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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Automatic or manual?

112 replies

SummerRain41287 · 26/02/2022 12:40

I'm new to mumsnet, it was recommended by a close friend of mine.

Let me get straight to the point. I am 35 years old with 1 child and I should have completed my driving test many, many years ago. Please don't judge! 

I am now in the process of starting my theory practice so that I can hopefully pass and just concentrate on the driving.

Previously, I've had lessons using a manual vehicle and I just can't seem to grasp the (very basic!) concept of clutch control, changing gears smoothly and the rest of it.

DP says that it's 2022 and that most people drive automatic or dual vehicles now.

AIBU to go ahead with practising for an automatic driving licence?

Or

YABU and should just practice for a manual licence.

OP posts:
sorryiasked · 26/02/2022 12:42

As you say most vehicles are going to be hybrid/ electric in future so providing your not going to need a cheap runaround (more likely to be manual) then just go for an automatic.

bloodywhitecat · 26/02/2022 12:47

Once upon a time I would've said manual all the way but now I am not so sure. We recently bought an automatic (ours is a semi auto) and I am amazed at how much they have improved since back in the day when I first bought a car. Lots of the cars we looked at were auto or semi auto.

Original poster
SummerRain41287 · 26/02/2022 12:48

@sorryiasked

As you say most vehicles are going to be hybrid/ electric in future so providing your not going to need a cheap runaround (more likely to be manual) then just go for an automatic.
I agree, as does DP. I plan to get a reasonably priced runaround, nothing too expensive but nothing on the cheaper side either. Thanks @sorryiasked
OP posts:
Original poster
SummerRain41287 · 26/02/2022 12:49

@bloodywhitecat exactly what DP has been saying. We're living in different times now so maybe driving an automatic won't be classed as a "cop out" as such, as it would have been 15-20 years ago.

OP posts:
Tommika · 26/02/2022 12:57

If you learn and odd with manual then you can drive any, learn in automatic and your Licence will be restricted

It’s up to you - are you in real difficulty with the clutch and cannot foresee you being able to learn and pass with a manual ?

Or could you do with extra practice with an instructor (or a good patient friend) driving around an empty car park, then around an industrial estate when quiet ?

I went from years of motorcycling to learning to drive a car. My major problem was cornering as you don’t turn motorbikes but lean them around. I would turn too late needing hard lock
My instructor was a trainee instructor and sought help from his trainer - the solution was not to teach me how to drive, but to just practice and practice how to physically drive a car.
I had booked double lessons so would spend a while going around and around the local industrial estate before heading out for a long drive finish off through town a couple of times.

I just needed to familiarise with being on four wheels plus a steering wheel, then I was able to drive

SolasAnla · 26/02/2022 13:01

If you get your automatic licence you wont be able to drive manual.

Will you buy a new car as you are reducing access to the 2nd hand car market?

Manual is all about practice to get mustle memory.

So its pratice pratice pratice.

If you are a passanger with your husband driving be a backseat driver!
Run through each process listen to the engin to trigger gear changes etc

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 26/02/2022 13:02

Auto.

CharacterForming · 26/02/2022 13:11

DH and I got manual licences as teens and then had to have refresher lessons when we needed to get a car a decade later. We were both really struggling until we switched to lessons in automatics after which it was a piece of cake. We've bought second hand automatic Ford Focuses ever since and never had a problem finding them - they're marginally more expensive but completely mainstream, and only going to get more so.

Original poster
SummerRain41287 · 26/02/2022 13:11

@Tommika honestly, I think it's the manoeuvres that I struggled with when practising in a manual. I found it really difficult to concentrate on the mirrors, any potential hazards, and the bloody gearstick and lowering the gears as I slowed down. It was just a complete mess. I still feel that auto is a cop out and as a pp just explained, what about if we break down in my DP's manual? Or he can't drive it for whatever reason? Then I have a problem Sad

OP posts:
CombatBarbie · 26/02/2022 13:15

Yes you'll be restricted to automatics but in this day in age I really don't see a problem. We've had autos for the last 12yrs and never had an issue getting a car, even hire ones.

Conc1 · 26/02/2022 13:15

Just get an automatic. Much easier. And that's the way the worlds going.

KatharinaRosalie · 26/02/2022 13:15

In your shoes, I would absolutely go for automatic. Personally I haven't driven any manuals for good 15 years and am not planning to ever do it, automatics are widely available both on second hand market and as holiday rentals.

AWryGiraffe · 26/02/2022 13:16

I'm in the exact position as you and learning on an auto - couldn't be happier with my decision! Why have the extra faff if you don't need to.

FourSeasonsTotalLandscaping · 26/02/2022 13:18

Omg are you me? I'm in such a similar position. I've recently started taking lessons in an automatic and it's like night and day - so so much easier. I wish I'd done it years ago but was always swayed by people saying I wouldn't have a "proper" licence.

I no longer give a shit - I'm sick to the back teeth of having no licence at all!

FourSeasonsTotalLandscaping · 26/02/2022 13:22

[quote SummerRain41287]@Tommika honestly, I think it's the manoeuvres that I struggled with when practising in a manual. I found it really difficult to concentrate on the mirrors, any potential hazards, and the bloody gearstick and lowering the gears as I slowed down. It was just a complete mess. I still feel that auto is a cop out and as a pp just explained, what about if we break down in my DP's manual? Or he can't drive it for whatever reason? Then I have a problem Sad[/quote]
Think of it this way - what would happen now if your husband couldn't drive? You'd be useless because you have no driving licence. At least if you had an automatic licence you could try to get hold of an automatic car.

It was liberating for me to realise that even if I feel a manual licence is "gold standard" it's still better to have something than nothing at all.

KylieCharlene · 26/02/2022 13:24

Automatic.
Why make your life more difficult and spend more money and time getting to grips with manual? You already know you find it difficult and you're definitely not going to enjoy the process. (Yes, manual lessons are marginally more expensive- but we're talking £2 an hour more here).
There's so many automatics out there to choose from nowadays. Plus, in a few years manuals will be few and far between I think.
You need your car to get from A to B. You can get from A to B in an automatic just the same as you can a manual!

RoastedFerret · 26/02/2022 13:26

I'm in the same position as you and dh is literally off looking a hybrid automatic car right now. After this car we plan to go full electric so I am planning on getting an automatic license. I can't see the point stressing myself out getting a manual one.

nearlyspringyay · 26/02/2022 13:27

Auto.

I don't know why we have such weird hang ups here about driving manual. 30 years ago maybe but technology has advanced since then.

BloodyN0rah · 26/02/2022 13:27

I can drive either but only buy automatics. The only times I’ve had to drive manuals are hire cars for work or courtesy cars from garages. Being able to drive can be life changing so if you’re more confident learning automatics then I’d go for it.

Thoosa · 26/02/2022 13:28

At least try a few automatic lessons.

TBH, if clutch control etc are the sticking point why wouldn’t you make things simpler for yourself? Who cares if some imaginary person from the 1970s would think it was a “cop out”? This is for you and your family.

Beees · 26/02/2022 13:29

Definitely automatically.

Contrary to some people's outdated beliefs you won't struggle to buy a second hand car, you will be able to easily get a hire car and manual licences are not in any way superior.

Driving is driving I've honestly never understood why anyone would make it more difficult than necessary.

Chely · 26/02/2022 13:31

Manual. Gives you more options.

CovidCorvid · 26/02/2022 13:32

Dd has an automatic only license. Plenty of second hand cars to choose from. Ok maybe not as many as manual, and slightly more expensive but not a deal breaker at all.

DramaAlpaca · 26/02/2022 13:32

Go for whatever makes it easier for you to be able to drive. If that means automatic then great! My DM spent years trying to learn in a manual and just couldn't get it. She changed to an auto and passed her test first time, in her 60s. Just go for it, the independence you will have is so worth it.

UglyModernWindows · 26/02/2022 13:36

I got my licence 2010 at a mature age of 36. Some years earlier I had attempt the driving school on a manual car and wasn't really getting anywhere. I just didn't get it and found it incredibly stressful.

Then I got my first DC, needed to drive and decided to give it another go but this time to go for the automatic licence. Omg it was so much better and I wasn't dreading the lessons anymore. I'm now a confident and perfectly capable driver in despite of struggling with a manual driving.

I've never had an issue to have only auto licence. Hire cars in my EU home country have been more expensive as auto but that's it, not a real hindrance. And the price difference has come down over the years too.

My DH much prefers autos now too and wouldn't go back to manual.

Forget the naysayers and just go for it Smile