left arm made changing gear painful so I switched. Lessons didn’t cost me more, my car is ridiculously economical, my insurance is pretty standard. If he’s more comfortable driving an auto I don’t see what the problem is!