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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To learn to drive automatic only?

127 replies

IKnowAPlace · 06/02/2022 21:29

Background:

  • in my 30s
  • learning to drive for second time - had lessons and was close to test standard at 18 then left for uni and let it slide
  • have now had 10-15 lessons in a manual and am at "intermediate" standard but have only tried one manoeuvre (think this is partly down to having a poor, bad tempered instructor)
  • wanting to drive for freedom - now have a dog, partner lives 20 miles away, job is 40 miles away (motorway driving)
  • will probably buy an automatic car once I've passed

I've had to stop lessons due to changing jobs so am now back to getting on waiting lists. I'm in two minds about whether or not it makes more sense for me to just learn in an automatic from now on but really struggling to make a decision.

Help!

Yes - just suck it up in a manual
No - life's too short, go auto

OP posts:
Ellerehj · 06/02/2022 21:30

I sucked at a manual. Passed in an auto and never looked back. Why make something harder if it doesn't need to be?

forceofagreattyphoon · 06/02/2022 21:31

I would go automatic. So many cars are auto nowadays, most people I know have an auto.

daimbarsatemydogsbone · 06/02/2022 21:34

Auto is taking over - all electric and all fully proper hybrid cars are auto. Lots of cars only available as auto now.

akittyisyou · 06/02/2022 21:34

Realistically, what situation are you going to be in where you absolutely have to drive a manual car because of an emergency, if you get an automatic license?

I only did automatic (fused hip makes it very tricky for me to drive a manual) and having had my test four years ago, have never had it be an issue. Yeah, it’ll be challenging / more expensive to buy a second hand car but that’s a once-off purchase every decade or so.

LotusCheesecake · 06/02/2022 21:34

Cars are all going to be automatic very soon
If you are planning on buying an automatic - why on earth not? Who would you be trying to please about being "able" to use gears?!

Ozanj · 06/02/2022 21:35

Do it. If you take 2hr lessons you might become test ready in just 1-3 lessons like I did. Autos are so, so much easier.

Postchristmasflab · 06/02/2022 21:35

I would go automatic, I passed in a manual but much prefer automatic now, plus with the push toward electric cars, manual are going to pretty redundant in the near future.

Postchristmasflab · 06/02/2022 21:35

Ps I couldn’t even find a manual version of the car I wanted to buy ( like for like replacement after mine was stolen)

TulipsGarden · 06/02/2022 21:36

Just go auto. I couldn't drive manual (well, technically I could because I passed my test but I was so anxious and bad at it I never did). Got an automatic and was driving on motorways within a couple of weeks.

Manual is needlessly difficult, I don't know why anyone bothers!

Original poster
IKnowAPlace · 06/02/2022 21:37

This is so reassuring! Thank you Smile

OP posts:
BreadInCaptivity · 06/02/2022 21:42

It's not really an issue anymore as so many cars are automatic.

It used to be seen as an issue as auto cars cost more and there were relatively few models that even offered the option - mostly in the luxury sector.

Nowadays there's very few cars you can't get with an auto option and rental companies (should you need one) always have auto cars for hire.

I have a manual license but have driven auto cars for the last decade and have in that time never needed my "manual" skills.

etulosba · 06/02/2022 21:45

Just do it. I switched to an auto in 1990 and soon managed to convert my initially sceptical parents and siblings.

The only time it might be an inconvenience is if you want to hire a car here or abroad in a country where autos aren’t the norm.

Dogsandbabies · 06/02/2022 21:48

Would you rent cars on holiday? That is the only time I drive a manual. And actually for me it is important. But for you it may not be an issue.

CovidCorvid · 06/02/2022 21:49

I have a full license and got an automatic last car. God knows why I’ve driven a manual for 30 years, I’d never go back. Dyspraxic Dd only has an automatic licence and she’s just fine. Insurance is a bit more and cars cost a bit more but like others have said pretty much all cars will be auto soon.

PamelaDoov · 06/02/2022 21:50

I could never get the hang of manual. Auto driving is so easy and enjoyable.

CovidCorvid · 06/02/2022 21:51

@Dogsandbabies

Would you rent cars on holiday? That is the only time I drive a manual. And actually for me it is important. But for you it may not be an issue.
You can always get automatics on holiday. Remember most Americans can’t use a “stick shift” so anywhere that caters to American tourists will have automatics. I struggled to find a manual to rent in Mexico.
YesitsBess · 06/02/2022 21:52

OK so I passed on an auto license and as long as you never forsee yourself having to hire a car or van for the rest of your existence then it's fine.

But auto car/van rental is insanely expensive compared to manual both here and abroad.

I'm currently changing my license but after 20 years driving auto it's hard!

YesitsBess · 06/02/2022 21:53

@Dogsandbabies

Would you rent cars on holiday? That is the only time I drive a manual. And actually for me it is important. But for you it may not be an issue.
This is also why you're charged about 40% more for an automatic abroad - they assume you're American!
OddestSock · 06/02/2022 21:53

I'm 40 and learning in an automatic :) go for it

LemonSwan · 06/02/2022 21:57

I feel more in control and safer in a manual car.

You can control acceleration power when merging onto a motorway or slip, you can use engine breaking when driving down hill or drop down gears to increase traction when driving round corner. Gears can also give more control in snow, ice, when your stuck in a mud pit or sand etc.

Driving an auto to me is a horrible experience where the only thing I can rely on to stop myself is the brakes (and potentially the hand brake).

I would learn if you can

Georgeskitchen · 06/02/2022 21:57

Automatic only licence narrows yoir options. Manual is as easy as pie once you get the hang of it 😉

EezyOozy · 06/02/2022 21:59

I can only drive an auto and it only caused me problems on holiday once when I had very little choice of hire car. I think if you wanted to hire a van it could be a problem... but in 16 years of driving I've never needed to hire a van!

Cheesecakeandwineinasuitcase · 06/02/2022 21:59

My mum and dad recently started using automatic cars in the last few years and swear they will never go back. I purchased my last car just over a year ago and the only reason I didn’t go automatic is because I wanted a specific car that was in the showroom and I would have had to wait months to get an automatic version on order.

Luredbyapomegranate · 06/02/2022 22:03

Fine to go automatic.

Would be different if you were 18 and might end up with a driving job

BreadInCaptivity · 06/02/2022 22:03

@LemonSwan

I feel more in control and safer in a manual car.

You can control acceleration power when merging onto a motorway or slip, you can use engine breaking when driving down hill or drop down gears to increase traction when driving round corner. Gears can also give more control in snow, ice, when your stuck in a mud pit or sand etc.

Driving an auto to me is a horrible experience where the only thing I can rely on to stop myself is the brakes (and potentially the hand brake).

I would learn if you can

Depends on the type of auto.

All mine have had the ability to be semi-auto by using the gear stick (you push it to the side and then it engages that mode and you just shift up/down the gears) or paddles on the steering wheel to change gear.

If I want to manually downshift to reduce speed I can do so.

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