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

I did my lessons in a manual car, but lost my right leg in a motorcycle accident before my test, I had one lesson in an auto, then booked my test and passed first time. All cars will be auto in the future will electric/hydrid and fully electric, they are all auto, it's a win/win situation. I've had fully auto cars, semi auto and a lot of cars now allow you to push the gear lever to the left and cycle through it up and down, sequentially. They are great as if on a slippery road or driving in snow/ice, you can hold the car in the lower gears. Brilliant.

I have a SEAT Ateca at the moment, 1.5 petrol engine and a 7 speed DSG gear box, it's brilliant and gives me 50+ mpg on a run, the 1.4 Golf I had before this would give high 60's mpg on a run and 50 just tootling.

Go for the auto, you will not regret it one bit. Good luck.

Go auto!
At 18 I had manual lessons and a tests but kept failing. Gave up and left it for years.
After having kids, I passed at age 33 with an auto licence and bought an auto car. Never looked back! It's completely changed my life for the better.