To learn to drive automatic only?

[IKnowAPlace]

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

That would be my other username

@AuntyBunBun, I don't have to know how gears work to state, based on driving experience dating from 1988 in both automatic and manual shift vehicles in the American Midwest, that control is not an issue in automatic vehicles.

I've driven in all sorts of weather and road conditions. In some of my cars I've changed gears myself, and in some the car has done that all by itself, as if by magic. I far prefer the automatic. It's great for congested traffic, highway driving in all weather, and driving in built up areas.

@AuntyBumBum, not BunBun

There's absolutely no reason to do manual anymore, it's going to be an obsolete skill soon. No need to stress over it at all.

[quote mathanxiety]@AuntyBunBun, I don't have to know how gears work to state, based on driving experience dating from 1988 in both automatic and manual shift vehicles in the American Midwest, that control is not an issue in automatic vehicles.

I've driven in all sorts of weather and road conditions. In some of my cars I've changed gears myself, and in some the car has done that all by itself, as if by magic. I far prefer the automatic. It's great for congested traffic, highway driving in all weather, and driving in built up areas.[/quote]
I do agree that control is not an issue in an automatic car (and automatic cameras also take amazing photographs). What I disagreed with is that it's a myth to say automatic vehicles don't offer as much control as manuals do. I've driven both over a similar time frame, and you definitely have more control in a manual! That's true pretty much by definition. If anything is performed for you automatically then you no longer control it.

Just do the automatic. I have a manual licence but managed to convince my sceptical husband to buy an automatic for our latest car. He is now converted and I don't know why they are not more popular in the U.K. Driving on U.K. roads is not a pleasant experience with all the stopping and starting and traffic it makes complete sense to have an auto.
I did however used to love my manual, going through the gears on the open road back home in Australia where you don't have to stop start ALL the time like we do in The U.K.

Apparently electric cars are all automatic so it looks like everyone will eventually be driving auto anyway.

I'm used to manual and my left side feels horribly disorientated in DH's automatic, but an automatic only licence is not as restrictive as it once was and will cease to be much of an issue in the coming years.

DS has dyspraxia and I'd encourage him to have a better learning experience in an automatic than manual. It might not even be much of an issue in the next 6+ years when he reaches that age.

Thanks for all the input. I'm contacting automatic instructors - fingers crossed!

Hill starts.................................. thats enough reason for getting an automatic......

Honestly just go automatic. I don't know anyone who drives manual or who would even want to unless they're a car enthusiast.

I'd go auto, unless you are planning on hiring cars (and even then, it can be done, just at twice the price).
I drive both regularly, have done for 30 years, and find I am "annoying to myself and my passengers" in the manual now. I would not want to lose the skill, or the flexibility, but even the manual car tells me I need to change up or down a gear now and again. The auto never tells me anything. Good luck with whatever you choose xx

Just do auto
I passed in a manual and used to prefer manuals… until I actually drove an auto! Now I only drive automatics if I can.
Why make things more difficult than need be?

Resurrecting a dead (or zombie?) thread, but am interested in how you've got on so far with your lessons, @IKnowAPlace . I'm in a similar situation to you and am therefore seeking advice from others!

@mumof2bears I've not actually managed to start lessons yet but definitely going auto! Renovations and other costs have been getting in the way.

Honestly do it- I have recently passes in an auto in my late 30's and thought I had no hope! I can do gears and clutch but the fear of stalling (as silly as that sounds) massively impacted my confidence. Auto ALL the way

Just to add I did my test in my own auto car after failing the first in my instructors (who I couldn't stand but not many available auto instructors by me)

I passed my test in an auto nearly 40 years ago and have never had a problem or been over charged for hiring one in the UK or abroad.

I would have said no but now every car is going auto so I don’t see why not.

That's impressive,was that recently?

OP just do it, it's a no brainer.

You've obviously not driven a modern automatic. My wav senses when youre going down a steep hill and uses the engine to slow down until I accelerate again. A few years ago I was driving home from work in heavy snow. My vehicle was the only one to make it to the top of a very slippery hill. I just hit the ❄button , nice and gently on the accelerator and off I went

My mum never passed her test. She was always told how driving a manual was the only proper driving . Such macho bollocks. She’d have passed easily in a an auto.

just learn and take the test in whichever vehicle type enables you to pass quickly. Good luck

I've started recently in auto and the difference is massive.

Yep, ours is the only car out when it snows. Ambulances,buses and lorries are all automatic.

Definitely go auto - can't think of a single scenario where you would be forced to drive a manual.

I think automatics are easier and safer.
There's a reason they don't bother with manuals in America!